make a presentation on different types of shapes

Resources and tips around creating and designing slide decks, general presentation guidance, and tool workflows and pro-tips.

Beginner to Advance Use of Shapes in PPT

July 28, 2020

In PowerPoint, Shapes are basically the building blocks for how you can style your presentation to give it a look that says “I’m more than just a template”. 

Ever seen a tangram before? A tangram is a puzzle consisting of seven deceptively simple polygons that fit together to form a mind boggling number of shapes.

Think about that for a second... while most people think of Shapes as just circles, triangles, or squares, there are actually a ton of ways they can be arranged to create complex patterns and icons, and backgrounds. When combined with text, the possibilities stretch even more. Think buttons, subtle labels and more. All it takes is a bit of creativity and technical know-how (two things that we'll help you with in this article!) 

First of all, let’s go over the basics for using Shapes:

  1. Creating a Shape

PowerPoint comes with over 90+ built-in shapes to choose from so it’s easy to create one with just a few clicks. After you select one from Insert > Shapes , click anywhere on the screen, drag and release to form your shape. Pro-tip: By holding down the Shift key while dragging, you can create a perfectly uniform shape everytime!

2. Formatting a Shape

After creating a Shape, you can modify many elements of it including its size, color, rotation, line stroke, and so forth. The easiest way to do this is by right clicking on the Shape and going to Format Object. From here, you can access many of its options via the toolbar to the right of the screen. A quick way to adjust the Shape to pixel perfection is to enter its exact size in the toolbar up top (as seen below). 

Pro-tip: The checkbox to the right of this setting is to lock the aspect ratio - which is just another way to say, for instance, that if you increase the length of the shape, the width of it will adjust automatically by the same ratio (to preserve the proportions of the overall Shape).

3. Changing a Shape

If you’ve created a Shape, formatted it to perfection, then realize later that you actually needed it to be a different Shape altogether - you don’t need to start from scratch. Instead, use the Change Shape feature to quickly swap in what you need to. 

Pro-tip: You can change more than one Shape at once by holding down the Shift key to select as many as you want, before going to Change Shape (trust me, this tip can save you a lot of time if you’re trying to move quickly)!

4. Adding Depth to a Shape

A design style that’s growing in popularity, particularly in the world of modern UI, is the use of shadows . This helps elevate a basic shape to give it visual depth. In PowerPoint, creating shadows takes just seconds. Bring up the Format Object toolbar to the right then navigate to Shape Options > Effects > Shadow . There are a number of preset shadows you can choose from, with a lot of room for customization given the various options for color of the shadow, as well as its transparency, size, blur, angle, and direction.  Pro-tip: Observe the world around you - you’ll notice that shadow sizes reflect an object’s elevation away from its surface . An object at higher elevation has a larger, more blurred shadow while objects at lower elevations have smaller, less blurred shadows. Depending on how much depth you want your shape to achieve, keep this in mind!

5. Transforming a 2D Shape into a 3D Shape

This one might not be for the everyday presentation, but if you want to create an extra bit of oomph in your design, or bring another dimension altogether, then the 3D Format feature will come in handy. 

With your 2D shape selected, go to Format Object > Shape Options > Effects > 3D Format . While there are many different combinations of ways you can build out your 3D Shape, the quickest way you can achieve this is by creating a Top Bevel (select one of the various presets), extending out the Bevel Height , then adjusting its 3D Rotation . From here, you can start to play around and tweak the 3D Shape to adjust it to the perspective you’d like. ‍

6. Modifying Existing Shapes

When you need to create a new Shape out of an existing Shape, use the Merge Shape feature within Shape Format . 

In the example below, say you want to remove the lower bit of the pink semicircle extending past the peach background. You can create a rectangle that overlaps that specific lower bit, then select the semicircle and the rectangle, and go to Merge Shape > Subtract . 

Pro-tip: Order matters in this case! If you want to subtract the rectangle’s area from the semicircle, so you need to select the semicircle first, hold down the Shift key , then choose the rectangle next. 

7. Editing Points Within a Shape

Every Shape has points within its outline that you can edit to change the appearance of that Shape. While the average user might find the 90+ Shapes preset plentiful, editing points can help you achieve unique and custom appearances.

To do this, right click on the Shape and go to Edit Points . From here, you can move any point (black dot along the outline), create new points, or delete paths (a line that exists between two points).

With these technical skills down, with some creativity you can start combining various techniques together to create unique designs and styles. Here are a few more ways to use Shapes for your inspiration.

8. Creating a Button

Buttons are a great visual tool to create a sense of action that needs to be taken. To create the impression of a button, we can use a Shape behind a short piece of text or icon. For additional styling, you can consider adding a Shadow effect or combining with further shapes to suggest that the user is to take some form of action.

9. Give Meaning to Text

To elevate text on a slide, Shapes can give it prominence and create new meaning out of it. Using the techniques covered, we can start to create practical designs out of them.

For instance, in the below, through the use of Shape design, we can understand the two bodies of text are related (rather than opposing) given the identical visual treatment of the Shapes surrounding them. It’s a simple yet effective way to help guide someone’s understanding of how content on the slide should be interpreted.

10. Make Text More Readable

If you’re trying to overlay text on top of photography, it could be hard to read because of the color contrasts. To correct this in a subtle, non-intrusive way, you can use a Shape with a gradient fill that sits behind the text, between it and the photograph.

To do this, go to Format Shape > Shape Options > Fill > Gradient Fill and set the one side of it to the color opposite to your text. In the below example, the gradient is a shade of black, so that the white text on top can pop. On the other side, set the transparency to 100% so that the gradient shape can blend nicely into the photo.

11. Create Custom Photo Sizes

By knowing how to create any Shape (see Tip #1 and #6), you can also create any shape for your photos. Simply place your Shape over the photo, then go to Shape Option > Merge Shape > Intersect . 

Pro-tip: Again, with Merge Shape , order matters! Because you want to retain your photo and not the shape, you’ll need to select the photo first, hold the Shift key , then choose the Shape next before you Intersect the two.

12. Make Pictures Monochromatic

If you’re creating a presentation and want to keep the color schemes down to a core set (such as just your brand colors), you could consider making your photography monochromatic (one color but can include many shades of that color). 

One way you can do this is to change the picture’s color to grayscale under Picture Format > Color . Then, create a Shape on top of it with your color of choice and increase its transparency within Format Shape > Shape Options > Fill.

Pro-tip: You can play around with the Shape color to create a gradient fill, for instance, if you want to achieve a partially colored look.

No Limit to PowerPoint Shapes!

Presentations don’t just have to be about text on a slide. Consider using Shapes and tapping into your creative side to bring presentations to life and give it character. While 12 tips are shared here, really, there are boundless ways you can incorporate Shapes to step up your presentation design game!

Made by Zacht Studios , The Presentation Design Agency | Listen to our creative interview podcast, Bézier

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PowerPoint Graphics Complete 2024 Guide (PPT Presentation Design)

Warning: this tutorial may contain graphic content! But don't worry, it's all family friendly. We're talking about  PowerPoint graphics  and how you can use them to create your best presentation yet.

PowerPoint graphic design is an art. Ultimately, the goal of a presentation is to share information with your audience. Choosing the right PowerPoint graphics is all about  supporting  your message with the proper illustration or infographic.

You don't have to build PowerPoint presentation graphics from scratch! One thing you'll see in this tutorial is a source for unlimited PPT graphics included inside of templates. Plus, get  graphics for presentations that you can source one-by-one with the help of GraphicRiver.

What Are PowerPoint Graphics?

The term PowerPoint graphics is a bit broad. There are many types of graphics that pro presenters use. Here are three types of popular PowerPoint presentation graphics and how you can use them:

• SmartArt.  These flexible graphics are great if you aren't a graphic designer. You can create graphics that adapt to your content like org charts and flowcharts.
• Infographics . At the intersection of information and graphics are these helpful explanatory visuals. These PowerPoint presentation graphics can help drive understanding with the audience.
• Shapes . You might be surprised by how much a few simple shapes add to your slide. Try out shapes like arrows to add a bit of annotation, for example.

In this tutorial, we'll explore all three of these popular types of PPT graphics. For a complete deep dive on infographics, we've got an excellent resource for you:

How to Access Unlimited PowerPoint Graphics Templates

At the end of this tutorial, you'll be a master of working with PPT graphics. Best of all, you won't have to learn how to design all those graphics for presentations from the ground up. With the help of templates, talented designers have already created all you need.

You might have seen a few built-in templates in Microsoft PowerPoint. They're certainly an upgrade from a pure, blank slate in PowerPoint. But the bottom line is that they're simple combinations of color schemes and layouts.

There's another type of template that offers so much more. With premium templates, you'll find that powerful PPT graphics are built into the presentation file. And thanks to Envato Elements, you can download them easily.

Don't think that Elements will break the bank. For a single flat rate, you unlock unlimited downloads of the top PowerPoint presentation graphics templates. 

As a bonus, the all-you-can-download subscription includes so many extras that enhance your PowerPoint presentation. That provides access to assets like:

• Stock photos . Need to spice up a slide? Just jump to the well-organized stock photography library and download a high-resolution image for your slide.
• Graphics and illustrations . Some templates will benefit from supplementary graphics. Download those from Elements too and add them to  any  PowerPoint presentation.
• Background music . Add some looping background music for an engaging presentation that you could leave on loop in a conference room, for example.

For three outstanding examples of the best graphics for PowerPoint presentations (packaged inside of PPT graphics templates), here are our three top picks in the Envato Elements library. Remember, they're all included!

1. The X Note

Consistently topping our list of the best PowerPoint templates, The X Note is a stunning design. This template's got many PPT graphics that are to add so much to your next presentation. You'll be impressed by how easy it is to customize the included graphics. Use more than 40 unique slides in multiple color schemes to create a PPT graphics focused presentation.

2. Beauty | PowerPoint Template

Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder. But some PPT graphics templates capture it perfectly. That's certainly the case for the appropriately named "Beauty" PowerPoint template. It's one of the best PowerPoint presentation graphics options thanks to its inclusion of graphics across 30 unique slides.

3.  Groningen - PowerPoint Template

Remember, there are many types of PowerPoint presentation graphics. The best PPT graphics templates have a range of infographics, shapes, and more. This PowerPoint presentation graphics-focused template's got all the above. Plus, it's easy to edit these cool presentation graphics thanks to smartly constructed slides.

These three templates are just the start of graphics for presentations included on Elements. For infographic-focused templates and professional designs, make sure to check out these articles:

Find More PowerPoint Presentation Graphics on GraphicRiver

PowerPoint graphics templates come in all shapes and sizes. You can use Envato Elements for unlimited access to the entire library. 

But sometimes, you know  exactly  what you're looking for. in that case, the cost-effective GraphicRiver library might be perfect for you. It's a pay-as-you-go option to source single PPT graphics templates.

With the help of a template, you're on your way to the best graphics for PowerPoint presentations. Best of all, you're getting ready to see that it's easy to edit those background graphics for  your  presentation.

How to Use and Edit Graphics in PowerPoint

Sure, templates are great. But you might be wondering how to edit background graphics in PowerPoint along with other visuals. Are templates adjustable?

The answer is: yes, PowerPoint graphic design is easy to master with templates. Cool presentation graphics are easy to edit. So, use templates for practically any purpose!

In this section, I'm going to use one of the outstanding templates that we highlighted in the section above. We're going to use The X Note , which includes some of the best PPT graphics. 

The X Note is part of Envato Elements, the best source for unlimited downloads with the best PowerPoint presentation graphics . Most of the templates are built by PowerPoint graphic design experts.

Maybe you're wondering how to edit background graphics in PowerPoint. Or, you need some help inserting graphics in PowerPoint. Let's tackle all those topics (and more) in our guide to creating better PowerPoint graphics below.

How to Use SmartArt PowerPoint Graphics

The first type of PPT graphic that we'll cover in our guide is  SmartArt.  This feature is built into Microsoft PowerPoint and helps you create graphics for presentations with fewer clicks. You don't have to open a separate graphic design app.

To start working with SmartArt, click  Insert  on the ribbon. Then, click on the  SmartArt  menu option. The new window gives you many options to begin building SmartArt graphics for PowerPoint.

As you'll see in this window, SmartArt starters are divided into multiple categories. The goal here is to choose a preset that's as close as possible to what you need. For our quick example, let's work with a  cycle chart.  Specifically, I'm going to edit the SmartArt graphic for PowerPoint called  segmented cycle.

After you choose a preset and click  OK,  you'll see the graphic added to your slide. Also, you'll see an accompanying text box to the side that's got bullet points. These correspond to the text on the slide.

