How to Make Handbills With Microsoft Word
By Filonia LeChat
Whether they're called handbills, handouts, fliers or flyers, these tangible advertising materials have one goal -- to get information into the hands of a target audience. Creating a handbill is technically as simple as scattering some words on a page, but Microsoft Word helps you get your message across in a more eye-catching and organized way. Word offers a variety of ways to design handbills for just about any occasion, including text transformation tools, and in-program artwork in order to capture attention when they are competing for telephone pole and bulletin board space.
Step 1
Open Word. Word brings up a default page of 8.5 in. by 11 in. If you require a smaller handbill, click the "Page Layout" tab, then "Size," and choose one of the preset size options, or click "More Paper Sizes" to define your own size.
Step 2
Type the headline or title of the handbill, such as "Garage Sale This Saturday!" Highlight the text. Click the "Home" tab, if the tab is not already enabled. Use the "Font Size," "Font Color," positioning and font picker options to enlarge the headline, and make it more attention-grabbing.
Step 3
Press the "Enter" key a few times to leave space under the headline. Type the handbill text, such as a description of the upcoming event, item for sale, business or community information.
Step 4
Add details such as contact information, a website, directions or walk-in hours of operation.
Step 5
Press the "Enter" key again to leave space below the text. Add images to the handbill by clicking the "Insert" tab. Click the "Picture" button. Browse to a picture to use on the flier and double-click its file name, then drag it into place on the handbill. Repeat to add more images.
Step 6
Insert some of Word's picture collection by clicking the "Clip Art" button on the "Insert" tab. Enter a phrase, click "Go," scroll through the pictures and double-click those to add. This is ideal for holiday and fliers for special occasions.
Step 7
Add color to the handbill's background by clicking the "Page Layout" tab. Click the "Page Color" button. Click a small square to color the background. Skip this step to save printer ink, or if you are printing on colored paper.
Step 8
Click the "File" tab, then select "Save As." Enter a name for the handbill file, and click the "Save" button.
Tips
- To save time, use one of Word's included flier templates. Click the "File" tab and select "New." Click the "Flyers" button, scroll through the categories, and double-click a template, then customize it to your requirements.
Writer Bio
Fionia LeChat is a technical writer whose major skill sets include the MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher), Photoshop, Paint, desktop publishing, design and graphics. LeChat has a Master of Science in technical writing, a Master of Arts in public relations and communications and a Bachelor of Arts in writing/English.