Add Your Text Using WordArt
The first step to creating bent or curved text is to insert WordArt into your presentation.
Go to the Insert tab. In the Text group, select WordArt. Choose the style of text to add to your document. You’ll customize or change the text style after it’s been inserted. Highlight the sample text provided and enter your text.
Alter the Text Path
Once your WordArt is inserted, you will highlight the text and alter the text path.
Select the WordArt text box. Select Text Effects. Point to Transform. Choose an effect from the Follow Path section or Warp section. To see how the effect will look with your text, point to it to preview the effect on the slide.
Each Transform option may be adjusted to scale your text and preserve readability. A control handle appears at different locations within the text box (sometimes the border, sometimes in the center). Drag the control handle to adjust the path so that your text is just right for your presentation. On a PC, the control handle is a yellow circle; on a Mac, it’s a pink square.
Use Follow Path to Create Bent or Circular Text
The Follow Path option allows you to manipulate the text in a curve, either an arc or a full circle. The size of your text box may determine the shape of the curve. For example, a perfectly square text box will give a perfect circle as the path.
To adjust the curve of the path, drag the control handle.
Use Warp to Bend and Enhance Text
By contrast, the Warp option bends and stretches text with a variety of pre-programmed options.
The image below illustrates the Fade Up style, which may be adjusted using the control handle.
Change the Style of Curved Text in PowerPoint
WordArt can be adjusted and customized easily. Highlight the WordArt text box, go to Drawing Tools Format, and select a different Shape Style. Choose Text Fill or Text Outline to customize the colors. To change the font, go to Home and choose a different font style.
