Label Planet
How to create image-based designs in Word label templates using images and shapes.
What’s The Difference Between Images & Shapes?
In Word, you can create image-based designs using images (pictures) or shapes. Pictures are images that you usually add from an external source, such as a camera or the internet, and can be any kind of image, from photographs to logos. Shapes, however, are just that – basic shapes that you can create in a Word document and use to build up your required label design.
How Do I Add An Image Or Shape To Word Label Templates?
Both can be added using the “Insert” tab in the ribbon at the top of the page.
When adding pictures, you have the option to insert an image you have saved on your computer or device (click on Pictures and navigate to your saved file), insert an image you find using an online search (click on Online Pictures), or you can insert an image created from a screenshot (click on Screenshot).
Alternatively, you can copy images from an external source and use the paste icon or keyboard shortcut (Windows: press Ctrl + V // MacOS: Command ⌘ + V) to insert it into Word label templates.
When adding shapes, you need to select the shape you want to create, move your cursor to the place where you want to add your shape, (left) click and hold down the button or trackpad as you move your cursor down and to the right to create the size of shape you need, and then release to insert your shape. You can format and resize your shape at any point. By default, shapes have a solid blue border (outline) and a solid blue colour (fill).
How Do I Format Images & Shapes In Word Labels Templates?
You can format pictures and shapes in a variety of ways to help produce your required label design. For pictures, use the formatting tools listed under the “Picture Tools Format” tab, while shapes can be formatted using the tools in the “Drawing Tools Format” tab. To bring up either of these tabs, you will need to first select your picture or shape by left clicking on it once.
You can apply basic effects and styles to pictures (including colouring effects, borders, and shadow, reflection, glow, or bevel effects). With shapes, you can format the border (outline) and colour (fill), as well as applying basic effects like those listed above.
You can also use the format tabs to adjust the size of your picture or shape (this can also be done by clicking on the sizing handles at the corners / in the centre of each edge and dragging to resize) or to change the arrangement of your picture or shape.
The arrangement tools are very important when working with images (pictures or shapes) in Word label templates. Word prioritises text over images, which means that the positioning and layering options for images will be set to their most basic level by default. This can severely restrict how much control you have over positioning and layering images (vital tools when it comes to creating image-based designs), which is why you should always change these settings from the default option (“In Line With Text”) to something that gives you more control (we recommend “Tight”, although you can also use “In Front Of Text” if you have problems getting a particular shape or picture to sit at the very front of your design).
View our How To video for a step by step guide to working with images (and text) in Word label templates.