We recently looked at how to insert images into shapes in Microsoft Word. Today, we are going to insert text into shapes in Microsoft Word. First, we will insert text using the shape’s built-in text option. Then, we will use WordArt to place text over the shape, which will create the appearance of text inserted into the shape.
Table of Contents
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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac (a.k.a., Word for Mac), Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 (PC only). These steps don’t apply to Word for the web.
Important Note: This tutorial assumes you have already created your shape. For information about creating shapes, please see “How to Insert and Modify Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac).”
How to Insert Text into Shapes (Built-In Method)
- Right-click (PC) or Control-click (Mac) the shape and then select Add Text from the shortcut menu.
- Your cursor will be placed in the center of the shape where you can type your text.
How to Modify the Font
- Select the Home tab.
- Select the text and use the font options in the Font group to adjust the (A) font style, (B) size, and (C) color. You can also add (D) text effects and typography (e.g., drop shadows, reflections, ligatures).
How to Modify the Text Position
- Select the Shape Format tab. (Note that this tab only appears when a shape or the text within a shape is selected.
- Select the dialog box launcher in the WordArt Styles group on a PC (see figure 6) or the Format Pane button on a Mac (see figure 7).
- Select the Text Options tab in the Format Shape pane. (PC users should already be in this tab.)
- Select the Layout & Properties button.
- Use the alignment and margin options to adjust the text’s position in the shape. (Note that these position changes are limited. Use the WordArt method shown below for additional placement control.)
- Select the X to close the Format Shape pane.
Pro Tip: Using this method, you can insert text and an image into the same shape. In addition, the order of insertion doesn’t matter; the text will always appear on the top.
How to Use WordArt to Insert Text into Shapes
If you are going to insert an image into the shape, I recommend doing so before starting this process.
- Select the Insert tab.
- Select WordArt in the Text group.
- Select a style from the drop-down menu. (This style can be modified later.)
A WordArt text box will appear.
- Type your text into the text box, drag the text box over the shape, and then use the resizing handles to place it over the shape in the desired position.
Pro Tip: Use the Rotation handle at the top of the text box to rotate the text as desired.
How to Modify the Font
- Select the Home tab (see figure 3).
- Select the text and use the font options in the Font group to adjust the font style, size, and color. You can also add text effects and typography (see figure 4).
How to Group the Text and Shape
- Select the WordArt text box and then press and hold the Shift key as you select the shape. Now the text box and the shape should both be selected.
- Right-click (PC) or Control-click (Mac) the text box or shape, and then select Group from the shortcut menu.
- Select Group from the submenu. (If you need to separate the text and shape later, select Ungroup.)
Your shape and text can now be moved throughout your document as one object.
Related Resources
How to Insert and Modify Images in Microsoft Word
How to Save Shapes and Objects as Images in PowerPoint
How to Change the Font, Font Size, and Font Color in Microsoft Word