Creating curved text in PowerPoint 2013 is a fun way to add some pizzazz to your presentations. You’ll be using the Word Art feature and manipulating the text shape to curve it around your desired path. It’s a simple process that can give your slides a professional and engaging look. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Make Curved Text in Powerpoint 2013
Before we begin, let’s quickly understand what we’re about to do. We will be transforming plain, straight text into an eye-catching curved format using PowerPoint’s in-built features.
Step 1: Insert Word Art
Select the ‘Insert’ tab and click on ‘Word Art’ to choose your desired style.
Word Art is a feature in PowerPoint that allows for more creative text formatting. After selecting a style, a text box will appear on your slide where you can type in your message.
Step 2: Enter Your Text
Type the text you want to curve inside the Word Art text box.
Make sure your text is concise and fits well within the slide. Longer texts might not curve as nicely and can look cluttered.
Step 3: Format the Text Shape
With the text selected, click on the ‘Format’ tab, then click the ‘Text Effects’ dropdown, and select ‘Transform.’
The Transform option is where the magic happens. You’ll see a variety of text shapes, including several curved options. Hover over the options to see how your text will change.
Step 4: Choose a Curved Path
Under the ‘Follow Path’ section in the ‘Transform’ menu, select the curve style you want to apply to your text.
There are different types of curves – some arc upwards, some downwards, and others create a complete circle. Play around and see which one suits your design the best.
Step 5: Adjust the Curvature
If necessary, adjust the curvature by dragging the adjustment handles on your Word Art text box.
These handles are small points on the edge of your text box that, when dragged, will change the curve’s radius. Be gentle though; a little drag goes a long way!
After following these steps, your text will be curved beautifully around your chosen path, adding a dynamic twist to your PowerPoint slide.
Tips: Making the Most of Curved Text in PowerPoint 2013
- Experiment with different Word Art styles to see which one complements your curved text the best.
- Less is more! Keep your curved text short and sweet for the best visual impact.
- Play around with the placement of your curved text. Sometimes, moving it to the edge of a slide can create an interesting look.
- If your curved text isn’t looking quite right, try adjusting the font size or the space between letters.
- Remember, readability is key. Make sure your curved text is legible and easy to read from afar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I curve text without using Word Art?
No, the curving effect in PowerPoint 2013 is only available through the Word Art feature.
Can I apply curved text to existing text boxes?
Yes, you can convert an existing text box into Word Art by selecting the text box, then going to the ‘Format’ tab and clicking ‘Text Effects’ followed by ‘Transform.’
How do I edit the text after I’ve curved it?
Simply click on the curved text to bring up the text box, and edit the text as you would normally.
Can I animate curved text in PowerPoint?
Yes, you can apply animation effects to curved text just like any other object in PowerPoint.
Is there a limit to how much text I can curve?
While there’s no technical limit, too much text can look crowded and become hard to read once curved.
Summary
- Insert Word Art
- Enter text
- Format the Text Shape
- Choose a Curved Path
- Adjust the Curvature
Conclusion
Curving text in PowerPoint 2013 can truly transform the look and feel of your presentations. It adds an element of design that straight text simply can’t match. Whether you’re looking to make a title stand out or add some flair to a quote, curved text is a fantastic tool at your disposal. Remember to keep the text readable and not to overdo it – subtlety is often the key to a sophisticated design. With the steps outlined above, you’re well-equipped to start experimenting with curved text in your next PowerPoint project. Happy curving!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
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