Think of this menu as the way to edit SmartArt graphics in PowerPoint. Type in the text box. The chart will update with your details. 

Press return to add a new bullet point. The chart will update automatically.

Here's why I love SmartArt graphics for PowerPoint: they're flexible . When you want to update a PPT graphic with a new bullet point or detail, you won't have to jump back to a design app like Illustrator or Photoshop. 

Instead, type inside the edit window. Your PowerPoint SmartArt will update automatically.

Want to learn more about SmartArt? We've just scratched the surface with an introduction in this section. read the complete guide to master the feature in our article below: 

How to Edit PowerPoint Infographics

The best way to work with PowerPoint infographics is to use ones that are already built. That's why we recommend templates as the proper starting point for PowerPoint infographics.

Take  slide 21  in The X Note .  This beautiful, arctic scene is just the tip of the iceberg for what you can do with better PowerPoint graphics. It looks great from the outset. But with a few tweaks you can make it all your own.

Right-click the graphic and choose  Group > Ungroup.  Now, the individual shapes are easy to select and edit.

The best graphics for PowerPoint presentations help you explain your ideas more easily. After you ungroup the components, you can create business graphics for PowerPoint that explain a case study or concept.

From this point forward, editing this slide is easy. You've got all the controls you usually would to reposition, resize, and update the components of the chart. Some example tweaks I made in the finished product below include:

• Clicking on the water  area  of the chart and using the fill color to change the water to blue.
• Clicking and dragging the arrows  to change the annotation on crucial items.
• Updating the text boxes  with helpful text that serves the purpose I've got in mind for the slide.
• Removing one unused  iceberg part by clicking on it and tapping "delete" on my keyboard.

When you're busy creating a presentation, you won't have time to create business graphics from the ground up. Instead, start with a pre-built option like the one you see above.

This is just one example of working with PowerPoint graphics in templates. Templates are flexible enough to help you create practically any presentation! Check out our guide below to learn more.

How to Use Shapes as Illustrative PowerPoint Graphics

For our third look at PowerPoint presentation graphics, let's check out a straightforward option.  Shapes  are PowerPoint graphics that are easy to add and can draw attention.

To add a shape, jump to the  Insert  tab on the ribbon. Then, click on the  Shapes  dropdown. You'll see an incredible variety of shapes that are easy to add to your slide. 

Just choose your shape, then click and drag to draw it on your slide. These vector graphic shapes are scalable. So, you never have to worry about the shape's quality becoming pixelated or distorted.

One of my favorite PowerPoint shape examples is a simple arrow. It's the perfect way to point to a specific slide fact.

After you add a shape, style it with the  Drawing Tools > Format  menu. Click on a shape, then check out options like  Shape Fill,  for example. Select a new color to transform the shape on your slide.

That's it! The only thing left to do is to try out many PowerPoint graphics with a deep set of shape options.

Learn More About Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint graphics are just the beginning of the learning journey. With the help of more learning resources, you're on your way to feeling like a confident presenter every time you speak.

That's why we've invested time in building out the most in-depth library of PowerPoint tutorials. With the help of our resource,  How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide,)   you're sure to conquer PowerPoint's learning curve.

Here are three tutorials from the guide that you can use to power up your learning:

Create a Presentation with PowerPoint Graphics Today

PowerPoint graphics aren't a "nice to have" in 2024 and beyond. They're a must that every audience expects. But if you're still learning how to edit background graphics and infographics in PowerPoint, you owe it to yourself to start with a pre-built template. 

Whether you use one of the PowerPoint graphics templates from Elements' unlimited library or a single graphics presentation for PowerPoint from GraphicRiver, you've got options!

Download a template, design today, and present with confidence. No matter what option you choose, cool PowerPoint presentation graphics are sure to wow the audience.

How can shapes enhance your PPT Presentation?

Explore how using shapes in your PPT presentation can enhance visuals, clarity, and audience engagement.

How Shapes Can Enhance Your Presentation

• Highlight Key Points: Draw attention to important areas using arrows, rectangles, and other shapes.
• Create Visual Interest: Break up text and add engaging visual elements with circles, triangles, and other geometric shapes.
• Illustrate Concepts: Use shapes to create flowcharts, Venn diagrams, and hierarchical structures, making complex information more understandable.
• Enhance Readability: Organize content with shapes like shaded boxes to improve the slide's readability.
• Add Professionalism: Consistent and appropriate use of shapes can give your presentation a polished and cohesive look.

How to Add Shapes to a Presentation: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: open your powerpoint presentation.

Step 2: Navigate to the Slide Where You Want to Add a Shape

Step 3: Select the Insert Tab

Step 4: Choose a Shape

Step 5: Draw the Shape on the Slide

Step 6: Customize the Shape

Step 7: Add Text to the Shape (Optional)

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Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 365 for Windows

Learn about different types of shapes in PowerPoint 365 for Windows. In many ways, shapes are the building blocks of PowerPoint slide design.

Author: Geetesh Bajaj

Product/Version: PowerPoint 365 for Windows

OS: Microsoft Windows 10 and higher

Date Created: October 28, 2022 Last Updated: October 28, 2022

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What do you visualize when you think about a “shape”? Do you imagine a square, a circle, a heart, or even a smiley face? Yes, all those are shapes—as are the hundreds of other recognizable outlines or figures that we call shapes in our daily conversations.

Whichever shape you use in your slides, they will play a significant role when you want to provide a message within your PowerPoint presentation. In so many ways, shapes are like the building blocks of almost anything you do on your PowerPoint slides.

PowerPoint provides hundreds of shapes efficiently categorized into nine types. You can do so much with these shapes—for example, you can combine shapes to create your own unique shapes, format shapes with fills, lines, and effects , and even group or layer them one over the other to create more amazing graphics. You can even create flowcharts with these shapes .

In this tutorial, we will explore the various types of shapes available within PowerPoint 365 for Windows :

To look at these different types of shapes, choose the Insert tab (or even the Home tab) of the Ribbon . Then, click the Shapes button to bring up a drop-down gallery, as shown in Figure 1 , below.

PowerPoint 365 sorts these different shape types into nine categories, as explained below:

Straight and curved lines, with or without arrowheads, as shown in Figure 2 , below. Also, you'll find options to create freeform paths and scribbles. In addition, lines also work as connectors, which link individual shapes and other slide objects via straight, curved, or elbow branches.

Some Lines are Connectors

The first 9 line types also work as "connectors". These can be especially useful if you need to create flowcharts. For more info, explore our Using Flowchart and Connector Shapes Together tutorial.

2. Rectangles

Other than the ubiquitous simple rectangle, PowerPoint provides several types of other rectangles including those with rounded and snipped corners, as shown in Figure 3 , below.

3. Basic Shapes

Common shapes such as ovals, triangles, cubes, hearts, etc. as shown in Figure 4 , below.

4. Block Arrows

A comprehensive assortment of arrow shapes, as shown in Figure 5 , below.

5. Equation Shapes

Common mathematical and equation symbols, as shown in Figure 6 , below.

6. Flowchart

Several standard flowchart symbols such as Process, Decision, Data, etc. can be found within this category, as shown in Figure 7 , below.

Flowchart Symbols

Learn more about various flowchart shapes in our Flowchart Symbols: What They Represent? tutorial.

7. Stars and Banners

Stars with 4 until 32 points, explosions, scrolls, and banners, as shown in Figure 8 , below.

8. Callouts

Provides speech and thought bubbles, and line callouts too, as shown in Figure 9 , below.

9. Action Buttons

A special category of buttons that enables you to add push style buttons that allow you to add navigation between slides and other interactivity , as shown in Figure 10 , below.

Recently Used Shapes

Other than the categories mentioned above, the Shapes drop-down gallery also includes a Recently Used Shapes category right on top, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 1 , previously on this page. This area lists any shapes that you use often, as shown in Figure 11 , below. All these shapes are also visible in their normal location in the Shapes drop-down gallery.

As you learned from this tutorial, PowerPoint does provide an amazing assortment of shapes to use within your slides.

06 01 01 - Basics About Shapes: Types of Shapes in PowerPoint (Glossary Page)

Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 365 for Mac Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 for Mac Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 2013 for Windows Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 2011 for Mac Types of Shapes in PowerPoint 2010 and 2007 for Windows Types of Shapes in PowerPoint for the Web

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Blog Graphic Design Visual Presentation: Tips, Types and Examples

Visual Presentation: Tips, Types and Examples

Written by: Krystle Wong Sep 28, 2023

So, you’re gearing up for that big presentation and you want it to be more than just another snooze-fest with slides. You want it to be engaging, memorable and downright impressive. 

Well, you’ve come to the right place — I’ve got some slick tips on how to create a visual presentation that’ll take your presentation game up a notch. 

Packed with presentation templates that are easily customizable, keep reading this blog post to learn the secret sauce behind crafting presentations that captivate, inform and remain etched in the memory of your audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a visual presentation

15 effective tips to make your visual presentations more engaging, 6 major types of visual presentation you should know , what are some common mistakes to avoid in visual presentations, visual presentation faqs, 5 steps to create a visual presentation with venngage.

A visual presentation is a communication method that utilizes visual elements such as images, graphics, charts, slides and other visual aids to convey information, ideas or messages to an audience. 

Visual presentations aim to enhance comprehension engagement and the overall impact of the message through the strategic use of visuals. People remember what they see, making your point last longer in their heads. 

Without further ado, let’s jump right into some great visual presentation examples that would do a great job in keeping your audience interested and getting your point across.

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is constantly bombarding our senses, creating engaging visual presentations has never been more crucial. To help you design a presentation that’ll leave a lasting impression, I’ve compiled these examples of visual presentations that will elevate your game.

1. Use the rule of thirds for layout

Ever heard of the rule of thirds? It’s a presentation layout trick that can instantly up your slide game. Imagine dividing your slide into a 3×3 grid and then placing your text and visuals at the intersection points or along the lines. This simple tweak creates a balanced and seriously pleasing layout that’ll draw everyone’s eyes.

2. Get creative with visual metaphors

Got a complex idea to explain? Skip the jargon and use visual metaphors. Throw in images that symbolize your point – for example, using a road map to show your journey towards a goal or using metaphors to represent answer choices or progress indicators in an interactive quiz or poll.

3. Engage with storytelling through data

Use storytelling magic to bring your data to life. Don’t just throw numbers at your audience—explain what they mean, why they matter and add a bit of human touch. Turn those stats into relatable tales and watch your audience’s eyes light up with understanding.

4. Visualize your data with charts and graphs

The right data visualization tools not only make content more appealing but also aid comprehension and retention. Choosing the right visual presentation for your data is all about finding a good match. 

For ordinal data, where things have a clear order, consider using ordered bar charts or dot plots. When it comes to nominal data, where categories are on an equal footing, stick with the classics like bar charts, pie charts or simple frequency tables. And for interval-ratio data, where there’s a meaningful order, go for histograms, line graphs, scatterplots or box plots to help your data shine.

In an increasingly visual world, effective visual communication is a valuable skill for conveying messages. Here’s a guide on how to use visual communication to engage your audience while avoiding information overload.

5. Employ the power of contrast

Want your important stuff to pop? That’s where contrast comes in. Mix things up with contrasting colors, fonts or shapes. It’s like highlighting your key points with a neon marker – an instant attention grabber.

6. End with a powerful visual punch

Your presentation closing should be a showstopper. Think a stunning clip art that wraps up your message with a visual bow, a killer quote that lingers in minds or a call to action that gets hearts racing.

7. Tell a visual story

Structure your slides like a storybook and create a visual narrative by arranging your slides in a way that tells a story. Each slide should flow into the next, creating a visual narrative that keeps your audience hooked till the very end.

Icons and images are essential for adding visual appeal and clarity to your presentation. Venngage provides a vast library of icons and images, allowing you to choose visuals that resonate with your audience and complement your message. 

8. Show the “before and after” magic

Want to drive home the impact of your message or solution? Whip out the “before and after” technique. Show the current state (before) and the desired state (after) in a visual way. It’s like showing a makeover transformation, but for your ideas.

9. Add fun with visual quizzes and polls

To break the monotony and see if your audience is still with you, throw in some quick image quizzes or polls. It’s like a mini-game break in your presentation — your audience gets involved and it makes your presentation way more dynamic and memorable.

10. Use visuals wisely

Your visuals are the secret sauce of a great presentation. Cherry-pick high-quality images, graphics, charts and videos that not only look good but also align with your message’s vibe. Each visual should have a purpose – they’re not just there for decoration. 

