TitleArt — Make text like it's 1997 is a browser tool that recreates every classic WordArt style, shape, and 3-D effect for quick nostalgic text graphics. Its pricing is unknown but the tool has a free tier and the site states no cost is currently required to use it.
| Product | Free tier | Starts at | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make WordArt | No | Not stated | Closest in spirit — recreating 1990s Microsoft WordArt |
| TextShape | Yes | Not stated (free) | Fitting word art exactly into any shape, privately |
| 3D Text Generator | Yes | Not stated (free) | Free 3-D text effects with many preset styles |
| Art Text | Yes | Not stated | Mac users wanting a fuller text-design app |
| Text Effects AI | Yes | $7.99/mo | AI-generated text effects beyond classic WordArt looks |
| Archetype | No | Not stated | Web typography layout rather than retro effects |
| Letrasdiferentesfontes.com | No | Not stated | Transforming text into stylized fonts, not shaped art |
Make WordArt
Make WordArt (https://www.makewordart.com/) rebuilds the classic Microsoft WordArt experience, letting you "party like it's 1995" with the same arc, wave, and shadow styles many remember from Office. It suits anyone who wants the most literal recreation of old WordArt rather than a modern take on the idea. Pricing is unknown — the site mentions a "WordArt Store" and worldwide shipping, suggesting some commercial element, but no free tier is stated and no amounts are given. The limitation: with no confirmed free tier, you may need to dig further to find out what's actually free versus paid.
TextShape
TextShape (https://textshape.app/) fits word art precisely into any chosen shape, with no signup, no watermarks, and no paywalls — it runs entirely free, supported only by optional donations. It suits users who want a private, no-friction tool for shaped text graphics without creating an account. The one limitation is that it focuses on shape-fitting rather than reproducing the specific classic WordArt styles and 3-D bevels TitleArt offers, so the visual vocabulary is narrower.
3D Text Generator
3D Text Generator (https://www.3dtextgenerator.com/) is a free online tool with 211+ styles and 120+ fonts for building 3-D text effects, with real-time preview and PNG export and no account required. It suits anyone who wants depth and dimension in their text without touching design software. It's stated as 100% free with no watermark. The limitation is that it's focused specifically on 3-D effects rather than the full range of flat WordArt shapes and arcs that TitleArt covers.
Art Text
Art Text (https://text.design/art-text/) is a graphic design app for Mac built around artistic text effects, with a free base app and in-app purchases for some typography templates and AI bundles. It suits Mac users who want a more full-featured design tool rather than a quick browser generator. Specific in-app purchase amounts aren't stated on the website. The limitation is that it's Mac-only, unlike TitleArt's browser-based approach, and some features sit behind unspecified paid add-ons.
Text Effects AI
Text Effects AI (https://texteffectsai.com/) generates text effects using AI, with free credits to start and paid plans from $7.99/month for 4,000 credits, rising to $15.99/month for 12,000. It suits people who want AI-driven, less templated effects rather than fixed classic WordArt styles. The clear limitation is cost: unlike TitleArt's free use, ongoing or heavier use requires a paid subscription, and credits are consumed per generation.
Archetype
Archetype (http://www.archetypeapp.com/) is a browser-based tool for web typography design rather than retro text-effect graphics. It suits designers focused on typographic layout and web type systems rather than WordArt-style shapes or 3-D effects. No reliable pricing information is available — the product page content was corrupted or misdirected, so pricing and free-tier status for Archetype are effectively unstated here. This makes it a harder product to evaluate against TitleArt's free, effect-driven tool.
Letrasdiferentesfontes.com
Letrasdiferentesfontes.com (https://letrasdiferentesfontes.com/) transforms typed words into different typographic font styles rather than shaped or 3-D WordArt graphics. It suits users who want varied font-style text for social posts or messages rather than classic WordArt effects. No pricing information is stated on the website, and no free tier is confirmed. The limitation is that it doesn't appear to offer the shape and 3-D effect options that define TitleArt's job.
How to choose
If you want the closest match to classic 1990s WordArt, start with Make WordArt. If you want a confirmed-free, no-signup tool, try TextShape or 3D Text Generator depending on whether you need shape-fitting or 3-D depth. If you're on Mac and want a fuller design app, or you want AI-generated effects and don't mind a subscription, Art Text or Text Effects AI fit better.
FAQ
Is TitleArt free? Pricing isn't formally stated, but it has a free tier and the site indicates no cost to use it.
Which alternative is confirmed fully free? TextShape and 3D Text Generator are both stated as free with no signup required.
Which alternative costs money? Text Effects AI has paid plans starting at $7.99/month beyond its free credits.