Easy Way to Wrap Text in PowerPoint

PowerPoint / By /

Wrapping text around images or shapes is a great way to create visually appealing slides in PowerPoint. It helps highlight important elements and makes text flow in an organized way.

While PowerPoint doesn’t have a built-in “wrap text” feature like Word, there are some easy workarounds. In this article, we’ll cover the quickest and simplest methods to wrap text in PowerPoint.

Use Text Boxes

The easiest way to mimic text wrapping is by using text boxes. Here are the steps:

  1. Insert the image you want to wrap text around
  2. Draw text boxes on either side of the image
  3. Type your text into the text boxes
  4. Resize and align the text boxes as needed

Pros:

  • Works in all versions of PowerPoint
  • Lots of control over positioning
  • Can align text easily

Cons:

  • Time consuming to set up
  • Difficult with complex designs

Insert Word Document

If you have PowerPoint 2013 or later, you can actually wrap text in Word and import it directly onto a PowerPoint slide.

Here is how to do it:

  1. Open a blank Word document
  2. Insert the image and add text around it
  3. Select the image and under “Format” choose “Tight” wrap text
  4. Save the Word file and close it
  5. In PowerPoint, insert the saved Word file as an object

Pros:

  • Retains wrapped text formatting
  • Text will reflow automatically
  • Less tedious than text boxes

Cons:

  • Only works for PowerPoint 2013 or later
  • Can make your file size larger

Use Columns

Adding columns is another quick way to flow text around an image:

  1. Insert the image on your slide
  2. Select the text placeholder and under “Home” select “Columns”
  3. Choose the number of columns you want
  4. Resize columns and position image as desired

Pros:

  • Fast way to align text
  • Columns resize automatically
  • Works in all versions of PowerPoint

Cons:

  • Less control over text flow
  • Image has to be central on the slide

Align and Distribute Objects

The “Align” tools in PowerPoint allow you to precisely place objects to avoid overlapping text and images.

  1. Insert an image on your slide
  2. Insert a text box next to the image
  3. Select both objects and click “Align” > “Align Selected Objects” > “Align Center”
  4. Use “Distribute Horizontally” to space evenly

Pros:

  • Fine tune positioning of objects
  • Create organized designs
  • Help avoid overlapping elements

Cons:

  • More time consuming
  • Requires precision

Tips for Text Wrapping

  • Use contrasting text box fill colors to create separation from background
  • Make sure text is large and legible
  • Allow sufficient white space between text and images
  • Align text boxes consistently for organized designs
  • Proofread carefully to avoid formatting issues

Wrapping text in PowerPoint is easy once you know some simple workarounds. With the right technique, you can create professional looking slides that effectively communicate your message.

The methods covered above should provide you with a good starting point to wrap text creatively. Feel free to experiment to find an approach that suits your unique needs!

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