How to Make a Square in Microsoft Word 2016 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating shapes in Microsoft Word 2016, like a perfect square, is simple once you know the right tools. Squares can be used in diagrams, flowcharts, designs, or for highlighting text. This guide will show you how to insert a square quickly and adjust it as needed.


Step 1: Open Your Word Document

Launch Microsoft Word 2016 and open the document where you want to insert a square.


Step 2: Go to the Insert Tab

  1. Click on the Insert tab in the Word ribbon at the top of the screen.

  2. This is where all shapes, pictures, and objects are located.


Step 3: Select Shapes

  1. In the Illustrations group, click Shapes.

  2. A dropdown menu will appear with various shapes.


Step 4: Choose the Square

  • Under Rectangles, select the Rectangle shape.

Don’t worry—it’s easy to make it a perfect square in the next step.


Step 5: Draw the Square

  1. Click and drag on your document to draw a rectangle.

  2. To make it a perfect square, hold down the Shift key while dragging.

  • Holding Shift ensures the height and width are equal.


Step 6: Customize Your Square

Once the square is inserted, you can customize it:

  • Resize: Click and drag the corners while holding Shift to maintain proportions.

  • Fill Color: Go to Shape Format → Shape Fill to change the color.

  • Outline: Use Shape Outline to adjust border color and thickness.

  • Effects: Apply shadows, reflections, or 3D effects under Shape Effects.


Tips for Working with Squares in Word 2016

  • Duplicate: Press Ctrl + D to copy your square quickly.

  • Align Shapes: Use Align → Align Center/Align Top under the Shape Format tab for precise placement.

  • Snap to Grid: Enable gridlines via View → Gridlines to position squares evenly.


Final Thoughts

Making a square in Microsoft Word 2016 is fast and straightforward. By using the Insert → Shapes → Rectangle option and holding Shift while drawing, you can create a perfect square. With customization options like color, outline, and effects, you can make your squares look professional for any document or presentation.

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