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Other formatting options
It is possible to select an individual shape in a SmartArt graphic and to format it separately from the other shapes. To illustrate, select the shapes containing the headings and then choose the Format tab in the SmartArt Tools area. Here you can alter the shapes’ fill, outline, or shape effects, such as adding a subtle reflection or a bevel to the shape.
The text in the shapes can be formatted as well. To do this, select the entire SmartArt Graphic or one or more shapes that contain text and click the Format tab in the SmartArt Tools area. Choose your desired text style from the WordArt Styles area. This style will remain in place even if you change the theme, although the color of the text and the font may change.
It is also possible to change the size of a shape in a SmartArt graphic. Select the graphic and click on the shape to select it. Use its sizing handles to size it and, if desired, move it to a different position in the object area.
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Special Cases
There are some special things to note about SmartArt. One of these is that there are additional SmartArt features in PowerPoint that aren’t available in other programs in the Office 2007 suite. You can convert bullet point text to a SmartArt Graphic in PowerPoint 2007 by selecting the text and, on the Home tab, clicking the Convert to SmartArt Graphic button in the Paragraph collection.
You can select a SmartArt layout from those shown or click the More SmartArt Graphics option to see more options. In PowerPoint 2007 you can also create a SmartArt Graphic by selecting the Insert SmartArt Graphic icon in a new slide layout.
Another feature unique to PowerPoint 2007 is the ability to animate a SmartArt Graphics using the animation tools. Create a SmartArt object and click the Animations tab. In the Animations group, select an animation option from the Animate dropdown list.
While SmartArt graphics can be created in Excel 2007 they don’t offer any more functionality than they do in, say Word. So you cannot, for example, link the contents of a cell to a SmartArt shape and display it there.
If you open an Office document, worksheet, or slideshow that has been prepared with an earlier version of Office and that includes a diagram (the precursor to SmartArt), it won’t alter unless you click on it. If you click the diagram, you are offered the choice of converting it to a SmartArt Graphic or converting it to shapes. Converting it to a SmartArt Graphic is typically the best choice; however, if you choose this option, you should note that you won’t be able to edit it in an earlier version of Office.
