Filetonic / In the Microsoft Office Word application, how do I apply Accent 1 to my font and picture?

In the Microsoft Office Word application, how do I apply Accent 1 to my font and picture?

Celeste Stewart What is Microsoft Word SmartArt?

This question relates to using SmartArt in Word 2007. SmartArt graphics are diagrams that you can use to illustrate various concepts such as organization charts or flow charts. Once you choose a SmartArt type, you have a basic diagram that you can customize. For example, each diagram type has several different layouts from which to choose. The basic template has areas marked with the word “[Text]” to indicate where the text goes. In addition, several different SmartArt Styles allow you to further tweak the layout such as by giving the diagram a three dimensional look. Within the SmartArt Styles section is an option to change the color scheme. This is where Accent 1 comes into play.

Creating a Basic SmartArt Graphic

To create a SmartArt graphic, go to the Insert tab and click SmartArt. Pick the type of chart that best meets your needs and click OK. This will insert an editable graphic and insert a SmartArt Tools option across the top of the Word Ribbon. Click the SmartArt Tools option and you’ll see all of the options available including “Change Colors” which will then list the built-in “Accents.”

SmartArt Accents

SmartArt accents are predesigned color schemes that affect both the color of the boxes of the diagram as well as the text. For example, Accent 1 features a blue color scheme while Accent 2 is more of a maroon and pink color combination. Depending on the SmartArt Style selected, your text may be black or white. The text color is preset and changes based on your selections. To apply an accent, click on your SmartArt graphic, click the SmartArt Tools option, and then click on the Change Colors icon. From there, you can select any of the preset Accents such as Accent 1.

Changing the Look of the Text

If you like the look of Accent 1 but would prefer a different color of text or even text of the same color, you can override the defaults and change it manually. You’ll need to go back to the Home tab and manually select the desired font, size, and other attributes. Normally, you could use predefined styles to change the look of the text but this option is removed when working with SmartArt text.

When changing the color of the text, simply click the text box, click the colored “A” on the tool bar, and make your selection. You’ll notice that the top row of colors is labeled “Theme Colors.” These colors match the various Accent colors. So, if you want the same blue for your text as the Accent 1 blue, go to the top row of colors and select it. The colors below are various shades of the theme’s colors. So, if you wanted a darker shade of the same color, choose the darker shade.

SmartArt diagrams can greatly enhance your document and are easy to customize. Play around with the various styles, layouts, and color schemes and see for yourself. If you don’t like the changes, the Reset Graphic icon will undo them.