How to Outline a Text Box in PowerPoint

When you first insert a text box into Microsoft PowerPoint, you will get a thick gray border that surrounds the text box. This text box will go away once you enter text into the text box. If you would like to create a permanent outline for your text box, follow the directions below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Microsoft PowerPoint 2003

1. Start Microsoft PowerPoint. Open an existing document that contains a text box that you would like to add an outline to for your slide.
2. Use your mouse to click the text box so it is selected. You can tell it is selected when it has a thick gray border around it.
3. Right-click and select "Format Text Box" from the shortcut menu to open the "Format Text Box" dialog box.
4. Choose a color for your border by making a selection in the "Color" drop down menu in the "Line" section of the "Format Text Box" dialog box.
5. Change the basic style and dashed style of the border by making a selection in the drop down menus of "Style" and "Dashed."
6. Set the weight of the line by using the arrows or your keyboard to input a weight, or thickness, in the "Weight" text box under the "Line" section of the "Format Text Box."
7. Click the "OK" button to close the "Format Text Box" dialog box and apply the new border to the text box you have selected.

Tips & Warnings

• Insert a text box into Microsoft PowerPoint by choosing the "Insert" menu and clicking on "Text Box." Use your mouse to click and drag on the PowerPoint slide to create a text box.
• You can also use the "Drawing toolbar" to create a text box and add an outline to it.

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