Word 2010: Enclose Characters in Circles and Other Shapes

Word 2010’s Enclose Characters command wraps a selected letter, number, or short text string in a shape such as a circle or square. The command is not shown on the Ribbon by default, so first add it to the Quick Access Toolbar. Then select the text, choose a fitting style and enclosure, and apply it.

This walkthrough is for the desktop version of Word 2010 for Windows. Menu labels can differ in localized editions. If the command is missing from your installation, use the alternatives below instead of assuming that a newer version has the same controls.

What Enclose Characters does

The feature is useful for short labels, numbered marks, or characters that need a visible border in a document. It applies a shape around the selected content within the text flow, so it is convenient for inline use compared with drawing a separate object. It is best suited to one character or a short selection; long words can become cramped or difficult to read inside a small enclosure.

Add the command to the Quick Access Toolbar

1. Open the Word document you want to edit. At the right end of the Quick Access Toolbar, click the small down arrow, then choose More Commands.

2. In Word Options, open the Choose commands from list and select All Commands.
3. Scroll to Enclose Characters, select it, and click Add >>. The command should appear in the list on the right.
4. Click OK to close Word Options. The new command is now available from the Quick Access Toolbar.

Microsoft’s current Quick Access Toolbar instructions describe the same general process for adding commands. They are not a version-specific reference for this Word 2010 feature.

Enclose a character or short selection

1. In the document, select the character or short text you want to enclose. Click Enclose Characters on the Quick Access Toolbar.
2. In the dialog, choose a Style. Word 2010 offers three choices: None (wrap in line) keeps the text at its normal size; Shrink text (wrap around in shape) reduces the text to fit the enclosure; and Enlarge symbol increases the enclosure to accommodate the text.
3. Check the Text field and correct it if needed. Under Enclosure, choose one of the shapes shown in your dialog. Depending on the selection and installed language support, available options may differ.
4. Click OK to apply the enclosure. Review the result at normal document zoom. If the text looks crowded, undo the change and use a shorter selection or another style.

To give different characters different shapes, apply the command to each selection separately. For example, enclose a letter in a circle, then select a number and choose a different enclosure. This keeps each mark independent and makes later edits easier.

Make the result readable

• Use a short selection. A single letter or digit is usually easier to read than a whole word inside a small shape.
• Choose Shrink text when the text needs to fit an enclosure. If it becomes too small, reduce the selection instead of forcing a longer string into the shape.
• Use the same shape and style for items that serve the same purpose, such as numbered steps or form labels.
• Check the document in Print Preview or on the page at its intended size. Enclosed characters can look different when fonts, printer settings, or page scaling change.

If Enclose Characters is unavailable

If you set the command source to All Commands and still cannot find Enclose Characters, the feature may not be available in that installation or language. Microsoft notes that Office 2010 support ended on October 13, 2020, and that much of its online help content was retired. See the official Office 2010 end-of-support notice for the support status.

For a prebuilt circled or otherwise enclosed character, open Insert > Symbol and browse the available symbols in your chosen font. Microsoft’s symbol-insertion guide explains how to choose a symbol or open More Symbols. If you need a custom-sized border around a word, insert a shape and place text inside it; this is a separate drawing object, so it may move differently from ordinary inline text.

Because Word 2010 is no longer supported, check any enclosed text on the computer and Word version that will open the finished document. This is especially useful when the enclosure carries meaning, rather than serving only as decoration.