How To Use Word Art In Google Slides: Easy Steps

Can you add WordArt to Google Slides? Yes, you absolutely can! While Google Slides doesn’t have a direct “WordArt” button like older versions of Microsoft Office, it offers powerful tools to create similar eye-catching graphic text. This guide will walk you through how to insert text and apply amazing text effects to make your presentations pop. We’ll cover everything from basic text insertion to advanced customization, transforming your plain text into dynamic visual elements.

Creating Eye-Catching Text in Google Slides

In Google Slides, the concept of “WordArt” is achieved through a combination of inserting text boxes and applying various text formatting and effects. This allows for creative and impactful presentations. You can make your text stand out, highlight key information, or simply add a touch of artistic flair to your slides. Let’s dive into the specifics of how to achieve this.

Step 1: Inserting Text into Your Slide

The first step to creating any kind of graphic text is to insert a text box. This is your canvas for all your text design.

Adding a Basic Text Box

Locate the Text Box Tool: On the toolbar at the top of your Google Slides screen, you’ll find an icon that looks like a capital ‘T’ inside a square or rectangle. This is the “Text box” tool.
Click and Draw: Click on this icon. Your cursor will change into a crosshair. Now, click and drag on your slide where you want to place your text. A rectangular text box will appear.
Type Your Text: Click inside the newly created text box. A blinking cursor will appear, ready for you to type your message. This is where you’ll input the text you want to style like WordArt.

Inserting Pre-Formatted Text (Less Common for WordArt Style)

While the text box is the primary method for creating custom text, you can also insert text from other sources. However, for the “WordArt” effect, you’ll almost always start with a blank text box.

Step 2: Enhancing Your Text with Font Styles

Once you have your text in a text box, you can begin to change its appearance. The font style is a fundamental aspect of text design.

Choosing the Right Font

Select Your Text: Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to modify to highlight it.
Access the Font Dropdown: Look for the font dropdown menu on the toolbar. It usually shows the name of the currently selected font (e.g., “Arial”).
Browse and Select: Click on the dropdown arrow to reveal a list of available fonts. Google Slides offers a wide variety, including many from Google Fonts. You can scroll through the list or type a font name to find it quickly.
Applying the Font: Click on the font name you want to use. Your selected text will immediately update with the new font style.

Tip for WordArt Style: For a WordArt feel, consider fonts that are bold, decorative, or have a distinct personality. Think about fonts like “Lobster,” “Pacifico,” “Bangers,” or even some of the more classic sans-serif or serif fonts used in a bold weight.

Adjusting Font Size

Select Your Text: Make sure the text you want to resize is highlighted.
Find the Size Tool: Next to the font dropdown, you’ll see a number representing the current font size.
Choose a Size: Click the dropdown arrow next to the size number. You can select a pre-set size or type a custom size directly into the box.
Apply the Size: Click outside the dropdown to apply the new size.

Changing Font Color

Select Your Text: Highlight the text you want to recolor.
Find the Text Color Tool: Look for an icon resembling a capital ‘A’ with a colored bar underneath it. This is the “Text color” tool.
Pick Your Color: Click the dropdown arrow next to the ‘A’. A color palette will appear. You can choose from standard colors, theme colors, or even create a custom color using the “+” option.
Apply the Color: Click on your desired color. The text will instantly change.

Step 3: Applying Transformative Text Effects

This is where you start to really emulate the “WordArt” look. Google Slides provides several ways to add visual flair to your text.

Making Text Bold, Italic, or Underlined

These are basic yet effective ways to add emphasis.

Select Your Text: Highlight the text you wish to modify.
Use the Toolbar Buttons: On the toolbar, you’ll see “B” for Bold, “I” for Italic, and “U” for Underline. Click the desired button.

Adding a Shadow to Text

Shadows add depth and make text appear to lift off the slide.

Select Your Text: Highlight the text.
Access More Formatting: Go to the “Format” menu at the top of the screen.
Choose “Text” and then “Text formatting”: A sidebar will appear on the right.
Find the “Outline and shadow” section: Expand this section.
Select “Drop shadow”: Check the box next to “Drop shadow.”
Customize the Shadow: You can adjust the color, transparency, angle, distance, and blur of the shadow to create different effects. Experiment with these settings to achieve the look you want.

Applying Outline (Border) to Text

An outline can make text stand out, especially against busy backgrounds.

