Microsoft KB Archive/162969

= WD97: No Connectors Command on AutoShapes Menu =

Article ID: 162969

Article Last Modified on 7/6/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Word 97 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q162969



SYMPTOMS
Word 97 does not have a Connectors command on the AutoShapes menu. A connector is a line that connects two objects.



CAUSE
Word 97 does not support the use of connectors in a Word document.



WORKAROUND
Use any of the following methods to simulate connectors in Word.

Method 1: Install and Use Microsoft Draw 98
If you are a registered Microsoft Office user, you can download and install Microsoft Draw 98. Microsoft Draw 98 makes the OfficeArt drawing tools, including connectors, available in any OLE-compliant application. You can obtain Microsoft Draw 98 from the following Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=BA0F1778-B1FF-48F1-8302-4893EE8120B9

To use Microsoft Draw 98 from Word:

On the Insert menu, point to Picture, and then click New Drawing.

Method 2: Use the Line AutoShape in Word
Draw a connector line using one of the following AutoShapes:


 * Line
 * Arrow
 * Double Arrow
 * Curve
 * Freeform
 * Scribble

NOTE: The connector lines that you create using this method function differently from the connector lines available in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft PowerPoint. When you move one of the objects, the connector line does not follow the object.

Method 3: Use Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint

 * 1) Start Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint.
 * 2) If it is not already visible, display the Drawing toolbar. (On the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Drawing.)

The Drawing toolbar appears at the bottom of the window.
 * 1) Click AutoShapes on the Drawing toolbar, point to an AutoShape type, such as Basic Shapes, and then click the shape you want.
 * 2) On the Drawing toolbar, click AutoShapes, point to Connectors, and then click the connector you want. Drag the mouse pointer between the objects you want to connect.
 * 3) On the Drawing toolbar, click Select Objects, and then select the objects you created in steps 3 and 4.
 * 4) On the Edit menu, click Copy.
 * 5) Switch to Word.
 * 6) On the Edit menu, click Paste.

NOTE: When you paste this object into Word, the connector line is converted into a simple line. It is not attached to the two objects at either end. If you move one object, the connector line does not follow the object. In Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint, when you move an object at either end of the connector line, the connector follows the object.

