How to Curve Text in Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)

To curve text in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365, put your text in WordArt or a text box, then go to Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform and choose a Follow Path style, such as Arch or Circle. Drag the small orange handle to make the curve tighter or looser, and drag the box’s corners to change its size and shape.

These steps work in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016 on Windows and Mac. Here’s how to make an arch, a full circle, and curved text around a picture.

How to curve text in Word

1. Click Insert > WordArt and pick a style. You can also use Insert > Text Box > Draw Text Box for plain text.
2. Type your text, replacing the placeholder.
3. Select the text box by clicking its border.
4. Go to the Shape Format tab and click Text Effects (the blue A) in the WordArt Styles group.
5. Point to Transform.
6. Under Follow Path, choose Arch (curves up), Arch: Down (curves down), or Circle.

How to adjust the curve

• Change how much it bends: Drag the small yellow or orange handle on the text box. Moving it changes where the curve starts and ends.
• Make it flatter or rounder: Drag a corner or side handle. A wide, short box gives a gentle arch. A tall, narrow box gives a steep one.
• Make the text bigger: Select the text and change the font size on the Home tab. With Follow Path styles, the text also resizes when you resize the box.
• Rotate it: Drag the circular arrow at the top of the box.

How to make text go in a full circle

1. Apply Transform > Follow Path > Circle.
2. Go to Shape Format and set the Height and Width to the same value in the Size group, such as 2.5″, so the circle isn’t stretched.
3. If the text doesn’t reach all the way around, make the font bigger or add spaces. If it overlaps itself, make the font smaller.
4. Drag the orange handle to move where the text starts.

For a logo or badge with text on the top and bottom, create two text boxes: one with Arch for the top and one with Arch: Down for the bottom. Line them up over a circle shape.

How to curve text around a picture or shape

1. Insert your picture or shape.
2. Create curved text with the steps above.
3. Select the text box, go to Shape Format > Wrap Text, and choose In Front of Text so you can move it freely.
4. Drag the curved text over the picture and resize it until it fits.
5. Hold Shift and click both objects, then choose Group > Group so they move together.

How to remove the text box outline

If you used a text box, select it, go to Shape Format > Shape Outline, and choose No Outline. Use Shape Fill > No Fill to remove the white background.

How to undo the curve

Select the text box and go to Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform > No Transform.

Curving text in Word on a Mac

The steps are the same. Insert WordArt or a text box, click the Shape Format tab, then choose Text Effects > Transform and a Follow Path style.

Can you curve text in Word for the web?

Word for the web doesn’t have the Transform effects, so you can’t curve text there. Curved text you create in the desktop app usually still displays correctly when you open the file online. If you don’t have the desktop app, you can make curved text in Google Docs using a workaround, or in PowerPoint for the web and copy it as a picture.

Frequently asked questions

Why don’t I see the Shape Format tab?

It appears only when a text box, WordArt, or shape is selected. Click the edge of the box to select it.

Why is my curved text so small?

With Follow Path styles, text size depends on the box size. Drag the corner handles to make the box bigger, or increase the font size.

Can I curve regular text in a paragraph?

No. Word can only curve text inside WordArt, a text box, or a shape. Cut the text from your paragraph and paste it into a text box first.

What’s the difference between Follow Path and Warp?

Follow Path bends the line of text along a curve while keeping letters the same shape. Warp styles stretch and distort the letters themselves, like a wave or bulge.