Changing Text Object Attributes

This next section covers how the text object affects the text contained in it and how to control the text object itself. Each of the following sections explains a different option or feature, and the title object is used as the sample object.

Adding a Border or Fill

The first feature is adding a border or fill (shading) to your text object, which is a great way to make text stand out from the crowd . Figure 24.7 shows how a text object can be formatted with borders and shading.

Figure 24.7. A text object shown with a border and a gradient fill.

Gradient fill is a very cool special effect that you can use with almost every PowerPoint object. With a gradient fill effect, one color gradually fades into black, white, or another color. PowerPoint also has several preset color schemes from which you can choose. To add a border or fill to a text object, follow these steps:

1. Click anywhere in the text object to which you want to add a border or fill to select it.

2. Choose Format, Placeholder from the menu (the last option in the Format menu), to display the Format AutoShape dialog box.

3. Select the Colors and Lines tab.

4. If you want to add a fill, select an option from the Color drop-down list in the Fill section.

5. If you want a border, select a line color from the Color drop-down list in the Line section of the dialog box.

6. Change the Style, Dashed, and Weight options for the border, if you want.

7. Click the Preview button to preview your changes before accepting them.

8. Click the OK button when you're finished.

Setting the Text Anchor Point

When you're trying to get the best look for your presentation, you can control how the text is anchored within a text object, especially when you have used a border or fill option. The text anchor point is the point where the text sits in the object. Text can be anchored to an object position at the top, middle, bottom, top center, middle center, or bottom center. Figure 24.8 shows two text objects, each with a different anchor point. If you need to change the anchor point, follow these steps:

1. Select the text object.

2. Choose Format, Placeholder from the menu.

3. Select the Text Box tab.

4. Select a new anchor point from the Text Anchor Point drop-down list.

5. Click the Preview button to see a preview of your change.

6. Click the OK button.

Figure 24.8. Message text is anchored to the middle and bottom of the text box.