Coffee Break Computer

Word 2007: Use Key Controls to Precisely Move Graphics

These work in many programs, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and are worth trying in any program where you need additional control in positioning graphic elements in a project. The “extra” keys are usually going to be Ctrl, Alt or Shift, so if you don’t remember which one to use, don’t be afraid to try any of the three. Oh, and remember that Ctrl + Z is undo.

• Start by single-clicking on the graphic to select it. You already know you can drag it with the mouse to where you want, but if you need more control, hold Ctrl while using the arrow keys to move the graphic in any direction. The graphic will move one pixel at a time.
• The same key-combo works with Text boxes, but you have to select the text box by clicking on the outside border, otherwise it won’t move.
• It will also work with drawn lines (Insert group, Illustrations, Shapes, Lines). Holding Shift while drawing a line will force it to be horizontal or vertical. They can also be moved with Ctrl + arrows.
• Holding Shift while clicking on graphics to select them will allow you to select multiple graphics. Then they can be moved as a group, either with the mouse or with Ctrl + arrows.
• When resizing graphics with the mouse, it’s best to click and drag the corners to keep the graphic from squished or stretched out. In Word, holding the Ctrl key while dragging will resize from the center of the graphic. (Maybe there are other reasons for resizing this way; I find that it can sometimes eliminate some of the repositioning the graphic might need after resizing it.)

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