Download this app from Microsoft Store for Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone 8.1, Windows Phone 8. See screenshots, read the latest customer reviews, and compare ratings for Protractor. Click the graph button in Word to make a pie chart. In Microsoft Word, click the “Insert” tab at the top of the program. Click the 3 bars with the word “Chart” at the top of the page. On the left side of the window, click “Pie” and select what style you want your chart to be.
Introduction
The Drawing Toolbar consists in a Microsoft Word template document (files with extension « .dot ») displaying a special command bar to the user. With the various buttons offered, the user can then create simple mathematical figures and choose a proper layout on the page.
The Drawing Toolbar exports many commands that already exist in Microsoft Word but are most of the time not easily accessible to the average user. Other functions have also been implemented for mathematical purposes, such as creating a grid, triangles or graduated lines.
Getting started
Installation
In order to be able to use the Drawing Toolbar, you need to proceed to the following:
- You must allow the execution of macros. In menu Tools, then Macros, then Security, go to the second tab and make sure to check the box Trust Visual Basic Project (or something similar)
- You first need to install it to a special location so that it will be automatically loaded by Microsoft Word on its startup. Usually, this location is
C:Documents and SettingsUserNameApplication DataMicrosoftWordStartup
. To be sure, just open the template document, it should tell you where to copy it. - Verify that the template is a global template. To do so, in the « Tools » menu, click on « Templates and add-ons » (or something similar, I don't have Word in English), then verify that the checkbox for the template is effectively checked.
- You must then restart Microsoft Word. If everything went right, you should have a new button called Drawing in the standard command bar.
Built-in Microsoft Word functions
Grouping and Ungrouping
Regrouping graphical objects enables to handle them as a single entity, so that this entity can be easily positioned on the document. I remarked that only few people use the grouping functions when drawing figures, causing terrible loss of productivity when things have to get moved inside the document or between documents.
![How To Get A Protractor On Microsoft Word How To Get A Protractor On Microsoft Word](http://thinkzone.wlonk.com/MathFun/protractor.png)
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Groups selected objects into a single entity. | |
Ungroups the entity (needed in case you want to modify the entity). |
Simple objects
Button | Description of the button | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Draws a line 'hand-free'. When wanting to emulate a hand-free drawing, first draw it using lines, rectangles, etc, then redraw on your existing figure with this tool. Drawing with the hand-free toolThe Hand-Free Tool is the most powerful drawing tool of Microsoft Word. It enables drawing lines, broken lines, really hand-free parts, closed and opened curves and many other things. The first step consists in the drawing of the control points of the curve. In order to draw a straight line, you just need to click, then release the mouse. In order to draws a curve, you just need to click, then maintain the mouse button down. In order to finish the curve, you just need to click twice at the same place (this will create an opened curve), or to click twice where you started drawing the curse (this will create a closed curve).
Example of closed curveIn this example we will create a curve in four steps:
| ||||||||
Creates an opened or closed curve with linear, curved or hand-free borders. | ||||||||
Creates a rectangular triangle. | ||||||||
Creates an arc of an ellipse (or of a circle if the 'Shift' key is down). Useful for noting angles between segments. | ||||||||
Creates an ellipse (or a circle if the 'Shift' key is down). |
Rotational or symetrical transformations
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Rotates the object of a quarter to the left. | |
Rotates the object of a quarter to the right. | |
Rotates the object to as wanted. You may also change the angle by viewing the properties for the object (see the 'Size' tab). | |
Does a symetry with the vertical as reference. | |
Does a symetry with the horizontal as reference. |
Positioning in the document
![How to get a protractor on microsoft word document How to get a protractor on microsoft word document](https://media.cheggcdn.com/media/d51/d5199614-ec41-4ad7-8bf4-e23330224ec3/phpaXCJJg.png)
These tools enable to choose the position of the figure on the document.
By default, the figure is placed over the text. Because of that, many users add newlines in the document in order for the figure to not be over the text, but this is not a nice solution. One should better use the figure positioning capabilities of Microsoft Word.
