When you insert a shape into a file, it takes on the color scheme of the file. Its color changes if you change the theme or color scheme, or you can select a specific color.

You can change the size, orientation, and aspect ratio of a basic shape to the extent that it entirely changes its appearance. If the Object Palette doesn’t contain the exact shape you want, look for a shape that resembles the shape you want to end up with, with the same number of corners and the same basic qualities.

Hundreds of pieces of photographic, illustrated, and animated clip art come with Office 2008. You can download thousands more from the Office Online site.

You can insert common symbols as freestanding graphics or as text.

You can give an embedded photo a professional look by applying a frame or edge effects, or by changing it into another shape.

SmartArt graphics are totally awesome! Using this cool new feature, you can create professional, dynamic diagrams that provide a strong visual message.