How to Outline Text in Word

Outlined text shows letters as a colored border with a hollow or contrasting fill, a popular look for headings, posters and flyers. Word can outline any text with the Text Effects menu, and you can control the outline’s color, thickness and dash style. This guide covers the quick method, fine control in the Format Text Effects pane, outlining WordArt and text boxes, and Word for Mac and the web.

Quick Answer

Select the text, go to Home > Text Effects and Typography (the A with a glowing outline), point to Outline, and pick a color. Use Weight in the same menu to make the outline thicker.

Method 1: Text Effects Menu

1. Select the text.
2. On the Home tab, click Text Effects and Typography in the Font group.
3. Point to Outline and choose a color.
4. Point to Outline > Weight to set thickness, and Dashes for a dashed line.

For hollow letters, set the font color to white (or the page color) after adding the outline. Bold, heavy fonts outline best.

Method 2: Format Text Effects for Full Control

1. Select the text and press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog.
2. Click Text Effects at the bottom.
3. Open Text Fill & Outline (the A icon).
4. Under Text Fill, choose No fill for fully hollow letters, or a color or gradient.
5. Under Text Outline, choose Solid line or Gradient line, then set Color, Width, Transparency and Dash type.
6. Click OK twice.

Outline WordArt or Text in a Shape

1. Click the WordArt or text box and select its text.
2. On the Shape Format tab, use Text Outline in the WordArt Styles group.

This is different from Shape Outline, which outlines the box itself.

Remove an Outline

Select the text, open Text Effects > Outline, and choose No Outline. Or press Ctrl + Spacebar to clear all character formatting.

Word for Mac and Word for the Web

• Mac: Home > Text Effects > Outline, or Format > Font > Text Effects for detailed settings.
• Web: Word for the web has limited text effects; outlines created in the desktop app display correctly, but you may not be able to add or edit them online.

Design Tips

• Use outlines on large headings (36 pt and up); on body text they hurt readability.
• Pair a dark outline with a light fill, or vice versa, for contrast.
• Add a subtle Shadow from the same menu for depth.
• Save the look as a style: right-click the formatted text > Styles > Create a Style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my outline look thin?

Increase the weight to 1.5 pt or more, and use a bold font.

Can I outline text in a table?

Yes. Select the text in the cells and use Text Effects the same way.

How do I outline text in Google Docs?

Google Docs has no text outline option; use Insert > Drawing > Word art, which has border settings.

Summary

1. Select text and choose Home > Text Effects > Outline.
2. Set weight and dashes in the same menu.
3. Use Font > Text Effects for hollow letters and gradients.
4. Choose No Outline to remove it.