How to Create a Word Cloud in PowerPoint
Adding a word cloud to your PowerPoint presentation can highlight key concepts and make important terms stand out. While Microsoft PowerPoint doesn’t offer a built-in tool for creating word clouds, it can be done using third-party add-ins. Here’s how to create one.
Installing the Pro Word Cloud Add-in
There are several third-party applications that claim to generate word clouds in PowerPoint, but in this tutorial, we will use the free Pro Word Cloud add-in. However, there are some important considerations:
- Privacy and Security: Freeware, including the Pro Word Cloud add-in, may collect and send data over the internet. If privacy is a concern, this may not be the best option for you.
- Bloatware: Free software often comes bundled with additional programs that can slow down your computer and take up disk space. While most bloatware is not harmful, it can still impact your system’s performance.
Though we didn’t encounter issues using this add-in, be aware that your experience may vary. If you decide to proceed, visit the Pro Word Cloud download page and click “Get it Now” to install the add-in.
A pop-up window will appear containing links to the terms of use and privacy policy. If you agree, click “Continue.”
You’ll then be redirected to the Microsoft 365 store. Click “Open in PowerPoint.”
Another message will appear, this time requesting permission to open PowerPoint. Click “Open PowerPoint.”
PowerPoint will open, and the add-in will be installed. You can now close PowerPoint and access the add-in anytime.
Creating a Word Cloud in PowerPoint
Open the PowerPoint file containing the text you want to use for your word cloud, then click the Home tab.
Next, in the “Add-ins” group, click “My Add-ins.”
The “Office Add-ins” window will appear. Double-click the “Pro Word Cloud” add-in.
Once selected, the Pro Word Cloud pane will appear on the right side of the PowerPoint window. Here, you can customize settings such as font, color scheme, layout style, and case. You can also adjust the number of words displayed in the word cloud and set the image size (in pixels).
By default, common words like “and” or “if” are excluded. To include them, simply uncheck the box next to “Remove Common Words?”
After adjusting the settings to your preference, select the text in your PowerPoint slide by clicking and dragging your cursor over it. Then, in the Pro Word Cloud pane, click the “Create Word Cloud” button.
Pro Word Cloud will now generate your word cloud. As you can see from the tip that’s displayed, the word cloud image is copied to your clipboard.
You can now click and drag the image from the side pane onto your slide, or paste it from your clipboard by right-clicking on the slide and selecting Paste.