How to Do a Word Cloud in Powerpoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a word cloud in PowerPoint is a nifty way to visualize the frequency of words in a text. It’s a simple process that involves using a third-party add-in to generate the word cloud, which can then be customized and added to your PowerPoint presentation. In just a few steps, you’ll have a visually appealing word cloud that will make your presentation stand out.

Step by Step Tutorial: Creating a Word Cloud in PowerPoint

Before diving into the steps, it’s worth noting that PowerPoint doesn’t have a built-in feature for creating word clouds. But don’t worry! We’ll use a free add-in called "Pro Word Cloud" that gets the job done perfectly.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and Select the Insert Tab

Open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the "Insert" tab in the ribbon menu.

This is where you’ll find the option to add various elements to your slides, including add-ins like Pro Word Cloud.

Step 2: Click on Get Add-ins

In the "Add-ins" group, click on "Get Add-ins" to open the Office Add-ins store.

Here you can browse and search for various add-ins that can enhance your PowerPoint presentations.

Step 3: Search for Pro Word Cloud in the Add-ins Store

Once the store is open, use the search bar to find "Pro Word Cloud."

This add-in is specifically designed for creating word clouds and is easy to use.

Step 4: Add Pro Word Cloud to PowerPoint

Click on the "Add" button next to Pro Word Cloud to install it in PowerPoint.

Once installed, it will appear in the "My Add-ins" section under the "Insert" tab.

Step 5: Select the Text for Your Word Cloud

Highlight the text on your slide that you want to include in the word cloud.

The add-in will use this text to generate the word cloud, so make sure to select all the relevant content.

Step 6: Open Pro Word Cloud and Create Your Word Cloud

With the text selected, click on "My Add-ins" and then Pro Word Cloud to launch the add-in.

Follow the prompts within the add-in to generate your word cloud, which you can then customize according to your preferences.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a beautiful word cloud on your PowerPoint slide that not only adds visual appeal but also conveys the significance of specific words in your presentation content.

Tips for a Successful Word Cloud in PowerPoint

  • Use contrasting colors for your word cloud to make it stand out on the slide.
  • Limit the number of words in your word cloud to avoid clutter and maintain readability.
  • Choose a font that complements the style of your presentation.
  • Adjust the size of your word cloud to fit the slide without overpowering other elements.
  • Experiment with different layouts and shapes to find the best fit for your word cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a word cloud without an add-in?

While PowerPoint doesn’t have a native feature for creating word clouds, you can manually create a similar effect by arranging text boxes with words of different sizes. However, this is time-consuming and doesn’t offer the same visual impact as using an add-in.

Are there any free add-ins for creating word clouds in PowerPoint?

Yes, Pro Word Cloud is a free add-in that you can use to create word clouds in PowerPoint. There are also other free and paid add-ins available in the Office Add-ins store.

Can I customize the color and font of my word cloud?

Yes, after generating your word cloud with the Pro Word Cloud add-in, you can customize the colors, fonts, and layout to match your presentation’s theme.

Is Pro Word Cloud compatible with all versions of PowerPoint?

Pro Word Cloud is compatible with PowerPoint 2013 or later and PowerPoint for the web.

How do I resize my word cloud?

After creating your word cloud, you can click and drag the corners of the word cloud to resize it, just like you would with any other image or shape in PowerPoint.

Summary

  1. Open PowerPoint and select the Insert tab.
  2. Click on Get Add-ins.
  3. Search for Pro Word Cloud in the Add-ins Store.
  4. Add Pro Word Cloud to PowerPoint.
  5. Select the text for your word cloud.
  6. Open Pro Word Cloud and create your word cloud.

Conclusion

Once you’ve gone through these steps, you’ll see just how easy it is to do a word cloud in PowerPoint. With the help of a simple add-in, you can turn a chunk of text into a work of art that not only looks good but also highlights the most important words in your presentation. And don’t forget, the key to a great word cloud is customization—play around with colors, fonts, and sizes until you get it just right. So, what are you waiting for? Give your next PowerPoint presentation a visual boost with a word cloud that’s sure to impress your audience!

About the author

Matt Williams has been in the IT field for almost two decades, and has held a number of roles. Now he spends most of his time building websites and writing content.