WD97: No Connectors Command on AutoShapes Menu

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

Word 97 does not have a Connectors command on the AutoShapes menu. A connector is a line that connects two objects.

CAUSE

Word 97 does not support the use of connectors in a Word document.

WORKAROUND

Use any of the following methods to simulate connectors in Word.

Method 1: Install and Use Microsoft Draw 97

If you are a registered Microsoft Office user, you can download and install Microsoft Draw 97. Microsoft Draw 97 makes the OfficeArt drawing tools, including connectors, available in any OLE-compliant application, such as Word 97. You can obtain Microsoft Draw 97 from the following Web site:

   http://www.microsoft.com/officefreestuff/

On the Insert menu, click Object, and then click "Microsoft Draw 97 Drawing."

Method 2: Use the Line AutoShape in Word

Draw a connector line using one of the following AutoShapes:

• Line
• Arrow
• Double Arrow
• Curve
• Freeform
• Scribble

Method 3: Use Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint

1. Start Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint.

2. If it is not already visible, display the Drawing toolbar. (On the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Drawing.)

   The Drawing toolbar appears at the bottom of the window.

3. Click AutoShapes on the Drawing toolbar, point to an AutoShape type, such as Basic Shapes, and then click the shape you want.

4. On the Drawing toolbar, click AutoShapes, point to Connectors, and then click the connector you want. Drag the mouse pointer between the objects you want to connect.

5. On the Drawing toolbar, click Select Objects, and then select the objects you created in steps 3 and 4.

6. On the Edit menu, click Copy.

7. Switch to Word.

8. On the Edit menu, click Paste.

REFERENCES

"Getting Results with Microsoft Office 97," Part 1, page 162, "Get Your Point Across with Graphics"