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What Is WordArt? How to Create and Use Decorative Text

WordArt turns short text into a movable, decorative object. Learn how to create and format it in desktop Word, when a text box may be a better choice, and why Word for the web requires desktop Word to add new WordArt.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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WordArt is decorative text presented as a movable, stylized object rather than ordinary paragraph text. In desktop Word, create it with Insert > WordArt, choose a style, and enter your wording; Word for the web can display existing WordArt but requires desktop Word to add more.

What WordArt is used for

Microsoft describes WordArt as a gallery of text styles for making decorative effects. It is useful for short titles and labels that need visual emphasis: you can move and format the object, and apply treatments such as a gradient fill, shadow, reflection, skew, stretching, or text fitted to a preset shape.

WordArt is generally best for short display text. For longer text or wording that does not need decorative styling, a text box may be more suitable.

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How to create WordArt in desktop Word

  1. Open the document in desktop Microsoft Word.
  2. Select Insert > WordArt.
  3. Choose a style from the gallery.
  4. Type the text you want in the WordArt object.

Convert existing text

To turn existing text into WordArt, select it and choose Insert > WordArt, then pick a gallery style. Microsoft’s instructions and available options can differ between Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word for the web.

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How to format WordArt

Select the WordArt object to edit its appearance. Use the Home tab for font and size, and Shape Format or Drawing Tools Format for text fill, outline, and effects. The exact tab name and available options vary by application and version.

Formatting choice What it does When it helps
Text fill and outline Changes the inside color or treatment of the letters and their border. To give short display text a distinct look or help it stand out from its background.
Text effects Adds treatments such as shadow, reflection, glow, bevel, or 3-D rotation. For a decorative title or label; keep effects restrained so the wording stays readable.
Transform Bends or otherwise fits the text to a preset shape. For curved or shaped display text.
Object rotation Turns the whole WordArt object. To adjust its angle or position in the design.

Curve or transform the text

  1. Select the WordArt object.
  2. Choose Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform.
  3. Select a preset treatment and adjust the object to suit the design.

For precise control or a complex combination of text and shapes, a graphics program may be a better choice.

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Rotate the object

Turn WordArt with its rotation handle or use the Rotate menu. This rotates the object; it is separate from transforming the text into a curve or other shape.

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WordArt or a text box?

Choose Best suited to Consider
WordArt Short decorative titles or labels. Use it when styling or transforming the lettering is part of the design.
Text box Longer text or text that does not need fancy styling. Choose it when the wording matters more than decorative effects.

Can you add WordArt in Word for the web?

Word for the web can display WordArt that is already in a document, but Microsoft’s current instructions require desktop Word to add more. If you do not see the WordArt command in your browser, open or edit the document in desktop Word to create the object.

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WordArt in other Office apps

Microsoft’s guidance covers WordArt effects in Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint as well as Word. In Excel, Microsoft’s formatting instructions say to insert a text box first, type the text, and then apply the relevant text or WordArt formatting. The available effects and interface can vary across apps and versions.

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FAQ

What is WordArt?

WordArt is a collection of decorative text styles represented as an object that you can move and format. Microsoft calls it “a quick way to make text stand out with special effects.”

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How do I create WordArt in Word?

In desktop Word, choose Insert > WordArt, select a style, and type your text. Select the object to adjust its font, fill, outline, effects, or position.

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Can I use WordArt in Word for the web?

Word for the web can display existing WordArt, but Microsoft directs users to desktop Word to add new WordArt.

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How do I curve WordArt text?

Select the WordArt object, then choose Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform and select a preset. For more precise or complex text-and-shape designs, a graphics program may be preferable.

Should I use WordArt or a text box?

Use WordArt for short text that needs decorative styling. A text box may be better for longer text or wording that does not need fancy effects.

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