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Text | Menu enabling figure and text positioning. By default, when objects are grouped, the positioning is of the figure is over the text. |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to surround the figure with some margin. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to surround the figure without any margin. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lay before and after the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the figure to be under the text. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the figure to be over the text. This is the default positioning. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lie left and right to the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lie left only to the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Force the text to lie right only to the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lie where there is more space. | |
Alignment | Menu enabling figure positioning against other figures or the page. |
(Alignment Menu) Bottom-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Top-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Left-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Right-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Horizontally-Aligns the centers of the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Vertically-Aligns the centers of the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Rearranges the objects horizontally (horizontal spacing becomes identical between objects). | |
(Alignment Menu) Rearranges the objects vertically (vertical spacing becomes identical between objects). | |
(Alignment Menu) If this button is pressed, the buttons above act with the document layout as a reference. |
Other useful stuff
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Duplicates (clones) the currently selected object. This can also be done by pressing the 'Shift' key while dragging the object. | |
Shows a panel enabling enforcement of objects positioning on an invisible Microsoft Word grid. Sometimes, it is quite useful to deactivate the grid when you want to draw an object at a very specific place on the document (for example when drawing an arc). | |
Anchors or removes the anchor of the currently selected object. Every object has an anchor that helps Microsoft Word to determine where the object lies compared to the current paragraph. When an object becomes anchored to some piece of text, the object will move with the text, but also it is still possible to move the object on the document, however, the object will remain anchored to the text. |
New functions
Adding text letters to a figure
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Inserts a borderless text area of 1 square cm with a letter in it. | |
Inserts a letter surrounded by a 1 cm diameter circle (useful to number figures). | |
Inserts a dot of 1 mm diameter. |
Grid and graduates lines
These tools enable the creation of grids and graduated lines with many user-specified parameters.
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Inserts a grid. Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the Grid button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: | |
Inserts a XY Axis. Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the XY Axis button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: | |
Inserts a graduated horizontal line (X Axis). Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the Graduated Line button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: |
Geometrical 2D and 3D figures
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Inserts a triangle in real size. | |
Inserts an arc of an ellipse (or of a circle) defined by its radiuses and its angle. Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the Arc of Ellipse button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: the result is an arc of circle of 150° with a radius of 3 cm: | |
3D Objects | Inserts predefined 3D objects. |
If you are running Windows 10 October 2018 update (version 1809) or higher, the chances are you must have stumbled upon the new snipping tool of Microsoft. It is called Snip & Sketch and is made to replace two screenshot tools — Snipping Tool and Screen Sketch.
It has already replaced Screen Sketch. But, Snipping Tool is alive for some time before Microsoft decides to cut its cord too.
So if you are using the Snipping tool, it’s better to switch to Snip & Sketch. The app combines the Snipping Tool and Screen Sketch into one. It offers several exciting features for taking and marking screenshots.
Whether you are a newbie or you have recently moved to Snip & Sketch, here you will find 13 helpful tips, tricks, and hidden features to use it like a pro.
1. Launch App in Different Ways
Typically, you would search for the Snip & Sketch app and launch it to take a screenshot. The method is a bit long for anyone who takes screenshots regularly.
Fortunately, Microsoft offers alternate, quick ways to launch the app. First, you will find its button in the Action Center. Click on it whenever you need to take a screenshot. Another method is to use the shortcut WinKey + Shift + S to activate the screenshot tool.
Assign to PrtScn Key
The oldest way to capture a screenshot is to take the help of the PrtScn key. Guess what? You can launch the Snip & Sketch tool from the PrtScn key too. To do so, you need to assign the app to the key first.
For that, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Settings on your computer and click on Ease of Access.
Step 2: Click on Keyboard from the left sidebar. Scroll down and turn the toggle present under Print Screen shortcut.
When you use the above three methods to launch this tool, the screen brightness will dim a bit, and you will see different screenshot modes.
2. Use Screenshot Modes
We don’t always want to capture full-screen screenshots. Sometimes, we only wish to have some area. For that, you can use the various modes offered by this app. Currently, the app provides rectangular, freeform, and fullscreen modes.
To use them, launch the tool using any of the methods mentioned above and click on one of them to activate it.
3. Navigate Between Screenshot Modes
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts instead of interacting with a mouse, press the Tab key on your keyboard to navigate between the screenshot modes available at the top. Then hit the Enter key to select a mode.
4. Delay Screenshot
Many times, when we want to capture context menus, screenshotting them isn’t a piece of cake. For situations like those, you can take the help of delay mode.
