How do you outline a font?

Answered by John Hunt

To outline a font in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, follow these steps:

1. Select the text or WordArt that you want to outline.
2. Go to the Home tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on the Text Effects button, which is represented by an uppercase ‘A’ with a blue underline.
4. A drop-down menu will appear with various text effects options. Select the effect you desire. These options include Outline, Shadow, Reflection, and Glow.
5. If you choose the Outline option, a sub-menu will appear with different outline styles. Click on the style you prefer. This will create an outline around the selected text.
6. If you want to further customize the outline, click on the Outline Options at the bottom of the drop-down menu. This will open the Format Text Effects pane on the right side of the screen, providing more options to adjust the outline’s color, weight, and transparency.
7. Experiment with different outline settings until you achieve the desired effect.
8. To remove the outline, select the text or WordArt again and click on the Text Effects button. From the drop-down menu, click on the No Outline option.

Remember, the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the version of Microsoft Word or PowerPoint you are using. These instructions are based on the latest versions.

Personal Experience: I often use font outlining in my presentations to make certain text elements stand out or add a decorative touch to a design. It can be especially useful when creating titles, headings, or logos that need a bold and distinct appearance. By adjusting the outline color and weight, you can create different effects, such as a neon glow or a subtle border. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the visual impact of your text.