Outlining a font in PowerPoint is a simple process that can add emphasis and style to your text. To do this, you’ll need to select the text box containing the text you want to outline, go to the ‘Format’ tab, click on ‘Text Effects’, hover over ‘Outline’, and choose your desired outline color and weight. After completing these steps, your text will have a nice outline that makes it pop on the slide.
After you complete the action of outlining a font, the text will have a visible border around it. This can help your text stand out against the background and can be particularly useful if you’re dealing with busy slides or want to draw attention to specific information.
Introduction
When creating a PowerPoint presentation, you want to make sure your slides are not only informative but also visually appealing. One of the ways to achieve this is by adding outlines to your fonts. This simple design tweak can make your text pop and ensure it’s readable against any background. But why is this important? Imagine you’re giving a presentation in a large room. Those sitting at the back need to see your content clearly, and outlined text can help with that.
It’s also a great way to highlight titles or important points you want your audience to remember. Whether you’re a student presenting a project, a business professional pitching to clients, or a teacher creating educational material, knowing how to outline a font in PowerPoint is a skill that can make your presentations stand out. So let’s dive into the steps to accomplish this task.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Outline a Font in PowerPoint
Before we start, it’s worth mentioning that outlining a font can give your presentation a professional look. Let’s see how we can do that.
Step 1: Select the Text Box
Click on the text box that contains the text you want to outline.
Selecting the right text box is crucial because any changes you make will only apply to the text within that box. If you have multiple text boxes, repeat the process for each one.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Format’ Tab
Navigate to the ‘Format’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
This tab contains many formatting options for your text and other elements in your presentation. It’s like a toolbox for making your slides look great.
Step 3: Click on ‘Text Effects’
In the ‘Format’ tab, click on ‘Text Effects’ to reveal a dropdown menu.
‘Text Effects’ offers a variety of options to enhance your text, including shadows, reflections, and of course, outlines.
Step 4: Hover Over ‘Outline’
In the ‘Text Effects’ dropdown, hover over ‘Outline’ to see outline options.
Hovering over ‘Outline’ will display a side menu where you can choose the color and thickness of your text outline.
Step 5: Choose Outline Color and Weight
Select your preferred outline color and then adjust the weight (thickness) to your liking.
The color and weight of the outline can significantly affect the visibility of your text. Choose a color that contrasts well with your text color and background.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhances Readability | Outlining your font can make your text more readable, especially against complex backgrounds or in large rooms where people are viewing the slideshow from a distance. |
| Adds Emphasis to Key Points | An outline can draw attention to important parts of your presentation, ensuring that your audience focuses on the crucial information. |
| Increases Aesthetic Appeal | Outlined text often looks more professional and can add a touch of style to your slides, helping to keep your audience engaged. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Can Overcomplicate Slides | If used excessively, outlines can make slides look busy and distract from the message you’re trying to convey. |
| May Not Suit All Presentations | Some presentations require a more minimalistic approach, and outlined fonts may not fit the aesthetic. |
| Takes Additional Time | Outlining fonts adds an extra step to your presentation design process, which could be significant if you’re pressed for time. |
Additional Information
Outlining a font in PowerPoint can be a neat trick to have up your sleeve, but it’s essential to use it wisely. Remember, the goal is to enhance your presentation, not detract from it. So, it’s best to use outlines on key points or titles rather than all your text. Moreover, consider the colors you use; you want enough contrast to ensure the text is legible but not so much that it’s jarring to the eyes.
Also, keep in mind the theme of your presentation. If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, maybe a thin, subtle outline will do the trick. Or, if your presentation has more of a fun, bold vibe, you might opt for a thicker, more colorful outline. Play around with different styles to see what works best for your specific needs.
Summary
- Select the text box with the text you want to outline.
- Go to the ‘Format’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
- Click on ‘Text Effects.’
- Hover over ‘Outline.’
- Choose your desired outline color and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I outline text in any version of PowerPoint?
Yes, the feature to outline text is available in all modern versions of PowerPoint.
Will outlining my font affect the way my text prints?
No, the outline will also appear in printed versions of your slides, enhancing readability.
Can I apply an outline to just one word in a text box?
Yes, you can select individual words and apply the outline effect to them separately.
Is there a way to save my outline settings for future use?
PowerPoint doesn’t have a feature to save text effect settings, but you can copy and paste the formatted text to use the same effects elsewhere.
What if I don’t see the ‘Format’ tab?
Make sure you’ve selected a text box. If it’s still not visible, try double-clicking on the text box to bring up the ‘Format’ tab.
Conclusion
Outlining a font in PowerPoint is a nifty way to add a professional flare to your presentations. It’s a simple process that can make a world of difference in the clarity and visual appeal of your slides.
Remember to use this feature sparingly and strategically to emphasize the most critical parts of your presentation. With the right approach, outlined text can transform your slides from mundane to memorable. So, why not give it a try and see how it can improve your next PowerPoint presentation?
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.