How to Fill Text with an Image in PowerPoint

Have you ever seen a text with an image fill, like this one,

and said to yourself, “I wish I could do that”? Well, I have some good news. If you have PowerPoint, you can! Just follow the six simple steps below.

1. Add Combine Shapes Tool to Your PowerPoint Ribbon

If you haven’t already, the first thing you’ll need to do is add the Combine Shapes tool to your PowerPoint ribbon. Check out this tutorial to see how to do that.

2. Insert a Background Image

The next thing you’ll need to do is find and insert the image you want to use as the fill for your text. For this kind of project, it’s best to choose an image that’s easily recognizable.

3. Insert & Format Your Text

The third step is to insert your text.

Once your text is inserted, you’ll need to choose a font. I recommend using a bold font so that more of the image is visible.

Then, increase the size and boldness of the font as desired.

Finally, position your text on the part of the image you want to appear as the fill. In this example, I’m going to move the text over a little so that no green shows through.

4. Insert a Rectangle

Next, insert a rectangle that’s the same size as the image. In my case, the rectangle covers the whole slide. Then, right-click on the rectangle, select Send to Back, and choose Send Backward.

Your text should now appear on top of the rectangle.

5. Combine Your Rectangle and Your Text

Now select your text, followed by your rectangle, click on Merge Shapes, and select Combine.

At this point, your rectangle should have taken on the color of your text, and the place where the text was should be transparent. If you try and move your text, you’ll notice that the rectangle is still independent of the image, like in the screenshot below.

If you don’t like the part of the image that’s showing through, move the rectangle around until you’re satisfied with the result.

If you don’t need the image and the text to be a single object, then you can stop here. If you do, then move on to step 6.

6. Subtract the Image from the Text

Select both the image and the rectangle, and then click on Merge Shapes and select Subtract.

The image and text should now be combined in one object, like in the screenshot below.

If you’re following these steps and the result doesn’t look quite right, try selecting your objects in the reverse order.

Now you can go ahead and add any other text or images around it to finish off the look you’re going for.

And you’re all set!

Want to learn more tips and tricks for creating graphics in PowerPoint? Check out the tutorials below:

• Guide to Creating Illustrations in PowerPoint for People Who Don’t Know How to Draw
• Creating Custom Shapes in PowerPoint
• How I Created These Handy People Icons in PowerPoint

And if you’re on the lookout for beautiful images, be sure to check out Content Library 360, the library of 10.3+ million assets that comes with an Articulate 360 subscription. Click here to start your 30-day free trial.

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