11. Utilize visual hierarchy

Employ design principles like contrast, alignment and proximity to make your key info stand out. Play around with fonts, colors and placement to make sure your audience can’t miss the important stuff.

12. Engage with multimedia

Static slides are so last year. Give your presentation some sizzle by tossing in multimedia elements. Think short video clips, animations, or a touch of sound when it makes sense, including an animated logo .

For those dealing with multilingual audiences, consider the use of an AI image translator to seamlessly convert text within images to various languages, enhancing accessibility and understanding. There are tons of video and clip creator tools like HubSpot or Adobe But remember, these are sidekicks, not the main act, so use them smartly.

13. Interact with your audience

Turn your presentation into a two-way street. Start your presentation by encouraging your audience to join in with thought-provoking questions, quick polls or using interactive tools. Get them chatting and watch your presentation come alive.

When it comes to delivering a group presentation, it’s important to have everyone on the team on the same page. Venngage’s real-time collaboration tools enable you and your team to work together seamlessly, regardless of geographical locations. Collaborators can provide input, make edits and offer suggestions in real time. 

14. Incorporate stories and examples

Weave in relatable stories, personal anecdotes or real-life examples to illustrate your points. It’s like adding a dash of spice to your content – it becomes more memorable and relatable.

15. Nail that delivery

Don’t just stand there and recite facts like a robot — be a confident and engaging presenter. Lock eyes with your audience, mix up your tone and pace and use some gestures to drive your points home. Practice and brush up your presentation skills until you’ve got it down pat for a persuasive presentation that flows like a pro.

Venngage offers a wide selection of professionally designed presentation templates, each tailored for different purposes and styles. By choosing a template that aligns with your content and goals, you can create a visually cohesive and polished presentation that captivates your audience.

Looking for more presentation ideas ? Why not try using a presentation software that will take your presentations to the next level with a combination of user-friendly interfaces, stunning visuals, collaboration features and innovative functionalities that will take your presentations to the next level. 

Visual presentations come in various formats, each uniquely suited to convey information and engage audiences effectively. Here are six major types of visual presentations that you should be familiar with:

1. Slideshows or PowerPoint presentations

Slideshows are one of the most common forms of visual presentations. They typically consist of a series of slides containing text, images, charts, graphs and other visual elements. Slideshows are used for various purposes, including business presentations, educational lectures and conference talks.

2. Infographics

Infographics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. They combine text, images and graphics to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing manner. Infographics are often used in marketing, reporting and educational materials.

Don’t worry, they are also super easy to create thanks to Venngage’s fully customizable infographics templates that are professionally designed to bring your information to life. Be sure to try it out for your next visual presentation!

3. Video presentation

Videos are your dynamic storytellers. Whether it’s pre-recorded or happening in real-time, videos are the showstoppers. You can have interviews, demos, animations or even your own mini-documentary. Video presentations are highly engaging and can be shared in both in-person and virtual presentations .

4. Charts and graphs

Charts and graphs are visual representations of data that make it easier to understand and analyze numerical information. Common types include bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and scatterplots. They are commonly used in scientific research, business reports and academic presentations.

Effective data visualizations are crucial for simplifying complex information and Venngage has got you covered. Venngage’s chart templates enable you to create engaging charts, graphs,and infographics that enhance audience understanding and retention, leaving a lasting impression in your presentation.

5. Interactive presentations

Interactive presentations involve audience participation and engagement. These can include interactive polls, quizzes, games and multimedia elements that allow the audience to actively participate in the presentation. Interactive presentations are often used in workshops, training sessions and webinars.

Venngage’s interactive presentation tools enable you to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact and enhance audience retention. By incorporating features like clickable elements, quizzes and embedded multimedia, you can captivate your audience’s attention and encourage active participation.

6. Poster presentations

Poster presentations are the stars of the academic and research scene. They consist of a large poster that includes text, images and graphics to communicate research findings or project details and are usually used at conferences and exhibitions. For more poster ideas, browse through Venngage’s gallery of poster templates to inspire your next presentation.

Different visual presentations aside, different presentation methods also serve a unique purpose, tailored to specific objectives and audiences. Find out which type of presentation works best for the message you are sending across to better capture attention, maintain interest and leave a lasting impression. 

To make a good presentation , it’s crucial to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them. Without further ado, let’s explore some of these pitfalls along with valuable insights on how to sidestep them.

Overloading slides with text

Text heavy slides can be like trying to swallow a whole sandwich in one bite – overwhelming and unappetizing. Instead, opt for concise sentences and bullet points to keep your slides simple. Visuals can help convey your message in a more engaging way.

Using low-quality visuals

Grainy images and pixelated charts are the equivalent of a scratchy vinyl record at a DJ party. High-resolution visuals are your ticket to professionalism. Ensure that the images, charts and graphics you use are clear, relevant and sharp.

Choosing the right visuals for presentations is important. To find great visuals for your visual presentation, Browse Venngage’s extensive library of high-quality stock photos. These images can help you convey your message effectively, evoke emotions and create a visually pleasing narrative. 

Ignoring design consistency

Imagine a book with every chapter in a different font and color – it’s a visual mess. Consistency in fonts, colors and formatting throughout your presentation is key to a polished and professional look.

Reading directly from slides

Reading your slides word-for-word is like inviting your audience to a one-person audiobook session. Slides should complement your speech, not replace it. Use them as visual aids, offering key points and visuals to support your narrative.

Lack of visual hierarchy

Neglecting visual hierarchy is like trying to find Waldo in a crowd of clones. Coupling this with video transcription can make your presentation more comprehensive and engaging. Use size, color and positioning to emphasize what’s most important. Guide your audience’s attention to key points so they don’t miss the forest for the trees.

Ignoring accessibility

Accessibility isn’t an option these days; it’s a must. Forgetting alt text for images, color contrast and closed captions for videos can exclude individuals with disabilities from understanding your presentation. 

Relying too heavily on animation

While animations can add pizzazz and draw attention, overdoing it can overshadow your message. Use animations sparingly and with purpose to enhance, not detract from your content.

Using jargon and complex language

Keep it simple. Use plain language and explain terms when needed. You want your message to resonate, not leave people scratching their heads.

Not testing interactive elements

Interactive elements can be the life of your whole presentation, but not testing them beforehand is like jumping into a pool without checking if there’s water. Ensure that all interactive features, from live polls to multimedia content, work seamlessly. A smooth experience keeps your audience engaged and avoids those awkward technical hiccups.

Presenting complex data and information in a clear and visually appealing way has never been easier with Venngage. Build professional-looking designs with our free visual chart slide templates for your next presentation.

What is a visual presentation?

A visual presentation is a method of presenting information through visual aids such as slides, images, charts and videos. It enhances understanding and retention by illustrating key points and data visually. Visual presentations are commonly used in meetings, lectures, and conferences to engage and inform the audience effectively.

What is the role of storytelling in visual presentations?

Storytelling plays a crucial role in visual presentations by providing a narrative structure that engages the audience, helps them relate to the content and makes the information more memorable.

What software or tools can I use to create visual presentations?

You can use various software and tools to create visual presentations, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, Prezi and Venngage, among others.

What is the difference between a visual presentation and a written report?

The main difference between a visual presentation and a written report is the medium of communication. Visual presentations rely on visuals, such as slides, charts and images to convey information quickly, while written reports use text to provide detailed information in a linear format.

How do I effectively communicate data through visual presentations?

To effectively communicate data through visual presentations, simplify complex data into easily digestible charts and graphs, use clear labels and titles and ensure that your visuals support the key messages you want to convey.

Are there any accessibility considerations for visual presentations?

Accessibility considerations for visual presentations include providing alt text for images, ensuring good color contrast, using readable fonts and providing transcripts or captions for multimedia content to make the presentation inclusive.

Most design tools today make accessibility hard but Venngage’s Accessibility Design Tool comes with accessibility features baked in, including accessible-friendly and inclusive icons.

How do I choose the right visuals for my presentation?

Choose visuals that align with your content and message. Use charts for data, images for illustrating concepts, icons for emphasis and color to evoke emotions or convey themes.

How can I adapt my visual presentations for online or virtual audiences?

To adapt visual presentations for online or virtual audiences, focus on concise content, use engaging visuals, ensure clear audio, encourage audience interaction through chat or polls and rehearse for a smooth online delivery.

What is the role of data visualization in visual presentations?

Data visualization in visual presentations simplifies complex data by using charts, graphs and diagrams, making it easier for the audience to understand and interpret information.

How do I choose the right color scheme and fonts for my visual presentation?

Choose a color scheme that aligns with your content and brand and select fonts that are readable and appropriate for the message you want to convey.

How can I measure the effectiveness of my visual presentation?

Measure the effectiveness of your visual presentation by collecting feedback from the audience, tracking engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for online presentations) and evaluating whether the presentation achieved its intended objectives.

Follow the 5 simple steps below to make your entire presentation visually appealing and impactful:

1. Sign up and log In: Log in to your Venngage account or sign up for free and gain access to Venngage’s templates and design tools.

2. Choose a template: Browse through Venngage’s presentation template library and select one that best suits your presentation’s purpose and style. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for different types of visual presentations, including infographics, reports, posters and more.

3. Edit and customize your template: Replace the placeholder text, image and graphics with your own content and customize the colors, fonts and visual elements to align with your presentation’s theme or your organization’s branding.

4. Add visual elements: Venngage offers a wide range of visual elements, such as icons, illustrations, charts, graphs and images, that you can easily add to your presentation with the user-friendly drag-and-drop editor.

5. Save and export your presentation: Export your presentation in a format that suits your needs and then share it with your audience via email, social media or by embedding it on your website or blog .

So, as you gear up for your next presentation, whether it’s for business, education or pure creative expression, don’t forget to keep these visual presentation ideas in your back pocket.

Feel free to experiment and fine-tune your approach and let your passion and expertise shine through in your presentation. With practice, you’ll not only build presentations but also leave a lasting impact on your audience – one slide at a time.

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15 Stunning Geometric Patterns You Can Create in PowerPoint for Captivating Slides!

Have you ever looked at your PowerPoint presentation and felt something is amiss?

The slides look all right – the text looks neatly placed, shapes are perfectly aligned, and the color scheme looks professional. Yet, the presentation does not have the extra “wow” factor.

Many a times, smaller design elements can have greater impact on your design than fiddling with the bigger elements. Tiny tweaks often lift the tone and look and feel of the presentation far better than making big changes to your presentation.

One of these little tweaks is adding a Pattern to your presentation. The abstracts barely draw attention to themselves but hold the presentation together like a solid knit story that flows seamlessly without any jerks.

To establish our point, look at the slide below with a pattern background (wow slide) and mentally picture the same slide without the square patterns (an average slide for sure).

Download the Big Data PowerPoint Slide

Or Download the Standalone Pattern Background

This is just one slide. When the pattern repeats throughout the presentation, it gives the PPT a unique signature or a unique identity. The repetition adds Harmony to your presentation – a design principle that binds the elements into one structured story and enhances the viewer experience.

Basically, a Pattern adds three powerful C’s to your presentation- Consistency, Context and Creativity.

You don’t need to hire a professional designer to get patterns for your presentation. Through this DIY blog, we will guide you how to create beautiful patterns yourself in PowerPoint in few minutes. Let’s get started!

Steps to Create Beautiful Patterns: PowerPoint Tutorial

Pattern #1- chessboard squares.

Nothing represents strategy and planning better than a chess game. So, a pattern of black and white chessboard squares adds a punch to your presentation. While PowerPoint has some cool, in-built patterns of its own, including block squares, it doesn’t have squares with alternating color fill.

Download this Chessboard Pattern Background

Creating this pattern is very easy in PowerPoint. All you need to do is create a single row of black and white squares. Rest is copy and paste to complete the pattern.

This multi-purpose pattern can be used in any business presentation. Marketing and sales strategy presentations can be visually enhanced by adding this pattern. The faded background adds authority to your presentation without drawing too much attention to itself. Here’s an example of a PPT slide applying this pattern to add value to the message.

Download the Strategy PPT Slide

P.S. Patterns don’t always have to be in the background. They can be in the foreground too!

Pattern #2- Digital Network: Smart Cities

Technology is disrupting every field and industry. Technological innovations have also transformed the way people and things communicate with each other. The inter-connectedness brought by new innovations and technologies is best represented through a networking pattern.

Download the Smart City Digital Pattern Background

It looks tough to create such a pattern and at the first look, it would seem to be created in Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, not PowerPoint. But you won’t cease to be surprised at the number of things one can do in PowerPoint using simple shapes and editing.

