How to Insert a Text Box Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a tool used to create presentations, slide shows, demonstrations, and compile information. It is a valuable program because it allows you to insert information such as text, graphics, sounds, and animation to enhance your presentation. When using this program, you can create a presentation from scratch, or you can use a template. You will need to insert text boxes in order to add information to a slide. You can create the text boxes and arrange them as you see fit.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft PowerPoint by going to the "Start" menu and choosing the "Microsoft Office" option. Choose the "Microsoft Office PowerPoint" option from the drop down box. The presentation will open and the first slide will populate automatically. To apply a layout to your slides, you can use the wizard on the right hand side of the page to select a layout. If you wish, you can create your own layout as well. The first slide will have two text boxes already present on the slide. From here you can add another text box to the slide.

2. Go to the "Insert" option on the top tool bar and choose "Text Box" from the drop down menu. An arrow will appear on your slide in your presentation. To create a text box, click on the mouse and drag it until you get the desired text box. From here you can change the size of the text box or move it to your desired location. To change the size of the text box, put your mouse over one of the corners of the box until you see a diagonal arrow. Click the mouse and drag it to resize. If you want to move the text box, scroll over the border until you get a crossed arrow. Click on the mouse and drag it to the desired location.

3. Type the information into your text box and arrange it so that it is easy for your viewer to follow. If you prefer to use a template, the text boxes are already in place for you. You can choose the template from the wizard to the right of the screen and the text boxes will be inserted. You can resize and move them so they best fit your presentation. You can also add text boxes into the existing templates.

4. Format your text boxes by choosing the fonts and size of your information. To change the look of your text box, you can double click on the border of the box. A pop up box will come up on your screen. Here you can add color, borders, line style and much more. To edit your text, double click on the words so the box around the text appears. You can also add graphics and photos to enhance your presentation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you insert a text box on a blank page, you must type something inside it. If you insert the box and click on the slide without entering text, your text box will not be saved. You will have to go back and insert it again.