How to Curve Text in PowerPoint (WordArt & Transform)

Curving text in PowerPoint is useful if you're looking to create a circular logo, emphasize a title, or simply to add some artistic elements. But if you’ve ever tried to curve text in PowerPoint, you’ll know the steps aren’t obvious, and the results can look distorted if you don’t adjust the settings correctly.

This guide steps you through several options for how to curve text in PowerPoint, with screenshots, troubleshooting tips, and practical examples.

Option 1: Curve Text in PowerPoint using Text Effects (Follow Path)

This is the most commonly used method and the one we would recommend.

Step 1: Insert a Text Box or WordArt

Go to the Insert tab and select Text Box or WordArt from the Text section. Then click on the slide to place the text box or WordArt, and type in your desired text.

Step 2: Apply the Curve via Text Effects

If using PowerPoint for PC:

Select the text box or WordArt on your PowerPoint slide. Go to the Format tab on the PowerPoint ribbon (or Shape Format tab if using WordArt).

Click on Text Effects in the WordArt Styles group. Hover over Transform to see the available options. Choose a curve style from the Follow Path section - options include Arch Up, Arch Down, Circle and Button.

If using PowerPoint for Mac:

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

Step 3: Adjust the Curve

You can drag the adjustment handle to tighten or flatten the curve.

You can also resize the text box - making a text box wider will make a gentler curve in the text, while a narrower text box reshapes the curve into a tighter arc.

Option 2: Curve Text in PowerPoint using Shapes

More most scenarios Option 1 will be the best option. However if you want text to wrap around a circle (eg a badge or a seal effect) then this option is recommended.

Step 1: Insert a Circle

Go to the Insert tab on the PowerPoint ribbon. Select Shapes and choose a circular shape (us the Oval shape from the drop down - you can reshape this to be either a circle or an oval), then draw the shape on your PowerPoint slide. Hold the shift key while drawing to create a perfect circle.

Step 2: Add Text to the Circle

• Right-click the shape and select Add Text.
• Type your desired text inside the shape, then adjust the font size and style as needed.

Step 3: Curve the Text

• Select the shape with the text.
• Go to the Format tab (or Shape Format tab if using a Mac). Click on Text Effects.
• 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

Troubleshooting Tips for Curving text in PowerPoint

Tip 1: Text Not Curving Correctly in PowerPoint

• Make sure you have selected the correct text box or WordArt.
• Check that you are using the Transform options under Text Effects (not Shape Effects).

Tip 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.
• You can also go to Home - Font - Character spacing to increase spacing between letters

Tip 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 helps you to successfully curve text in your PowerPoint presentations!

If you regularly create branded slides, logos, or stylised headings, PPT Productivity’s formatting shortcuts can help you work faster across all your presentations.