Adding callouts to objects

Word 365 2016 2013 2010 2007
A callout is a type of text box that also includes a line for pointing to any location on the document. A callout is helpful when you need to identify and to explain parts of a picture.

To insert a callout, follow these steps:

   1.   Choose the AutoShapes -> Callouts command on the Drawing toolbar, and then select the style of callout that you want to use.

Callouts in Word 2003

   2.   Move the crosshair to where you want the callout to point.

   3.   Click and hold the mouse button, and then drag to where you want to place the callout text.

   4.   Release the mouse button.

   5.   Type the callout text.

Once you've created a callout, you can format it in the same way you format a text box.

To create additional options for callouts, choose the Format AutoShape... from popup menu:

popup in Word 2003

In the Format AutoShape dialog box click the Text Box tab:

Format AutoShape in Word 2003

Then click the Format Callout... button to open the Format Callout dialog box:

Format Callout in Word 2003

Using this dialog box, you can determine the style and angle of the callout line, how the callout line is attached to the callout text, and whether a border appears around the callout text. You can choose one of four callout styles for the pointer and text box using the Type box. The selections that you make in the Format Callout dialog box apply to the current callout as well as to the following callouts you create.

  • Type - Defines the type of callout line and the relationship to the callout box. The actual effect depends on the type of callout.
  • Gap - The distance between the callout line and the callout text.
  • Angle - The angle of the line from the item that you're calling out.
  • Drop - The space between the top of the callout text and the beginning of the first part of the callout line. This is the position where you want the callout line attached to the callout text, attached at an exact distance from the top or attached at the Top, Center, or Bottom.
  • Length - The length of the callout line: Best Fit or a measurement that you specify.
  • Text Border - Places a border around the callout text.
  • Auto Attach - Places the callout line at the bottom of the callout text when that text is to the left of the callout line. This action ensures the callout line does not overlap the callout text.
  • Add Accent Bar - Places a vertical line next to the callout text.

You can change one type of callout to a different type. Select the callout, choose Draw -> Change AutoShape -> Callouts on the Drawing toolbar, and select another callout type.

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