Adding a PowerPoint Callout to a Slide GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > MS Office

Adding a PowerPoint Callout to a Slide

Use callouts to highlight a specific part of your presentation

By Wendy Russell Wendy Russell Writer Brock University Former Lifewire writer Wendy Russell is an experienced teacher specializing in live communications, graphics design, and PowerPoint software. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 27, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Powerpoint Word Excel Outlook

What to Know

Create a callout: Go to Home > Shapes and select a Callout. Drag to create the shape of the callout and enter the callout text.Resize a callout: Select the callout's border, then drag a resize handle. To move the callout pointer, drag the Control Handle.Change a callout's color: Go to Home > Shape Fill and choose a color. To change the font color: Go to Home > Font > Font color. This article explains how to add a callout to a PowerPoint slide. Callouts point to the object they're highlighting and offer additional information. They're set apart visually from the rest of the content with different fonts, colors, and shading. Instructions cover PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

Use a PowerPoint Callout to Add Focus Text

To add a PowerPoint callout using one of the built-in callout shapes: Select Home. Select Shapes to see all available shapes. The Callout section is near the bottom of the list. Select the Callout of your choice. The pointer changes to a cross shape. Drag to create the shape of the PowerPoint callout. With the callout selected, enter the callout text.

Format a PowerPoint Callout

You can change the size, fill color, font, and direction of a callout after you insert it onto a PowerPoint slide.

Resize a Callout

Select the border of the callout. Drag a resize handle to achieve the desired size. Use a corner handle to maintain the proportions of the PowerPoint callout. Repeat if necessary.

Change the Fill Color of the PowerPoint Callout

To change the color of a callout: Select the PowerPoint callout if it is not already selected. Select Home. Select the Shape Fill down arrow. Or, right-click the shape and choose Format Shape to access fill color options. Choose one of the colors displayed. Or choose one of the many other fill options, such as picture, gradient, or texture. The new fill color is applied to the selected PowerPoint callout.

Choose a New Font Color for the PowerPoint Callout

To change the look of fonts in a callout: Select the PowerPoint callout. In the Font section of the Home tab, note the color of the line under the Font Color button. This is the current color of the font. Select the Font Color down arrow to reveal the font color options. Choose a color. This font color is applied to the text of the PowerPoint callout.

Direct the PowerPoint Callout Pointer to the Correct Object

To move the callout pointer: Select the PowerPoint callout. Drag the Control Handle (it's the yellow dot at the tip of the callout pointer) to point to the object you would like the callout to be attached to. The callout stretches and possibly reorients itself. Save the changes to your presentation. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Make a Timeline on Google Slides How to Add a Border in Google Docs How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation How to Select Multiple Slides in PowerPoint How to Use Text Boxes in Microsoft Word How to Use Curved Text in PowerPoint How to Make a Schedule in Excel How to Use Canva How to Insert a Copyright Symbol or Emoji on a PowerPoint Slide Change Font Colors and Styles on PowerPoint Slides Using Design Themes in PowerPoint How to Crop a Shape in PowerPoint How to Crop a Picture in PowerPoint How to Text Wrap in PowerPoint How to Place a Picture Inside a PowerPoint Shape How to Make a Shape Transparent in PowerPoint Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies