why cant i draw a straight line or arrow in word 2013?

Anonymous
2014-01-04T08:05:17+00:00

hi

in word 2013 when I want to draw an arrow or a line it cant be straight in 180 degree in page and it is always a bit curve to up or down for example draw a rectangle and on its border line draw an arrow ( the arrow must be exactly on rectangle border line ) and you will see that the arrow is curve and is not on rectangle border.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2014-03-21T15:41:48+00:00

This is easy to recreate, but can be solved by setting the height or width to zero in the ribbon.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-05-09T15:44:32+00:00

    For me:

    • Select the straight arrow
    • on the ribbon click Drawing Tools Format tab
    • At the end of the ribbon (on mine) click the Size launcher (arrow pointing down right)
    • Go down to Scale and put a tick in Lock aspect ratio
    • Click OK
    • Boom!!! when you click and drag on either selection indicator at start or end and make shape longer or shorter it remains straight.

    SO HAPPY to have found this out.  I do loads of diagrams and reference guides so this is really useful and removes a form of irritation I've experienced since using Office 2013 in June 2014

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-06-16T14:03:25+00:00

    Suzanne Barnhill provides the solution.

    Task:  Insert a straight line into MS Word.  Adjust the straight line as needed and where needed.

    Problem: Unable to maintain a perfectly vertical or horizontal line (we're calling this a "straight line") when attempting to adjust the beginning and end points of the line.

    Solution: 

    1)  Click on the line (you'll see the little square connector points at either end of the line).

    2)  Click on "FORMAT" under the DRAWING TOOLS tab.

    3)  Locate the "Height: and Width" settings -- [far right hand side of the menu]

    1. a.  To make your almost-vertical line perfectly vertical, adjust the "Width" setting to 0"

        b. To make your almost-horizontal line perfectly horizontal, adjust the "Height" setting to 0"

    I've been looking for a solution for years; it's all about the process.  I wouldn't have figured this out without reading all these posts.

    Brian

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-06-29T06:12:01+00:00

    Thanks MG, your solution worked, but it is not a permanent fix. I have to do this every time I draw and adjust arrow. I can't afford going to this menu for hundred of times.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-07-09T10:06:53+00:00

    It's a work around.  works for me 😊

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