The screenshot below shows how to be combine circular shapes to create the center portion of the pattern.

Once this has been created, it’s now easy to add lines in a crisscross fashion and add circles at the point of intersection. The digital networking pattern is suitable for all presentations that talk about digitization. Check out how it perfectly gels with the Smart Cities concept.

Download the Smart Cities PPT Slide

Pattern #3- Digital Network: Marketing

Online marketing has made possible connections between people living in opposite corners of the globe, be it B2B or B2C. Such a diverse and complex global network was not possible before the dawn of digital age.

All our networking patterns aren’t limited to the examples we are showing. You can use the same to show the complex nature of interconnections across any field, for instance supply chain management which has become global and highly interconnected.

Download the Networking Pattern Slide

Two shapes are all you need to create this pattern – Circle and Line.

• Create the target board in center by adding circles of varying sizes.
• The innermost circle has been given a Solid Fill while the rest have been given No Fill & a Solid Line.
• Further, add circles around the slide and connect all of them with the Line shape to complete the pattern.

The pattern can be used in background or foreground depending on your requirement. As you can see in the example below, the pattern has been added as a layer over the image to create a compelling presentation cover slide.

Download the Digital Marketing PPT Slide

Pattern #4- Digital Network: Internet of Things

This is the third pattern we are showing on networking. To spoil our readers for choice!

Depending on the nature of your presentation, you can choose the icons from SlideTeam’s vast collection of icons. You can even keep it simple with lines and circles.

Download the above Pattern PPT

Apply it to any business presentation or digital transformation of your industry to add a professional and creative touch to your presentation slides. Internet of Things, for instance, is best visually showcased through the intersecting pattern of lines.

Download the Internet of Things PPT Slide

Pattern #5- Geometric Abstract

The below pattern has always fascinated every viewer and stands apart from other patterns. That’s because the abstract pattern can be interpreted in anyway. The arrangement of triangles in unique combinations make it an art and give a distinctive flair to your composition.

Download the Geometric Pattern Abstract

Since the pattern appears to be shards of glass, we felt it was perfect for a presentation on disruptive innovation. However, the pattern is perfect for any 21 st century presentation to lend a unique and artistic look and feel to the slides. Repeat across all the slides to give a cohesive look to your PowerPoint presentation.

Download the Creative Slide on Innovation

Pattern #6- Geometric Data (Vivid Colors)

Big data has become a big deal for every business. Analyzing humongous amounts of data streaming into the business for real-time insights and decision making has become imperative to survive in the competitive marketplace.

When talking about data analytics and sharing insights with your teammates via analytics and dashboards, don’t forget to give the big data touch to your presentation through this pattern background. It gives a credible boost to your presentation and helps you be taken more seriously by your audience.

Download this Data Geometric Pattern Now

Yes, you can create the above pattern yourself. Follow the same checkerboard pattern tutorial we shared in the beginning. The squares are smaller in size as compared to chess board squares. You will have to spend a little time randomly filling the squares in different colors. To save your time, our designer has done the hard work and we have shared the link for direct download!

The beautiful pattern adds vibrancy to your presentation cover slide. For the rest of the slides, add a layer over it and give it transparency so that your message can be read easily. The best way of using patterns in inside slides is to use a portion of it in header and footer. That will give a branded touch to your presentation.

Download the Big Data PPT Slide

Pattern #7- Geometric Data (Monotone)

A variation of the above pattern, this design is composed of monotones to give a sober look to your presentation. You can now insert colorful shapes on top of this pattern without worrying about legibility or readability.

Download this Geometric PPT Pattern

The steps for creating this pattern is almost as same as designing the checkerboard pattern. The only difference is that instead of alternating colors of each square, you give a solid gray outline to each box and remove the fill. Make one row and copy paste the rows to complete the pattern. In the end, randomly fill some of the squares to make the squares appear as data points.

Download the Digital Transformation Stages Slide

Pattern #8- Binary Digits Geometric

You might not be a data expert but you might be aware that all data is stored in binary digits (bits) which are 0 and 1. Computers operate in binary and perform all calculations based on these two numbers. This makes it a perfect pattern background for any “digital” aspect of presentations.

Download the Binary Pattern Background

One row of digits is all you need to create and the rest is all copy and paste! P.S. When you follow the steps in the screenshot below and use the Merge Shapes feature (step 4), ensure that you select the shape first, press Ctrl and then the text box. This will convert the digits into shapes that can be easily customized and aligned.

Make sure to add the binary pattern to your collection as it uplifts the quality of your presentation. Use it any technology presentation. Let the pattern cover the complete cover slide and section headers while in text slides, you can add the binary pattern to your header or footer for a professional sleek look.

Download the Digital Transformation PPT Cover Slide

Pattern #9- Hub and Spokes

The Hub and Spoke concept is used a lot in distribution models wherein a hub, the central area, branches out into different locations. From supply chain distribution to depicting strategies, the visual is easy to understand and remember. This makes for a great pattern for any presentation on industries and applications that has several branches.

Download the Geometric Pattern Design

If you have already practiced with the oval shape and lines, you’ll know from one look that it is not difficult to create. The oval has a solid outline but no fill. Lines of varying lengths are placed around the boundary of the oval shape. There are 2 ways to add circles at the end of each line – add a circle manually at one end and copy paste to place it along the ending points of other lines or format the line using PowerPoint’s built-in functionality (End Arrow Type: Oval Arrow, End Arrow Size: Arrow R Sze 9) as shown in the screenshot below.

This time, rather than using pattern as a background fill or in foreground to enhance the visual, we have used the pattern as a diagram making it an integral part of the composition. Simply to show that patterns can be used in multiple ways and are more than just decorative elements.

Download the Artificial Intelligence Slide

Pattern #10- Hexagon Pattern

Every shape, when repeated in a set fashion, can become an interesting pattern for your compositions. Hexagons are a great addition to pattern backgrounds because for some strange reasons, we don’t see hexagons used a lot in presentations. Most people are not aware that this shape is available in PowerPoint’s default library of shapes (Go to the Insert tab > Shapes > Basic Shapes > Hexagon ).

Download the Hexagon Pattern

The creative superimposition of small and big hexagons, filled and non-filled, make this pattern visually compelling and powers your presentation with an aesthetic touch.

This multi-purpose background can be safely used for any corporate presentation, be it annual reports, quarterly reviews, marketing and sales pitches, company introductions, events, and so on.

Download the Quarterly Business Review PPT Slide

Pattern #11- Diamond Pattern

Diamond has many positive associations. Being a symbol of love, faithfulness and innocence, it gives the design and the author of the presentation credibility and trust. Being the hardest natural substance known to man, it also represents strength and durability. The “king of gems” certainly adds beauty and grace to designs making it a must-have pattern in your collection.

Download this Pattern Background for your Presentation

Go to the Shapes menu and find the Diamond shape under Basic Shapes . Alternate the sizes of the diamond and place them at equal distances to create the beautiful pattern. You can use the diamond shape throughout the presentation to build symmetry, unity and harmony in your composition.

Download the Achievements PPT Template

Pattern #12- Parallel Lines Geometric

It’s amazing how simple shapes can be combined to create vibrant, modernistic designs. Using varied hues and the rounded rectangle shape, we can create an interesting set of parallel lines to add excitement to our presentations. With this pattern, you can throw spotlight on certain portion of the slide you want people to pay attention to. The geometric pattern is great for presentations targeted at the younger age groups.

Download the Parallel Lines Geometric Pattern

All you need is the “Rounded Rectangle” shape to draw this pattern. Follow the steps shared in the screenshot to create one yourself:

Place the pattern along the edges or behind the main product or highlight to accentuate the message. Use vibrant colors or monotones depending on your brand’s color schemes, the audience, and the presentation topic.

Download the Product Features PowerPoint Slide

Pattern #13- Dotted Line Abstract

Once you start experimenting with PowerPoint toolbars and functionalities, you can come up with an infinite number of pattern combinations. Let us show you how to create three patterns using the simple Curve Line shape available in PowerPoint’s Shapes library.

Download this Dotted Line Pattern

Check out this video to see how the designer used the curve line shape and Edit Points feature to create the dotted pattern.

This minimalist pattern is suitable for all kinds of presentations- educational, health, business, law, medicine, and more. Add it in the header or footer to create consistency across the presentation.

Download the Event Proposal Cover Slide

Pattern #13.1- Halftone Dotted Line

Halftone is a popular graphic design technique that uses dots of varying size or colors to create a gradient effect. The gradient of shades creates an interesting look and gives a professional, artistic look to the presentation.

Download the Curved Lines Pattern

Check out the video we shared above to see how this halftone pattern was created in PowerPoint. Here’s an example of academic presentation leveraging this background for a more polished effect.

Download the Research Education PPT Cover Slide

Pattern #13.2- Dotted Waves

Using simple rotate option, the above halftone pattern can be modified to create interesting waves and add rhythm to your presentation. The video we shared above covers how this pattern was created in just seconds in PowerPoint.

Download the Waves Halftone Pattern Background

Pattern #14- Circular Halftone

Create a maze of sorts with circular halftone. Draw one circle and keep increasing its radius to cover the complete slide area. You can increase the thickness of the line to create the perfect halftone pattern.

Download the Dotted Circular Pattern

Turn the circular shape’s outline into a dotted one by following the steps shared in the screenshot below:

Apply this pattern to any presentation and adjust the number of circles you want to show. If you want a minimalist design, keep the dots on only one end of the slide and keep it faded. Add a gradient layer over the pattern to hide certain areas of the slide and reveal the pattern in other areas.

Download the Digital Marketing Strategies PPT Design

Pattern #15- Intersecting Arcs

Give a modern social media look to your slides by using a pastel pattern made up of arcs. This minimalist pattern adds softness and elegance to the presentation design. It is also great for creating your social media posts and other marketing collateral. The pastel colors lend a happy and relaxing vibe to your design compositions.

Download the Arcs Pattern Background

This pattern is very easy to create. Follow the steps in the screenshot to create the arc pattern:

Use this pattern to create an interesting visual resume or self-introduction presentation. Pitch your ideas to millennials using this beautiful abstract. Since all these are editable shapes, you can customize them as per your branding requirements.

Download this Introduce Yourself PPT Design

Well, there is no end to the pattern variations you can create in PowerPoint. And as mentioned in the start, these are more than just decorative elements. When used in the right context, they add functional value to your presentation and make your deck stand apart from the usual presentations.

Graphic designers love patterns. And so does the audience, even though they might not be consciously aware of it. In a subtle way, patterns power up your presentation and add the missing flavor to a slide. Tell us the pattern you liked the most in the comments below!

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Make your own custom shapes in PowerPoint

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Shapes can be used to add interest to a presentation, to emphasize a point, or just to make your presentation look a bit more exciting. PowerPoint’s shapes are great because you can format them with colors, 3-D effects and shadows, and they always look perfect, even when you scale them really large or very small. With just a few simple tricks you can add a little variety and a unique feel to your shapes.

All of the shapes below were created in PowerPoint and can be resized, copied and reused in any Office application. As you can see, they are all geometric shapes with added effects, such as shadowing.

Making these shapes is simple and fun. Here, for example, is how to create the Celtic knot in the example above.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Present like a pro.

Create a shape

First, add a circle to a blank page. Make it fairly big, so you can work with it easily, but leave plenty of space to work. Now you’ll need a second circle of the same proportions, so simply make a copy. The quickest way to duplicate a shape is to select the circle and then drag it while holding the Ctrl key. Once you have the second circle, you want to size it down while keeping the same proportions. If you resize it by holding Shift while moving one of the corner handles, it scales it evenly, and the proportions stay the same.

Next, drag the first circle over the top of the second, and use the alignment guides to align them, so they have the same center. When they are aligned the shape will look like this:

Press Ctrl and click each circle to select them both (or use ⌘ if you are working on a Mac). You want to select the bigger circle first, then the smaller one. I’ll explain why in a moment, but for now let’s just see how the magic happens. Now that you have two shapes selected, the Merge Shapes under the Drawing Tools/Format ribbon tab is enabled.

Click the Merge Shapes drop-down to display the five choices: Union, Combine, Fragment, Intersect and Subtract. You can move your mouse over each option to see a preview of what option each does, but for now, select Subtract . If you selected the shapes in the right order, you should have a circle with the center cut out. This is why the order you select shapes matters—the first shape you select is the part that’s kept when you click Subtract, while the second shape is cut out. If your Circle doesn’t look right, undo, click on a blank part of the slide, and reselect the shapes—making sure to select the bigger circle first, then click Subtract again.

