How to add or edit shapes in Microsoft Word and Excel

Updated: 11/16/2019 by Computer Hope

When creating a document in Microsoft Word, or a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, users can add many types of shapes to highlight important items. Bringing attention to those items helps readers to better understand the content of the document or spreadsheet. After a shape is added, it can be modified by changing features, such as size, color, and fill.

To add and edit a shape in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, select a link below for help.

• Add shapes in Microsoft Word.
• Add shapes in Microsoft Excel.
• Edit shapes in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Add shapes in Microsoft Word

1. In Microsoft Word, click the Insert tab at the top of the program window.
2. On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click the Shapes option.

3. Select the type of shape you want to add or draw from the drop-down menu that appears.

Add shapes in Microsoft Excel

1. In Microsoft Excel, click the Insert tab at the top of the program window.
2. On the Insert tab, click the Illustrations option, then click the Shapes option.

3. Select the type of shape you want to add or draw from the drop-down menu that appears.

Edit shapes in Microsoft Word and Excel

1. Click the shape to select it.
2. Right-click the shape and select Format Shape in the pop-up menu.

3. The Format Shape section opens on the right side of the program window. You can change the shape's fill, select the type and fill color (or no fill at all), and the size, color, and shape's lines. You can also add shadow, glow, reflection, and other effects.