If you want your text in Google Slides to stand out, outlining text is a great trick. This guide walks you through how to outline text in Google Slides without design skills. You’ll also get a few tips to make your outlined text, and your slides overall look clean and polished.
Can You Outline Text in Google Slides?
Yes. Although Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in option for adding text outlines. Unlike PowerPoint or Photoshop, you can’t just select a text box and apply an outline color or adjust the border around each letter.
But the good news is, you can still get a similar effect with a few smart workarounds. And create a perfect Google Slides.
How to Outline Letters in Google Slides
Method 1: Using Word Art (Easiest Way)
Word Art is a special feature in Google Slides that lets you add stylized text. Unlike regular text boxes, Word Art allows you to add a border color and a fill color to your text. This is the closest you can get to true outlined text in Google Slides.
Here’s how to use Word Art to outline text:
- 1. Insert Word Art:
- Go to the menu and click on
Insert>Word Art. - A text box will appear. Type your desired text and press
Enter.
- Go to the menu and click on
- 2. Customize Border and Fill:
- Click on your Word Art text to select it.
- In the toolbar, you’ll see options for
Fill color(paint bucket icon) andBorder color(pencil icon). - Click on the
Fill colorto choose the inside color of your letters. - Click on the
Border colorto choose the outline color for your letters. - You can also click the
Border weighticon to make the outline thicker or thinner.
- Resize and Position:
- Drag the corners to resize your Word Art.
- Move it to where you want it on your slide.
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Method 2: Creating Outlined Text with Drop Shadows
If you want the outline effect on regular text (not Word Art), you can use the drop shadow feature to mimic an outline. Here’s how:
- 1. Add a Text Box:
- Click on
Insert>Text box.
- Click on
- Type your text as usual.
- 2. Apply Drop Shadow:
- Right-click the text box and select
Format options.
- Right-click the text box and select
- In the sidebar, find and expand the “Drop shadow” section.
- Turn on the drop shadow.
- Set the color to the outline color you want.
- Set the
Transparencyto 0% (fully visible). - Set the
Blur radiusto 0 (sharp edge). - Adjust the
DistanceandAngleso the shadow appears evenly around your letters, creating an outline effect.
Method 3: Using Image Editors
For the most control, you can create outlined text using a graphic editor (like Canva, Photoshop, or even free tools like Pixlr or Photopea), then import the image into Google Slides.
Here’s how:
- Design Outlined Text in an Image Editor:
- Open your favorite editor and create a new image with a transparent background.
- Add your text, and apply a stroke or outline effect.
- Export or download the image as a PNG file (to keep the background transparent).
- Insert the Image into Google Slides:
- Go to your slide and click
Insert>Image>Upload from computer.
- Go to your slide and click
- Select your outlined text image.
- Resize and position as needed.
This method allows you to use any font, color, and outline thickness. It is also perfect for unique styles, logos, or effects not possible in Google Slides alone.
Tips for Stylish Outlined Text
No matter which method you use, here are some tips to make your outlined text look great:
1. Font Choices
- Use bold, thick fonts for the best outline effect.
- Sans-serif fonts (like Arial Black, Impact, or Montserrat) look clean and modern.
- Avoid very thin or script fonts, as the outline may not be visible.
2. Color Combinations
- Choose high-contrast colors between the fill and the outline.
- For example, white text with a black outline is easy to read on almost any background.
- Try using your brand’s primary color as the fill and a darker shade as the outline.
- You can even use a transparent fill with a colored outline for a “hollow” text effect.
3. Maintaining Readability
- The outline should add emphasis—not make the text harder to read.
- Don’t use too many colors at once; stick to two or three for a professional look.
- Make sure the text is large enough to see from the back of the room.
4. Consistency
- Use the same outline style for all your headings to create a cohesive design.
- If you use outlined text for titles, consider using plain text for body content to keep slides balanced.
FAQs about How to Outline Text in Google Slides
Q: Can I outline text in Google Slides like in PowerPoint?
A: Not directly, but you can use Word Art, drop shadows, or import images for a similar effect.
Q: What is the easiest way to outline text in Google Slides?
A: Use the Insert > Word Art feature, then customize the border and fill colors.
Q: How do I make outlined text hollow (no fill)?
A: In Word Art, set the fill color to transparent.
Q: Can I add an outline to normal text (not Word Art)?
A: You can use the drop shadow trick in Format options, but it works best on large, bold fonts.
💬 Conclusion:
While Google Slides does not offer a simple “text outline” button, you can still achieve beautiful, outlined text using clever workarounds.
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