Creating a Text Box

PP07S-2.1.1, PP07S-2.1.5

Usually you use the title, subtitle, and bulleted list placeholders to place text on a slide. However, when you want to add text outside one of the standard placeholders, such as for an annotation to a slide or shape text, you can create a text box. Text boxes appear in all views and panes. In Outline pane, PowerPoint labels slides with multiple text boxes in numbered order (New!). Your text box doesn't have to be rectangularyou can also use one of PowerPoint's shapes, a collection of shapes that range from rectangles and circles to arrows and stars. When you place text in a shape, the text becomes part of object. You can format and change the object using Font options, as well as Shape and WordArt styles. You can also adjust the text margins with a text box or a shape to create the look you want.

Create a Text Box

In Normal view, click the Insert tab.

Click the Text Box button.

Perform one of the following:

• To add text that wraps, drag to create a box, and then start typing.

• To add text that doesn't wrap, click and then start typing.

To delete a text box, select it, and the press Delete.

Click outside the selection box to deselect the text box.

Did You Know?

You can use the sizing handles to adjust text boxes. If you create a text box without word wrapping and then find that the text spills over the edge of your slide, use the sizing handles to resize the text box so it fits on your slide. The text then wraps to the size of the box.

You can edit a text box. Click the text box, and then select the text you want to edit. Edit the text, and then click outside the text box to deselect it.

Add Text to a Shape

Click the Home or Insert tab.

Click the Shapes button to display a complete list of shapes.

Click the shape you want.

Drag to draw the shape on your slide.

Type your text.

Wrap and Adjust Text Margins

Select an object with text.

Click the Home tab.

Click the Drawing Dialog Box Launcher.

In the left pane, click Text Box.

Select the Wrap text in shape check box.

Use the Internal margin up and down arrows to change the left, right, top, and bottom slides of the shape.

Click Close.