100 Computer Tips in 100 Days
Tip #43 - Making Word Clouds
A word cloud is a collection of words displayed creatively. It was initially used to show visually the frequency of words on a web page and was a tool in optimizing it for search engines. Search engines rate a page by these word frequencies and store them in their databases and use them when you are doing a webpage search. The more frequently a word appears on a webpage, the larger the font size for that word. Now word clouds are used for many reasons, including creating unique gifts for special events. An internet search for “word clouds” will yield many websites. The results shown here were created using the website www.tagxedo.com.
You can create a word cloud by typing a list of words in
a word processing program – any problem will do – and copying and pasting them
into the tagexdo website or by typing them directly in on the website. In the
Fred Flintstone example shown here, I typed the words into a word document. My
list included all of the main characters in the TV program as well as some
associated terms. For names or multi word terms use the tilde key to create a
non-breaking word, for example Fred~Flintstone. The tilde key is above the Tab
key and to the left of the number 1 key. Don’t forget to use the Shift key to
access it.
When you’re finished creating the list, select the text
(Ctrl/Command + a) and copy it (Ctrl/Command + c). Open your browser and go to www.tagxedo.com.
Click the Create button to open the creation window. Click the Load button and
paste your list (Ctrl/Command + v) in the Enter Text box and then click the
Submit button.
My book, 100 Amazing Computer Tips - Shortcuts, Tricks, and Advice to Help Everyone from Novice to Professional, is available NOW at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in both print and ebook formats. There's also a handy link on top right side of this window.
Happy computing!
Diane
Don't forget to click the Subscribe to 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days via email link on the right side of the screen so you get email alerts when Diane adds a new post.
Tip #43 - Making Word Clouds
I think you’ll enjoy this easy and fun project that will
impress friends and family.
 |
| The Flintstones Word Cloud |
A word cloud is a collection of words displayed creatively. It was initially used to show visually the frequency of words on a web page and was a tool in optimizing it for search engines. Search engines rate a page by these word frequencies and store them in their databases and use them when you are doing a webpage search. The more frequently a word appears on a webpage, the larger the font size for that word. Now word clouds are used for many reasons, including creating unique gifts for special events. An internet search for “word clouds” will yield many websites. The results shown here were created using the website www.tagxedo.com.
 |
| Word list for the Word Cloud. Note how multiple words are connected using a tilde (~). |
When you’re finished creating the list, select the text
(Ctrl/Command + a) and copy it (Ctrl/Command + c). Open your browser and go to www.tagxedo.com.
Click the Create button to open the creation window. Click the Load button and
paste your list (Ctrl/Command + v) in the Enter Text box and then click the
Submit button.
Now the fun begins. Use the controls on the left to
change color themes, font, and other options. Experiment with the shape control
to force your word cloud into different shapes. You can even upload a shape to
customize the word cloud. In my example I used a dinosaur picture for my word
cloud. When you’re finished, click the Save option to save and print your
creation or the Gift button to create amazing gifts.
Have fun creating your own word clouds.
My book, 100 Amazing Computer Tips - Shortcuts, Tricks, and Advice to Help Everyone from Novice to Professional, is available NOW at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in both print and ebook formats. There's also a handy link on top right side of this window.
Happy computing!
Diane
Don't forget to click the Subscribe to 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days via email link on the right side of the screen so you get email alerts when Diane adds a new post.
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