How to Edit WordArt in PowerPoint?

Editing WordArt in PowerPoint allows you to customize its appearance, content, and style to perfectly fit your presentation's design.

Understanding WordArt Editing Basics

When you want to modify WordArt in PowerPoint, the first crucial step is to select it. This action automatically brings up the necessary tools for extensive customization.

1. Select the WordArt: Click directly on the WordArt text box or the specific WordArt text or letters you wish to change.
2. Access the Drawing Tools Format Tab: Upon selection, the Drawing Tools Format tab will appear in the PowerPoint ribbon. This tab is your primary hub for all WordArt-specific modifications.

Modifying WordArt Appearance (Fill, Outline, Effects)

The Drawing Tools Format tab provides a wide array of options to alter the visual properties of your WordArt, including its color, outline, and various artistic effects.

Here’s how to change the color of your WordArt, specifically its fill and outline, as well as apply other visual enhancements:

• Change Text Fill Color:

  1. With your WordArt selected, navigate to the Drawing Tools Format tab.
  2. In the "WordArt Styles" group, click on Text Fill.
  3. From the dropdown menu, pick the color you want for the inside of your WordArt text. You can choose from theme colors, standard colors, or even use the Eyedropper tool to pick a color from anywhere on your screen.

• Change Text Outline Color:

  1. Ensure your WordArt is selected, and you are on the Drawing Tools Format tab.
  2. In the "WordArt Styles" group, click on Text Outline.
  3. Select the desired color for the border of your WordArt text. You can also adjust the outline's weight (thickness) or add dashes from this menu.

• Apply Text Effects:

  1. With your WordArt selected on the Drawing Tools Format tab.
  2. Click on Text Effects in the "WordArt Styles" group.
  3. Explore various categories like:
     • Shadow: Add a shadow to give your text depth.
     • Reflection: Create a mirrored image below your text.
     • Glow: Add a luminous halo around your text.
     • Bevel: Give your text a 3D, carved, or raised appearance.
     • 3-D Rotation: Rotate your text in three-dimensional space.
     • Transform: Apply unique paths and distortions to your text, curving it, waving it, or making it follow a custom path.

To see the effect of your changes, click outside of your text box.

Changing WordArt Text Content

To modify the actual words or characters within your WordArt:

• Direct Editing: Simply click inside the WordArt text box as you would with any regular text box. The WordArt will behave like editable text, allowing you to type, delete, or rephrase your content.

Adjusting Font and Size

While the Drawing Tools Format tab focuses on visual styles, basic text properties like font and size are typically managed from the Home tab.

• Font and Size:
  1. Select the WordArt text.
  2. Go to the Home tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
  3. Use the Font group to change the typeface, font size, apply bolding, italics, or underlining, and even change the text color directly (though Text Fill on the Drawing Tools Format tab offers more specific WordArt-style options).

Summary of WordArt Editing Options

For a quick reference, here's a summary of common WordArt editing actions:

Tips for Effective WordArt Use

• Less is More: Use WordArt judiciously for emphasis, not for entire paragraphs.
• Contrast: Ensure your WordArt colors contrast well with your presentation background for readability.
• Consistency: Try to maintain a consistent style throughout your presentation for a professional look.
• Group for Movement: If you combine WordArt with other shapes or text boxes, consider grouping them (Ctrl + G) so they move together.

By leveraging these editing tools, you can transform simple text into dynamic visual elements that enhance the impact of your PowerPoint presentations.