PowerPoint 2003: Formatting a Text Box

PowerPoint / By /

Microsoft PowerPoint provides various text box formatting options to make your presentations visually appealing. Properly formatted text boxes can draw the audience’s attention to key points and improve slide readability.

This comprehensive guide covers text box formatting best practices using PowerPoint 2003.

Creating Text Boxes

To insert a text box in PowerPoint 2003:

  1. Select the Insert tab
  2. Click the Text Box button in the Text group
  3. Click and drag on the slide to draw the text box

You can insert text boxes with custom sizes and positions per your needs.

Formatting Text Box Borders

To format text box borders:

  1. Right-click inside the text box and select Format Text Box
  2. Switch to the Colors and Lines tab
  3. Adjust the following border properties:
    • Color – choose built-in colors or custom ones
    • Width – set border thickness
    • Dash type – select solid, dashed, etc.
    • Shadow – add outer or inner shadow effects

Borders help text boxes stand out against slide backgrounds. Use contrasting colors between background and borders for better visibility.

Configuring Text Box Fills

To format text box fills:

  1. In the Format Text Box dialog, go to the Colors and Lines tab
  2. Click the Fill side-tab
  3. Pick solid fills or gradient fills
    • Solid fills are single background colors
    • Gradients have color blending effects
  4. Set transparency percent to create see-through effects

Match fills with template color schemes for professional slide design. Use fills to increase text contrast against backgrounds.

Formatting Text Within Boxes

To format text inside text boxes:

  1. Click inside the text box and highlight text
  2. Open the Format menu
  3. Use options like:
    • Font type and size
    • Text color
    • Alignment – left, right, or center
    • Line spacing
    • Bullets and numbering

Format text based on importance – highlight key points with larger fonts and contrasting colors. Use bullets and numbering for easy scanability.

Resizing and Moving Text Boxes

To adjust text box size and position:

  • Click and drag the outer edges and corners to resize
  • Move the pointer inside to reposition the entire box
  • Hold shift when resizing to retain aspect ratio

Strategically place text boxes without obstructing slide content. Resize to fit just enough text – avoid too much empty space within boxes.

Best Practices

Follow these tips for working with text boxes:

  • Break up long text across multiple boxes for better visibility
  • Use slight transparency to prevent covering up slide images/elements
  • Make liberal use of formatting options – experiment with fonts, fills, borders, etc.
  • Place text boxes close to related content for context
  • Avoid overcrowding slides with too many text boxes

Related Posts