Now you have a single ring. Use the Ctrl+drag trick to make two more copies, so you have three identical rings. Move them so they overlap in a triangle, so that the overlap makes the Celtic knot shape. The alignment guides make it easy to make sure they’re all overlapped evenly. Then select the three rings and click Union from the Merge Shapes menu to make the knot.

Apply effects to a shape

Next, we’ll use a little shape formatting to make it unique. First, select your shape, and on the Drawing Tools/Format tab, click the Shape Outline drop-down and select an outline color (such as a golden color), and then set the Outline Weight to 4 ½ pt . Next, click Shape Fill and select a color (green for example). As a finishing touch, click Shape Effects , and under Bevel choices, select Relaxed Inset to make the outline look like a raised rim on a piece of jewelry. There you have it, a nice custom shape you can use anywhere.

That’s the basics of making custom shapes. You can use the various Merge Shapes commands to trim shapes, combine them, and to make any number of useful custom shapes.

Before we finish, I want to show you one more tip for making custom shapes that can be really powerful, which even some of the power users who know all about Merge Shapes miss.

If you create a text box and a normal shape, you can use the Merge Shapes commands to make text into shapes. For instance, try making a rectangle and then make a text box with some text in it. You’ll probably want to change the font size so that the text is only slightly smaller than the rectangle. Drag the text box over the rectangle, select the rectangle first, then the text.

• If you select Subtract , you get a rectangle with the text cut out of it.
• If you select Intersect , you get a single shape that is shaped like the text.
• If you select Fragment , you get the shape with the text cut out, plus individual shapes for each letter.

All of these shapes can have any normal shape formatting applied to them. I’ll bet you can immediately see some cool uses for that.

There you have it—everything you need to know to create great shapes. What you can make is limited only by your imagination and patience. Have fun!

—Tucker Hatfield, senior program manager for the PowerPoint Graphics team

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PowerPoint 2013  - Shapes and WordArt

Powerpoint 2013  -, shapes and wordart, powerpoint 2013 shapes and wordart.

PowerPoint 2013: Shapes and WordArt

Lesson 18: shapes and wordart.

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Introduction

There are many features and commands you can use in PowerPoint to create visually appealing slides. Two of these features are WordArt and shapes . WordArt allows you to create stylized text with effects such as textures, shadows, and outlines. You can also insert and modify a variety of shapes like rectangles, circles, lines, arrows, callouts, and stars.

Optional: Download our practice presentation .

About WordArt

PowerPoint allows you to add effects to the text inside of a text box , which is known as WordArt . For the most part, the types of effects you can add are the same as the ones you can add to shapes and text boxes (shadow, bevel, etc.). However, with WordArt, you can also Transform the text to give it a wavy, slanted, or inflated look.

To apply a WordArt style to text:

A WordArt Style will automatically apply several effects to your text at once. You can then refine the look of your text by adding or modifying text effects.

• Select a text box, or select some text inside of the text box.

• The text will appear in the selected style. If desired, you can change the font or font color from the Home tab.

To add or modify text effects:

• Select a text box, or select some text inside of the text box. The Format tab will appear.

In the WordArt Styles group, you can also use the Text Fill and Text Outline drop-down boxes to modify the fill and outline color.

Working with shapes and text boxes

PowerPoint's large shape collection allows you to organize and design the image you want. While you may not need shapes in every presentation you create, they can add visual appeal.

To insert a shape:

• Select the Insert tab, then click the Shapes command in the Illustrations group. A drop-down menu of shapes will appear.

If desired, you can enter text in a shape. When the shape appears in your document, you can simply begin typing. You can then use the formatting options on the Home tab to change the font, font size, or color of the text.

Modifying a shape or text box

When you click a shape or text box, handles will appear that let you manipulate the shape. There are several types of handles:

In addition to resizing, customizing, and rotating shapes, you can align, order, and group them. To learn more, visit our lesson on Arranging Objects .

Formatting shapes and text boxes

PowerPoint allows you to modify shapes and text boxes in a variety of ways so you can tailor them to your projects. You can change shapes and text boxes into different shapes , format their style and color , and add shadow effects .

To change to a different shape:

• Select the shape or text box you want to change. The Format tab will appear.

To change the shape style:

Choosing a Shape Style allows you to apply preset colors and effects to quickly change the appearance of your shape or text box.

• Select the shape or text box you want to change.

• The shape or text box will appear in the selected style.

To change the shape fill color:

• On the Format tab, click the Shape Fill drop-down arrow. The Shape Fill menu appears.

• The shape or text box will appear in the selected color.

If you want to use a different type of fill, select Gradient or Texture from the drop-down menu. You can also select No Fill to make it transparent.

To change the shape outline:

• On the Format tab, click the Shape Outline drop-down arrow. The Shape Outline menu will appear.

• The shape or text box will appear in the selected outline color.

From the drop-down menu, you can change the outline color , weight (thickness), and whether or not it is a dashed line.

To change shadow effects:

Adding a shadow to a shape can make it appear as though it is floating above the page, and it can help to add contrast between the shape and the background.

• The shape will appear with the selected shadow.

To adjust the shadow color, size, and distance, select Shadow Options from the drop-down menu. The Format Shape pane will appear on the right side of the PowerPoint window, allowing you to customize the shadow.

There are two types of effects you can apply to your shapes and text boxes to give them a 3D appearance: Bevel and 3-D Rotation . Bevel adds thickness and a rounded edge to shapes, but it doesn't work with every type of shape. 3-D Rotation gives the appearance that you are viewing the object from a different angle, and it can be applied to any shape.

To add a bevel:

If you want, you can customize the bevel effect. Select 3-D Options from the drop-down menu. The Format Shape pane will appear on the right side of the PowerPoint window. From here, you can modify the width, height, and depth of a bevel. You can also change the shape's material to give it a metal, plastic, or translucent appearance, as well as choose the lighting type to change how the shape is illuminated.

To add 3-D Rotation:

• The shape will appear in the selected 3D rotation effect.

If you want, you can customize 3-D Rotation. Select 3-D Rotation Options from the drop-down menu, and the Format Shape pane will appear on the right side of the PowerPoint window. From here, you can adjust the rotation values.

• Open an existing PowerPoint presentation . If you want, you can download our practice presentation .
• Add some WordArt effects to the text. If you are using the example, use the text on slide 6.
• Insert a shape .
• Change the shape to a different shape .
• Change the fill color .
• Change the outline color .
• Try various shadow effects .
• Try various 3D effects .

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How to Combine Shapes in PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a popular presentation software used by millions of people globally. One of the most useful tools in PowerPoint is the ability to combine shapes to create unique and visually engaging graphics. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to combine shapes in PowerPoint, from basic shapes to complex designs, and advanced tips for troubleshooting common issues.

Table of Contents

Introduction to PowerPoint Shapes

Shapes are fundamental objects in PowerPoint. These shapes can include basic shapes such as rectangles, circles, triangles, and lines, as well as more complex shapes such as arrows, stars, and even thought bubbles. Shapes can be added to a slide by clicking on the “Insert” tab and selecting the “Shapes” option. Once you have selected the desired shape, simply click and drag to create it on your slide.

Shapes in PowerPoint can be customized in a variety of ways. You can change the color, size, and outline of a shape by selecting it and using the formatting options in the “Shape Format” tab. Additionally, you can add effects such as shadows, reflections, and 3D rotations to make your shapes stand out even more.

Shapes can also be used to create diagrams and flowcharts in PowerPoint. By connecting shapes with lines and arrows, you can visually represent processes and relationships. PowerPoint even includes pre-made SmartArt graphics that allow you to quickly create professional-looking diagrams with just a few clicks.

Benefits of Combining Shapes in PowerPoint

The benefits of combining shapes in PowerPoint are numerous. By combining shapes, you can create unique and visually appealing designs that can enhance the message of your presentation. For example, combining circles and triangles to create a pyramid shape can be an effective way to illustrate hierarchy or a step-by-step process. By combining shapes, you can also create customized logos or buttons that are specific to your presentation or organization.

In addition, combining shapes can also help you save time and effort. Instead of creating complex designs from scratch, you can use pre-existing shapes and combine them to create the desired effect. This can be especially useful when working on tight deadlines or when you need to create multiple presentations with similar designs. Furthermore, combining shapes can also help you maintain consistency throughout your presentation, as you can use the same shapes and colors across different slides.

Understanding the Different Types of Shapes in PowerPoint

Before we dive into the ways to combine shapes in PowerPoint, it’s important to understand the different types of shapes available. PowerPoint shapes can be divided into two categories: AutoShapes and Freeform shapes. AutoShapes are pre-defined shapes that come with the software, while Freeform shapes allow you to create your own unique shape by drawing it freehand with your mouse.

It’s worth noting that AutoShapes can also be modified and customized to fit your specific needs. You can change the size, color, and other properties of AutoShapes to create a more personalized look for your presentation. Additionally, PowerPoint also offers a variety of shape styles and effects that can be applied to both AutoShapes and Freeform shapes, such as shadows, reflections, and 3D effects. Understanding the different types of shapes and how to modify them can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your PowerPoint presentation.

How to Create Basic Shapes in PowerPoint

To create a basic shape in PowerPoint, click on the “Insert” tab, select “Shapes,” and choose the desired shape. Once you have selected your shape, click and drag on the slide to create it. You can then customize the shape by changing the fill color, border color, or adding effects such as shadows or reflections.

It’s important to note that you can also adjust the size and proportions of your shape by clicking and dragging on the corners or edges. Additionally, you can use the “Format Shape” option to further customize your shape, such as adding a gradient fill or adjusting the transparency.

If you want to create more complex shapes, you can use the “Merge Shapes” tool to combine multiple shapes into one. This can be useful for creating custom icons or logos. To use this tool, select the shapes you want to merge, click on the “Format” tab, and select “Merge Shapes.”

Customizing and Formatting Shapes in PowerPoint

Once you have created your shape, you can customize it further by using the “Format” tab. Here, you can change the shape size, adjust the transparency, and add text to your shape. You can also edit the shape itself by selecting it and using the yellow handles to adjust its size or shape.

Another way to customize your shape is by using the “Shape Styles” option. This allows you to choose from a variety of pre-designed styles that can change the color, texture, and effects of your shape. You can also create your own custom styles by selecting “Shape Fill” or “Shape Outline” and choosing your desired color or effect.

If you want to add more depth to your shape, you can use the “3-D Format” option. This allows you to add bevels, contours, and other 3-D effects to your shape. You can also adjust the lighting and perspective to make your shape appear more realistic. Keep in mind that using too many 3-D effects can make your presentation look cluttered and distracting, so use them sparingly.

Grouping and Ungrouping Shapes in PowerPoint

Grouping shapes in PowerPoint allows you to manipulate multiple shapes at once. To group shapes, simply select the shapes you want to group, right-click, and select “Group.” Alternatively, you can use the “Ctrl+G” keyboard shortcut. Ungrouping shapes is the opposite of grouping; it allows you to break a group of shapes into individual shapes so that you can edit them independently. To ungroup shapes, select the group and right-click, then select “Ungroup.” Alternatively, you can use the “Ctrl+Shift+G” keyboard shortcut.

Grouping shapes is not only useful for manipulating multiple shapes at once, but it also helps to keep your presentation organized. By grouping related shapes together, you can easily move them around your slide without accidentally moving other shapes. Additionally, you can apply formatting and effects to the entire group, saving you time and effort.

It’s important to note that when you ungroup shapes, any formatting or effects applied to the group will be lost. If you want to keep the formatting and effects, you can use the “Convert to Shape” feature. This will convert the group into a single shape, which you can then ungroup without losing any formatting or effects.

How to Merge Shapes in PowerPoint

Merging shapes in PowerPoint allows you to create a new shape by joining two or more shapes together. To merge shapes, select the shapes you want to merge and go to the “Format” tab. In the “Combine Shapes” section, select “Merge Shapes,” then choose the desired merge option from the drop-down menu.

One important thing to note when merging shapes in PowerPoint is that the resulting shape will take on the formatting of the first shape you selected. So, if you want the new shape to have a specific color or outline, make sure to select that shape first before merging.

Additionally, you can use the “Fragment” and “Intersect” options in the “Merge Shapes” drop-down menu to create more complex shapes. Fragmenting a shape will break it into multiple pieces, while intersecting shapes will create a new shape that only includes the overlapping areas of the original shapes.

