How to Make a Square in Microsoft Word 2016

Whether you’re creating diagrams, flowcharts, or just need a simple square shape, Microsoft Word 2016 makes it easy to draw precise squares. In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to create a perfect square, adjust its size, format it, and use it in your document.

Table of Contents

Why Use Squares in Word?

Squares are versatile shapes you can use for:

Flowcharts and diagrams
Highlighting information
Creating tables or grids visually
Designing custom layouts

Using shapes makes your document more visually appealing and organized.

Step 1: Open Your Word Document

Launch Microsoft Word 2016.
Open an existing document or create a new blank document.

Step 2: Go to the Insert Tab

On the top ribbon, click Insert.
The Insert tab contains all tools for adding shapes, pictures, charts, and more.

Step 3: Select the Shapes Tool

In the Illustrations group, click Shapes.
A dropdown menu will appear with various shapes.
Under Rectangles, choose the Rectangle shape.

Step 4: Draw a Square

Click anywhere in your document and drag the cursor to draw a rectangle.
Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect square yet—we’ll fix that in the next step.

Step 5: Make a Perfect Square

To ensure the rectangle becomes a perfect square:

Hold down the Shift key while dragging.
This constrains the shape’s height and width to be equal.
Release the mouse button to finalize the square.

Tip: Holding Shift is essential for creating exactly equal sides.

Step 6: Format Your Square

You can customize your square’s appearance:

Select the square by clicking on it.
Go to the Format tab that appears on the ribbon.
Options include:
- Shape Fill: Change the inside color
- Shape Outline: Change the border color or thickness
- Shape Effects: Add shadows, reflections, or 3D effects

Step 7: Resize and Position Your Square

Resize: Drag the corner handles while holding Shift to maintain a perfect square.
Move: Click and drag the square to position it anywhere in your document.
Align: Use the Align options in the Format tab for precise placement relative to text or other objects.

Tips for Working With Squares in Word

Use gridlines or rulers (View → Gridlines) to help position shapes precisely.
Copy and paste squares to create multiple identical shapes quickly.
Group squares with other shapes for complex diagrams.
Convert squares to text boxes if you want to add text inside.

FAQs About Squares in Word 2016

1. Can I make a square with specific dimensions?
Yes. Right-click the square → Size and Position → enter exact Height and Width values.

2. How do I add text inside a square?
Right-click the square → Add Text → type your content.

3. Can I change the square to a different shape later?
Yes. Select the square → Format → Edit Shape → Change Shape.

4. How do I keep the square aligned with text?
Use Wrap Text → In Front of Text or other wrapping options for better positioning.

5. Can I draw multiple squares of the same size quickly?
Yes. Copy and paste the first square, then move it to the desired location.

Summary of Key Takeaways

Squares in Word are added via Insert → Shapes → Rectangle.
Hold Shift while drawing to create a perfect square.
Customize the square with Shape Fill, Outline, and Effects.
Resize and position using handles, rulers, or gridlines.
Add text or group shapes for advanced layouts and diagrams.

Creating squares in Word 2016 is simple, and with a few formatting tricks, you can make professional-looking diagrams and layouts in your documents.