In Snip & Sketch, you need to open the full app to use it. Once you launch the app, click on the small down arrow next to New and choose the delay time. After the set time, you will be offered the screenshot modes at the top. Select and capture the screenshot. Some apps even let you take screenshots automatically at regular intervals.
Also on Guiding TechHow to Take Scrolling Screenshots in Windows 10
Read More5. Change Pen Size and Color
Annotation tools are pointless without size and color options. To change the size and color of various marking tools available in Snip & Sketch, tap the small down arrow present under the pen. Alternatively, double click on the pen to open the customization options.
6. Erase All Markings
With the eraser, you can remove annotations based on strokes. If you have made several markings and you want to clear all of them, you don’t have to erase every stroke individually. Just double click on the eraser icon and select Erase all ink.
7. View Dismissed Screenshot
The drawback of using the Snip & Sketch app is that it doesn’t open the screenshot directly in the app. You have to click on the notification at the bottom-right corner to open it in the app or paste it into another image-editing app.
Sometimes, however, you can miss the notification. But don’t worry. You don’t have to retake the screenshot. Just open the Action Center, and you will find your screenshot notification there. Click on it to launch it in the app.
Tip: Use shortcut Windows Key + A to open Action Center.8. Enable Touch Support
If you own a touchscreen laptop, you will be glad to know that Snip & Sketch supports touch input. For that, you will have to enable the touch mode in the app. To do so, click on the hand icon at the top. When enabled, you can use your fingers, digital pen, or mouse to annotate on images.
![Word Word](https://www.homeschoolmath.net/teaching/g/measure_angles/measure-angle6.gif)
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Groups selected objects into a single entity. | |
Ungroups the entity (needed in case you want to modify the entity). |
Simple objects
Button | Description of the button | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Draws a line 'hand-free'. When wanting to emulate a hand-free drawing, first draw it using lines, rectangles, etc, then redraw on your existing figure with this tool. Drawing with the hand-free toolThe Hand-Free Tool is the most powerful drawing tool of Microsoft Word. It enables drawing lines, broken lines, really hand-free parts, closed and opened curves and many other things. The first step consists in the drawing of the control points of the curve. In order to draw a straight line, you just need to click, then release the mouse. In order to draws a curve, you just need to click, then maintain the mouse button down. In order to finish the curve, you just need to click twice at the same place (this will create an opened curve), or to click twice where you started drawing the curse (this will create a closed curve).
Example of closed curveIn this example we will create a curve in four steps:
| ||||||||
Creates an opened or closed curve with linear, curved or hand-free borders. | ||||||||
Creates a rectangular triangle. | ||||||||
Creates an arc of an ellipse (or of a circle if the 'Shift' key is down). Useful for noting angles between segments. | ||||||||
Creates an ellipse (or a circle if the 'Shift' key is down). |
Rotational or symetrical transformations
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Rotates the object of a quarter to the left. | |
Rotates the object of a quarter to the right. | |
Rotates the object to as wanted. You may also change the angle by viewing the properties for the object (see the 'Size' tab). | |
Does a symetry with the vertical as reference. | |
Does a symetry with the horizontal as reference. |
Positioning in the document
These tools enable to choose the position of the figure on the document.
By default, the figure is placed over the text. Because of that, many users add newlines in the document in order for the figure to not be over the text, but this is not a nice solution. One should better use the figure positioning capabilities of Microsoft Word.
