Sending Drawing Objects to the Back or Front

When you create objects in a document using the drawing tools available in Word, each object is drawn on its own layer. This means all objects are independent and can be moved on top of other objects. However, there may be times when you actually want an object to be under another object. You can do this by following these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Select the pointer tool (the arrow) from the Drawing toolbar.
2. Using the mouse, point to the shape you want to send to the back, and click on it. Small square boxes, called handles, appear at each corner in the shape.
3. Choose Order from the Draw menu on the toolbar. Word displays a set of ordering commands.
4. Choose the Send to Back option.

You can do the same sort of arrangement by choosing Bring to Front instead of Send to Back. Word will move an item which may be behind others so that it overlays the others.

If you are using Word 2007 then there is no Drawing toolbar that you can use. Instead, you need to follow these steps:

1. Click once on the shape you want to send to the back. Small square boxes, called handles, appear around the shape.
2. Make sure that the Format tab is selected on the ribbon. (This tab is only visible when a shape is selected.)
3. In the Arrange group, click Send to Back or Bring to Font, as desired.