How to Highlight Text in PowerPoint (A Comprehensive Guide)

In a world where information overload is the norm, highlighting text in your PowerPoint presentation can be a game-changer. It helps your audience focus on key points and reinforces your message. In this guide, we'll explore various techniques to make your text stand out effectively.

Part 1: Where is the Text Highlight Color Button in PowerPoint?

The Text Highlight Color button is located on the Home tab of the PowerPoint ribbon. To find it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the Home tab on the ribbon.

Step 2: Locate the Font group on the right side of the ribbon.

Step 3: Click the arrow next to the Text Highlight Color button.

A drop-down menu will appear with a variety of highlight colors to choose from. Simply click on the desired color to apply it to the selected text.

Alternative methods for highlighting text in PowerPoint:

• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + H to open the Text Highlight Color drop-down menu.

• Click the Review tab on the ribbon and then click the Text Highlighter tool in the Comments group.

• Use the Format Shape pane to apply a highlight color to a text box.

Part 2: How to highlight one piece of text in PowerPoint

Highlighting specific text in PowerPoint can be a powerful way to draw attention to key information. Follow these steps accompanied by images for a clear guide:

Step 1: Select the Text

Begin by opening your PowerPoint presentation and navigating to the slide containing the text you want to highlight. Click and drag to select the specific text.

Step 2: Access the Font Color Options

Look for the "Font Color" icon in the toolbar, usually represented as a small paint bucket. Click on it to open the color options.

Step 3: Choose the Highlighter Tool

Within the color options, locate the highlighter tool, often represented by a marker icon. Click on it to activate the highlighter.

Step 4: Select a Highlight Color

From the color palette, choose the highlight color you want to use.

Step 5: Apply the Highlight

Click on the selected text to apply the chosen highlight color.

These steps will allow you to highlight a single piece of text effectively in PowerPoint.

Additional tips:

• To remove highlighting from text, simply select the highlighted text and click the Text Highlight Color button again.

• To highlight multiple pieces of non-contiguous text, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting each piece of text.

• You can also use the Format Painter tool to copy highlighting from one piece of text to another. To do this, click the Format Painter tool on the Home tab, and then click the piece of text with the highlighting you want to copy. Next, click the piece of text you want to apply the highlighting to

Part 3: How to highlight multiple pieces of non-contiguous text  in PowerPoint

In certain situations, you might want to highlight multiple separate sections of text in a PowerPoint presentation. Follow these steps accompanied by images for a clear guide:

Step 1: Select the First Piece of Text

Begin by opening your PowerPoint presentation and navigating to the slide containing the text you want to highlight. Click and drag to select the first section of text.

Step 2: Hold Down the Ctrl Key

While holding down the Ctrl key (Command key on Mac), click on the other sections of text you want to highlight. This allows you to select multiple non-contiguous pieces of text.

Step 3: Access the Font Color Options

Look for the "Font Color" icon in the toolbar, usually represented as a small paint bucket. Click on it to open the color options.

Step 4: Choose the Highlighter Tool

Within the color options, locate the highlighter tool, often represented by a marker icon. Click on it to activate the highlighter.

Step 5: Select a Highlight Color

From the color palette, choose the highlight color you want to use.

Step 6: Apply the Highlight

Click on any of the selected text sections to apply the chosen highlight color. All the selected text will be highlighted simultaneously.

These steps will allow you to highlight multiple non-contiguous pieces of text effectively in PowerPoint.

Part 4: Other ways to highlight text in PowerPoint

In addition to the conventional methods, there are alternative approaches to highlight text in PowerPoint. Let's explore three effective techniques:

Method 1:Draw a shape 

Drawing shapes around text is an innovative way to draw attention. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Insert a Shape

Navigate to the "Insert" tab and select the shape you want to use. Draw it around the text you wish to highlight.

Step 2: Format the Shape

Right-click on the shape, choose "Format Shape," and then customize the fill color to your desired highlight shade.

Step 3: Adjust Transparency (Optional)

You can adjust the transparency of the shape to ensure the text is still readable.

Method 2 :Apply a glow effect to text

Adding a glow effect to text can create a visually striking highlight. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Select the Text

Highlight the text you want to emphasize.

Step 2: Apply the Glow Effect

Navigate to the "Format Text Effects" panel, go to "Glow & Soft Edges," and customize the glow settings to your preference.

Method 3 :using the Highlighter tool

PowerPoint offers a built-in highlighter tool that functions similarly to a physical highlighter pen. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Activate the Highlighter Tool

Locate the highlighter tool in the toolbar and click on it to activate.

