PowerPoint Text Basics
Learn how to select text, cut, copy, paste, drag text, and format text using the tools on the Home tab.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
Selecting Text
Before you can edit or move text in PowerPoint, you first need to select it. Selecting text allows you to copy it, delete it, format it, or move it to another location on the slide.
To select text, click next to the text you want to select, then click and drag your mouse across the words.
Once the text is highlighted, PowerPoint knows that any commands you choose will apply to that selection.
Copying and Pasting Text
Copying text allows you to duplicate information without removing the original content from the slide.
First select the text you want to copy. Then click the Copy command in the Clipboard group on the Home tab.
Next place the insertion point where you want the copied text to appear and click the Paste command.
The copied text will appear in the new location while the original text remains unchanged.
Cutting and Pasting Text
If you want to move text instead of copying it, you can use the Cut command. Cutting removes the selected text and places it on the clipboard.
Select the text you want to move, then click the Cut command on the Home tab.
Place the insertion point where the text should appear, then click Paste.
The text will appear in its new location and will be removed from its original position.
Dragging and Dropping Text
Another quick way to move text is by dragging and dropping it. This allows you to move text directly without using the Ribbon commands.
First select the text you want to move. Then click and drag the selected text to a new location within the text box.
When you release the mouse, the text will move to the new location.
Formatting Text
Formatting text helps emphasize important information and makes slides easier to read.
The Home tab contains several tools for formatting text, including options for font style, font size, color, and alignment.
You can also apply styles such as bold, italic, or underline to highlight important information for your audience.
Completed Slide Example
After editing and formatting the text, the slide will appear more organized and easier to read.
The example below shows how the slide should look after rearranging the list and formatting the text.
Knowledge Check
How do you select all text in a text box in PowerPoint?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks using the practice presentation:
- Open the practice presentation.
- Select slide 4.
- Move the text 'Lower blood pressure' so it appears between 'Companionship' and 'Social opportunities'.
- Use either Cut and Paste or Drag and Drop.
- Select the list of benefits and apply italics formatting.
- Select the title 'Did You Know?' remove the bold formatting and change the font size to 36 pt.