Back in 2020, we wrote this post about gradient text. We picked this topic today because PowerPoint users are still sticking to basic solid colors in their text! So, if you weren’t hanging out with us here at the blog in 2020, allow us to add another design tool to your toolbox. 

Looking at this tutorial five years later, we see that it’s still just as relevant today. PowerPoint’s gradient fill process is exactly the same (not necessarily great, but consistent), and it can be used to create great visual styling and visually dynamic designs – all directly within PowerPoint.  

Creating a Gradient Text Fill 

We used a simple two-word phrase as our example. We transformed this: 

Into this: 

Here’s how we did it: 

  • Select the text 
  • Go to (A) SHAPE FORMAT > (B) TEXT FILL > (C) GRADIENT > (D) VARIATIONS > pick a preset gradient style, or  
  • If you want more control and options, click (F) MORE GRADIENTS to open the Format Shape pane 

Customizing Your Gradient 

Now, let’s refine the gradient in the Format Shape pane where we get creative control of the gradient styling: 

A. Preset Gradients: Ready-made styles based on your theme colors 

B. Type: Let’s you choose from a number of gradients: 

  • Linear (meaning the gradient is horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) 
  • Radial (a circular gradient starting from the center, or from any of the 4 corners) 
  • Rectangular (similar to the circular gradient, but rectangular) 
  • Path (a gradient in the shape of the object it is filling) 

C. Direction: Adjust what direction the colors blend 

D. Angle: Adjust the angle at which the colors are blended 

E. Gradient Stops: Add, remove, and customize colors along the gradient – you can also add or remove gradient stops (points along the line) to really make it your own 

F. Color: Select the color for your gradient stop 

G. Position: Change the position of the gradient stop 

H. Transparency: Alter the opacity of the gradient 

I. Brightness: Fine-tune the brightness of the gradient  

For our example, the fire gradient effect is a 5-color stop gradient (E), each with the default Transparency (0%, or solid), default brightness (0%, or the color as selected), but a custom angle of 45 degrees (D). This all combines to create a dramatic, glowing look. 

Want to see it in action? Download the FIRE & ICE gradient fill sample slide here! 

-The TLC Creative Design Team