How to Outline Text in PowerPoint – Step by Step Guide

Getting Started With Text Outlines in PowerPoint

Insert Text Box

STEP 1: Open your presentation or create a new slide.

STEP 2: Click on the Insert tab.

STEP 3: Select Text Box to draw a new text box onto the slide.

STEP 4: With the text box in place, you can now type in your desired content.

Select Text for Outlining

STEP 1: Click on the text box that contains your desired text.

STEP 2: Drag your mouse across the text or double-click to select a single word.

STEP 3: If you want to select all the text within a text box, press Ctrl + A (on Windows) or Cmd + A (on Mac).

 

How to Add Text Outline

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP 1: With your text selected, go to the Format tab.

STEP 2: Click on the Text Outline button.
STEP 3: Select a color by clicking on it. If you want more options, click on More Outline Colors.

STEP 4: Once chosen, the outline color will instantly update around your selected text.

Adjust Outline Thickness

STEP 1: With your text selected, click on the Format tab.

STEP 2: Click on Text Outline, and then select Weight in the dropdown menu.

STEP 3: You’ll see options ranging from ‘Hairline’ to ‘Thick’. Selecting one will change the outline weight immediately.

 

Advanced Text Outlining Techniques

Apply Dashes

STEP 1: After selecting your outlined text, go to the Format tab.

STEP 2: Click on Text Outline and then choose Dashes.

STEP 3: Select a style. It will be applied to your text.

No Fill

STEP 1: Go to the Format tab.

STEP 2: Select Text Fill > No Fill.

This option will eliminate the color within the outline entirely.

Text Masks

STEP 1: Insert an image that you want to fill your text with.

STEP 2: Add your text over the image in a large, bold font for better visibility.

STEP 3: Select the text box, go to the ‘Format’ tab, and choose ‘Text Fill’.

STEP 4: Select ‘Picture’ and choose the same image you used as the background.

STEP 5: Select and delete the background image.

Common Problems While Outlining Text

How to Remove Text Outline

If your text outline isn’t exactly shaping up as you envisioned, don’t fret! Removing it is a quick and easy process:

STEP 1: Select the text with the outline you wish to remove.

STEP 2: Head over to the ‘Format’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.

STEP 3: Click on ‘Text Outline’ and then choose ‘No Outline’ from the dropdown menu.

STEP 4: Your text will now appear without an outline, and you can review the changes to ensure it matches your desired look.

Tips for Compatibility Across Different PowerPoint Versions

• Use widely available fonts to make sure that your text displays correctly on every version of PowerPoint.
• Some PowerPoint versions may not support the latest features. If you’re going to share your presentation with users who might have older versions, avoid using features introduced only in the newest PowerPoint versions.
• Open and edit your presentation in different versions of PowerPoint to see how elements like text outlines behave. Make adjustments as necessary.
• In some cases, saving your presentation as a .ppt file instead of the newer .pptx format can improve compatibility with older software.
• If you used specific features for your text outlines, include a set of instructions or a “Read Me” slide explaining how to edit the text for those who might be using an older version.

 

FAQs

How to outline text effectively in PowerPoint?

To outline text effectively in PowerPoint, follow the steps below:

• Select the text box
• Go to the Format tab
• Click on Text Outline.
• Choose a color.

How to change the outline thickness?

• Select the text box
• Go to the Format tab
• Click on Text Outline.
• Select Weight
• Choose the thickness you want.

How to remove a text outline?

Follow the steps below to remove a text outline:

• Select the text
• Go to the Format tab.
• Click on Text Outline
• Click No Outline.

Should I use outlines for all text?

No, use them only for headings or important text to keep slides clean.