Bring the Drawing Canvas Back

Remember the first time you saw the drawing canvas in Word 2002 or Word 2003?

Now, to be quite honest, if you're like me then the first thing you did was figure out how to get rid of it…

But, if you came use it - dare I say even like it - and then updated to Word 2007 you had a big disappointment coming.

The first time you inserted a shape you probably noticed that it was missing.

You've got to wonder what they were thinking - first it's thrust upon you and now it's gone?

Did they really do away with it?

No, of course not - some of you really like it so it's still there but the default settings no longer have Word automatically draw one.

We simply need to change one setting in Word's options and you're back in business.

Logically, the first step is to get into the Word Options dialog box. (Office Button, Word Options button in the bottom right-hand corner.)

Once there you need to navigate to the Advanced Options section.

In the first section (Editing Options) you need to check the box labeled as "Automatically create drawing canvas when inserting AutoShapes".

Click OK.