Old Style Word Art in Word 2010?

Anonymous
2010-07-22T19:06:27+00:00

Could anyone tell me whether it is possible to insert Word Art similar to that in versions of MS Word from 2003 and before?  The Word Art in MS Word 2010 only seems to appear in straight lines, whereas I would sometimes prefer to have the writing in the style of a curved banner?  Have MS just removed this option, oram I looking in the wrong place? It just doesn't seem to be an option? Thanks. P.S, I know the text can be offset at an angle, but clicking on the small green circle, but I want the writing to curve?

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Anonymous
2010-07-23T01:15:17+00:00

Word 2010's WordArt is a bit more powerful than you suspect, I believe. Insert a WordArt object, then, in Drawing Tools - Format, look at Text Effects - Transform. Does that give you what you want?

If not, you can still get the old style. Save the file in Word 2003 format, and now when you choose Insert - WordArt, you'll see the legacy choices.

Herb Tyson Microsoft Word MVP

Herb Tyson Word Bible Blog

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  1. Suzanne S Barnhill 279.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2013-06-30T14:40:20+00:00

    Although there may be other reasons for retaining an older version of Word, you can get old-style WordArt in 2010 just by saving a document in Word 97-2003 .doc format.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-06-21T06:36:39+00:00

    Yes you can get 2003 type Wordart in 2010 and 2007.

    Open an existing 2003 DOC file. Word will open in 2003 Compatibility Mode, "dumbing down" all functionality to 2003 standard, including Wordart. You will be able to create any 2003 formatted Wordart you want. Then Copy the Wordart object, and paste it into your 2010 formatted file. Tada

    NOTE: the initial display of "Available" wordart styles on the Insert tab of the Ribbon frankly SUCKS.  It is very limited, mostly "pretty colors".  So pick any one of the sucky styles you don't really like. It doesn't matter, just get a WordArt object inserted. When you click on the object, the "Drawing Tools Format" contextual tab is displayed. Click on it. 

    If you want a curvy shape, in the Drawing Tools Format contextual tab, WordArt Styles group, Text Effects drop down (the "fuzzy blue A icon", same as on Home tab),  hover over bottom option "Transform". You now have a whole bunch of curvy path options.

    While you are there, take a look at all of the other buttons on that tab. Lots of fine control

    There are lots more formatting options that you have to spelunk for (def: explore deep dark nasty hidden caves) them. For example, if you right click on the border of the Wordart Box you get a "Format Shape" dialog box with 14 options, that each have a bunch of options.

    Same applies for 2007 specific features.

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  3. Charles Kenyon 170.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-10-09T19:24:40+00:00

    Yes, you can, even without saving to the Word 2003 format. You can download a free, macro-free Add-In that does this at Legacy WordArt Add-In for 2010-2013.

    ![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/a39e14b0-91a7-4648-ab51-5422de8c7a6e?platform=QnA)

    It is not the same in that the is not a 4x4 gallery, but it does have all of the classic patterns ready to insert. In Docx formatted documents, you then have to right-click and edit the text. The above shows the new WordArt dropdown in the same document as the custom gallery.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-26T11:49:17+00:00

    Thanks Herb Tyson,

    That's exactly the answer I was looking for. Really appreciate the help,

    Cheers.

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