Select Your Text: Highlight the text.
Access More Formatting: Go to the “Format” menu.
Choose “Text” and then “Text formatting”: The sidebar will appear.
Find the “Outline and shadow” section: Expand it.
Select “Outline”: Check the box next to “Outline.”
Customize the Outline: You can choose the outline color, its thickness (using the “Weight” dropdown), and even the style of the outline (solid, dashed, dotted).

Creating Gradient Fills for Text

This is a very popular WordArt effect, giving text a smooth transition of colors.

Select Your Text: Highlight the text.
Access More Formatting: Go to the “Format” menu.
Choose “Text” and then “Text formatting”: The sidebar will appear.
Find the “Fill” section: You’ll typically see a color swatch for the fill. Click the dropdown arrow next to it.
Choose “Gradient”: Select the gradient option.
Select a Preset Gradient or Create Your Own: Google Slides offers several pre-made gradient styles. You can also click “Custom” to create your own by choosing colors for the stops and adjusting the angle. This allows for highly personalized text design.

Table: Popular Gradient Combinations for WordArt Style

Effect Name	Starting Color	Ending Color	Angle	Description
Sunset Glow	Yellow	Orange	90°	Smooth transition from bright yellow to orange
Ocean Breeze	Light Blue	Dark Blue	-45°	Cool, calming blue gradient
Fiery Streak	Red	Yellow	0°	Energetic blend of red and yellow
Royal Purple	Deep Purple	Magenta	135°	Rich, luxurious gradient
Neon Dream	Pink	Cyan	45°	Vibrant, eye-catching contrast

Step 4: Advanced Customization and Creative Touches

To truly make your text look like classic WordArt, you can go beyond basic fills and outlines.

Bending and Warping Text

This is a key feature that gives text a curved or stylized shape.

Select Your Text Box: Click on the border of the text box itself, not just the text inside. This selects the entire object.
Access More Formatting: Go to the “Format” menu.
Choose “Text” and then “Text formatting”: The sidebar will appear.
Find the “Text content” section: Expand this.
Look for “Word art” or “Text effects”: In older versions or in certain contexts, this might be labeled “Word art.” In current versions, it’s often under “Text effects” or “Appearance.”
Explore “Format options”: Within the “Text formatting” sidebar, look for options related to appearance or shape. You might find a “Curve” or “Arc” dropdown.
Select a Curve Style: Click the dropdown and choose a style like “Arc Upper,” “Arc Lower,” “Wave,” or “Triangle.” Experiment with these to see how they affect your text.
Adjust the Handle: Once you apply a curve, you’ll often see a small yellow diamond-shaped handle on the text box. Dragging this handle allows you to adjust the intensity or shape of the curve.

Applying Transparency

Transparency can make text layers interact more interestingly or create subtle backgrounds.

Select Your Text Box: Click on the border of the text box.
Access More Formatting: Go to the “Format” menu.
Choose “Text” and then “Text formatting”: The sidebar will appear.
Find the “Fill” section: Adjust the “Transparency” slider. You can also make the entire text box transparent.

Adding a Background Color or Border to the Text Box

This can frame your graphic text.

Select Your Text Box: Click on the border of the text box.
Use the Toolbar:
- Fill Color: Click the paint bucket icon on the toolbar to change the background color of the text box.
- Border Color: Click the pen icon (border color) on the toolbar to change the color of the text box border.
- Border Weight/Style: Use the dropdowns next to the border color icon to change the thickness and style (solid, dashed, dotted) of the border.

Rotating Text

You can rotate text boxes to add dynamic angles to your design.

Select Your Text Box: Click on the border of the text box.
Find the Rotation Handle: A circular arrow will appear above the selected text box.
Click and Drag: Click on this circular arrow and drag it to rotate the text box to your desired angle.

Step 5: Using the Drawing Tool for More Complex WordArt

For truly unique and intricate WordArt effects, the Drawing tool in Google Slides offers more granular control. This is where you can build up complex text designs.

Accessing the Drawing Tool

Go to the “Insert” Menu: Click on “Insert” in the main menu bar.
Select “Drawing” and then “New”: A drawing canvas will open.

Creating Text with the Drawing Tool

Text Box in Drawing: Within the drawing canvas, you’ll find a text box icon (similar to the one in Google Slides). Click it and draw a text box.
Type and Style Your Text: Enter your text and use the drawing tool’s formatting options (font, size, color, etc.) to style it.
Advanced Formatting in Drawing: The drawing tool offers a robust set of formatting options, including:
- Fill Color: Solid, gradient, transparent.
- Border Color and Weight: Customize the outline.
- Shadows and Reflections: Add depth and visual interest.
- Text Bending/Curving: Similar to Google Slides, you can curve text.
- Rotating and Skewing: More precise control over angles.

