WordArt is a text object with styling
A WordArt style is not a downloadable font family. Choose the letterforms and the decorative treatment as separate decisions. A fill, outline or curve can change the appearance of the chosen text without becoming a new typeface that can be installed in another application.
Insert the text and choose the effect
Microsoft documents Insert > WordArt, selecting a gallery style and entering the wording. For an existing passage, select it before choosing WordArt. Use a short heading first so the decoration can be evaluated in context. Keep ordinary body paragraphs in a simpler text layout rather than applying the same display treatment throughout a long document.
Curve, fill and outline are separate controls
The official guide places curved or circular effects under Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform. It identifies Text Fill for color and Text Outline for the outline treatment. Adjust one aspect at a time. If a long phrase needs severe distortion to fit a circle, consider a shorter phrase or two lines before making the individual letters difficult to read.
Keep the editing environment in mind
Microsoft says the web versions can display existing WordArt but adding more requires a desktop Office application. Consult the official guide for the supported environment. Save an editable document with the output. For a narrower outline-letter task, read bubble-style text in Word; for font selection itself, use the Word font guide.
Your questions, answered.
Is WordArt one font?
No. It is a styled text object using a selected font and effects.
Where is curved WordArt documented?
Microsoft places the effect under Shape Format > Text Effects > Transform.
Can Word for the web add new WordArt?
The cited Microsoft guide says new WordArt requires a desktop Office application, while existing WordArt can be viewed on the web.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.