The Ink to Shape feature in Microsoft Office allows users to hand draw shapes and diagrams that are then converted into standard Office shapes. This can save time and effort when creating flowcharts, organizational charts, diagrams, and more.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use Ink to Shape in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Prerequisites
To follow along with this tutorial, you will need:
- A device running Windows 10 version 1511 or higher
- Microsoft Office 2016 or higher, or an Office 365 subscription
- A device with touch and inking capabilities (touchscreen laptop, tablet with stylus, etc.)
Step 1: Enable Ink to Shape
The first step is to enable the Ink to Shape feature:
In Word or Excel:
- Go to the Draw tab
- Click Ink to Shape to turn on this mode
You can now start drawing and your sketches will be converted to shapes.
In PowerPoint:
- Go to the Draw tab
- Select a pen tool
- Start drawing your shape
- When finished, select the shape
- Click Ink to Shape
The ink will convert to the closest matching shape.
Step 2: Draw Your Shape
Now you can start drawing. As you sketch, Office will convert your drawing to the closest matching shape in real-time.
Here are some examples of ink drawings and the shapes they will convert to in Office:
- Rectangle > Rectangle
- Square > Square
- Circle > Oval
- Triangle > Triangle
The converted shape will retain the size, position, and format of the original ink drawing.
Step 3: Modify and Style The Shape
Once your ink drawing has been converted to a shape, you can modify and style it like any other Office shape:
In Word, Excel, and PowerPoint:
- Change the fill color
- Modify transparency
- Apply shape styles and effects
- Resize, rotate, or flip the converted shape
- Change the line color, width, and style
Additional PowerPoint options:
- Animate the shape
- Add a text box
- Group shapes together
Feel free to customize your converted shape to match your document design.
Step 4: Turn Off Ink to Shape
When you are finished inking, toggle Ink to Shape off to resume drawing with ink. Otherwise, any new drawings may get converted to shapes unintentionally.
In Word or Excel:
Click Ink to Shape again to disable it.
In PowerPoint:
The feature self-disables after each conversion, so no action needed.
Step 5: Use Ink to Math
In addition to shapes, you can write math equations and convert them to text with Ink to Math:
- Go to the Draw tab
- Click Ink to Math
- Write your equation in the input box
- Click Insert
The handwritten math will convert to properly formatted text equations.
Conclusion
The Ink to Shape feature makes it quick and easy to draw diagrams and shapes that integrate seamlessly into Office documents. With just a few clicks, your hand-drawn sketches transform into standardized shapes that can then be edited and styled.
So next time you need to map out ideas, create flow charts, design office layouts, or diagram processes, use Ink to Shape in Word, PowerPoint, or Excel to save time and effort.
