This article is a step-by-step guide on how to curve text in word. Whether youre using a Word for Mac user or PC, Word in Office 365, click here to learn more.
Choose the Word Art option, then click the text icon that looks the way you want your curved text to look. Click the Drawing Tools Format tab at the top of the window. Choose the Text Effects option, click Transform, then click a curve type from the options on the menu. Adjust the layout options for your curved text.
Essays and long research documents aren’t the only things you can create in Microsoft Word. Many people use the application to work on more lighthearted projects, such as party invitations, flyers, and posters. However, simple headers just don’t make the cut when you’re trying to get the attention of future viewers.
Adding extra touches to your Word documents can increase the visual impact of your projects, which leads to more attention to what you’re trying to convey with your page. One popular technique is using curves when working with text, which is especially useful for large headers or wrapping text around shapes and s.
Our article focuses on how you can warp and curve text in Microsoft Word to create unique, interesting designs to feature in your projects.
Curving text around a shape or image can be a great way to add visual interest to your Word documents The curved text helps guide the reader’s eye through the content and highlights important elements on the page
In this simple tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to curve text in Word using WordArt styles and text effects Whether you want to curve text around a circle, arc, wave, or other shape, these steps make it easy to apply this eye-catching formatting
Why Curve Text in Word?
Before we dive into the specifics. let’s look at some great reasons to curve text in your Word documents
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Directs focus – Curved text naturally draws attention to headings, titles, or callout text on the page.
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Improves readability – Subtle curving can help text flow around images, reducing clutter.
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Adds uniqueness – Curved text stands out from standard straight text, adding originality.
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Highlights relationships – Text can curve around related graphics or shapes to connect the elements.
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Guides sequence – Curving text can help direct readers through content in the intended order.
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Enhances layout – The curves add visual interest and help break up heavy blocks of straight text.
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Modernizes look – A touch of curved text gives a contemporary, dynamic feel to documents.
How to Curve Text in Word
Curving text in Word is easy using built-in WordArt tools. Follow these steps:
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On the Insert tab, click WordArt and select a WordArt style you like.
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Type your text in the WordArt. This will be the curved text.
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With the WordArt selected, go to Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform and pick a curve effect.
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Adjust sizing handles on the WordArt box edges to reshape the curve as desired.
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Tweak the curve intensity and other formatting with the options in the Text Effects and Shape Format tabs.
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Drag the curved WordArt text into position on your document.
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Optionally add graphics, images, or shapes for the text to curve around.
And that’s it! Those core steps allow you to add some swooping curves to your titles, callouts, or pull quotes in just minutes.
Here are some tips as you work with curving text:
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Use subtle curves instead of dramatic arcs for easier readability.
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Reshape the WordArt box to fine-tune the curve direction and intensity.
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Try curving text around circular shapes or images for a cool effect.
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Give curved text a distinct color to make it stand out on the page.
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Stack curved text over a solid shape to make the curve visible.
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Curve just the first letter of a phrase for a simpler text treatment.
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Make sure to enlarge curved text sufficiently so it remains legible.
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Use “Tighten” and “Stretch” controls under Text Effects to fine-tune curves.
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Try applying transforms like “Fade all” and “Slant all” to add depth.
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Group curved text with other page elements so it maintains positioning.
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Add text highlights, shadows, and 3D effects to curved text for extra dimensionality.
Troubleshooting Curved Text
As with any Word formatting, occasionally you may run into issues getting curved text to look perfect. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
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Text doesn’t curve: Make sure you’re applying the Transform effect under Text Effects, not Shape Effects. Subtle Shape Effects curves won’t show well with text.
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Curve moves during editing: Lock the curve angle under Text Effects > Transform to prevent changes as you edit.
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Blurry text: Enlarge the font size, or convert the text to a Shape outline rather than standard text. Outlines remain crisp when curved.
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Can’t reshape curve: Make sure to drag the sizing handles on the WordArt box edges to control the curvature, not the text itself.
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Text overlaps itself: Increase WordArt box size, or reduce the curve intensity to prevent overlapping.
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Formatting won’t stick: With some WordArt styles, you’ll need to convert the text to a Shape to persist formatting changes like fonts and colors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you get the curved text formatted perfectly! The more you work with curving text around shapes in Word, the easier it becomes.
Advanced Curve Text Techniques
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some of these advanced curve text tricks:
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Curve text vertically instead of horizontally for a dramatic effect.
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Make text curve around custom shapes that you draw or import.
