Over the past week, we’ve looked at how to create a printable using PicMonkey and PowerPoint. Today, I’d like to share with you the step by step instructions on how to create a printable using Microsoft Word. Please do keep in mind the tips I shared in the previous 2 tutorials when you create your printable.
In the example below, I will be using Microsoft Word to create a simple printable where you can jot down your freebie ideas as you work through this challenge.
Step 1: Open new document
Open Microsoft Word. By default it should open a new blank document; or you can select ‘New’ from the ‘File’ menu.
Step 2: Choose the page orientation
Select the appropriate orientation for your printable from the ‘Page Layout’ menu.
Step 3: Set the background
On the ‘Page Layout’ menu, go to ‘Page Colors’ option and click on ‘Fill Effects’.
Click on ‘Pattern’ – the third tab in the dialog box.
Note: If you want to use an existing image as a background for your printable, you’ll have to select the fourth option ‘Picture’ and upload the image from your computer.
Select an appropriate background pattern and the colors for your printable.
Step 4: Save the file.
Click on the ‘Save’ icon to save the file.
Step 5: Add the title.
Select the ‘Table’ option from the ‘Insert’ menu and insert a table with one cell (the first square).
Change the table’s appearance using the ‘Table Tools’.
Type your printable’s title in the newly created table, and change it’s font and color as desired.
Add a few embellishments to make the heading look pretty. I’ve added flowers using a dingbats font.
Step 6: Insert another table.
This is to add more elements to flesh out the rest of your printable.
Right-click on the table to add more rows and columns if required.
Style the new table using ‘Table Tools’.
Add the column headings and additional embellishments as required.
Step 7: Add the footer.
Add a footer to your printable from the ‘Insert’ menu.
Edit the footer to include your website and copyright details.
Step 8: Insert more shapes.
Add additional shapes with text as required. I’ve chosen a rectangle shape from the ‘Insert’ menu.
Draw the rectangle where you want it, and then change its color/style.
Right-click on the rectangle and choose the ‘Add Text’ option.
You can now type in the text and change it’s style as desired.
We are now done, and the final printable is ready!
Step 9: Save as PDF.
Select the ‘Save As’ option from the ‘File’ menu to save the printable.
Choose the file type as PDF and click ‘Save’. Your printable is now saved as a PDF and can be easily shared with your readers.
Note: Older versions of Microsoft Word may not have the option to save as PDF. In that case, you’ll need to use a PDF converter to convert your Word file into a PDF. Or you can download an add-in from Microsoft that will help you do the PDF conversion.
Click on the image below to download the Freebie Ideas printable!
Today’s Challenge: Create a simple printable using Microsoft Word. Even if you’re not planning to give it away to your audience, it is still good practice!
Have you ever tried creating a printable with PowerPoint?
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Ohhhh WOW!!! This is awesome! I can’t wait to put these to use. Now I know what I’ll be doing this weekend! Thank you so much for this series!
Hope you were able to play with this.. Ros!! Do share your creation with us!
I’ve made a lot of printables in Word, but I never thought about using the background feature to fill the page. That is a great idea, and this is really an incredible series. Thank you so much!
Oh Bonnie..so happy to be the one sharing tips!! I love playing around and sometimes stumble on them by accident… and adding background pattern is one such lol!!
Creating a printable in Word really surprised me. You’re so creative!
oh Ana, you made me blush now…The thing is we are all creative in a way….just need to tap it!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just created my very first printable thanks to your help (http://www.mundaneglamour.com/healthy-and-fit-coincidentally-a-new-years-resolution). Thank you thank you thank you!!!
I’ve been giving myself a headache trying to figure this out. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. You are awesome!!!
Hi Sunu,
Great tutorial-honestly top shelf.
2 Quick questions though:
1. when I save my pdf and try to print it the background pattern doesn’t show. Does that have to do with my printer settings or with the page layout?
2. I have checked numerous Youtube videos, but I’m still lacking in the area of embedding the pdf into a WordPress site, any help would be greatly appreciated. And thanks again for making the most awesome Online Marketing help site 🙂
Thank you. Love it
Thanks so much! I never thought it could be so easy!
Hi there!
I just want to tell you I LOVE your BOG!
You are so kind & generous with your freebies and I especially LOVE how you help others – with your articles and printable’s! Thank you so much! ☺️
I’m just setting up a new website/blog using WordPress (and struggling) and I’d love to offer free printables. What I’d love to know is how you get someone to click on your link – and it immediately downloads. On my older blog (1stfloorflatblogology.blogspot.co.uk) I’m putting code for people to copy, and I’m hosting this at my own expense. I’ve also used 4Shared and MediaFire, but I love how your worksheets etc download straight away. That’s the bit I’m having trouble with!
I really want to start my new site with a bit of a bang, with some freebies – so any help or advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Susie in the UK
Susie, you can upload your file in the ‘Media’ section of your WordPress dashboard. You could also host it externally on Dropbox or Google Drive. Irrespective of where you’re hosting it, you need to just get the direct link to the file and hyperlink it in the page/post where you want to share your freebie. Readers will be able to simply click the hyperlink and download the file.
All the best with your new site!
Excuse my language but…
Holy ****! I didn’t know you could do all that in Word!!! Thank you!
Microsoft Word is quite a versatile program… Glad you found this tutorial helpful, Kendra!
This is great. I love it. Thank you so much for sharing.
You’re welcome, Vickie! 🙂
I am so thankful for coming across this post. I have been trying to figure out how to make a fun printable. I think I finally have it figured out on Picmonkey but it’s nice to have options. Thank you for sharing!
I just created my first printable as a freebie. I appreciate these step by step directions so much. It was much easier with your help and support.
Have a great day!
Kim
Buenas noches. Que por favor alguien me ayude, necesito éste tumoral en español.
Tutorial… Perdón!!
Loved how easy it was to create. Thanks so much.
Sunu, I am putting into practice your advice. I only have a question, What setting do you have in Word to be able to have the buttons of the ribbon change color into yellow when your pointer is on them? Thanks
I have been using Word for a million years (ok, maybe not a full million….!) and I still learned so much form your one post here. This was EXTREMELY helpful and I thank you for sharing and for teaching me something new about an old friend.
So glad you found the article helpful, Janie!
I just had to let you know how helpful this was! I’ve searched high and low for something like this! Amazing post!
So glad you found the tutorial helpful, Shauna!
Thanks Sunu. God bless you and your family always.
this was very helpful. I need some help to create a journal.
great idea and easy to make it,Thanks
Thank you. Glad to be of help!