There are times when we want to curve text in PowerPoint. This could be to encapsulate a shape such as a circle or give some artistic effects to the text in PowerPoint. Either way, it is important to know how to bend or curve text in PowerPoint!
To curve text in PowerPoint, first, select the text in the text box. Then, click on the “Format” tab. Next, click on the “Text Effects” option under “WordArt Styles”. From the dropdown, click on “Transform” and choose one of the “Follow Path” options provided as per requirement.
That said, knowing exactly which option to choose can vary based on the desired outcome. So, in this article, I will share with you exactly what you need to do to curve text in PowerPoint. Plus, in the end, I will also show you how to curve text around a shape in PowerPoint!
So, let’s get started!
How to Curve Text in PowerPoint?
Although I have already shared the steps that you need to follow in the introduction paragraph, we will take a look at the process in detail with visual references in this section.
The process to curve text in PowerPoint is actually quite simple. Let’s take a look at the detailed steps below –
Step 1 – Select the Text Box
The first step is to select the text box that contains the text that you want to curve in PowerPoint.
Step 2 – Add the Transform Text Effect
Next, we need to apply the curve text effect.
To do that, click on the “Format” tab. Then, click on the “Text Effects” option. You will see a dropdown with multiple other options.
Click on the “Transform” button and another side menubar will appear with multiple other options to transform the text.
Simply choose the style that you would like to apply. Although you can choose one of many different options, I would recommend going with either the “Arch Up” or “Arch Down” options (as indicated in the image above).
Step 3 – Increase the Size of the Text Box
Once you have added the effect to the text in the text box, you will see that the text now appears curved. However, it may not appear exactly as per your requirement.
So for that, you will need to adjust the size of the text box by dragging either the top or the bottom sides of the text box.
The more square your text box appears, the better the effect of the curved text. So, do keep that in mind!
Step 4 – Increase the Font Size
You can also increase the size of the font to get a better effect on the curved text. Although this step is completely optional, I would still recommend doing this as a way to adjust the text in a perfectly curved manner.
Step 5 – Final Adjustments
The final step of the process would be to do the finer adjustments. You may want to further adjust the size of the text effect as well as the font size in tandem in order to get the desired output (as shown in the image).
You can also use WordArt instead of normal text to give an even more artistic effect to your text. If you want to know more about WordArt in PowerPoint, I’ve written an entire article detailing everything you need to know about it. Click on the link to check out that article.
Related Article – How to Format Text in PowerPoint Correctly? [A Complete Guide!]
In the next section, we will learn about how to curve text around a circular shape. But first, if you are wondering how to implement the curve text effect in one of the older versions of PowerPoint, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s check it out! (or skip this section and jump directly to how to curve text in a circle in PowerPoint!)
How to Curve Text in PowerPoint 2007
If you are using PowerPoint 2007, although the process remains pretty much the same. However, there is a slight variance in the navigation of finding the exact options.
Here’s how to curve text in PowerPoint 2007 –
- Select the text
- A “Drawing Tool” menu appears.
- From this menu, click on “Format tab”
- Next, click on “Text Effects”, and then on “Transform”
Locating the curve text effect in PowerPoint 2007 is quite straightforward even though the navigation is slightly different.
Also, I would highly recommend that you upgrade your PowerPoint application to the latest and the greatest Office 365 version. It comes with several new features that help you maintain the design of your presentation with the latest design trends!
How to Curve Text in PowerPoint 2010
The process to add a curve text effect in PowerPoint 2010 is similar to the process that I have described above.
To curve text in PowerPoint 2010, simply select the text. Then, click on the “Format” tab. Next, click on the “Text Effects” option. From the dropdown, click on the “Transform” option, and finally, click on “Arch Up” or “Arch Down” effects from the “Follow Path” section.
If you need a visual aid to this process, simply scroll up and check out the steps mentioned with pictures.
The process to curve text in PowerPoint is the same for PowerPoint 2010, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019, and for Office 365.
How to Curve Text in PowerPoint on Mac?
Again, the process of adding curve text in PowerPoint on Mac doesn’t really vary as such. However, the nomenclature of certain buttons can change.
To curve text in PowerPoint on Mac, simply select the text. Then, click on the “Shape Format” tab. Next, click on the “Text Effects” option. From the dropdown, click on the “Transform” option. Finally, click on “Arch Up” or “Arch Down” effects from the “Follow Path” section.
How to Curve Text in a Circle in PowerPoint?
Okay, so now you know how to curve text in PowerPoint. However, if you are trying to curve text around a circular shape, you may have noticed that it is a bit of a tough task!
So, in this section, we will get to see the exact steps to curve text in a circle in PowerPoint!
Step 1 – Increase the Size of the Text Box to a Square
As before, we will start working with the text first.
Select the text box, and increase the size of the text box to make it a perfect square. You won’t be able to drag a side of the text box to do this.
Thus, to make the text box a perfect square, click on the “Format” tab. Then, adjust the height of the text box to match with that of the width. Basically, make sure that both the values are the same. You can enter the values manually to edit them.
Step 2 – Add the Transform Text Effect
Next, add the transform text effect.
Here, in the “Shape Format” tab, click on the “Text Effects” option. From the dropdown, click on “Transform“, and choose the “Circle” effect option from the “Follow Path” section.
Step 3 – Increase the Font Size
You will notice that the text is curved. But it isn’t yet in a full circle. To curve the text in a circle, increase the font size.
There is no magic font size that works for everyone. So, you will have to do a trial and error method to see what is the perfect font size for your text depending on the number of characters.
Step 4 – Change the Arc Length
Once you increased the font size and curved the text into a circular shape, you can also adjust the starting point of the circular text by changing the “Arc Length”.
To do that, simply click on the “arc rotation handle” represented by the “yellow” dot, and drag it in any one direction.
Step 5 – Final Adjustments
The last step is to do some fine tuning. Move the text around a circular shape pre-existing on a slide to give a nice effect.
Then, feel free to change the size of the circular text by either adjusting the size of the box or by increasing or decreasing the font size.
Finally, you may want to change the color of the text to align with the overall design of your slide!
And, voila! You’ve now successfully learned how to curve text in a circle in PowerPoint!
I hope you found this tutorial helpful. Feel free to check out some of the other tutorials that you may find helpful as well.
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- How to Create a Perfect Semi-circle in PowerPoint!
Credit to diana.grytsku (on Freepik) for the featured image of this article (further edited)