How to Curve Text in PowerPoint

PowerPoint How To  

Curving text in PowerPoint is useful if you're looking to create a circular logo, emphasize a title, or simply add some artistic elements. In this blog post, we step you through several options for how to curve text in PowerPoint.

Method 1: Curve Text in PowerPoint using Text Effects

1. Insert a Text Box or WordArt

  1. Open your PowerPoint presentation.
  2. Go to the Insert tab.
  3. Select Text Box or WordArt from the Text section.
  4. Click on the slide to place the text box or WordArt, and type in your desired text.

2. Apply Text Effects

PowerPoint for PC:

  1. Select the text box or WordArt on your PowerPoint slide.
  2. Go to the Format tab on the PowerPoint ribbon (or Shape Format tab if using WordArt).
  3. Click on Text Effects in the WordArt Styles group.
  4. Hover over Transform to see the available options.
  5. Choose a curve style from the Follow Path section, such as Arch Up or Arch Down.
Screenshot how to curve text in PowerPoint insert tab wordart transform options
Screenshot showing how to curve text in PowerPoint using Word art's Transform options

PowerPoint for Mac:

  1. Select the text box or WordArt on your PowerPoint slide.
  2. Go to the Shape Format tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
  3. Click on Text Effects.
  4. Hover over Transform and select a curve style from the Follow Path section.

Method 2: Curve Text in PowerPoint using Shapes

1. Insert a Shape

  1. Go to the Insert tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
  2. Select Shapes and choose a circular shape (e.g., Oval).
  3. Draw the shape on your PowerPoint slide.

2. Add Text to the Shape

  1. Right-click the shape and select Add Text.
  2. Type your desired text inside the shape.
  3. Adjust the font size and style as needed.

3. Curve the Text

  1. Select the shape with the text.
  2. Go to the Format tab (or Shape Format tab).
  3. Click on Text Effects.
  4. Hover over Transform and choose a curve style from the Follow Path section. The Follow Path options will curve the text to follow a similar curvature to the shape containing the text
Screenshot how to curve text in PowerPoint in a shape wordart transform follow path options
Screenshot showing how to curve text in a PowerPoint Shape using Word art's Transform > Follow Path options

Troubleshooting Tips for Curving text in PowerPoint

  1. Text Not Curving Correctly in PowerPoint:
    • Ensure you have selected the correct text box or WordArt.
    • Check that you are using the Transform options under Text Effects.
  2. Text Overlapping or Misaligned:
    • Adjust the size of the text box or shape.
    • Use the Yellow Handle to fine-tune the curvature and spacing of the text.
  3. Text Not Displaying Properly:
    • Verify that your PowerPoint version supports the text effects you are trying to use.
    • Update PowerPoint to the latest version if necessary.

We hope this guide has helped you to curve text in your PowerPoint presentation.


Head of Growth Courtney has been working in PowerPoint for 23 years - initially as a consultant at Accenture, then as a freelance strategy consultant and most recently as the Head of Growth for PPT Productivity. Courtney nominates PPT Productivity's Sticky Notes feature as her favorite

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