Step 2: Highlight the Text

Click and drag the highlighter tool over the text you want to emphasize.

Comparison of methods

Recommendations

1. Employ the Draw a Shape technique to craft a personalized highlight that commands attention on your slide, setting it apart from the rest.

2. Opt for the Apply a Glow Effect approach to fashion a gentle highlight that allows underlying text to remain visible without obstruction.

3. Leverage the Highlighter Tool for swift and efficient highlighting of extensive text sections.

Part 5: How to Remove Text Highlight in PowerPoint?

In this section, we'll delve into the process of removing text highlight in PowerPoint. While highlighting text can be a valuable tool for emphasis, there are instances where you might want to revert to the original format. Whether it's for refining your presentation or making adjustments, follow these steps to efficiently remove text highlights. Let's get started.

Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation containing the highlighted text.

Step 2: Select the Highlighted Text

Locate the text that has been highlighted.

Step 3: Go to the "Font Color" Option

In the PowerPoint ribbon, find the "Font Color" option. It usually looks like a small paint bucket or a letter "A" with a color palette.

Step 4: Choose the Same Color as Your Slide Background

Select the same color as your slide background. This will effectively remove the highlight.

Step 5: Verify the Removal

Ensure that the highlight has been successfully removed.

Following these steps will allow you to efficiently remove text highlights from your PowerPoint presentation.

Part 6 Best Alternative to PowerPoint – WPS Presentation

WPS Office is a robust alternative to Microsoft Office, offering a suite of powerful applications including WPS Presentation, which serves as a compelling alternative to PowerPoint. Here's how you can make the most of it:

How to Download WPS Office

Step 1: Visit the WPS Office website at https://www.wps.com/.

Step 2: Click the Download button on the homepage.

Step 3: Select the Mac version of WPS Office.

Step 4: Once the download is complete, open the installer file.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.

Using WPS Presentation to Highlight Text

Step 1: Open the WPS Presentation application.

Step 2: Select the text you want to highlight.

Step 3: Click the Text Highlight Color button on the Home tab.

Step 4: Choose a color from the drop-down menu.

Benefits of Using WPS Office

• Compatibility with Mac: WPS Office is fully compatible with the Mac system, making it a great option for Mac users who are looking for a PowerPoint alternative.

• Free to use: WPS Office is completely free to use, unlike PowerPoint which requires a subscription.

• Wide range of features: WPS Office offers a wide range of features that are similar to PowerPoint, such as the ability to create and edit presentations, add slides, insert images and videos, and apply formatting.

• Unique features: WPS Office also offers a number of unique features that are not found in PowerPoint, such as the ability to convert PDFs to presentations, create mind maps, and translate presentations into multiple languages.

• Cloud integration: WPS Office is integrated with the WPS Cloud, which allows you to access your presentations from any device.

WPS Presentation is a great alternative to PowerPoint for Mac users. It is free to use, offers a wide range of features, and is compatible with the Mac system. If you are looking for a powerful and affordable presentation software, WPS Presentation is a great option.

FAQs

Q1:Why is there no highlight text button in My PowerPoint?

If you can't find the highlight text button in your PowerPoint, it might be because of the version you're using or the settings. You can try customizing your toolbar or using alternative methods like shapes, glow effects, or the highlighter tool. Make sure your PowerPoint is up to date for the latest features.

Q2:What is the highlight text in PowerPoint shortcut? 

While you're editing your PowerPoint slide, there isn't a direct shortcut key to highlight text with a specific color. However, you can press "Ctrl+I" to enable the highlight tool while you're in slideshow mode. This can be quite handy during a presentation or class.

Q3:How to create a video in PowerPoint?

Creating a video in PowerPoint can be an effective way to convey your message. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Insert Media: Click on the "Insert" tab, then select "Video" and choose the video file you want to insert.

Step 2: Set Playback Options: In the "Video Tools" tab, you can set options like start and end times, volume, and playback options.

Step 3: Add Animations or Transitions (Optional): You can add animations or transitions to your video to enhance its visual appeal.

Step 4: Export as Video: Once you're satisfied with the video, go to "File," then "Export," and choose "Create a Video." Select your preferred settings and click "Save."

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we've covered various techniques for effectively highlighting text in PowerPoint presentations. Whether using built-in tools or alternative methods, you now have the expertise to make your content stand out. Additionally, we've highlighted the advantages of using WPS Office as a powerful alternative to PowerPoint. Its features and compatibility, especially with Mac systems, make it a compelling choice for creating impactful presentations.