How to Make a Word Cloud in PowerPoint

Use an add-in to use this option in presentations

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on February 10, 2023
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute

Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.

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What to Know

  • Download the Pro Word Cloud app from the Microsoft Store, then go to Insert > My Add-ins > Pro Word Cloud > Add.
  • Create or select a text box with the text you want, then choose Create Word Cloud. Select the image to copy it, then paste it into the slide.
  • Alternatively, use an online tool like Word Cloud, or look for PowerPoint templates with pre-designed word clouds.

This article explains how to make a word cloud in PowerPoint. These instructions apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, and Microsoft 365.

How Do I Create a Word Cloud?

To make a word cloud in PowerPoint, you need to use the Pro Word Cloud app.

You can also use the Pro Word Cloud app to make word clouds in Microsoft Word.

  1. Download the Pro Word Cloud add-in from the Microsoft Store. Select Get it now, sign in to your Microsoft account if prompted, and provide the requested information.

    Get it Now on the Pro Word Cloud add-in for Microsoft Office download page.

  2. Open a slide in PowerPoint and go to the Insert tab.

    Insert tab in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

  3. Select My Add-ins.

    My Add-ins in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

  4. Choose Pro Word Cloud, then select Add.

    Pro Word Cloud and Add in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

  5. Select Text Box in the top toolbar and enter the text you want to use for the word cloud.

    To generate random text, type =RAND () in the text box and press Enter.

    Text Box in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 tool bar.

  6. In the right panel, choose your presets (font, colors, etc.) and select Create Word Cloud.

    Create Word Cloud in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

  7. Select the image to copy it to your clipboard.

    If you don't like the results, select Re-generate Word Cloud. If you want to change the presets, scroll down in the side panel, make the desired adjustments, and choose Create Word Cloud.

    Word cloud image in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

  8. Click in the current slide and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac) to paste the copied image. Move and resize the image to your liking, then delete the text box. Select the X in the side panel to close it.

    Word cloud with tech terms on a slide in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

If you don't like the default results, the Pro Word Cloud app allows you to customize your word cloud's font, color, layout, case, and size. You can set a limit for the number of words, and you have the option to include common words (and, or, the, etc.).

If the same word appears multiple times in the text box, it will only show up once in the word cloud, but it may be larger than the other words. If you want to emphasize a specific word, make sure the word is repeated in the text.

Word Cloud add-in settings in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

Alternatively, use an online tool like WordClouds.com to make a word cloud you can download as an image and insert into PowerPoint. Slidemodel.com has free PowerPoint templates with pre-designed word clouds you can use.

What Is a Word Cloud in PowerPoint?

Word clouds, also called tag clouds, are images of words arranged in different orientations, colors, and sizes. They can be helpful in presentations and marketing for visualizing broad concepts. For example, in a presentation about customer service, you could create a word cloud made of related terms like “Quality assurance,” “Knowledge base,” and “Support ticket.”

If you download the Poll Everywhere app, you can create word clouds during your presentation with the help of audience participation.

FAQ
  • How do I make a timeline in PowerPoint?

    One way to create a timeline in PowerPoint is to select Insert > SmartArt > Process > and choose Basic timeline or Circle Accent Timeline. You can also import timeline image files into a PowerPoint or use a PowerPoint template that's configured with a timeline.

  • How do I make a poster in PowerPoint?

    To make a poster in PowerPoint for Windows, click Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size > Portrait or Landscape > set the width and height > OK. On a Mac, go to File > Page Setup > Options > Paper Size > Manage Custom Sizes > choose the dimensions and orientation > OK.

  • How do I make a picture background transparent in PowerPoint?

    You can make an image background transparent in PowerPoint by selecting the image and clicking Picture Format > Remove Background (Windows) or Picture Format > Remove Background (Mac). Choose what to keep by selecting Mark Areas to Keep or Mark Areas to Remove in Windows or What to keep or What to Remove on a Mac > Keep Changes.

  • How do I make curved text in PowerPoint?

    Select Insert > WordArt > choose the style you like > and type text in the WordArt box. Highlight the WordArt text and click Shape Format or Drawing Tools Format > Text Effects > Transform > and choose your preferred curved text style. If you choose Circle, you can wrap text around a circle shape by dragging it around the object. You can also use the WordArt tools to add text shadows in PowerPoint by selecting Text Effects > Shadow.

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