Powerpoint merge function not working

Question

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for some help with the merge shapes function in powerpoint. When I try to use it with a text box and a shape, it seems to use the entire shape of text box rather than just the text. I've attached before and after images of using the merge function with text and a shape. I am selecting the text first and choosing "combine". When I select the shape first, it cuts out the shape of the text box.

Thanks

Answer 1

As is often the case, the producer of the video neglects to indicate on which edition of PowerPoint or on which platform release the video is based. Further, they don't bother to indicate whether the feature works the same in other versions... I'm not even sure they aren't blind to the fact that there are variants other than the one they are using or that there are differences that need to be taken into consideration. In many cases they're interested in little more than generating income.

This is the case with that video. The version being used is an unspecified release of PowerPoint for Windows. PowerPoint for Mac has not been provided with the same capability. It isn't available in the PowerPoint Online web app, either.

Answer 2

That is the expected behavior... It's a Merge Shapes tool, not a merge text tool.

Add the text after using the Merge Shapes tool.

Answer 3

Remember your manners Bob

Answer 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7OIxtThzPA&t=6s

this video shows it working with text.