How to group drawings in Word - step-by-step instructions

Surely we will not be mistaken if we say that users wondering how to group drawings in Word use the version of Microsoft Office at least 2007 in their work. Why? Because, starting with this version, work with drawings has changed a bit: the ability to select several drawings with the Ctrl or Shift keys has disappeared, which means that the direct ability to group these drawings has disappeared. However, there is a way out of the situation, and we will consider it (even two). But, before we begin to consider the topic of how to group drawings in Word, we first find out in which cases a grouping of objects is generally required.

Reasons for grouping

Typically, grouping is required in one of two cases:

1. You need to manage one, two or more objects in the same way: make the same outline, set a shadow or frame, align, move, etc. And in this regard, you want to manage such objects as one.
2. You need to create your own individual figure. Among the set of basic figures, it is absent, but with the combination of several, the desired could be obtained.

The Word word processor has tremendous possibilities for grouping objects. We turn directly to the question: how to group the drawings in the Word?

Grouping text and pictures

Consider the step-by-step grouping process for versions of the "Office" until 2007:

1. On the "Insert" tab of the quick access panel, go to the "Illustrations" group. Once click on the “Picture” element.
2. In the window that opens, select a picture.
3. Insert another graphic in the same way.
4. If the drawings are large, resize them so that both fit on one sheet (this is not a prerequisite, it’s just more convenient for learning).
5. While holding down the Ctrl key, first click on one picture, then another.
6. The “Work with drawings” tab appears on the quick access panel. Go to it and in the "Arrange" group, click on the "Group" element.

Done! Your object has become grouped.

But what about those who are thinking how to group a picture in Word 2007? For them, our next instruction:

1. On the "Insert" tab of the quick access panel, go to the "Illustrations" group. Once click on the “Shapes” element and select any of the proposed shapes that suits you best.
2. Paste it on the worksheet.
3. The “Work with Labels” tab appears on the quick access panel, in the “Label Styles” group, go to the “Shape Fill” drop-down list and select “Drawing ...” there.
4. In the same way, insert another figure and set its drawing as a background.
5. If you wish, select “No outline” in the “Label Styles” group in the “Contour Styles” menu.
6. Press and hold the Ctrl or Shift keys to select both shapes.
7. The “Work with drawings” tab appears on the quick access panel. Go to it, and in the "Arrange" group, click on the "Group" element.

Done!

And how to group text and drawing in Word? Similarly, only when choosing one of the figures, stop at the “Caption” object or at one of the callouts (they also allow you to add text), and then remove the frame.

How can I manage grouped objects

A distinctive feature of the Word is that it allows you to change the properties of one of the grouped objects without performing the ungroup operation. If you can move, rotate, align objects you can only work together, then you can apply shadow effects, change the shape, and you can work with the path with each object individually grouped. To do this, two consecutive clicks of the mouse click on one of the grouped objects. Around it, gray outlines appear. Change the properties of this figure as you wish, while others in the group will remain unchanged.

We hope that from our article you learned how to group drawings in Word.