[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: GRAPHICS - Draw Perfectly Symmetrical Shapes Automatically

Tue Nov 12 14:31:22 PST 2024

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The secret to drawing shapes

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Webinars for You

NOTE: All webinars begin at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 Noon PT and are one hour long.

Nov 20: [VIDEO] How to Pick the Perfect Video Creation Resource for Any Situation. Why attend? If you want to "de-confuse" all your video options.

Dec 4: [GOOGLE] Navigating Google Drive - A "Getting Started" Webinar.

Why attend? You're new to Google or need better understanding.

Dec 18: [GRAPHICS] Finding No-Cost Copyright-Free Images, Videos and Music Why attend? Save money with these resources.

Jan 8: [MOBILE] WhatsApp: Stay Connected with This NO-Cost Mobile App. Why attend? Learn how this app can be a communications tool.

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ECxHkwsgSlvvu-P1G7buINZM-JOT7onuzLlRzFHjFOfSxmzuQH4feXY9aXTdD4ewIyCc5WO6Bp9VyL9eYOWbN5wFNNpiwB5Huqe1qmgTB6Ww7aSFRLw6N_lJJ74z3_FtmhgGsE1neBtwqZDcLtijMNN-zqjyKDZ36wbS7rjxBJI=&c=N9pWgUO5kjRRsKUJ0kwTSdP2vuA9zLq52PkNhObPxZB_CDV_OVXgGQ==&ch=4T3BKI8X0R1k2SQ2ioYNlNZWNLR9xzXN7QoJ-NMcV-5sWNlYOAzXMg==>

GRAPHICS - Draw Perfectly Symmetrical Shapes Automatically

Novice

Have you ever needed to insert a circle into your document or slide? You try to do it using the Oval shape on the drawing toolbar. But no matter how hard you try, it doesn't look like a perfectly symmetrical Circle. It's an oval.

The same thing happens when you try to use the Rectangle shape to draw a Square.

Well, there's a secret to inserting a perfect circle, square or even an equilateral triangle (that has three equal sides) when you're working in Word, PowerPoint, or in Google Docs or Slides - it's the SHIFT Key!

Rather than spending time trying to create the perfect shape manually, give this trick a try.

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Desktop version)

With your document open,

[Screenshot of a menu in a document editor highlighting the "Insert" tab and "Shapes" option, with an arrow pointing to an oval shape.]
·     Go to the Insert tab and click the Shapes drop-down option to choose the shape you'd like to draw. This could be a circle, square, triangle or other shape.

·     Press and hold the Shift key.

·     Click on the location in the document where you'd like the shape inserted and start drawing it.

·     A perfectly symmetrical shape will automatically appear.

[A blue circle with a plus sign, an arrow cursor, and a Shift key icon, suggesting an action or function.]

TIP: To resize your shape without losing its symmetry simply press and hold the Shift key as you drag the corner in or out accordingly.

Microsoft 365 (WEB Version)

To add a shape in the online version, you can go to Insert in the menu and choose Drawing (in Word) or Shape (in Excel and PPT) , then choose from the Shapes menu.

TIP: While creating a perfect circle (or other shape) using the Shift key is not currently possible in Word or PPT in 365 Web, a nice workaround is to create the shape in Excel. In this case, you don't have to hold the shift key, because the shape is automatically symmetrical (round, square, equilateral triangle). Then if you want an oval or rectangle, just highlight the shape and drag one side to the dimensions you desire.

Google Docs, Slides and Sheets

You CAN insert "perfect" shapes in the Google Suite!

In a Google Doc:

[A drawing tool interface showing a menu with a red arrow pointing to the "Shapes" option, highlighting the "Oval" shape selection.]
·     In the menu go to Insert and select Drawing, then +New from the dropdown menu.

·     In the Drawing canvas select the Shapes icon, then Shapes from the menu, and your preferred one.

·     As you are drawing it on the canvas, hold the Shift key to add a circle, square, traingle, etc.

NOTE: In Google Slides, you will go to Insert, then Shapes and Shapes again (there is not a drawing canvas).

[A series of smooth, dark stones arranged in a line, half-submerged in calm, reflective water with a soft, gray background.]

Communication: Phone Call

End phone calls with a name

You still make phone calls, right? Especially if you are seeking help or information.

Here's a handy phrase and technique to use to make sure the person you're talking to will, not only have a better day, but will be more likely to do what you've asked of them.

End the call with,

"Thank you. You've been very helpful, Jose."

Yes, use a name if you can!

If you end calls this way, it also lifts your own spirits because you're being kind and generous. Yes, do it even when someone may not have been as helpful as you would like. (Say it with sincerity!)

It never hurts to give positive affirmations whenever you can!

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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