How to convert SmartArt to the shapes in Word

Word 365
Many useful features in Word (like in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications) disappear from version to version, from patch to patch... The function Convert to Shapes also disappeared.

Fortunately, Word proposes a simple and fast way to convert any SmartArt graphic, or even part of it, into regular shapes for future use.

To convert SmartArt graphic or part of it into regular shapes, do the following:

   1.   Select all or some shapes in the SmartArt graphic.

Notes:

  1. To select all objects, press Ctrl+A.
  2. To select several different shapes, hold Ctrl and select each shape.

For example, it is needed to convert into regular shapes the red cycles for future use:

SmartArt in Word 2016

   2.   Copy the selected shapes to the Clipboard by clicking the Copy button on the Home tab, in the Clipboard group (or press Ctrl+C):

Copy in Word 2016

   3.   Prepare the place for the shapes:

   3.1.   Place the cursor where you want to paste the selected shapes.

   3.2.   On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click Shapes:

Shapes in Word 2016

   3.3.   On the Shapes list, click New Drawing Canvas:

New Drawing Canvas in Word 2016

Word adds the new drawing canvas for the shapes:

New Drawing Canvas in Word 2016

Sure, you can skip these steps but using the drawing canvas will make it easier and faster to make various changes, such as resizing, modifying.

   4.   On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click the Paste and then in the Paste dropdown list, select Paste Special...:

Paste Special in Word 2016

   5.   In the Paste Special dialog box, make sure that the option Microsoft Office Graphic Object is selected and click OK:

Paste Special dialog box in Word 2016

Word pastes the selected shapes to the drawing canvas:

Paste selected shapes in Word 2016

You can make any adjustments to the new shapes, group or rotate them as you prefer.

See also this tip in French: Comment convertir SmartArt aux formes dans Word.

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