WD2000: Format Callout Option Not Available (Dimmed) in Format AutoShape Dialog Box (211990)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
This article was previously published under Q211990

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to make changes to a callout AutoShape, the Format Callout button may not be available (appears dimmed). To find the Format Callout button, select your callout, click AutoShape on the Format menu, and then click the Text Box tab.

CAUSE

The Format Callout button is not available when the callout that you've selected is a nonline callout (for example: the Cloud callout).

The Format Callout button is available only when the leader is part of a line callout. A leader is a line extending from the callout to a point in your document. Leaders from nonline callouts, such as the Cloud callout, cannot be changed.

For additional information about the type of callouts available in Microsoft Word 2000, see the "More Information" section of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Word 2000 has 20 callouts that you can use in a Word document. Callouts are used to focus the reader's attention to a particular part of the document. There are two types of callouts in Word: line and nonline.

A line callout is a line box that has a leader directing the reader's attention to a specific area of the document. There are 15 line callouts available, as follows:
  • Line Callout 1
  • Line Callout 2
  • Line Callout 3
  • Line Callout 4
  • Line Callout 1 (Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 2 (Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 3 (Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 4 (Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 1 (No Border)
  • Line Callout 2 (No Border)
  • Line Callout 3 (No Border)
  • Line Callout 4 (No Border)
  • Line Callout 1 (Border and Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 2 (Border and Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 3 (Border and Accent Bar)
  • Line Callout 4 (Border and Accent Bar)
A nonline callout is a shape that has a leader that is part of the shape; it cannot be changed. There are four nonline callouts available, as follows:
  • Rectangular Callout
  • Rounded Rectangular Callout
  • Oval Callout
  • Cloud Callout

Inserting a Callout

To insert a callout, follow these steps:
  1. On the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Drawing.
  2. On the Drawing toolbar, click AutoShapes, point to Callouts, and then click the callout that you want.
  3. Draw the callout at the location that you want in the document.

Formatting a Callout

To format the attributes of a callout, follow these steps:
  1. Right-click one of the sides of the callout (you should see a four-headed arrow) and then click Format AutoShape on the shortcut menu that appears.
  2. In the Format AutoShape dialog box, select the Colors and Lines, Size, Layout, or Web tab, and then select the settings that you want for the callout.
  3. In the Format AutoShape dialog box, click the Text Box tab. If the callout that you selected is a line callout, the Format Callout button is available. However, if the callout that you selected is a nonline callout, the Format Callout button is unavailable.
  4. If the Format AutoShape button is available, click the button. In the Format Callout dialog box, set the Type and Options that you want for the leader and callout, and then click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/6/2000
Keywords:kblayout kbprb KB211990
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