Search and Download a Custom Border

Finding the perfect border for your text box, image, or object can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your layout. However, sometimes, the pre-existing options just aren't cutting it. And that's where custom borders come into play. You can create one from clip art, a picture file, a scanned photograph, or a picture you created in a drawing program. This guide will help you search for, download, and implement a custom border for your project.

Searching for Custom Borders

The internet is full of resources that offer a vast array of custom borders for different purposes. Websites like Clipart Library provide an extensive collection of clip art that can be used to create varying designs. Additionally, Bing's image search can be utilized to unearth a wide variety of images that can be used as well. In the case of drawing programs, designs can be made from scratch based on personal preference, thereby offering complete customization freedom.

Downloading a Preferred Border

Once you find a border that fits your requirements, the next step is to download it. Most clip art libraries and image search engines provide an instant download option. As you click on it, the file automatically downloads onto your device. However, ensure the picture file that you use for a custom border is smaller than 64 KB to avoid error messages while adding the border.

Remember the Location of the Downloaded Border

After the download process completes, the final step is to remember the location where the file has been saved. Depending on your settings, it may either go to your 'Downloads' folder or a designated location of your choice. Keep track of the location, as you will need to navigate back to it to insert the picture as a border in Microsoft Publisher or any other program you might be using.

Creating a Custom Border

To create a custom border using your downloaded image:

1. Right-click the text box, AutoShape, picture, or object you want to add the border to.
2. Select the 'Format' menu item and click the 'Colors and Lines' tab.
3. In the 'BorderArt' dialog box, click 'Create Custom.'
4. In the 'Select Picture' click, navigate to the location of your downloaded picture.
5. Click it, and then click 'Insert.'
6. In the 'Name Custom Border' dialog box, type a name for your custom border, and then click 'OK.'

Important Reminder

Always remember if the file size of the picture you select is too large (greater than 64 KB) or if the picture contains text, you may receive an error message. In such cases, opt for a smaller picture to ensure a smooth and error-free application of the custom border.

Inserting Custom Border into Blank Page

Customizing your document with a border can give it a unique and professional appearance. Microsoft Word not only provides in-built border options but also allows users to add their custom borders. If you've downloaded a special border and you're wondering how to add it to your blank Word page, follow the step-by-step guide below:

Open Microsoft Word and Load a Blank Page

Launching Microsoft Word on your computer is the first step in this process. When you open the application, it displays a welcome screen from which you can create a new document. Click on the "Blank Document" to initiate a fresh workspace for your project.

Go to the "Design" Tab

With your blank page ready, navigate to the "Design" tab in Word's upper toolbar. This section houses a number of design-enhancing tools, such as themes, watermarks, page colors, and borders.

Select the "Watermark" Option

Under the "Design" tab, find and click on the "Watermark" option. This selection opens a drop-down menu with different watermark options, including picture watermarks, which you will use as your custom border.

Choose "Custom Watermark" and Select "Picture Watermark" Option

In the drop-down menu that appears, click on the "Custom Watermark." A new dialog box opens where you have the choice to either use a text or a picture as a watermark. By selecting "Picture watermark," you have chosen to use your custom border as a watermark for your blank page.

Select "From a File"

As you click the "Select Picture" button, another menu pops up with the "From a File..." option. Click on it. This allows you to search through your computer files to locate and select the custom border you have previously downloaded.

Insert the Downloaded Border

After clicking "From a File..." navigate through your folders until you find your custom border. Remember, keeping track of where you initially saved the border is important for easy accessibility. Click on the desired image file to select it, then click "Insert" to apply it as your border. Don't forget to adjust the settings, particularly the scale, to ensure that your border fits the page correctly.

Final Check

Upon insertion, you can see that your blank page now has a custom border around it. If you are not satisfied with the way it looks, simply go back to the watermark settings and make the necessary adjustments. Once you're happy with the final outcome, you can proceed with creating your document, as the border adds an extra touch of uniqueness and professionalism.

