To insert SmartArt, on the Insert tab, click SmartArt. As shown in Figure 9-49, there are seven categories, plus All, which enables you to peruse the entire gallery. Clicking on a thumbnail preview in the middle panel reveals a larger preview displayed on the right. A description lists the intended use.

When you find something that looks appropriate, either double-click it or click on it and then choose OK. Note that SmartArt is inserted like other graphics, such as pictures, and will use your default wrapping style. See “Wrapping” earlier in this chapter.

Word inserts the shape into your document with the text entry area ready to accept information, as shown in Figure 9-50. To enter text for the SmartArt diagram, click in the Type Your Text Here box (the Text Pane) and start typing. As you type on the left, text is displayed in the corresponding SmartArt component on the right.

There are a variety of different ways to enter and format text. The following is not intended to be exhaustive; it’s simply a list of things that work. Note that some actions can also be performed using the Create Graphic group in the SmartArt Tools?Design tab, shown at the left in Figure 9-50.

• To move to the next item, press the down arrow. Use the other arrow keys to navigate in the text entry box as well.
• To add a new item to the list, press Enter, either at the end of the list of items, or above an existing item.
• To demote the current item, press the Tab key.
• To promote the current item, press Shift+Tab.
• To delete an item, select it and press the Backspace key.
• To change the font for an item, select the text you want to change, mouse over the selection, and use the Mini toolbar.
• The Text Pane can be moved and resized if it’s in the way; drag it to a more convenient location or drag any of the four sides to resize the text area.
• To dismiss the Text Pane, click the X. To redisplay the Text Pane, click either of the arrows at the left end of the diagram.

You can also enter text directly, without using the Text Pane. Click in the SmartArt item and type. Right-click the item to see a list of options, shown in Figure 9-52. To add a shape above the selected item, right-click and choose Add Shape?Add Shape Before.

Note that basic paragraph and character formatting can be applied to SmartArt shapes. Indents, bullets, and numbering cannot be, nor can styles. You can assign a style to the overall diagram; however, effects are limited
unless the SmartArt item is In Line with Text.

To change the font used in all of the text in a SmartArt object, display the Text Pane, click in it, press Ctrl+A to select the contents of the text area, and then right-click and set the desired font.

You’re not limited to the shapes you start out with, nor must each item be the same shape. To change the shape of any given item, select the item, right-click it, choose Change Shape, and select an alternative. Keep in mind, however, that not every shape works for every type of diagram.

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