Changing Text Alignment and Spacing

PP07S-2.1.4, PP07S-2.2.6

PowerPoint enables you to control the way text lines up on the slide. You can align text horizontally to the left or right, to the center, or to both left and right (justify) in a text object. You can also align text vertically to the top, middle, or bottom within a text object (New!). In addition to vertical text alignment in a text object, you can also adjust the vertical space between selected lines and the space before and after paragraphs. You set specific line spacing settings before and after paragraphs in points. A point is equal to about 1/72 of an inch (or .0138 inches) and is used to measure the height of characters. Points are typically used in graphics and desktop publishing programs.

Adjust Line Spacing Quickly

Select the text box.

Click the Home tab.

Click the Line Spacing button, and then click 1.0 - 3.0.

Adjust Line Spacing Exactly

Select the text box.

Click the Home tab.

Click the Line Spacing button, and then click Line Spacing Options.

Click the Before Spacing or After Spacing up or down arrows to specify a setting.

Click the Line Spacing list arrow, and then select a setting.

If you select Exactly or Multiple, specify at what spacing you want.

Click OK.

Change Text Alignment Horizontally

Select the text box.

Click the Home tab.

Click an alignment button:

• Align Left to align text evenly along the left edge and is useful for paragraph text.

• Center to align text in the middle and is useful for titles and headings.

• Align Right to align text evenly along the right edge and is useful for text labels.

• Justify to align both left and right and is useful for column text.

Change Text Alignment Vertically

Select the text box.

Click the Home tab.

Click the Alight Text button, and then click one of the following:

• Top, Middle, or Bottom to quickly align text within a text box.

• More Options to select from additional alignment options, including Top Centered, Middle Centered, and Bottom Centered.

If you selected More Options, click the Vertical Alignment list arrow, and then select an align option.

If you selected More Options, click Close.