4.3 Graphical Objects

Graphical Objects

Inserting Graphical Objects

Modern word processors allow you to insert visual elements to enhance document appeal. These elements are located on the Insert tab under the Illustrations group:

1. Pictures (Images):

   • From This Device (Local): Imports image files like JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), or GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) saved on your computer.
   • Online Pictures: Searches the web or cloud storage for images (ensure proper licensing before use).

2. Shapes:

   • Includes geometric shapes (rectangles, circles), lines, arrows, callouts, and banners.
   • Drag on the document canvas to draw the shape. Hold down Shift while drawing to create perfect circles, squares, or straight lines.

3. Charts:

   • Used to represent numerical data visually (e.g., bar charts, pie charts, line charts).
   • Inserting a chart opens a simplified spreadsheet window to input the source data.

4. SmartArt:

   • Pre-designed diagrams for processes, hierarchies, cycles, or lists.
   • Provides text panes to easily enter structured content.

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Selecting and Deleting Graphical Objects

Before you can modify, copy, or move an object, you must select it.

• Selecting: Click once anywhere on the object. When selected, the object is surrounded by a bounding box containing sizing handles (small circles or squares on the corners and edges) and a rotation handle (a circular arrow at the top).
• Selecting Multiple Objects: Hold down the Ctrl key and click each object. This allows you to apply formatting or move them simultaneously.
• Deleting: Select the object and press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard.

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Resizing and Cropping Images

Resizing and cropping are essential tools for adjusting how an image fits into your document's layout.

Resizing (Scale)

• Maintaining Aspect Ratio (Proportional Resizing): To resize an image without distorting it, click and drag any of the four corner sizing handles (diagonal arrows). The height and width will adjust together, keeping the original proportions.
• Free Resizing (Distorting the Image): Dragging the side, top, or bottom sizing handles will stretch or squish the image horizontally or vertically, destroying the original aspect ratio.
• Precise Resizing: Select the image, go to the Picture Format tab, and enter the exact numerical dimensions in the Height and Width boxes within the Size group. You can lock or unlock the aspect ratio in the Size dialog box settings.

Cropping

Cropping removes unwanted outer areas of an image without resizing the remaining content.

1. Select the image.
2. Go to the Picture Format tab and click Crop (or right-click the image and select Crop).
3. Heavy black cropping handles will appear on the corners and edges of the image.
4. Drag these handles inward to hide portions of the image.
5. Click the Crop button again or press Enter to apply. The cropped portions are hidden but remain in the file (you can crop outward to restore them, or use Compress Pictures to permanently delete cropped data and reduce file size).

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Copying and Moving Graphical Objects

Moving and duplicating objects can be done via traditional clipboard operations or drag-and-drop actions:

• Copying (Duplicating):
  • Select the object, press Ctrl + C, click where you want the copy, and press Ctrl + V.
  • Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl key while dragging the object. The cursor will show a plus sign (+), and releasing the mouse button will place a copy at the new location.
• Moving (Repositioning):
  • Hover over the selected object until the cursor becomes a four-headed arrow. Click and drag the object to the new position.
  • Or, cut the object (Ctrl + X) and paste it (Ctrl + V) at the new cursor location.
  • For precise adjustment, select the object and use the keyboard's arrow keys to nudge it.

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Text Wrapping Options

By default, inserted images are set to In Line with Text. This treats the object like a giant single text character, which can create large gaps between lines. To flow document text smoothly around an object, click the Layout Options button next to the object or use the Wrap Text dropdown on the Picture Format tab.

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Position Settings

For precise layout control, you can lock the position of an object:

• Position with Layout: Select a pre-defined grid position on the page (e.g., Top Left with Square Text Wrapping, or Middle Center).
• Move with Text vs. Fix Position on Page:
  • Move with text: The object maintains its position relative to the paragraph it is anchored to. If you add text above it, the object moves down.
  • Fix position on page: The object stays locked at a specific location on the physical page (e.g., exactly 2 inches from the top margin), regardless of any text additions or deletions.