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General discussion

Freehand Markings on Web Text

Nov 21, 2004 12:50AM PST

I am slowly becoming computer-user oriented (self-taught, trial and error). I have learned to do basic Microsoft Windows word processing functions to include the office clipboard, cut, copy, paste, etc.

I can type and edit text from Web pages, but I cannot figure out how to draw freehand on such Web page material -- hard to verbalize. Example: An acquaintance emailed me a map of his general area. On the map were circles, arrows, notes and sketches that he had made using some kind of freehand drawing marker. My computer has a "paint" program feature but only enables me to draw on images (pictures) and not on written material and text transferred from the Web.

I would be truly greatful for any help. I've about concluded that it can't be done on this particular computer.

Discussion is locked

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Re: Freehand Markings on Web Text
Nov 21, 2004 1:17AM PST

If you have Microsoft Word, (word processor), open it up, goto View > Toolbars and click "Drawing".

At the bottom of the Word window a drawing toolbar will appear. If you explore this you will see that you can draw freehand lines, add shapes and add "callout" boxes or "bubble" shapes where you can type in text.

If you don't have Microsoft Word but some other Word Processor I am sure that it will have a similar toolbar.

This may not be an ideal solution as it is difficult to place freehand shapes, or arrows or callout or bubble shapes within a page of text, and also difficult to format text around such items. But it is well worth experimenting with.


Mark

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Re: Freehand Markings on Web Text
Nov 21, 2004 1:42AM PST

You can use print screen key located on your keyboard which will take a snapshot of the image on your computer screen. You may paste this image into Paint or word and edit as you see fit.

click here to view a sample

http://www.mopo.ca/printscreen.html

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Re: Freehand Markings on Web Text
Nov 21, 2004 8:51AM PST

Thanks to all for the info including how to use the print screen key to snapshot images. It worked great! I pasted a map image into Paint and gleefully used the brush to draw and edit. However, I wasn't able to transfer the edited image to Word. Word will only show the original, unedited version. When I try to save it, the edited version shows on the screen as "Windows Picture and Fax Viewer." I discovered that I can email the edited version however. I'm embarrased to ask for more help -- but would appreciate it. I'm a shut-in and this aging computer which my son left when he moved away is opening up a whole new fascinating (and intriguing) world. Awesome and informative forum! Thanks again.

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Re: Freehand Markings on Web Text
Nov 22, 2004 4:20AM PST

I'm pleased you found a partial solution to your problem.

When you say that Word will not show the edited version are you say that you have "saved" the newer version of your picture somewhere on your hard disk, (eg My Documents), and then Word will not import it?

If so, this is unusual. If you have an image that Word will import, (in Microsoft Word goto Insert > Picture > From file, then you can navigate to the picture file you want), Word does not differentiate between an original picture and one which has been modified, as long as the modified one has been saved to disk, (eg your hard disk).

So I'm not entirely sure I understand the problem you are now experiencing.

Mark