how to curve text in PowerPoint 2010

You can highlight the text then, while it is highlighted, go to format and click on the drop down menu called, Text Effects. Once there, scroll down to the transform option and you should see a few choices for curved text/arching text.

Try Insert > WordArt. You may have to start from scratch with the specific words you are working with. Once you have your wordart right-click to show the little control handles for adjusting its position, also for formatting it in relation to the rest of your page.

If you’ve read the section of this chapter on formatting shapes, you already know most of what you can do with WordArt. As mentioned earlier, WordArt is functionality that enables you to format text as you do shapes — with fills, outlines, and graphic effects. However, with WordArt, you can use Font formatting (such as the Character Spacing functionality that’s new to PowerPoint) along with WordArt formatting for even more flexibility.

The beauty of WordArt is that the ability to format text as shapes adds tremendously to your options for using PowerPoint to create the types of business graphics you might never have imagined you could do on your own, such as creating your own logo.

You can apply WordArt formatting to any editable text in a PowerPoint object by using the WordArt Styles group under Drawing Tools on the Format tab or under SmartArt Tools on the Format tab. Or, you can insert a WordArt object — which is now just a text box that comes with placeholder text.

Take a look at a few options for what you can do very simply with WordArt effects and Font formatting combined.

When you apply WordArt formatting or Shape formatting to a shape and don’t seem to be getting what you need, check to make sure that you’re using options from the correct tab group. The Shape Styles and WordArt Styles options look very similar. But, Shape Styles affect the shape area and not the text; WordArt Styles affect only the text (so that, if your shape contains no text, it won’t appear altered).

The Text Effects for WordArt don’t include the Soft Edges options available to Shape Effects. However, WordArt also offers the unique Transform set of effects that are not available to shapes. Transform effects curve or warp the appearance of the text. When using Transform settings, notice that the curve or warp will change based on the size of the text area and the amount of text. See the Troubleshooting tip in this section for information on how Transform is affected by converting shapes to freeform drawings.

Overall, the range of effects for WordArt has increased over previous versions. But the biggest change is surely the fact that you can apply WordArt formatting to any text and no longer need a separate object to use these effects.

Notice that the Text Fill and Text Outline options in the WordArt Styles group have the same range of options as Shape Fill and Shape Outline, including the ability to use picture, gradient, or texture fills for text. Also notice that WordArt Styles have their own set of Quick Styles. And remember, when you want to use the new font formatting options (such as Small Caps or Character Spacing) along with WordArt, on the Home tab, in the Font group, click the dialog launcher.

More  office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/editing-shapes-in-your-presentation-HA010239230.aspx