How to Create WordArt with OpenOffice Writer

When designing documents in Microsoft Word, the WordArt feature makes creating amazing headlines easy. OpenOffice Writer has its own version of WordArt called Fontwork. For those used to working with WordArt, Fontwork will take some getting used to. However, once you learn to handle the trickier aspects, you can create beautiful headlines once again in OpenOffice Writer.

Finding Fontwork

You won't find a menu option that states "Insert Fontwork," which is what Word users are used to. Instead, you must access Fontwork from the Drawing toolbar. Open OpenOffice Writer and select the View menu. Select the Toolbars option. Check the option Drawing. A toolbar appears at the bottom of the OpenOffice Writer screen with blue shapes and other drawing options on it. You can drag the toolbar wherever works best for you.

While in the Toolbars menu, take note of the additional toolbar called Drawing Object Properties. This toolbar automatically appears when you create a drawing object. If you want to later edit the object, you can manually view the toolbar by selecting it in the Toolbars menu.

Create a Fontwork Object

Place your cursor in the area where you would like to create the Fontwork object. From the Drawing toolbar, select the Fontwork Gallery button. The button looks like a small picture frame with a capital A on it.

Choose a style from the Fontwork options. Once you've chosen the desired initial design, press OK. You can customize or even change your option later if you would like.

Double-click your Fontwork object to edit it. When the word Fontwork appear in the center of your object, delete New Text and type your own. Press the Esc key to save your text changes. They will immediately replace the existing Fontwork base text.

Problems Selecting Fontwork Objects

If you find you cannot select the Fontwork object with your mouse or anything other method, hold the Ctrl key while you select it. The problem occurs because the default position of a Fontwork object is the background. This is the trickiest part of using this feature. More often than not, until you change the position of the object, selecting without pressing Ctrl is nearly impossible.

Editing Fontwork Objects

Many of your editing options are listed on the Drawing Object Properties toolbar. However, once you select the Fontwork object, a special Fontwork toolbar appears. If you use a 3D Fontwork object, you will see a 3D Object toolbar appear as well. The first toolbar lets you choose the size, position (such as front or back) and even color options for your Fontwork object. The second toolbar allows you to change the Fontwork style, shape, character size, alignment and character spacing.

Once you finish editing your Fontwork object, click somewhere else in your document to save your changes.