One great feature of PowerPoint is knowing that every text box is basically a mini Word document which means adjusting the cell padding can be done quickly and easily.

Cell padding-1

By default, all text is inset a small amount in each text box. Here is an example from the Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 default template. There is .1″ all the way around.

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The cell padding, or inset, is easily customized. Select a text box, right-click and select Format Shape.

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In the Formatting text pane, click the Text Options.

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Click the text box icon.

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Adjust the Left/Right/Top/Bottom margins exactly as needed.

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Here is the same text box with a 0″ margin all the way around so the text is right next to the placeholder now.

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And here is a callout bar with the text set to start 1″ in from the left edge.

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Just some formatting ideas for your next presentation. Otherwise, you are stuck wondering why the text in a shape is not in the position it should be.

 

– Troy@TLC