How to Create a Word Cloud in MS Word

A word cloud is a fun way to present a list of words or sentences artistically. It presents them inside an image or a cloud outline. The words may appear in different sizes, colors, and angles, but they follow a simple rule. The size of the letters shows their frequency of use. If the words appear repeatedly, the word cloud shows them in a larger size.

You can create your own word cloud in an MS Word document.

3 methods to create a word cloud in MS Word

  • Using Basic Shapes
  • Using Add-In Apps
  • Using On-Line Apps

We will show you the above methods in simple step-by-step instructions.

Let us begin.


Method #1: Word Cloud Using Basic Shapes

This method creates a basic word cloud.

Step #1: Open a Word document

Open a Word document.

Navigate to the page where you want the word cloud to appear.

Step #2: Insert a basic shape

From the main menu, click on the Insert tab to change the ribbon.

In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.

This opens a drop-down menu with different shapes.

Under Basic Shapes, click on any shape you prefer.

The cursor changes to a cross.

Place the cross at a convenient place on the page.

Click and drag your pointer diagonally down to create the chosen shape.

Use the handles on the shape to reposition and resize it. Handles are the circles shown on the lines surrounding the image. 

Step #2: Insert text boxes

In the ribbon, under the section Text, click on the Text Box icon.

A list of built-in text boxes will appear.

Click on and select a suitable text box.

For this tutorial, we have chosen the Austin Quote text box.

The text box may appear outside the shape.

Click inside the text box and enter a suitable word or phrase from your word cloud list.

Use the handles on the text box to resize them around the text. Handles are the circles shown on the lines surrounding the image. 

Reposition each text box within the shape. Click on the text box, and drag it into place on top of the image.

Change the color and size of the text as you would with standard text on the Home tab.

Step #4: Insert more text boxes

Click the boundary of the text box.

Press CTRL+C on your keyboard to copy the text box.

Press CTRL+V on your keyboard to paste another text box.

Click inside the new text box and change the word to a new word in your list.

Paste as many text boxes as necessary.

Change the fonts, colors, and angles to suit you.


Method #2: Word Cloud Using Add-In Apps

This method creates a word cloud using an add-in app. Once you have the add-in app, it is quick to create more word clouds.

Step #1: Open a Word document

Open a Word document.

Navigate to the page where you want the word cloud to appear.

Step #2: Insert your text

Type all the text that should appear in the word cloud.

Step #3: Open the Add-In

Click on the Insert tab in the main menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Add-ins, click on the Get Add-ins icon.

Note: If you have already installed the add-in earlier, you can select it by clicking on My Add-ins.

The Office Add-ins dialog box will open.

Click within the search box.

Type Pro Word Cloud.

Click on the search icon

Once Pro Word Cloud appears in the right pane, click on the Add button.

A privacy notice will appear.

Click on the Continue button to close the notice.

A Pro Word Cloud dialog box opens on the right side of the page:

Step #4: Create the word cloud

Select the text you typed in Step #2 by clicking and dragging over it with your mouse.

Click on Create Word Cloud in the Pro Word Cloud pane.

A word cloud appears.

To change the word cloud, click the Re-generate Word Cloud button.

A new word cloud appears.

Note: You can keep re-generating the word cloud until you are satisfied with the results.

Step #5: Paste the word cloud in the document

Click on the word cloud to copy it into the clipboard.

Right-click on a suitable place in the document.

In the menu that opens, under Paste Options:, click on the Keep Source Formatting icon.

The generated word cloud appears in the document.


Method #3: Word Cloud Using On-Line App

This method uses an on-line app to generate a word cloud.

Step #1: Open the On-Line App

Open your favorite browser.

In the search bar, type https://www.freewordcloudgenerator.com/

This will open the Free Word Cloud Generator website.

Click on the FREE WORD CLOUD GENERATOR button.

Step #2: Type a list of words

In the left pane, click within the box below Paste/Type Text.

Type a list of suitable words.

Step #3: Visualize the Word Cloud

In the right pane, click on the Visualize button.

The app creates the word cloud in the bottom pane.

Step #4: Download the word cloud image

Click on the Download button.

This opens a list of formats for the image.

Click on a suitable format.

The File Manager dialog will open.

Select a suitable location.

Name the file and save the word cloud image.

Step #5: Paste the word cloud in your document

Open a Word document.

Navigate to the location where you want the word cloud to appear.

Click on the Insert tab in the main menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Illustrations, click on the Pictures icon.

The Insert Picture From menu will appear.

Click on the This Device… icon.

The File Manager dialog box will open.

Navigate to the location where you had saved the word cloud image.

Click on the word cloud image.

Click on the Insert button at the bottom.

The word cloud appears in the Word document.


Conclusion

We have shown you three methods of creating a word cloud in a Microsoft Word document. The first method allows you to be creative, and you do not need an internet connection. The second method is quicker, and by installing the app you can create more word clouds as often as you wish. Lastly, the third option is ideal if you only need to create a word cloud once.

Use the method most suitable for your needs.

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