Add Text to PowerPoint and Create Stunning Effects
7 minutes read
Want impactful presentation text? Learn how to master working with text and using custom text effects to make your points stand out on PowerPoint slides.
Introduction to Text in PowerPoint
Getting proficient with a new app like PowerPoint is easy when you take it one tool at a time. A crucial skill is how to add text in PowerPoint. After all, PowerPoint text is the primary means by which you’ll convey information.
It’s easy to begin working with text in PowerPoint, but there’s a lot of potential beneath the surface. Learning how to add text effects in PPT will help you make a lasting impression. As you add text to a slide, these features will keep your content dynamic.
Your PowerPoint presentation doesn’t have to adhere to standard fonts like Calibri or Times New Roman! Continue reading this tutorial to explore how to add eye-catching text in PowerPoint.
Quick Overview: Using Text Effects in PowerPoint
Watch the video below for a walkthrough of how to work with text in PowerPoint. This screencast illustrates various methods for adding text in PPT. You will learn to start changing text and applying text effects.
This guide will provide an illustrated overview of using font options in Microsoft PowerPoint, selecting text styles, and applying text effects. You’ll discover how to highlight text, create WordArt effects, and more.
Adding Text in PowerPoint
PowerPoint is a powerful multimedia tool that enhances successful presentations with diverse content:
- Text
- Images
- Videos
- Charts
- And more
However, that first key ingredient—text—makes all the difference. Text forms the foundation of any successful presentation.
It’s easy to fall into a routine of using plain font styles, which can be acceptable at times! But with a few quick adjustments, you can elevate your text into something special that complements your design aesthetic and resonates with your audience.
We’ll use the beautiful Karbon PowerPoint Presentation Template to explore how to work with text styles in PPT. As you learn to add text in PPT, you’ll see that this template includes many pre-built ideas. Download it from Envato Elements today!
Note: The tips in this section were written using Windows and Office 365. If you’re using a different operating system or version of PowerPoint, your steps may vary slightly.
1. Replacing Text Placeholders
On most slide layouts, you will start with text placeholders—PowerPoint text boxes where you can add your own text.
These placeholders may appear as empty text boxes with prompts like “Click to add title.” In pre-made PowerPoint presentations, they might contain starter text that you can replace with your own content.
To add your text, simply click in these boxes and replace the placeholder text. Learning how to add text in PPT can be as straightforward as replacing placeholders.
Starter text like this is a hallmark of premium templates, providing a powerful time-saver. Instead of inserting text boxes from scratch, they’re already laid out for you. Just swap the default text for your own, and you can create stunning slides in no time.
2. Adding a Text Box in PowerPoint
Now that you understand how to replace text, if you need to add more text outside the built-in placeholders, you can create a new text box.
To do this, select the Insert > Text Box option. This will allow you to add a text box from scratch.
Click and drag on the slide to draw your text box. I recommend making your text box slightly larger than the expected text size.
Once your box is on the slide, type in it to add text. Be sure to leave room for text growth as you refine your slide.
Changing Font Appearance
You’re off to a great start learning how to add text in PowerPoint! You’ve added text to your slides using placeholders or new text boxes. But now, it’s time to modify how that text appears.
PowerPoint offers many options for styling text. Knowing how to add text to PPT is just the beginning; you can enhance your design by creatively styling the text on your slides.
To style text in PowerPoint, begin by selecting the contents of a text box. Navigate to the Home tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon. The Font group, located on the left, acts as the control center for font and text design in PowerPoint, offering a plethora of creative options.
This toolbar provides various features for styling text, including:
- Bold: Make your font heavier and thicker.
- Italic: Add a lean effect, ideal for captions or annotations.
- Underline: A popular tool for headings with a horizontal line below the text.
- Text Shadow: Enhance contrast and readability with a shadow.
- Strikethrough: Create a horizontal line through the center of your text.
- Character Spacing: Adjust the space between each character.
- Change Case: Convert text between uppercase, lowercase, and sentence case.
- Text Highlight Color: Highlight selected text with a color.
- Font Color: Select any color to change your text color.
- Font: Choose from various typefaces.
- Font Size: Increase or decrease text size as needed.
- Increase Font Size: Make your text larger.
- Decrease Font Size: Make your text smaller.
- Clear All Formatting: Reset text formatting to default.
When thinking about formatting text in PowerPoint, consider combining these features. For example, use bolded and highlighted text or increase font size while applying a strikethrough. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination and design style.
Using Built-In PowerPoint Text Effects
PowerPoint includes an impressive array of pre-built text effects. You don’t need to style them yourself; simply apply them to selected text with a click.
To explore these options, select some text on a slide. Then, click on the Shape Format tab in PowerPoint’s ribbon.
One of the first options you should try is the WordArt Styles menu, featuring one-click designs. Click on the More drop-down to see the full list of styles available. Click on any of the PowerPoint text effects to apply your chosen style to the selected text.
In addition to pre-built styles, you can fully customize your text effects. As you continue learning how to add text to PPT, these options will significantly enhance your designs.
To the right of the WordArt presets, you’ll find the Text Effects dropdown. Here, you can choose from effects like Shadow, Reflection, Glow, Bevel, and more to modify your text.
These options serve as one-click presets for your text. If you want complete customization, keep reading!
Creating Custom Text Effects in PowerPoint
If you have a unique idea for styling your text, let’s explore the Format Text Effects option. This hidden menu offers advanced features for creating text effects in PowerPoint.
With your text selected, right-click on it and choose Format Text Effects. A new window will appear on the right with numerous advanced options for text effects:
Here are three key options for working with your text from the Text Options menu:
1. Text Fill & Outline
The first option provides settings for Fill and Line. You can apply various fills, including patterns, gradients, or images. You can also add borders with solid or gradient outlines for your text.
2. Text Effects
The text effects menu contains many of the same options mentioned earlier, allowing you to customize the way they are applied. Experiment with different effects to see how they can enhance your text.
3. Textbox Settings
This option modifies how the text container behaves. You can choose vertical text alignment and adjust margins in this section.
Adding Text Animation
After you have added text effects in PPT, consider bringing them to life with animations! Animation in PowerPoint is a powerful way to control the flow of your presentation and can make your text appear or disappear from the slide.
To apply an animation, select your block of text and click on the Animations tab in PowerPoint’s ribbon. Choose one of the animation styles, such as Fade, from the available options.
You can preview your animation to see how it looks in action, allowing you to refine your presentation further.
Conclusion
Mastering text is an essential skill for PowerPoint proficiency. In this tutorial, you learned various techniques for working with text, from inserting basic text to creating text effects in PowerPoint.
Remember: Text is not just a means of communication; it’s a reflection of your personal style. Ensure your presentations are memorable by stylizing fonts and incorporating creative effects.
Now that you know how to add text to PPT, it’s time to practice your skills!