Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 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: Understanding Fill Effects.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 8, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365
Word is not a specialized graphics program, but you can apply a few fancy effects to your drawing objects when you fill them with a color. To see the available effects, follow these steps:
These are the four fill options you have at your disposal in Word 2007 and three in Word 2010 or a later version:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11390) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Understanding Fill Effects.
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2018-04-21 06:00:10
AlanP
The Pattern option is not only available in Word 2007.
In Word 2016, I found that if you right click then select Format Shape (or click on the arrow in the bottom right of the Shape Styles group) to open the Format Shape dialog box, the Pattern option is there under the Fill group of options!
Also, using this method, you can change both foreground and background colours of the Pattern fill!
2018-04-08 16:48:22
Allan Poe
You are right Allen, I was trying to fill an image not a shape.
Sorry.
I look forward to your daily nuggets.
Thanks.
2018-04-07 14:49:10
Allen
Allan,
Looks like you are trying to do a fill on a picture, not on a shape. This tip is about filling shapes created with the Shapes tool on the Insert tab of the ribbon.
Once created, you can select the shape, as described in step 1 of this tip. Then, you'll see the Format tab of the ribbon appear, but right above it you'll see the words "Drawing Tools." In your screen snippet the words above are "Picture Tools," which is why I said that it appears you are trying to fill a picture, not a shape.
-Allen
2018-04-07 14:42:35
Allan Poe
There is no Shape Fill tool or Shape Styles group in my Word 2007.
See the attached image of what is in my Word 2007.
None of these tools have "...the fill options you have at your disposal in Word 2007 ".
(see Figure 1 below)
Figure 1. My Word 2007 Format Tools.
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