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Animate curved text to make it move or change within the document.
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Use curved text as column dividers by placing it between text columns.
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Let text gradually curve more or less across a shape for dynamic results.
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Curve multiple lines of text within the same WordArt box, or curve each line separately.
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Rotate or skew curved text for an angular look.
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Make text curve automatically by linking it to data points on a chart or graph.
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Add connectors or arrows that interact with the curved text.
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Apply gradients or picture effects to curved text for artistic flair.
Don’t limit yourself – explore all kinds of creative ways to implement curved text in your Word documents!
Troubleshooting Curved Text
Here are some quick troubleshooting tips in case you run into issues with curving text in Word:
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Text doesn’t curve: Make sure to apply the Transform effect under Text Effects, not Shape Effects. Subtle Shape curves won’t be very visible with text.
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Text curve changes during editing: Lock the curve angle under Transform to prevent adjustments when you edit the text.
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Blurry text: Increase font size, or convert the text to a shape outline rather than regular text. Outlines stay crisp when curved.
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Can’t reshape curve: Drag the WordArt box sizing handles to control curvature, not the text itself.
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Overlapping text: Enlarge the WordArt box or reduce the curve intensity to prevent text overlap issues.
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Formatting won’t stick: For some WordArt styles, convert the text to a shape to make fonts, colors, etc persist.
Don’t be afraid to tweak things until your curved text looks perfect! The more you work with text curves, the easier it becomes.
Adding a touch of curved text can take your Word documents to the next level visually. Use the techniques in this guide to start curving text with confidence.
Remember to start with subtle curves for readability, and tweak the curve direction and intensity using the WordArt box sizing handles. The built-in Transform text effects offer all the tools you need.
For best results, pair curved text with related images or shapes. This creates an overall composition that quickly guides the reader’s eye through the key points on the page.
Don’t stop with just titles or callouts either. Get creative and curve full paragraphs, text columns, and other block text elements for unique document layouts.
With a little practice, curving text around shapes will become second nature. So give your Word documents an instant visual upgrade with this fun text formatting!
Curve words or text in Word
There are tons of different ways you can warp text to form a curve in Word, which can all be accessed by following the directions below. We recommend you play around with the various options to find the perfect setting that suits your vision.
Please note that the functionality described below is not available in Word Online, or desktop versions older than Word 2013.
- Open the Word document which you want to use for this project, or create a new blank document.
- Switch over to the Insert tab in your ribbon, which is the header-Esque interface located on the top section of the Word window.
- Click on the Insert WordArt icon, found in the Text section of Word 2016 and above. The icon is a slanted, blue colored letter A.
- A pop-up menu will open up with various different styles of text. Select any of these styles and colors to insert a placeholder into your document with words such as “Your text here.”
- Edit the text to say whatever you’d like, then select it by clicking on it once.
- The Drawing Tools: Format tab will open up. Click on the Text Effect icon, depicted by a white letter A with a light-blue glow around it.
- Hover over the Transform option from the drop-down menu to expand it and see all of the available warp styles for your text.
- Click on a curve or bend that you like. You can preview any options by simply hovering your mouse over them. If you choose from the “Follow path” section, you have the option to edit the curve your text follows by dragging the yellow rectangle until you’re satisfied with the result.
How to Curve Text in Microsoft Word
How do I create a curved text effect in word?
You’ll be using Word Art and the Transform tool to create your curved text effect. Insert a Word Art object into your document. When you’re in Word, go to the ‘Insert’ tab, click on ‘Word Art’ and select the style you like. A text box will appear in your document, and you can type in your desired text. Select the text you want to curve.
How do I get my text to follow a curved path?
To get your text to follow a curved path, you’ll want to select one of the options from the “Follow path” section of the menu. You can choose whether you want your text to curve up, down, or all around. Click to make your selection, and you’ll see your text automatically warped in the direction of your choosing.
How do I make a letter curve in word?
Whether you want to add a little flair, or you want some text to flow along with the curve of another element (like clip art or a logo), making your letters curve along a path in Word is pretty easy. First, click “Insert” on the main Word ribbon. Click “WordArt” from the text options. Select the style you want your WordArt to be.
How do I add a curve to a text?
Click on ‘Text Effects’ and then ‘Transform.’ Within the ‘Format’ menu, look for ‘Text Effects’ towards the left. Click on it, and a dropdown menu will appear. Hover over ‘Transform,’ and you’ll see several curving text options. Select the type of curve you want to apply to your text.
