Callouts

Use the Callout tool  to create a variety of shapes that include text. Choose from a variety of arrows, balloons, and other shapes in the Quick Style Gallery. Control callout shape, size, color, orientation, drop shadow, and text font, size, style, layout, and color.

1.   Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Callout  tool.

2.   Select a shape from the Styles group.

3.   Drag the mouse on the canvas to apply callout.

4.   Enter and format the text in the Edit Text dialog box. Click OK.

Select a Style from the Quick Style Gallery

1.   Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Callout tool. Then select Styles group > More button .

2.   Select the shape and style from the Quick Styles Gallery.

Change the Callout Gradient Style

1.   Click a callout on the canvas to give it focus.

2.   Select Styles group > Fill > Gradient. Select from No Gradient, Shaded, or Glassy. An example of each style is seen below.

Move, Reshape, or Rotate a Callout

1.   To move a callout, click down on the center of the callout and drag to a new location.

2.   Use the colored handles to control the following:

Yellow: Drag these handles to change the shape and size of the callout pointer.
White: Drag these handles to change the height and width of the callout.
Green: Grab and drag this handle to rotate the orientation of the callout.

Change the Callout Outline or Color

Click a callout on the canvas to give it focus.

•      For Outline changes: Select Styles group > Outline. From here, change the width, outline color, or the general shape of the callout.

•      For Fill color changes: Select Styles group > Fill. From here, change the fill color, remove the fill color, or change the gradient. 

Set the Transparency  Level

Transparency is the ability to see through the callout. The graphic below shows a variety of effects with different transparency level and gradients.

1.   Click a callout on the canvas.

2.   Select Styles group > Effects > Transparency > Select the transparency level or click Custom to enter a specific percentage.

Add, Remove, or Customize the Callout Shadow

Click a callout on the canvas to give it focus.

•      To add a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Select the shadow effect using the icons.

•      To remove a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > No Shadow icon.

•      To add a custom shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Click More Shadows. Use the options in the Drop Shadow task pane to create a custom look. Click OK.

Add a Custom Callout to the Quick Styles Gallery

The Quick Styles Gallery is used to save custom callouts so they can be reused.

1.   Click a callout on the canvas to give it focus.

2.   Right-click the callout.

3.   From the popup menu, click Add to Quick Styles. The callout is now available in the Quick Styles Gallery.