When creating a presentation, you’ve probably wanted to make certain words stand out. You are in the right place. There are multiple ways to highlight text in PowerPoint to make your slides clearer, more engaging, and visually appealing.
In this guide, we’ll explore 6 practical methods to highlight text in PPT. By the end, you’ll be able to emphasize any key point beautifully and professionally.
- How to Highlight Text in PPT with Text Highlighter
- How to Highlight Words in PPT Using Text Effects
- How Do I Highlight Text in PowerPoint Using Shapes
- How to Highlight Text in PowerPoint with WordArt
- How to Highlight Words in PowerPoint with Animations
- How to Highlight Text in PPT During Presenter View
- FAQs about Highlighting Text in PowerPoint
How to Highlight Text in PPT with Text Highlighter
If you’re using PowerPoint 2021 or Microsoft 365, you can directly use the Text Highlighter Tool, just like in Microsoft Word. It’s the fastest and easiest way to emphasize text in slides.
Step 1: Click and drag to select the word or phrase you want to highlight.
Step 2: On the top ribbon, click “Home” → “Text Highlight Color” icon. It looks like a small marker pen.
Step 3: Click the dropdown arrow next to the icon and select your preferred color.
That’s it! Your text will instantly be highlighted with your chosen color.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t see the “Text Highlight Color” option, you might be using an older PowerPoint version.
In that case, move to the next method. You can recreate the same effect using text effects or shapes.
How to Highlight Words in PPT Using Text Effects
Text effects give you more creative control and flexibility. You can simulate a highlight look using Glow, Shadows, or Reflection effects. It’s perfect when you want subtle emphasis without heavy color blocks.
Step 1: Select your text. Go to “Shape Format” tab→ “Text Effects”.
Step 2: Choose “Glow” or “Shadow”.
Step 3: Adjust the color, size, and transparency until it looks like a soft highlight.
- Choose soft colors like yellow, teal, or light orange for a realistic “marker” look.
- Set transparency around 50% for a smooth, natural effect.
If your presentation background is dark, a light glow effect looks elegant and professional, perfect for corporate or tech slides.
Is There an Easier Way?
How Do I Highlight Text in PowerPoint Using Shapes
Using shapes is the most universal way of how to highlight text in PPT, and it works in all PowerPoint versions. It works by placing a colored rectangle behind your text to mimic a highlighter effect.
Step 1: Go to “Insert” → “Shapes” → “Rectangle”.
Step 2: Click and drag to create a box that covers the text area.
Step 3: Right-click the shape → click “Send to Back” to move it behind the text.
Step 4: Right-click again → “Shape Format ” → “Shape Fill”, and pick your highlight color, like yellow.
Step 5: Adjust transparency to 30–40% for a realistic highlighter look.
This method gives full visual control, and you can highlight specific words, entire lines, or even phrases with different colors.
How to Highlight Text in PowerPoint with WordArt
WordArt adds stylistic flair, think bold titles or callout phrases that grab attention. You can highlight not just with color, but also with texture, outline, or gradient fills.
Step 1: Go to “Insert” → “WordArt” and choose a style.
Step 2: Replace placeholder text with your content.
Step 3: Use “Shape Format” → “Text Fill “→ “Gradient” or “Solid Fill” to customize your highlight.
Step 4: Add Outline, Shadow, or Reflection for extra depth.
You can even combine gradient fill with transparency to mimic a real highlighter’s look. And notice that the WordArt effect is best used for headings or standout words, not entire paragraphs.
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How to Highlight Words in PowerPoint with Animations
Animations can dynamically highlight text in PPT as your presentation, which is perfect for guiding the audience’s focus.
Step 1: Select the text and go to the “Animations” tab.
Step 2: Choose “Add Animation” → “Emphasis Effects”, and select a cool animation for highlighting text.
Here are some cool animations to make your text stand out:
- Font Color: Gradually changes the text color.
- Brush Color: Fills the text with a new color using a brush effect.
- Underline: Adds an underline that appears with an animation.
- Zoom In/Out: The text grows bigger, then returns to its original size.
Step 3: Adjust “Duration” to around 1.5–2 seconds for a smooth appearance.
Step 4: Use “Animation Pane” to fine-tune timing and triggers, highlight on click.
This way of how to highlight words in PPT lets you control audience attention in real-time. It’s useful for explaining processes, quotes, or key statistics.
How to Highlight Text in PPT During Presenter View
When presenting live, you can use the Highlighter Tool in Presenter View to mark or emphasize text in real time.
Step 1: Start your slideshow (press F5).
Step 2: Right-click → choose “Pointer Options” → Pen or Highlighter.
Step 3: Use your mouse or stylus to mark important text directly on your slide.
After your presentation, PowerPoint will ask if you want to keep or discard your annotations.
These marks are temporary and only visible during the slideshow.
FAQs about Highlighting Text in PowerPoint
Q: Why doesn't PowerPoint have a built-in highlighter like Word?
A: PowerPoint is designed primarily for visual presentations rather than document editing. However, the latest versions now include a simplified text highlighter option.
Q: Can I use keyboard shortcuts to highlight text?
A: Unfortunately, no direct shortcut exists, but you can create custom shortcuts via macros if you frequently highlight.
Q: What color works best for highlights?
A: Stick with yellow, light blue, or lime green. They’re readable yet attention-grabbing. Avoid red or deep orange, as they can reduce legibility.
Q: Can I highlight text on PowerPoint mobile?
A: The mobile version has limited formatting options — it’s best to use the desktop or web app.
Q: Will my highlights remain if I export the presentation as a PDF?
A: Yes, all highlight effects are preserved when you export to PDF.
💬 Conclusion:
Highlighting text in PowerPoint might not be as straightforward as in Word, but once you know these six techniques, you can easily emphasize key ideas in any slide. Whether you prefer the built-in Text Highlighter, Shapes, or creative Animations, each method helps you make your slides more dynamic, readable, and professional.
