Switching the Text Box mode in Word 2002 1

[Madawc]

I use Word a great deal, but I seldom use text boxes. Recently I created a couple of them, wishing to place them over a pair of screen pictures, one showing the original screen and the other a modified version.

I created one box, got it as I wished with text in the box and then used Ctrl-drag to create a duplicate. I was able to move this to the other picture without any trouble. But then it kept giving me the 'change size' mode when I clicked on it. I needed the other mode, which would allow me to change the text in the box. It kept giving me the 'change size' mode. Eventually I got the other mode and was able to enter the new text, but it seemed just trial-and-error and I'd have trouble doing it again.

There is probably something very simple that I am missing. But what? Please let me know.

Madawc Williams (East Anglia, UK). Using Crystal 10 & 11.5 with Windows XP

 

[xwb]

1) Put the cursor on the border of the text box.
2) Wait for it to change to a cross cursor with arrows.
3) Click on the border
4) The handles will become white squares. This selects the text box.
5) Now click into the text box. This will allow you to type text in it.

 

[Madawc]

Thanks. That worked, though it usually took several tries.

There ought to be some simpler option. Has it got any better in more recent version of Word?

Madawc Williams (East Anglia, UK). Using Crystal 10 & 11.5 with Windows XP

 

[xwb]

I don't know if you can do this on 2002. On 2003, the handles (white circles in the 8 positions around the text box) are circular. This allows you to rotate the text boxes. On the older versions the handles were square.

If you switch on Chinese, you can then type in text either vertically and horizontally and watch it rearrange itself as you rotate the text box round.