Using the Shape Union Tool in PowerPoint

The Shape Union tool is an advanced merging tool that allows you to combine multiple shapes into a single shape. To use this tool, select the shapes you want to merge and go to the “Format” tab. In the “Combine Shapes” section, select “Union.”

It’s important to note that when using the Shape Union tool, the resulting shape will take on the formatting of the first shape you selected. If you want the merged shape to have a specific color or border, make sure to select that shape first before using the tool. Additionally, the Shape Union tool can only be used with shapes that do not overlap. If you have overlapping shapes, you will need to use the Shape Subtract or Shape Intersect tools instead.

Creating Complex Shapes with the Combine Tool in PowerPoint

The Combine tool is a powerful feature in PowerPoint that allows you to create complex new shapes from existing shapes. To use the Combine tool, select the shapes you want to combine and go to the “Format” tab. In the “Combine Shapes” section, select “Combine.”

How to Cut Out Shapes with the Subtract Tool in PowerPoint

The Subtract tool in PowerPoint allows you to cut out a portion of a shape using another shape. To use this tool, select the shape you want to cut and the shape you want to use to cut it, and then go to the “Format” tab. In the “Combine Shapes” section, select “Subtract.”

Creating Symmetrical Shapes with the Intersect Tool in PowerPoint

The Intersect tool in PowerPoint allows you to create a new shape by intersecting two or more shapes. To use this tool, select the shapes you want to intersect and go to the “Format” tab. In the “Combine Shapes” section, select “Intersect.”

Using the Fragment Tool to Break Apart Shapes in PowerPoint

The Fragment tool in PowerPoint allows you to break apart a shape into smaller shapes. To use this tool, select the shape you want to break apart and go to the “Format” tab. In the “Combine Shapes” section, select “Fragment.”

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Combining Shapes in PowerPoint

Some advanced tips and tricks for combining shapes in PowerPoint include using the “Union” tool to create custom text frames, using the “Subtract” tool to create custom shapes and icons, and using gradient fills to create custom color schemes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues when Combining Shapes in PowerPoint

Common issues when combining shapes in PowerPoint include overlapping, misaligned shapes, and failed merges. To resolve overlapping and misaligned shapes, adjust the position and size of each shape until they fit together seamlessly. To resolve failed merges, try removing any text or effects from the shapes before merging them or use the Fragment tool to separate complex shapes into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Conclusion: Mastering Shape Combination Techniques for Stunning Presentations

Combining shapes in PowerPoint is an easy and powerful way to create unique and visually appealing graphics for your presentations. By understanding the different types of shapes available, customizing and formatting your shapes, and using advanced tools such as the Union, Combine, Subtract, Intersect, and Fragment tools, you can create even more complex and stunning designs. With practice and experimentation, you can master the art of combining shapes in PowerPoint and take your presentations to the next level.

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How to Format Shapes in PowerPoint? The ULTIMATE Guide!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

Shapes, in PowerPoint, are a great way to make your presentation more visually engaging and interesting. But, not knowing how to format shapes in PowerPoint can be really frustrating and annoying especially when you are starting out! However, it is really not that hard to format shapes in PowerPoint.

To format shapes in PowerPoint, select the shapes that you want to format by holding the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard and clicking on each shape. Then, right-click using your mouse, and choose the “Format Shape” option. This will open a new window that will allow you to make changes to the shapes.

In this article, we will cover all the basics of formatting shapes in PowerPoint. We’ll go over how to add shapes, change their color and outline, and even add an image or text inside a shape! That and much more in a step-by-step manner so that it is easy for you to understand even as a beginner.

So, let’s get started!

[ A Quick Note Before We Begin – for this article, I will be using one of the presentation templates from Envato Elements . With Envato Elements, you get access to thousands of presentation designs with unlimited downloads so you never run out of options again. Plus, you get free previews so you know exactly what you’re getting before buying! Check out their pricing here ]

1. How to Add Shapes in PowerPoint?

The first thing that we should know is how to add shapes in PowerPoint. If you are already aware of this process, you can skip to the next sub-section (i.e. How to Insert a Perfect Circle in PowerPoint )

Adding shapes in PowerPoint is quite easy. Let’s learn the process with the help of some visuals –

Step 1 – Click on the Insert Tab

The first step is to click on the “Insert” tab on the PowerPoint.

Step 2 – Click on Shapes and choose the shape to add

The next step is to identify the “Shapes” option located on the ribbon, and then click on it.

Once you click on the “Shapes” option, you will be presented with several different options of shapes to choose from. Simply browse through and click on the shape that you would like to insert

Step 3 – Add the shape to the slide

The last step in the process is to add the shape to the slide. To do that, simply click and drag the cursor in one direction and you will notice that the shape has been added to the slide!

It is as simple as that!

One thing that you may have noticed is that there is no option to insert a perfect circle as a shape in PowerPoint. It may seem annoying at first, but there is an easy way to solve this problem! Let’s understand how this can be done.

1a. How to Insert a Perfect Circle in PowerPoint

Inserting a perfect circle requires you to follow three easy steps. These are as follows –

Step-1: Go to ‘Shapes’ option from the ‘Insert’ tab

To start, click on the ‘ Insert ’ tab and find the ‘ Shapes ’ option located in the ‘ Illustrations ’ section on the ‘ Insert ’ ribbon of your PowerPoint window.  

Step-2: Open the ‘Shapes’ option to choose the Oval Shape

After opening the ‘ Shapes ’ Tab, select your desired shape from a range of shapes available in the option. To make the perfect circle, select the ‘Oval’ shape from the options.

Step-3: Use the ‘Shift’ key to create a circle

Once you have selected the oval shape, your cursor will change into a plus sign to indicate that a shape is ready to be inserted. Take your cursor to your preferred location for the circle. Press the ‘ Shift ’ key on your keyboard, and ‘ left click ’ on your mouse to drag the circle into shape.

2. How to Access Shape Format Tab in PowerPoint?

Once you’ve added a shape to the slide, you will perhaps need to format it as well. This can be achieved by accessing the “Shape Format” ribbon in PowerPoint.

To access the shape format tab in PowerPoint, first, select a shape by clicking on it. This will make the ‘ Shape Format ’ tab appear at the upper middle part of your PowerPoint presentation window.

You can then access the options to format a shape.

3. How to Format Shapes in PowerPoint?

Shapes in PowerPoint can be formatted through the ‘ Format Shape ’ bar. To make the ‘ Format Shapes ’ bar appear, ‘ right-click ’ on the shape in your presentation and select the ‘ Format Shape ’ option from the drop-down menu. You will see a pictorial representation in the below section.

In the following section, I will show you some of the basics of formatting a shape in PowerPoint so that you can also incorporate these in your presentation design routine.

3a. How to Change Shape Fill Color in PowerPoint? 

Changing the shape color in PowerPoint is very easy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step-1: Select the shape and open the ‘Format shapes’ window

At first, select the shape that you want to change fill color, right-click on it and open the ‘ Format shapes… ’ bar to access the different formats.

Step-2: Choose “Solid Fill” and click on the ‘Color Bucket’ icon.

While keeping the shape selected (which means a square outline is covering the shape from its outer part) go to the Format Shapes bar and find the ‘ Color ’ option by clicking on the ‘Paint Bucket’ icon .

Step-3: Select the color for the shape

After you have selected the ‘ Color ’ option, simply select the different color that you want your shape to change into and you are done!

Adding Transparency to Shape Fill Color 

If you think that the color is too bright or perhaps you want to just make it transparent, you can achieve this by adding transparency to the shape fill in PowerPoint.

Adding transparency to the shape fill color is very simple in PowerPoint. It can be done in 2 simple steps. They are described below.

Step-1: Open the ‘Format shape’ bar and go to the ‘Fill’ section.

First you will need to access the ‘ Fill ’ section in the ‘ Format shape ’ bar to find the ‘ Transparency ’ slider.

Step-2: Move the slider to increase the transparency of the color in your shape

The ‘ Transparency ’ slider allows you to increase or decrease the level of transparency to the color of the shapes in your PowerPoint presentation.

Simply glide the slider until you are satisfied with the amount of transparency in the color of the shape or alternatively, type in the percentage of transparency you want the color to have in the box.  

How to Add Gradient Shape Fill Color in PowerPoint? 

To add a gradient shape fill color to your shapes in PowerPoint, all you have to do is go to the ‘ Fill ’ section in the ‘ Format shapes ’ tab and select the ‘ Gradient fill ’ option.

This will change the color of your shape to a gradient fill. You can play around with the gradient handles, change the color of the handles and even increase or decrease the transparency of each gradient handle independently.

It will take some time to master the gradient fill and perhaps I will cover this topic in a future article.

3b. How to Add an Outline to a Shape in PowerPoint? 

You can add an outline to a shape in your PowerPoint presentation very easily from the ‘ Format shapes ’ option. The step-by-step process is given below.

Step-1: Expand the ‘Line’ section in the ‘Format shapes’ bar

The first step is to go to the lower part of the ‘ Format shapes ’ bar and expand the ‘Line’ section located at the lower part of the ‘ Format shapes ’ bar.

Step-2: Adjust the Settings for the Shape Outline.

To add an outline to your shape, at first select the shape. After accessing the ‘ Line ’ section, click on the ‘ Solid line ’ option and an outline will be automatically added to your shape.

You can then adjust the various settings provided by PowerPoint to make changes to your shape outline.

How to Change Shape Outline Color?

Changing the shape outline color is quite easy as well. All you have to do is, select the ‘ Color ’ option in the ‘ Format Shapes ’ tab while keeping the shape selected. After that, simply click on the color you want your shape outline to change to and the outline will change color.

3c. How to Fill a Shape with Picture? 

To fill a shape with picture, follow these simple steps:

Step-1: Select the ‘picture or texture fill’

While having your shape selected, click on the ‘ Picture or texture fill ’ which is located right below ‘ Gradient fill ’.

Step-2: Click on the ‘Insert’ button and select the ‘From a file’ option.

To insert an image to your shape, click on the ‘ Insert ’ button in the ‘ Picture source ’ section. This will open a pop-up. Select the ‘ From a File ’ option from the pop-up

Step-3: Select the image you want to insert in your shape and press ‘Insert’

Now from the window, select the image that you want to add in your shape and press the ‘ Insert ’ button. This will add the image inside your shape.

3d. Other Types of Shape Fill

Besides solid fill, gradient fill, and filling your shape with a picture, you can also add texture and patterns to your shape in PowerPoint. Let’s take a quick look at how to do that.

Adding a Texture Fill to a Shape

To add texture, select the ‘ Picture or texture fill ’ option then click on the ‘ texture ’ button and select the texture you want to add to your shape.

Adding a Pattern Fill to the Shape

To add a pattern to your shape, simply select the ‘ Pattern fill ’ option and then choose the pattern you want to add to your shape.

Adding these shape fill options are really quite simple. Just that you need to know how to use it.

3e. How to Add Shadow to a Shape in PowerPoint? 

To add shadow to a shape in PowerPoint you will need to go to the ‘ Effects ’ section of the ‘ Shape options ’ under the ‘ Format Shape ’ tab. A step-by-step explanation of how to add shadows to a shape in PowerPoint is described below.

Step-1: Go to the ‘Effects’ section.

At first, you will need to select the pentagon shaped icon in the middle of the sections area called ‘ Effects ’. This will allow you to access the ‘ Shadows ’ option.

Step-2: Expand the ‘Shadows’ option to find the ‘Presets’ box.

Once you are in the ‘ Effects ’ section, expand the option that says ‘ Shadow ’. This will allow you to access the ‘ Presets ’ box.

Step-3: Select your preferred style of shadows from the ‘Presets’ box.

The ‘ Presets ’ box contains various styles of shadows that you can add to your shape. Click on the ‘ Presets ’ box and select your preferred style of shadow to add to the shape in your PowerPoint presentation.

Step-4: Adjust the settings

As a final step, play around with the settings like transparency, blur, size, distance, etc to get the right shadow effect that you like. Don’t just settle with the default shadow option that PowerPoint provides even with the preset.

3f. How to Format Multiple Shapes in PowerPoint? 

One of the ways you can format multiple shapes in PowerPoint is to select all the shapes and add the format you want them to be in. The two simple steps are described below.

Step-1: Select all the shapes that you prefer to be in the same format

To select the multiple shapes in your PowerPoint presentation, first you have to hold the ‘ Shift ’ key on your keyboard and ‘ left click ’ with your mouse on the shapes.

Step-2: Select the format you want your multiple shapes to be in

After you have selected all the shapes you want to format in your PowerPoint presentation, simply apply the format you want them to be in.

