More SmartArt graphics: Hexagon Radial and Picture Frame

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

(This post was first published in 2011 right after we released new SmartArt for Office 2010. It's the third in a series about SmartArt, which begins with 10 new SmartArt graphics.To read all of them, follow the links at the bottom of this post. This one was written by Adam Callens, Program Manager.)

We're always looking for ways to improve our products and provide content that meets your needs. So today I'd like to introduce you to two brand new SmartArt graphics for Office 2010 -- Hexagon Radial and Picture Frame.

Hexagon Radial is a new take on an old concept. Circular process diagrams are widely used, so we decided to create something familiar but with a different visual twist. The use of hexagons and trapezoids gives you a multi-step process with a central theme or title, but with a visual sharpness provided by the numerous corners and straight lines. We intentionally put a lighter color on the connecting trapezoid so that the focus remains on the text and not on the shapes themselves.

As we've seen the use of images in documents and presentations continue to rise, we wanted to provide a clean way to tie your text to your image without having to use traditional captions. The Picture Frame layout accomplishes this by using an offset frame or border that binds the text to the image. This may present a challenge for you if the frame overlaps important content in the image. If that happens, I recommend using the Crop tool on the Picture Tools tab. With the image selected in your SmartArt graphic, clicking the crop tool allows you to move and resize your image without moving or resizing the shape containing the image.

I hope you enjoy using the new SmartArt graphics as much as we enjoyed making them and, as always, we welcome your feedback!

For more about other newly released SmartArt graphics, see the following:

-- Adam Callens

View the original article here

Travel Centre with new SmartArt graphics

This is the fourth in our series of blog posts about 10 new SmartArt graphics that are available now for free. Today's post was written by Mary Sobczyk, Office writer. Check out other newly released smart art here, hereand here.

I would like to introduce you two more new SmartArt graphics - topic image alternating accent and theme image grid.

I have been thinking about where you go for summer holiday (if money were no object). In addition to reviewing the OneNote TripBooks for inspiration, I thought I would use this SmartArt graphic layouts, to gather ideas. These layouts would both be also an excellent way to display your travel pictures.

In this example in the main screen is a map, and then smaller images are individual countries. This layout switches between squares and rectangles, which makes it easy, your horizontal (rectangle) and vertical (square) display pictures.

I have also some of the text centered and the font color in the text areachanged.

I use this SmartArt graphic to plan what I want to do on my trip every day. Set-off the image from the frame makes my images are characterized by the eye draw. Just be careful you, that the frame has performed an important part of the image.

Both this SmartArt graphic layout works well for a family photo, where the parents would be the first (overview) and then the children (and pets!) in smaller images could be.

So, what's your favorite smart art and why? You say more in the comments what you want by see and use as you choose, the SmartArt graphic.

PS: If you do not see the new SmartArt graphics, connected galleries to enable explains check out this introductory post, wHich.

--Mary Sobczyk

View the original article here