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Text | Menu enabling figure and text positioning. By default, when objects are grouped, the positioning is of the figure is over the text. |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to surround the figure with some margin. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to surround the figure without any margin. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lay before and after the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the figure to be under the text. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the figure to be over the text. This is the default positioning. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lie left and right to the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lie left only to the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Force the text to lie right only to the figure. | |
(Text Menu) Forces the text to lie where there is more space. | |
Alignment | Menu enabling figure positioning against other figures or the page. |
(Alignment Menu) Bottom-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Top-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Left-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Right-Aligns the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Horizontally-Aligns the centers of the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Vertically-Aligns the centers of the objects. | |
(Alignment Menu) Rearranges the objects horizontally (horizontal spacing becomes identical between objects). | |
(Alignment Menu) Rearranges the objects vertically (vertical spacing becomes identical between objects). | |
(Alignment Menu) If this button is pressed, the buttons above act with the document layout as a reference. |
Other useful stuff
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Duplicates (clones) the currently selected object. This can also be done by pressing the 'Shift' key while dragging the object. | |
Shows a panel enabling enforcement of objects positioning on an invisible Microsoft Word grid. Sometimes, it is quite useful to deactivate the grid when you want to draw an object at a very specific place on the document (for example when drawing an arc). | |
Anchors or removes the anchor of the currently selected object. Every object has an anchor that helps Microsoft Word to determine where the object lies compared to the current paragraph. When an object becomes anchored to some piece of text, the object will move with the text, but also it is still possible to move the object on the document, however, the object will remain anchored to the text. |
New functions
Adding text letters to a figure
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Inserts a borderless text area of 1 square cm with a letter in it. | |
Inserts a letter surrounded by a 1 cm diameter circle (useful to number figures). | |
Inserts a dot of 1 mm diameter. |
Grid and graduates lines
These tools enable the creation of grids and graduated lines with many user-specified parameters.
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Inserts a grid. Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the Grid button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: | |
Inserts a XY Axis. Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the XY Axis button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: | |
Inserts a graduated horizontal line (X Axis). Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the Graduated Line button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: |
Geometrical 2D and 3D figures
Button | Description of the button |
---|---|
Inserts a triangle in real size. | |
Inserts an arc of an ellipse (or of a circle) defined by its radiuses and its angle. Warning:This tool is programmed in VBA, hence the creation of the figure takes some time, so be patient. By pressing the Arc of Ellipse button, a preference panel pops up enabling to modify the following parameters:
The following example illustrates this functionality: the result is an arc of circle of 150° with a radius of 3 cm: | |
3D Objects | Inserts predefined 3D objects. |
If you are running Windows 10 October 2018 update (version 1809) or higher, the chances are you must have stumbled upon the new snipping tool of Microsoft. It is called Snip & Sketch and is made to replace two screenshot tools — Snipping Tool and Screen Sketch.
It has already replaced Screen Sketch. But, Snipping Tool is alive for some time before Microsoft decides to cut its cord too.
So if you are using the Snipping tool, it’s better to switch to Snip & Sketch. The app combines the Snipping Tool and Screen Sketch into one. It offers several exciting features for taking and marking screenshots.
Whether you are a newbie or you have recently moved to Snip & Sketch, here you will find 13 helpful tips, tricks, and hidden features to use it like a pro.
1. Launch App in Different Ways
Typically, you would search for the Snip & Sketch app and launch it to take a screenshot. The method is a bit long for anyone who takes screenshots regularly.
Fortunately, Microsoft offers alternate, quick ways to launch the app. First, you will find its button in the Action Center. Click on it whenever you need to take a screenshot. Another method is to use the shortcut WinKey + Shift + S to activate the screenshot tool.
Assign to PrtScn Key
The oldest way to capture a screenshot is to take the help of the PrtScn key. Guess what? You can launch the Snip & Sketch tool from the PrtScn key too. To do so, you need to assign the app to the key first.
For that, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Settings on your computer and click on Ease of Access.
Step 2: Click on Keyboard from the left sidebar. Scroll down and turn the toggle present under Print Screen shortcut.
When you use the above three methods to launch this tool, the screen brightness will dim a bit, and you will see different screenshot modes.
2. Use Screenshot Modes
We don’t always want to capture full-screen screenshots. Sometimes, we only wish to have some area. For that, you can use the various modes offered by this app. Currently, the app provides rectangular, freeform, and fullscreen modes.
To use them, launch the tool using any of the methods mentioned above and click on one of them to activate it.
3. Navigate Between Screenshot Modes
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts instead of interacting with a mouse, press the Tab key on your keyboard to navigate between the screenshot modes available at the top. Then hit the Enter key to select a mode.
4. Delay Screenshot
Many times, when we want to capture context menus, screenshotting them isn’t a piece of cake. For situations like those, you can take the help of delay mode.
In Snip & Sketch, you need to open the full app to use it. Once you launch the app, click on the small down arrow next to New and choose the delay time. After the set time, you will be offered the screenshot modes at the top. Select and capture the screenshot. Some apps even let you take screenshots automatically at regular intervals.