4. How to Apply a Shape Style in PowerPoint?

There are several ways to apply a shape style in PowerPoint. The most efficient way is to use the ‘ Format Painter ’ tool. Here is a step-by-step explanation of using the ‘ Format Painter ’ to format multiple shapes.

Step-1: Select the shape that contains the desired format

To bring consistency to all the shapes you have added to your PowerPoint presentation, first you have to select the shape which is already in the style that you want all your other shapes to be in.

Step-2: Double click on the ‘Format Painter’

The next step is to double-click on the ‘ Format Painter ’ tool. This will allow you to select multiple shapes and change their style to the originally selected shape. The ‘ Format Painter ’ tools is in the top left corner of your PowerPoint window under the ‘ Clipboard ’ section of your ‘ Home ’ ribbon.

Step-3: Paste the shape format to other shapes

In this step, simply ‘ left click ’ once on the shapes that you want to have the same style of the original shape that you had selected in the beginning of the process. This will change their shapes and match the style of the original shape.

Once you are done applying the style to your shapes, click on the ‘ Format Painter ’ icon again to stop using the tool or you can press “ Esc ” on your keyboard

4b. What is the Quickest Way to Format Shapes in PowerPoint?

As we can see from the two ways you can apply the same format to multiple shapes, the quickest way to do it is the ‘ Format Painter ’ tool.

Although selecting all the shapes and then applying the format may seem like the easier way to do it because it has fewer steps as explained earlier in this article, it is the Format Painter tool that gets the job done the fastest.

Selecting the shapes one by one can be a tedious and boring job if you have tens of shapes in your presentation. However, with the ‘ Format Painter ’ you can do it more efficiently with just a click on the shapes.

5. How to Merge Shapes in PowerPoint? 

The ‘ Merge Shapes ’ option in PowerPoint allows you to combine more than one shape together into different combinations. While using shapes in your presentation, the ‘Merge Shapes’ option can prove to be really helpful to create interesting shapes and designs.

To merge shapes, first, you need to add some shapes to your PowerPoint presentation, and then select them. You need at least 2 shapes, to begin with.

After selecting them, the ‘ Shape Format ’ ribbon will appear in the ribbon section in the upper middle part of your PowerPoint window. In the ‘ Shape Format ’ ribbon, you will find the ‘ Merge Shapes ’ button on the ‘ Insert Shapes ’ section.

So, let’s learn more about some of the merge shape options that will be provided by PowerPoint.

5a. More about Fragment, Intersect, Union, Combine, or Subtract Shapes

The ‘ Merge Shapes ’ dropdown menu will give you 5 styles to choose from. The use of these styles is explained below.

• Union: The Union style simply combines the selected shapes into one shape.
• Combine: This style of merging shapes will merge the shapes together but exclude the intersecting area of the shapes.
• Fragment: In this style, the shapes will merge together and while also showing all the outlines of both shapes.
• Intersect: This style is the opposite of the union style of merging shapes. This style merges the intersecting area of both shapes while excluding all the other parts of the shapes.
• Subtract: This style of merging shapes takes the shape that has been selected second away from the shape that has been selected first.

5b. How to Crop Shapes in PowerPoint?

To crop or cut shapes in PowerPoint, you can use the “Subtract” option under the merge shapes in PowerPoint. To do that, follow the 2 steps described below.

Step-1: Add 2 shapes to your PowerPoint slide

The first step is to add the two shapes that you want to use on your slide. You can insert it based on the methods described previously in the article.

Then, select the two shapes and head over to the “ Shape Format ” ribbon. Under the merge shapes option, choose the “ Subtract ” option.

The “ Subtract ” style crops away from the shape that has been selected second, from the shape that has been selected at first. Simply place a shape on top of the shape that you want to crop and make sure the intersecting area is in the part where you want to crop.

Step-2: Crop the shape

Once you have used the “Subtract” option from the “Merge Shapes ” menu under the “Shape Format” tab, you will be left with the subtracted shape.

5c. How to Create Custom Shapes in PowerPoint? 

With “ Merge Shapes ” option under the “ Shape Format ” ribbon, you can make almost any shape you can imagine using a combination of the ready-made shapes and the 5 styles of merging shapes as described earlier. Here is how to do it in 2 simple steps.

Step-1: Insert 2 or more shapes to create a custom shape

Simply insert the shapes that can be combined, intersected, subtracted, or merged in union to make the shape that you need.

  Step-2: Merge the combination of shapes with your preferred style.

After that, you have to combine the different shapes you have just inserted in order to create your custom shape. Merge the shapes together in the style that best fits your preference.

In some cases, you can also add another shape like a circle in the above example, and create an even more interesting design.

Step-3: Replicate the design to create a unique slide

You can then replicate the design to create a unique slide. The sky is the limit once you understand the amazing merge shape feature of PowerPoint!

6. How to Align and Distribute Shapes in PowerPoint? 

The align and distribute tool in PowerPoint helps to organize unorganized shapes that is spread throughout a slide in the presentation.

The alignment tool is used to align the randomly placed shapes in the slide to be aligned uniformly and the distribution tool helps to distribute the shapes evenly across the slide.

The process of using the alignment and distribution tool is described step-by-step below.

Step-1: Select all the unevenly placed shapes in the presentation

At first you have to select the shapes that you want to align uniformly in the slide of your PowerPoint presentation. 

Step-2: Click on Align Under the Shape Format option

After selecting the shapes, the ‘ Shape Format ’ ribbon will appear. Go to the ‘ Shape Format ’ ribbon where you will find the ‘ Align ’ option under the ‘ Arrange ’ section.

Click on the ‘ Arrange ’ tool and you will find 6 option to choose your alignment. For this example, we will choose the “ Align to Middle ” option.

Step-3: Distribute the shapes that have been aligned

After aligning the randomly placed shapes, they can be distributed evenly either vertically or horizontally. While the shapes are selected, click on the ‘ Distribute Horizontall y’ style or ‘ Distribute Vertically ’ style to distribute them accordingly.

For this example, we shall distribute it vertically. So, we shall choose that option from the menu.

Here’s what we will be left with after using the “ Disbtribute Horizontally ” option. See how easy it is to format, and align the shapes in PowerPoint once you know how to do it!

7. How to Edit Shapes in PowerPoint? 

Editing shapes in PowerPoint is done using the ‘Edit Shapes’ option located in the ‘Shape Format’ tab, under the ‘Insert Shape’ section. A step-by-step explanation of how to edit shape point and how to add or remove shape points is given below.

7a. Edit Shape Points 

To edit shape points you must first add a shape to your presentation, select it and follow the simple steps below.

Step-1: Go to ‘Edit Shape’ located under the ‘Insert Shapes’ section of the ‘Shape Format’ tab.

At first select the shape and go to the ‘ Edit Shape ’ option which is located at the upper left part of the ‘ Shape Format tab ’ under the ‘ Insert Shape ’ section.

Step-2: Go to the ‘Edit Points’ option

Once you have selected the ‘ Edit Shape ’ option a drop-down menu will give you two other options. Select the ‘ Edit Points ’ option from that drop-down menu. This will make all the edit points in your shape instantly appear.

Step-3: Hold one of the shape points and drag them

Once you have selected the ‘ Edit Points ’ option, the edit points in your shape will appear. Now simply select an edit point and drag them to edit it into your preferred shape.

Removing Shape Points 

Adding and removing edit points is very simple in PowerPoint. The process of removing edit points is described in 2 simple steps below.

Step-1: ‘Right click’ on the point that you want to remove

To remove an edit point, at first you have to ‘ right click ’ on the edit point to make the drop-down bar appear. This will give you a selection of edits that you can make.

Step-2: Click on the ‘Delete Point’ option

In this step, all you have to do to remove the edit point is to click on the ‘ Delete Points ’ option and the edit point will be deleted instantly.

The process of adding an edit point to your shape is the same as removing it. Here is how you add an edit point to a shape in your PowerPoint presentation.

Adding Shape Points

If you want to add shape points, here’s what you need to do.

Step-1: ‘Right click’ on the area where you want to add the edit point

At first you must move your cursor to the area where you want to add the edit point and ‘ right click ’ on the mouse of your computer. This will open a drop-down menu with several options.

Step-2: Select the ‘Add Point’ option

After you open the drop-down menu, simply select the add points button to add an edit point to the selected area. Then you can drag the edit point to your preferred position.

8. How to Add Text to a Shape in PowerPoint?

Adding text to a shape in your PowerPoint presentation may sound tough, but it is actually quite the opposite.

All you have to do is insert a shape in the slide and ‘ Double Click ’ anywhere on the inner part of the shape. A blinking vertical line will appear which is the keyboard cursor. This indicates that you can now start typing in the shape.

Alternatively, you can also directly start typing once you have selected the shape by clicking on it.

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How to add shapes and images to PowerPoint slides

You can't have an engaging presentation without an artist's touch. Imagery is not only eye candy for your audience, it's another way for them to learn and understand.

How often have you heard that a picture is worth a thousand words? That well-known quote could very well be true for a report or presentation. Visual aids may even have more of an impact than text alone. Here's how you can add supporting multimedia to PowerPoint presos and create images of your own.

• How to draw on presentations
• How to draw shapes

How to add images in PowerPoint

How to group pictures and shapes.

PowerPoint and Office 365 provide a few ways to add images and graphics to your files. These include shapes, clip art, and images stored locally or in the cloud. You have the freedom to set the location, size, and dimensions of most content while also applying color and effects to make them stand out. Let's take a look at adding images, creating your own, and applying effects to them.

Drawing on PowerPoint presentations

How to draw on a slide during a presentation.

To draw on a PowerPoint slide:

• Click on the Slide Show tab in the navigation ribbon.
• Click From Beginning in the Start Slide Show group to begin your presentation.
• Choose which slide that you want to write or draw on.
• Select Pointer Options from the list.
• Select a color from the Ink Color option.
• Choose between Pen or Highlighter .
• Left-click and move your mouse to draw on the slide.

How to erase a drawing

To erase what you have drawn:

• Select the Slide Show with your drawing.
• Right-click on the slide.
• Click on Pointer Options .
• Select Eraser .
• Click on each drawing or line to delete it.
• Select Erase All Ink on Slide to remove all drawings.

How to deactivate a PowerPoint drawing tool

To deactivate the drawing tool:

• Select Pointer Options in the list.
• Select Arrow to return to slide navigation.

Drawing shapes

How to add a predetermined shape.

To add a preset shape:

• Select a slide to add a shape.
• Click on the Insert Tab in the navigation ribbon.
• Select Shapes from the Illustrations group.
• Select a shape or option from one of the 10 categories
• Click on any point on the slide to add the shape to your cursor location.
• Click on any of the basic edit points to resize the shape or invert the shape.
• Click on the rotate icon to change its direction.

How to add a freeform shape with straight and curved segments

To add a freeform shape:

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• Click the Insert tab in the ribbon.
• Navigate to the Illustrations group.
• Select Shapes .
• Choose the Freeform option from the Lines category.
• Click on the slide show to create a starting point.
• Click on another section of the slide to create another point. (A line will appear between them.)
• Click and hold while moving the mouse to create curved lines in a hand-drawn style.
• Click near the first point to finish with a closed shape.
• Double click at any moment to finish with an opened shape.

You can also choose to draw freehand, as though you were using a pen. If Scribble has been selected, left-click and hold on any point of the slide and move the mouse to draw freehand.

How to edit points of a shape

While the preset shapes provided can be used in most situations, you may find that they would better suit the slide if you tweak its shape.

To edit the points of the shape:

• Select a shape on the slide.
• Select the Format tab in the ribbon.
• Select Edit Shape from the Insert Shapes group.
• Select Edit Points .
• Click and drag the highlighted connection points between lines to alter the path of the lines.
• Click the shape outline while pressing CTRL to add another movable connection point.
• Right-click on any connection point to delete it.

When you right-click on any connection point, you are given access to other options that help you modify your shape. You can transform the connection points to one of the following:

• Straight point — This connection point joins two line segments without a corner.
• Smooth point — This connection point joins also joins two line segments in a non-sharp corner.
• Corner point — This connection point joins two segments in a sharp corner shape.

With time, patience and effort, you could create unique, detailed art without having to use a preset shape.

Photos and images are often a nice touch in a presentation. They generate a sense of connection and familiarity that draw an audience in.

How to add a picture

To add pictures in PowerPoint:

• Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon
• Click Pictures from the Images group.
• Locate the picture you want to add in the dialog box.
• Select the picture.
• Click Insert .
• Click on endpoints to resize the image.
• Click on Picture Styles under the generated Format tab to choose a frame option.

