How to Create a Printable Using Microsoft Word

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.

Open new document

Step 2: Choose the page orientation

Select the appropriate orientation for your printable from the ‘Page Layout’ menu.

Choose page orientation

Step 3: Set the background

On the ‘Page Layout’ menu, go to ‘Page Colors’ option and click on ‘Fill Effects’.

Click fill effects

Click on ‘Pattern’ – the third tab in the dialog box.

Choose pattern

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.

Choose pattern and colors

Step 4: Save the file.

Click on the ‘Save’ icon to save the file.

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).

Insert table

Change the table’s appearance using the ‘Table Tools’.

Change border and colors

Type your printable’s title in the newly created table, and change it’s font and color as desired.

Add heading

Add a few embellishments to make the heading look pretty. I’ve added flowers using a dingbats font.

Add flowers

Step 6: Insert another table.

This is to add more elements to flesh out the rest of your printable.

Insert another table

Right-click on the table to add more rows and columns if required.

Add rows and columns

Style the new table using ‘Table Tools’.

Style the table

Add the column headings and additional embellishments as required.

Add column headings

Step 7: Add the footer.

Add a footer to your printable from the ‘Insert’ menu.

Add footer

Edit the footer to include your website and copyright details.

Add footer details

Step 8: Insert more shapes.

Add additional shapes with text as required. I’ve chosen a rectangle shape from the ‘Insert’ menu.

Insert shape

Draw the rectangle where you want it, and then change its color/style.

Draw rectangle

Right-click on the rectangle and choose the ‘Add Text’ option.

Add text to rectangle

You can now type in the text and change it’s style as desired.

Add the text

We are now done, and the final printable is ready!

Printable ready

Step 9: Save as PDF.

Select the ‘Save As’ option from the ‘File’ menu to save the printable.

Save 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.

Save as PDF

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!

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?
Leave a comment below to win a surprise gift worth $25!

Click on the image below to access all the posts in this series!

The Beginner’s Guide to Freebie Marketing