Adjusting and Applying the Custom Border

Adding a custom border to your Microsoft Word document is not the final step. How it appears and how it blends in with the rest of your content is equally important. Here, we provide you with a comprehensive discussion on how to adjust and apply the custom border to your document properly.

Uncheck the "Washout" Option

Once your custom border is inserted, in the "Printed Watermark" dialog box, there is an option named "Washout." This option is typically checked by default, and its purpose is to lighten the inserted image to prevent overshadowing the text in your document. However, since you're using the image as a border, you'd prefer it to be more pronounced. As such, uncheck the "Washout" option to give your border a more vivid and visible appearance. Having done this, your custom border will better stand out on the page.

Apply The Border

Now, click on the "Apply" button to apply the custom border to your document. This action implements the custom border around the edges of your document, dramatically changing its appearance. It's important to click "Apply" before making any adjustments to ensure that the changes reflect accurately on the document.

Evaluate and Adjust If Needed

After your custom border is applied, take a moment to evaluate its appearance. You should consider whether the border complements your text and if it fits properly on the page. Check the placing and sizing to ensure everything is as per your preference. If any adjustments need to be made, go back to the "Printed Watermark" dialog box and make the necessary changes. This could include repositioning the border, resizing it, or even changing its color to better suit the overall aesthetics of your document.

Close The Watermark Panel When Satisfied

Once all desired adjustments have been made and you're satisfied with how the custom border looks on your document, you can close the "Printed Watermark" dialogue box. Your changes are automatically saved when you close this panel, so there's no need to worry about losing your custom border. Now, the border should be visible on your document and ready to complement any text or images you wish to add.

Don't forget that these changes aren't permanent! As with any design element in Microsoft Word, you can revise and adjust anything, anytime as needed. And with this, you've successfully imported, adjusted, and applied a custom border to your Word document!

Finalize and Complete the Customized Border

Designing your custom border and inserting it into your Microsoft Word document is only part of the process. Now, you have to finalize your design and make sure it covers the entire page by adjusting and aligning it accordingly. This guide explains how to perfect and complete your customized border.

Open Headers/Footers Box

To begin the process, double-click at the top of the page in the header area. This action will open the Headers/Footers box, where you will have access to various adjustments for your border, such as size and style. It will also allow you to apply the border to the entire page rather than only specific sections.

Drag the Custom Border to Cover the Entire Page

With the Headers/Footers box open, click on your custom border and drag it to cover the entire page. Ensure that the border does not cover any crucial information or text on your page. It should serve as a decorative framework, not an obstruction.

Adjust the Corners for Evenness

Once you've stretched the border to cover the entire page, it's crucial to adjust the corners to ensure they align correctly. You can manually alter the border by dragging the corners until they are neatly aligned, and the border is evenly distributed across the page.

Select the Border and Copy (Ctrl+C)

Upon achieving the right fit and alignment, select your border. A simple way to do this is by clicking somewhere within the border and pressing Ctrl+A to select all elements of the page, including the border. After selecting, copy the border by using the shortcut Ctrl+C, and your border is now stored in your clipboard.

Close the Headers/Footers Box and Paste the Copied Border (Ctrl+V)

With your border copied, close the Headers/Footers dialogue box by double-clicking anywhere outside of it. Once back to your regular document view, paste the copied border by pressing Ctrl+V on your keyboard. This will paste the custom border onto the page. Remember, this step is necessary only if you want the border on more than one page, as this process will recreate the border on the new page.

Adjust the Sides of the Border to Spread Across the Page

As a final touch, ensure the sides of the border are spread evenly across the entirety of the page. Drag the border edges until they fit perfectly on the page. You want to ensure consistency in the appearance of the border across different pages.

Creating, inserting, adjusting, and applying a custom border on a Microsoft Word document can seem daunting at first. But with careful attention to detail, a bit of patience, and these steps as your guide, you can greatly enhance your documents with a customized and personal touch. The end result will be a professional-looking document that stands out from the rest.