Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Adjusting Shadow Settings.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 4, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
Word allows you to insert all sorts of simple graphic elements in your documents. This is typically done through the use of the Drawing toolbar. You normally display the toolbar, then choose a shape you want to create and place it within the document.
Word allows you to add shadows to your graphic shapes in order to give them a "three dimensional" look and feel. You add the shadows by selecting the graphic object, clicking on the Shadow tool on the Shape Effects drop-down list (in the Shape Styles group), and then picking the type of shadow you want applied.
That is all fine and good, but what if you want to move the shadow a bit to the left or change the color or density of the shadow? If you want to fine-tune your shadow, follow these steps once the shadow is in place:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (8710) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Adjusting Shadow Settings.
Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!
Grouping graphics together can be a great way to manage them easier. Doing the grouping, however, could have unintended ...
Discover MoreThe tools on the Review tab of the ribbon allow you to do all sorts of markup and comparisons of documents. When ...
Discover MoreIf you have some graphics inserted in your document, you may want to adjust the horizontal space between those graphics. ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments