Formatting Pictures
Learn how to crop images, apply picture styles, add borders, adjust color and corrections, and compress images in Microsoft Word.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
Introduction to Formatting Pictures
Microsoft Word provides powerful tools for formatting pictures. You can crop images, apply artistic effects, adjust brightness and color, add borders, and compress pictures to reduce file size.
Cropping an Image
Cropping removes unwanted areas of an image. Select the image, go to the Format tab, and click Crop.
Crop to Shape
You can crop a picture into a specific shape. Click Crop → Crop to Shape and select a shape such as circle, star, or banner.
Adding a Picture Border
You can add a colored border to any image. Use Picture Border to choose a color, weight (thickness), and line style.
Using Corrections
The Corrections tool allows you to sharpen or soften an image and adjust brightness and contrast.
Adjusting Color
The Color tool allows you to adjust saturation (vibrancy), tone (warm or cool), and recolor the entire image.
Applying Artistic Effects
Artistic Effects apply stylized filters such as pastel, watercolor, or glow. These should be used carefully in professional documents.
Using Picture Styles
Picture Styles are predefined formats that quickly apply frames, shadows, and visual effects without manually adjusting settings.
Compressing Pictures
Large images increase document size. Use Compress Pictures to reduce resolution and delete cropped areas.
Final Result
After applying picture styles, cropping to shapes, recoloring elements, and compressing images, your finished document should look like this:
Knowledge Check
What tool would you use to remove the outer edge of an image?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Using the provided practice file, complete the following tasks:
- Change the sailboat image to the 'Simple Frame, White' style.
- Crop the sailboat image to the Double Wave shape.
- Recolor the anchor to Gold, Accent 2 Light.
- Apply an artistic effect to one image.
- Compress all pictures using the Email (96 ppi) setting.