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Quick Answer

Go to Insert > Get Add-ins, search for Pro Word Cloud, install it, and run the add-in to generate a word cloud from your slide text.

How to Create a Word Cloud in Microsoft PowerPoint ​

Estimated Time to Fix: 3 minutes

Applies to: Microsoft PowerPoint (Desktop App)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-20

Summary ​

A word cloud is a visual representation of text where the most frequently used words appear larger. They are great for team building slides or summarizing survey feedback. Instead of using a sketchy third-party website, you can build a word cloud directly inside PowerPoint using an official Microsoft Add-in.

Prerequisites ​

  • You must have the Microsoft PowerPoint desktop app installed.
  • You need an active internet connection to download the Add-in.

Instructions ​

1. Install the "Pro Word Cloud" Add-in ​

Microsoft has a free store built into PowerPoint where you can download official mini-apps to extend PowerPoint's functionality.

  1. Open your presentation in PowerPoint.
  2. Click the Insert tab at the top of the screen.
  3. Click the Get Add-ins button (it looks like a red hexagon).
  4. In the Office Add-ins window, type Pro Word Cloud into the search bar and press Enter.
  5. Find the app in the results and click Add.
  6. Click Continue to agree to the terms.

2. Generate Your Word Cloud ​

Once the Add-in is installed, a new side panel will open on the right side of your screen.

  1. Type or paste the text you want to use into a blank text box on your PowerPoint slide. (For example, paste a list of words like "Teamwork, Synergy, Innovation, Teamwork").
  2. Highlight all the text in that text box using your mouse.
  3. Look at the Pro Word Cloud panel on the right side of the screen.
  4. Choose your preferred Font, Colors, and Layout.
  5. Uncheck Extract words from text if you want to keep common words like "and" or "the" (usually you want to leave this checked to ignore them).
  6. Click the blue Create Word Cloud button.

3. Insert the Image onto the Slide ​

The Add-in generates a high-quality image of the word cloud, but it does not place it on the slide automatically.

  1. An image of your word cloud will appear in the right-side panel.
  2. Click on the image. It will copy to your clipboard.
  3. Click anywhere on your actual PowerPoint slide.
  4. Press Ctrl + V (or right-click and select Paste).
  5. The image is now on your slide. You can resize it, drag it around, and format it like any other picture.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

If you don't like how the word cloud looks, do not try to edit the pasted image. go back to the panel, tweak your color or font settings, and click Create Word Cloud again to generate a new one.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Get Add-ins" is grayed outIT Policy restrictionYour company's IT department has disabled the Office Store. You will need to submit a ticket to have them whitelist "Pro Word Cloud".
The panel disappearedAdd-in closedGo to the Insert tab, click My Add-ins, and select Pro Word Cloud to reopen the panel.