Understanding Fill Effects

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. An easy way to see the available effects is to follow these steps:

1. Select the drawing object you want to modify.
2. Make sure the Format or Shape Format tab is selected on the ribbon. This tab is only visible if you select the drawing object in step 1. The name of the tab varies, depending on your version of Word.
3. Click the down-arrow at the right side of the Shape Fill tool in the Shape Styles group. You'll see a drop-down list of choices that includes the fill options available; select one.

Depending on your version of Word, there are either three or four fill options available:

• Picture. This option allows you to pick a picture that is used to fill your drawing object. Depending on the picture you use, this can create some very interesting special effects.
• Gradient. This option is used to modify the density of the color used in various parts of the drawing object. You should experiment with these to get the desired effect.
• Texture. This option displays many different surface textures you can use to fill your drawing object. There are some great marble, fabric, and wood textures provided with Word.
• Pattern. This option presents many different patterns you can use in conjunction with whatever fill color you have used. Many of the patterns are reminiscent of the patterns you can use in designing your Windows desktop.

Another way to get to all of the fill options is to follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the drawing object you want to modify. Word displays a Context menu.
2. Choose the Format Shape option from the Context menu. Word displays the Format Shape task pane at the right side of the screen.
3. Expand the Fill options.
4. Select the fill option you want to use for the shape.

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, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Understanding Fill Effects.