How to Convert Text to Outlines in PowerPoint (So It Becomes a Shape)

PowerPoint can do a lot of things.

Turning text into outlines — like Illustrator “Create Outlines” — is not one of them.

So if you want text that becomes a design element (not editable text), you have to use a workaround.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to convert live editable text into an outlined shape using Merge Shapes — and it’s surprisingly easy once you know the trick.

Why would you want outlined text?

Outlined text (aka text as a shape) is useful when:

• You want the text to behave like a graphic object
• You’re designing a logo, title treatment, sticker-style text, etc.
• You want to prevent someone from editing the wording/font
• You’re building a reusable design element in a template

Important: once you convert it to outlines, it is no longer editable as text. You can’t click and type.

So… make sure the text is correct first. 🙂

Step 1: Add your text

1. Go to Insert → Shapes
2. Choose Text Box
3. Click on the slide and type your text

Example (because why not):

Care Bear Stare

Now format it however you want:

• Pick the font
• Increase the size
• Make it bold
• Keep it on one line if possible (easier to work with)

Step 2: Add a “cookie dough” shape behind it

Now we need a solid shape to cut the text out of (think: cookie dough + cookie cutter).

1. Go to Insert → Shapes
2. Choose a simple shape like:
   • Rectangle
   • Rounded rectangle
   • Oval

✅ Use a shape that easily covers the text

🚫 Don’t use a star or smiley face unless you enjoy unnecessary suffering

3. Draw the shape so it fully covers your text

Optional: Make it easier to see what’s happening

• Set a fill color (purple is a vibe)
• Remove the shape outline:
  • Shape Format → Shape Outline → No Outline

If your shape is blocking the text, you can send it behind:

• Right-click the shape → Send to Back

This step is purely for convenience.

Step 3: Select the shape first, then the text

This is the most important part, and the step people mess up.

You must select in this order:

1. Click the shape (the cookie dough) first
2. Then Shift+Click the text (the cookie cutter)

So your selection should include:

• the rectangle shape
• the text box

Step 4: Merge Shapes → Intersect

Now the magic:

1. Go to the Shape Format tab
2. Click Merge Shapes
3. Choose Intersect

Boom.

Your text has now been converted into a shape.

Step 5: Confirm it’s a shape (aka no longer editable)

If it worked correctly:

• Clicking it selects one shape
• You can’t highlight letters or edit text
• It behaves like a graphic

Want proof?

Right-click the shape and choose:

✅ Edit Points

If you see a billion little points, congratulations:

You’ve just created a horrifyingly complicated shape. 🎉

(That’s how you know it’s real.)

What you can do with outlined text now

Now that it’s a shape, you can:

• Change fill color
• Add outline strokes
• Add shadows/glow
• Apply gradient fills
• Rotate/warp it like a design element
• Use it as part of a template design

Quick Troubleshooting

“Intersect is grayed out”

That usually means:

• You didn’t select two objects
• One object is not a shape/text box
• You’re not in the Shape Format tab (you need to select a shape first)

“My text disappeared”

Most likely:

• The rectangle didn’t fully cover the text
• The rectangle wasn’t selected first

Undo (Ctrl+Z) and try again.

Recap

Here’s the whole method in plain English:

1. Create your text
2. Put a simple shape behind it
3. Select shape first, then text
4. Shape Format → Merge Shapes → Intersect
5. Enjoy your new fancy outlined-text shape