How to Insert WordArt in PowerPoint

To insert WordArt in PowerPoint, open the Insert tab, click WordArt, pick a style and type your text over the placeholder. Then use the Shape Format tab to change the fill, outline and effects, or choose Text Effects > Transform to curve or bend the text. You can also turn existing text into WordArt by selecting it and picking a WordArt style.

Quick Answer

Insert > WordArt > choose a style > type your text. Format it on the Shape Format tab.

Steps to Insert WordArt

1. Open the slide where you want the text.
2. Click Insert > WordArt.
3. Choose a style from the gallery.
4. Type your text to replace “Your text here”.
5. Drag the box to position it, and use the handles to resize it.
6. On Shape Format, use Text Fill, Text Outline and Text Effects to style it.

WordArt Formatting Options

Option	Where
Change the style	Shape Format > WordArt Styles gallery
Colour inside the letters	Shape Format > Text Fill
Letter outline	Shape Format > Text Outline
Curve or arch text	Text Effects > Transform
Shadow, glow, 3-D	Text Effects
Remove WordArt styling	WordArt Styles gallery > Clear WordArt

Curve or Bend WordArt

1. Select the WordArt box by clicking its border.
2. On the Shape Format tab, click Text Effects > Transform.
3. Under Follow Path, choose an arch, circle or button shape. Under Warp, choose a wave, slant or bulge.
4. Drag the small yellow handle to adjust how far the text curves, and drag the white sizing handles to change its overall shape.

To make text follow a full circle, choose the circle path and resize the box into a square so the curve stays even. The same Transform effects work in Word; see how to curve text in Word.

Fill WordArt With a Picture or Gradient

• Gradient: click Text Fill > Gradient and pick a light or dark variation, or choose More Gradients to set your own colours.
• Picture: click Text Fill > Picture, choose an image, and it shows through the letters. Thick, bold fonts work best.
• Outline only: set Text Fill to No Fill and give it a thick Text Outline for a hollow-letter look.

Add Shadow, Glow and 3-D Effects

Text Effects also offers Shadow, Reflection, Glow, Bevel and 3-D Rotation. Use one effect at a time and check the slide from a distance; stacked effects quickly become hard to read on a projector.

Remove WordArt Styling

To keep the text but drop the effects, select the WordArt and choose Shape Format > WordArt Styles gallery > Clear WordArt. To remove it completely, click the border and press Delete.

Tips for Readable WordArt

• Keep WordArt to a few words, such as a title or a single callout.
• Choose colours that contrast strongly with the slide background.
• Stick to one WordArt style per presentation so slides look consistent.
• Screen readers read WordArt as normal text, so the words still need to make sense on their own.

Troubleshooting

• WordArt button greyed out: Click on the slide itself (not in the notes pane) and try again.
• Font changes don’t apply: Select the text inside the box, not just the box, then change the font on the Home tab.
• Text not centered: See centering a text box in PowerPoint.
• Sharing the file: If you used a special font, see embedding fonts in PowerPoint.

Related: make bubble letters in Word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn an existing title into WordArt?

Yes. Select the text, open Shape Format and pick a WordArt style.

How do I curve WordArt?

Select it, then Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform and choose a Follow Path or Warp effect.

Is WordArt available in PowerPoint for the web?

The web version has more limited WordArt options than the desktop app, so some effects may not be available there.

Summary

1. Insert > WordArt.
2. Pick a style and type.
3. Format with Text Fill, Outline and Effects.
4. Use Transform to curve the text.