How to Wrap Text in Google Slides on Mobile & PC [2024]

Key Takeaways
  • Google Slides does not offer a built-in text wrapping feature, but you can manually adjust text boxes and images to create an effective wrap text appearance in your presentations.
  • Achieving a professional look in Google Slides involves careful placement of text and images, ensuring that the text complements the visuals without overcrowding or confusing important elements.
  • To ensure that your presentation maintains its intended format across different devices, it's crucial to regularly preview your slides in presentation mode and adjust the layout and formatting as needed.

Creating visually appealing and clear presentations is essential, and one effective way to achieve this is by wrapping text around images. While Google Slides does not offer a built-in text wrapping feature like some other presentation tools, there are simple workarounds that can enhance the layout of your slides.

This article will guide you through practical steps to manually wrap text around images in Google Slides, ensuring your presentations look polished and professional. Whether you’re using a PC or a mobile device, these instructions will help you improve the visual impact of your slides.

What is text wrapping?

What is text wrapping?

Text wrapping is a layout technique used in document and presentation design where text is flowed or molded around a graphic, such as an image or a shape, rather than simply appearing below or above it. This method allows the text to surround the object on one or more sides, creating a more integrated and dynamic page layout.

It’s commonly used in magazines, brochures, and online content to enhance the interaction between text and visuals, making the overall presentation more engaging. It can be beneficial in the following ways:

  • It breaks up large text blocks, keeping the audience engaged.
  • Creates cleaner, more creative layouts.
  • Maximizes use of slide space, ideal for detailed visuals.
  • Adds a polished, detail-oriented appearance to slides.

READ MORE:  How to Wrap Text Around an Image in Microsoft Word? ➜

How to wrap text around images in Google Slides on a PC?

Wrapping text around images in Google Slides on a PC involves a few creative maneuvers since the software doesn’t directly support this feature. You can achieve a visually cohesive and engaging layout by manually adjusting text boxes and images. Follow these steps to wrap text around images effectively:

  1. Visit Google Slides and open the presentation you wish to edit. You can select either a new or existing presentation from your list.
    Open the presentation
    Open the presentation
  2. Go to the slide where you want the image. Click “Insert” from the top menu, then select Image and choose “Upload from Computer.” Locate the image file you want to use and upload it to your slide.
    Click Upload from Computer
    Click Upload from Computer
  3. Click on “Insert” and then “Text Box.” Click and drag on the slide to draw your text box. Position this box close to, but not overlapping, the image where you want your text to wrap.
    Click Text Box
    Click Text Box
  4. Select the text box or image and use the drag handles to resize or reposition either element. Adjust them until the text aesthetically complements the image, simulating a wrap effect.
    Adjust the text as you like
    Adjust the text as you like

Modify the layout by selecting the text box or image and adjusting their alignment and size. Consider using multiple smaller text boxes for more complex layouts to better control text flow around the image.

READ MORE: How to Make Google Slides Vertical in 6 Easy Steps [2024] ➜

How to wrap text around images in Google Slides on mobile?

Wrapping text around images on the Google Slides mobile app requires precision and patience, given the smaller screen and touch interface. Here’s how you can manage text wrapping effectively on mobile devices:

  1. Open the Google Slides app on your mobile device. You can create a new presentation or select an existing one from your Google Drive.
    Open the Presentation
    Open the Presentation
  2. Tap on the slide you want to edit. Tap the “+” icon.
    Tap + icon
    Tap + icon
  3. Select the image, then choose the source of your image (e.g., Photos, Camera, or Drive).
    Add the image
    Add the image
  4. Once added, tap the image to select it, and use pinch gestures to resize or drag it to the desired position.
    Resize the image as you like
    Resize the image as you like
  5. Add a text box by tapping the Text box icon, then tap and drag on your slide to position it. You might need to adjust the text box size to visually complement the image without covering it.
    Add text
    Add text

Utilize touch gestures to adjust the placement and size of your text and images. Pinch to resize and tap and drag to reposition. This might require some trial and error to get the text to wrap around the image as neatly as possible.

READ MORE: What is Slidesgo & How to Use It in Google Slides ➜

Text wrapping in Google Slides vs. MS PowerPoint

Text wrapping Google Slides vs MS PowerPoint

Both Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint are popular tools for creating presentations, but they differ significantly in their text wrapping capabilities and user-friendliness.

Microsoft PowerPoint offers a built-in text wrapping feature, allowing text to flow automatically around images or shapes with simple adjustments. This makes it highly user-friendly and versatile for creating sophisticated presentations quickly.

Google Slides, on the other hand, lacks an automatic text wrapping feature. Users must manually position text boxes and images to simulate text wrapping. This process is less spontaneous and time-consuming, making it suitable for more straightforward presentation needs.

PowerPoint is preferable for users requiring detailed and complex designs due to its advanced features and flexibility. While excellent for collaboration and ease of access, Google Slides may require more effort to achieve similar visual effects.

READ MORE: How to Save an Image from Google Slides

Best practices for text wrapping in Google Slides

To maximize the visual impact of your presentations in Google Slides, even without a built-in text wrapping feature, follow these best practices:

  • Choose clear, relevant images that complement your text, favoring those with simple backgrounds to maintain text clarity.
  • Use readable fonts and sizes. Keep text brief and aligned with the image content to ensure it is clear and impactful.
  • Carefully position text boxes around images, ensuring enough space to avoid a cluttered appearance.
  • Align text and images symmetrically for a professional look. To help in alignment, utilize grid lines or the “Arrange” feature in Google Slides.
  • Try different text placements, such as beside or above the image, to find the most effective layout for your content.

READ MORE: 3 Easy Ways to Convert a PDF to Google Slides [2024] ➜

Final thoughts

While Google Slides doesn’t natively support the wrap text in Google Slides feature, with a bit of creativity and manual adjustment, you can still achieve professional-looking text wrapping around images. 

By selecting the right images, strategically positioning text boxes, and adjusting the layout, your presentations can stand out with enhanced readability and visual appeal. Preview your slides in presentation mode to ensure consistent formatting across different devices

With these tips and techniques, you can make your next Google Slides presentation visually engaging and impressively polished, even without built-in wrapping tools. 

FAQs

Can I wrap text around multiple images?

You can manually position text boxes around each image to create a wrapping effect. Arrange the images and text to complement each other without overcrowding the slide.

How do I ensure the text maintains its formatting when presented?

To ensure consistent formatting, use the “Slide Master” feature in Google Slides to set uniform text styles across your presentation. Also, preview your slides in presentation mode to check the formatting and adjust as needed.

What are the best types of images for text wrapping in Google Slides?

Images with clear, uncluttered backgrounds and distinct focal points work best. This makes the text easier to read and the overall slide more visually appealing.

Can I automate text wrapping in Google Slides?

While Google Slides doesn’t support automatic text wrapping, you can achieve a similar effect by carefully positioning text boxes and images as described earlier. This manual process allows for custom arrangement of text and images.

How can I enhance the visibility of text on complex images?

Consider adding a semi-transparent background behind the text or using a text-shadow for complex images. This can help maintain readability by creating a contrast between the text and the busy background of the image.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Khalid Ali


Khalid is a versatile analyst honing his expertise for the past 5 years. With certifications from Google and IBM to back him up, his knowledge extends far beyond the routine coverage of the latest trends and in the industry.