Adding Shapes and Combining Elements

The drawing tool allows you to insert shapes (lines, arrows, rectangles, etc.) and combine them with your text. You can:

Layer Text over Shapes: Create a shape, fill it with a color or gradient, then add your text on top.
Group Elements: Select multiple items (text boxes, shapes) and group them together. This allows you to move, resize, or rotate them as a single unit. To group: select items by clicking and dragging a selection box or by holding Shift and clicking each item, then right-click and choose “Group.”

Saving Your Drawing

Once you’re happy with your creation in the drawing canvas:

Click “Save and Close”: This will insert your drawing onto your Google Slide.
Resize and Position: You can then resize and position the entire drawing as needed.

Step 6: Best Practices for Using WordArt in Google Slides

While it’s fun to experiment with different effects, consider these tips for effective presentation design.

Consistency is Key

Limit Your Styles: Don’t use too many different WordArt styles on a single slide or throughout your presentation. This can make it look cluttered and unprofessional.
Brand Alignment: If your presentation has specific brand colors or fonts, try to stick to them.

Readability First

Contrast: Ensure your text has enough contrast with the background so it’s easy to read from a distance.
Font Choice: While decorative fonts are fun, they can sometimes hinder readability. Use them for titles or key highlights, but opt for simpler fonts for body text.
Shadows and Outlines: Use these sparingly. Too much shadow or a thick, distracting outline can make text harder to read.

When to Use WordArt Effects

Titles and Headings: WordArt styles are excellent for making titles and section headings visually appealing.
Highlighting Key Information: A uniquely styled word or phrase can draw attention to important points.
Adding Decorative Elements: For creative presentations, WordArt can be a good way to add visual interest and personality.

When to Avoid WordArt Effects

Body Text: Avoid using elaborate WordArt styles for paragraphs of text. This will significantly reduce readability.
Formal Presentations: In very formal or academic presentations, overly stylized text might be seen as unprofessional.

Putting It All Together: An Example Scenario

Let’s say you want to create a title slide for a presentation about a new product launch.

Title: “Nova Product Launch”

Insert Text Box: Add a text box for the title.
Type Text: “Nova Product Launch”
Font: Choose a bold, modern sans-serif font like “Montserrat” or “Lato.”
Size: Make it large and prominent.
Color: Set the primary color to a vibrant blue.
Add a Gradient: Apply a gradient fill from a lighter blue to a medium blue for a subtle shine.
Add a Drop Shadow: Go to Format > Text > Text formatting > Outline and shadow > Drop shadow. Adjust the blur to around 5px and the distance to 2-3px for a subtle lift.
Optional Curve: If you want a slightly more dynamic look, you could experiment with a subtle “Arc Upper” effect and adjust the handle.

This creates a title that is professional yet visually engaging, effectively capturing attention without sacrificing clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is there a direct “WordArt” button in Google Slides?
A: No, there isn’t a button labeled “WordArt” like in older Microsoft Office programs. However, you can achieve similar, and often more advanced, graphical text effects using Google Slides’ built-in text formatting, fill options, and the drawing tool.

Q2: How can I curve text in Google Slides?
A: To curve text, insert a text box, highlight your text, go to “Format” > “Text” > “Text formatting.” In the sidebar, under “Text content” or “Appearance,” look for options like “Curve” or “Arc” and select your desired style. You can then adjust the curve using the yellow diamond handle.

Q3: Can I make text look 3D in Google Slides?
A: While Google Slides doesn’t have explicit “3D text” effects, you can simulate a 3D look by using deep drop shadows, subtle gradients that mimic lighting, and by combining text with actual 3D shapes from the drawing tool. Layering text on top of 3D-like shapes can also create this effect.

Q4: How do I get more font options for my text in Google Slides?
A: Google Slides integrates with Google Fonts. When you click the font dropdown menu, scroll to the very bottom and select “More fonts.” This opens a window where you can browse thousands of free fonts and add them to your available list.

Q5: Can I save my custom WordArt style to reuse later?
A: Google Slides doesn’t have a direct “save style” feature for text like some other programs. However, you can save the slide containing your styled text as a template or copy and paste your styled text boxes to other slides. For very complex designs, consider saving them as an image from the drawing tool to maintain their integrity.

By mastering these techniques, you can effectively use Google Slides to create compelling visual elements with your text, making your presentations more dynamic and memorable. Experiment with these options to find your unique style!