The most recent versions of PowerPoint (2007 and 2010) have this really cool feature where you can click in any bullet list and convert that dull old list into a SmartArt graphic. This Convert to SmartArt function is not available in Word, but it’s not too hard to achieve. Let’s take a look.

First you need a list. I’m using the outline from my Customize the Office 2010 Ribbon webinar:

1. Customize the Ribbon
2. Working with Tabs
3. Working with Groups
4. Sharing Your Customizations

The process is pretty simple:

1. Select your list and either Cut it or Copy it. (I suggest copying for now. If you decide to keep the SmartArt graphic, you can delete the list later. If you change your mind, you can just delete the SmartArt graphic)
2. Click where you want you insert the SmartArt. (If you leave your list selected, the graphic will replace it)
3. On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click SmartArt.
4. Select the SmartArt you want to use (you can always change to a different design later).
5. If the Text Pane is not open, on the Design tab of the SmartArt Tools, in the Create Graphics group, click the Text Pane button.
6. In the Text Pane, select all the text placeholders and Paste your list.
   

Now you have your SmartArt graphic, with all its cool formatting options.

Got a multilevel list? It works the same way. Below is my outline expanded to include the subtopics:

1. Customize the Ribbon
   1. What Do You Want To Do?
   2. Limitations
   3. Getting There
2. Working with Tabs
   1. Showing/Hiding Built-in Tabs
   2. Adding/Removing Custom Tabs
   3. Rearranging Tabs
3. Working with Groups
   1. Adding/Removing Custom Groups
   2. Adding/Removing Commands
   3. Removing/Restoring Built-in Groups
   4. Rearranging Groups
4. Sharing Your Customizations
   1. Exporting Customizations
   2. Importing Customizations

And below is the multilevel list as SmartArt.

You can use these techniques in both Word 2007 and 2010. Word 2010 gives you some additional SmartArt layouts. Either way, you can create some pretty compelling graphics from you lists in Word!

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