Also on Guiding TechHow to Take Scrolling Screenshots in Windows 10
Read More5. Change Pen Size and Color
Annotation tools are pointless without size and color options. To change the size and color of various marking tools available in Snip & Sketch, tap the small down arrow present under the pen. Alternatively, double click on the pen to open the customization options.
6. Erase All Markings
With the eraser, you can remove annotations based on strokes. If you have made several markings and you want to clear all of them, you don’t have to erase every stroke individually. Just double click on the eraser icon and select Erase all ink.
7. View Dismissed Screenshot
The drawback of using the Snip & Sketch app is that it doesn’t open the screenshot directly in the app. You have to click on the notification at the bottom-right corner to open it in the app or paste it into another image-editing app.
Sometimes, however, you can miss the notification. But don’t worry. You don’t have to retake the screenshot. Just open the Action Center, and you will find your screenshot notification there. Click on it to launch it in the app.
Tip: Use shortcut Windows Key + A to open Action Center.8. Enable Touch Support
If you own a touchscreen laptop, you will be glad to know that Snip & Sketch supports touch input. For that, you will have to enable the touch mode in the app. To do so, click on the hand icon at the top. When enabled, you can use your fingers, digital pen, or mouse to annotate on images.
Also on Guiding Tech#Tips & Tricks
Click here to see our Tips & Tricks articles page9. Rotate Ruler and Protractor
Even though I’m disappointed with Microsoft for not providing proper annotation tools like arrows, text, shapes, etc., they offer a ruler and protractor. Those can be used to draw straight lines and circles. You can even use them to measure.
The tools support touch usage and one could use them just like a regular ruler or protractor. But, if you don’t have a touch laptop that doesn’t mean you cannot use them.
To rotate the scale or protractor, keep the mouse pointer over it and then use the middle button of your mouse to change its angle. For touchpad users, again, rest the mouse pointer over it and then using two fingers scroll up and down.
10. Hide Ruler and Protractor
After using the two elements, if you want to hide them, you will notice there is no delete button for them. So to remove them from your screenshot, double-click on the ruler icon at the top and click on the element that you have added from the menu.
11. Cancel Screenshot Action
Sometimes, when the tool is ready to take a screenshot, you realize that the screenshot is no longer needed. To deactivate the screenshot action, press ESC key.
12. Edit Old Image
One of the beautiful things about this app is that you can annotate old screenshots and images too. To open an existing photo, launch the app and click on the open icon. Then select the picture.
13. Open in Another App
Once you have taken a screenshot and used the native marking tools, if you want to edit your image further, you can directly open it another app. For that, click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner and select Open with. Choose the app in which you want to edit the screenshot.
Bonus Tip: Use Shortcuts
The keyboard shortcuts make life easy. Thankfully, the Snip & Sketch app supports a number of them. These are:
Image Shortcuts
- Alt + N – Capture new screenshot
- Alt + O or Ctrl + O – Open file
Editing Shortcuts
- Ctrl + Z – Undo
- Ctrl + Y – Redo
- Ctrl + C or Alt + C – Copy
- Alt + R – Crop
Annotation Shortcuts
- Alt + B – Select pen
- Alt + I – Select pencil
- Alt + H – Select highlighter
- Alt + E – Select eraser
Other Shortcuts
- Alt + T – Enable/disable touch writing
- Alt + S or Ctrl + S – Save image as
- Alt + A – Share
- Alt + M – Open Menu
- Ctrl + P – Print image
7 Superb Alternatives for Skitch on Windows and Android
Read MoreSnip, Sketch, and More
So that’s how you can make the most of the new Snip & Sketch app on your Windows 10 PC. Interestingly, the app supports multi-window mode too. That is, you can have many screenshots open in different windows where you can work on them simultaneously.
Do you know of any other tip for the app? Let us know in the comments below.
Next up: Does Windows 10 photo app seem slow to you? Check its alternatives to open and view photos quickly.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read Next5 Best Alternatives to Windows 10 Photos AppAlso See#screen capture #screenshots
Did You Know
How To Get A Protractor On Microsoft Word Free
Oppo was one of the few companies to release a mobile phone with a rotating camera.