How to adjust the colors on Pictures

To adjust the color of a picture:

• Add a color effect.
• Click on a picture.
• Click on the Picture Tools - Format tab.
• Select Color from the Adjust group.
• Browse through options from the dropdown list. Effects are grouped by Saturation , Tone or Recolor categories.
• Click on an effect to apply to the image.

How to add an artistic effect

To add an artistic effect:

• Ensure the picture has been selected.
• Select the Picture Tools – Format tab in the ribbon.
• Select Artistic Effects from the Adjust group.
• Browse through the effects. (Live Preview will provide a sample of the results of an effect.)
• Click on the chosen effect to apply to the picture.

How to add additional effects to shapes and images

How to fill a shape in powerpoint.

To fill a shape:

• Select the shape or picture on the slide.
• Click on the Drawing-Tools tab.
• Navigate to the Shape Styles group.
• Click Shape Fill to open the drop-down.
• Select a fill color.
• Select a gradient effect.
• Select a texture.

Each style option also offers a greater selection of fill colors, gradients and textures, which opens up a Format Shape box on the right side of the window. Here you can access transparency settings and quick style selections.

How to add shape and picture effects

In the Shape Styles group of the Format tab, you will see the option to add a Shape Effect. These effects provide a measure of depth to both shapes and images. There are seven categories to choose from; Preset, Shadow, Reflection, Glow, Soft Edges, Bevel, and 3-D Rotation.

How to modify shape and picture effects

To modify effects:

• Select the Format tab from the ribbon.
• Select Shape Effects from the ribbon. (If using a picture, this will be called Picture Effects .)
• Select a category from the drop-down list.
• Click 3-D Options at the bottom of the secondary list.
• Locate the Format Shape/Format Picture pane on the right side of the window.
• Choose values for each section the list.

The formatting pane allows you to change a multitude of effects. You can change the distance, angle or transparency of shadows, change the lighting source or even blur reflections. The same effects are available for pictures you have also added.

To apply a grouping:

• Click on the slide that contains the images and shapes you wish to group.
• Press and hold CTRL as you click on the images and shapes.
• Click on the Drawing Tools - Format Tab in the ribbon.
• Click Arrange under the Drawing group.
• Select Group from the dropdown list.

You can ungroup your images by clicking on Arrange in the Drawing group and then selecting Ungroup . If you have changed your mind, or mistakenly ungrouped the images or shapes, the Arrange command also provides a regroup option.

Wrapping up

These are the basics to get you started on your new career as a PowerPoint artist. Do you already add shapes and images to your slides? What is the most creative graphic that you created in PowerPoint? Let us know in the comments.

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PowerPoint Shapes & Symbols For Colorful Presentations

The shapes and symbols templates are packed with crisp, clear and customizable PowerPoint shapes. Whether it is a gear diagram, a flow chart, arrow diagram or a 3D layer visual you are planning to present, these templates would be the ideal starting point. Rather than planning and designing a presentation from scratch, download our easy-to-edit shapes and symbols templates and customize them to suit your needs. Colorful and themed visuals go a long way in spreading a message far and wide. Get started with these Powerpoint templates and create a stunning presentation in no time!

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How to Swap Shapes in PowerPoint

In the fast-paced world of finance, creating compelling presentations is essential for effectively communicating complex ideas to clients, stakeholders, and colleagues. Swapping out shapes is one simple yet powerful way to enhance your PowerPoint slides’ visual appeal and clarity.

PowerPoint offers a wide array of shapes that can be used to visually represent data, processes, and concepts in financial presentations. These shapes include primary geometric forms like rectangles, circles, and triangles and more complex shapes like arrows, stars, and callouts. Each shape has a specific purpose and can be strategically used to direct your audience’s attention and reinforce your message.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how finance professionals and investment bankers can easily swap shapes in PowerPoint to take their presentations to the next level.  We’ll be referencing a sample dataset that showcases how different shapes can be utilized across various slides to enhance the presentation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You Might Want to Swap Shapes

Swapping shapes in powerpoint: a step-by-step guide, download powerpoint template, tips for effective shape swapping, common mistakes and how to avoid them, using shape tools by macabacus.

Swapping shapes in PowerPoint can significantly improve the visual appeal of your financial slides. You can enhance your professional appearance by choosing shapes that align with your content and brand guidelines, creating a cohesive look.

Moreover, suitable shapes can help clarify complex financial concepts and processes. For instance, changing a rectangle to an arrow can effectively indicate the flow of financial data, making it easier for your audience to follow.

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A. Basic Steps

Step 1 : Choose the shape you want to change.

Step 2 : Navigate to the ‘Shape Format’ tab.

Step 3 : Click ‘Edit Shape’ in the ‘Insert Shapes’ group.

Step 4 : Select ‘ Change Shape’ and choose your desired shape from the dropdown menu.

In Slide 1, we can see a rectangle representing financial data. Replacing the rectangle with an ellipse can create a more visually appealing representation that captures the audience’s attention.

B. Advanced Techniques

In addition to the basic steps outlined above, there are several advanced techniques you can use to streamline the shape-swapping process, such as:

• Grouping Shapes : When working with multiple shapes that need to be swapped simultaneously, group them first. Select all the shapes you want to group, right-click, and choose ‘Group.’ Then, follow the basic steps to swap the shapes within the group.

• Using Shape Styles : Using PowerPoint’s built-in shape styles, ensure that your swapped shapes maintain a consistent style. After swapping a shape, right-click on it and select ‘ Format Shape ‘. From there, you can apply pre-designed styles or create your own.

Whatever technique you use, always remember that c onsistency is vital in financial presentations, where clarity and precision are paramount. Maintaining a consistent design across all your slides ensures effective message communication and engages your audience.

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To make the most of shape-swapping in your financial presentations, keep the following tips in mind:

• Maintain Consistency : Ensure that your replaced shapes match your presentation’s overall look and feel. Use colors, fonts, and styles that harmonize with your brand guidelines to establish a unified visual experience.
• Align and Distribute : Use PowerPoint’s alignment and distribution tools to keep your slides clean and professional. Such tools ensure that your shapes are evenly spaced and aligned, creating a polished appearance.
• Animation and Transition : Be mindful of how changing shapes can affect animations and transitions in your presentation. You may need to adjust your animations when swapping shapes to ensure a smooth flow from one slide to the next.

In Slide 4 of our dataset, a hexagon is swapped with a pentagon to align with brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across the presentation.

While shape swapping can significantly enhance your financial presentations, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for, including:

• Overuse of Shapes : Avoid cluttering your slides with too many shapes, as it can overwhelm your audience and detract from your core message. Use shapes strategically to highlight key points and guide your audience’s attention.
• Inconsistent Styling : When swapping shapes, ensure the new shape matches the presentation’s overall design. Inconsistent styling can make your slides appear unprofessional and distract from your content.
• Neglecting Content : While visuals are important, remember that your presentation’s content should always take center stage. Use shape swapping to enhance your message, not to overshadow it.

Slide 5 in our dataset demonstrates how a triangle is swapped with a diamond to enhance the clarity of a critical metric without overwhelming the slide.

Want more powerful tools for arranging and sizing shapes in PowerPoint? Macabacus offers a set of helpful tools on its ‘Shapes’ group. The tools go beyond what PowerPoint itself provides, giving you more control and making the process more user-friendly. While some of Macabacus’s tools might seem familiar, they offer extra features or a more intuitive way to work compared to PowerPoint’s built-in options.

In the ‘Macabacus’ > ‘Swap Positions’ menu, you can swap the position of two shapes using one of the options below:

• Center Anchor : Swap the center positions of two selected shapes.
• Top Right Anchor : Swap the top right positions of two selected shapes.
• Top Left Anchor : Swap the top left positions of two selected shapes.
• Bottom Right Anchor : Swap the bottom right positions of two selected shapes.
• Bottom Left Anchor : Swap the bottom left positions of two selected shapes.

Swapping shapes in PowerPoint is a simple yet effective way to elevate your financial presentations. By understanding the different types of shapes available and how to use them strategically, you can create more visually appealing, clear, and engaging slides.

As we’ve seen throughout this post, the key to successful shape swapping is maintaining consistency, using shapes to clarify your message, and avoiding common mistakes like overusing shapes or neglecting content.

Leveraging the appropriate tools can significantly impact the productivity and quality of presentations for finance and banking teams. Macabacus offers a suite of solutions tailored for Microsoft Office, helping users quickly format spreadsheets, audit formulas, create presentations, and ensure accuracy and consistency across documents. Trusted by professionals worldwide, Macabacus is designed to save time on routine tasks, ensure reliable linking between Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and maintain brand compliance.

We encourage you to experiment with shape-swapping in your presentations and share your tips and experiences with the finance community. By continuously refining your PowerPoint skills and staying attuned to best practices, you can craft presentations that effectively convey your ideas and make a lasting impression on your audience.

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Blog > Create Curved Arrows in PowerPoint

Create Curved Arrows in PowerPoint

17.07.2022   •  #powerpoint #template.

Arrows can be easily created in PowerPoint. They help to direct the focus of the presentation participants in a certain direction and can highlight elements. There are no limits to creativity with arrows – whether you're visualizing process flows with arrows or depicting a movement. With arrows you bring movement into every presentation.

1. Arrrows as infographics

Arrows are valuable infographics that are mainly used to visualize processes. Simple arrows indicate a clear direction and guide presentation participants in a reading direction. In addition, arrows can represent dependencies. This avoids listeners having to search for connections for a long time and connections are quickly and clearly recognizable.

2. Insert arrows in PowerPoint

Arrows can be easily created in PowerPoint.

3. Edit arrows in PowerPoint

Once you have inserted the arrow you want, there are some additional settings that can be made. From drop shadows to light effects, everything is possible in PowerPoint.

4. Create curved arrows in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint you can also create curved arrows. Curved arrows are suitable for the representation of processes and can be easily extended. This is how it works:

5. Create a cycle diagram in PowerPoint

You can create a cycle diagram in PowerPoint with single curved arrows. Another way to quickly visualise a cycle are SmartArts in PowerPoint. And this is how it works:

6. Create more diagrams in PowerPoint

In addition to a cycle diagram, PowerPoint can also be used to quickly create flowcharts or decision diagrams. Learn how to create a Flowchart in PowerPoint in this blogpost.

How to insert arrows in PowerPoint?

• Click on Insert and then on Shapes .
• Select the desired arrow.
• Click on the place where the arrow is to be inserted. Keep the left mouse button pressed and drag the arrow to the desired size.

How to create a cycle diagram in PowerPoint?

• Click on Insert and then choose SmartArt .
• In the category Cycle you will find some predesigned cycle diagrams.
• Label all fields by clicking on [Text] and your cycle diagram is ready.

Related articles

About the author.

Johanna Gumpelmeyer

Johanna is a passionate graphic designer and supports the SlideLizard team in the area of marketing and UX design. There she combines her creative streak with technical know-how.

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Slide layouts.

PowerPoint has different types of Slide Layouts. Depending on which type of presentation you make, you will use more or less different slide layouts. Some Slide Types are: title slides, section heading slides, picture with caption slides, blank slides.

Process Questions

Process questions are similar to recall questions but they need some deeper thoughts and maybe also analysis.

Web-Based-Training (WBT)

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A .ppsm file includes one or more macro-enabled slides. They are used to show presentations with embedded macros, but not for editing them.

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18 Best Presentation Tools for Beautiful Presentations [In 2023]

Written by: Chloe West

Looking for the best presentation tools to help you get your presentations to the next level? Powerpoint alternatives like Visme have tons of features and tools to amp up your presentation. In this guide, we will discuss how you can make the most of some of the tools like:

• Templates and themes
• Slide layouts
• Color themes

We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get into it.

18 Best Presentation Tools for Beautiful Presentations

Tool #1: templates and themes, tool #2: slide layouts, tool #3: fonts, tool #4: color themes, tool #5: icons, tool #6: shapes, tool #7: stock photos, tool #8: charts and graphs, tool #9: maps, tool #10: tables, tool #11: flowcharts, tool #12: icon charts, tool #13: radials, tool #14: progress bars, tool #15: animation, tool #16: transitions, tool #17: interactivity, tool #18: audio and video.

At Visme, we have two different options for users to get started with a new presentation.

The first option is presentation templates . There are over 100 editable presentation templates in Visme that range from 2 to 15 pre-designed slides for you to easily plug your content in.

Presentation Templates

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However, we also have three separate presentation themes – Modern , Simple and Creative .

Each theme has hundreds of slide layouts that you can mix and match, or pull into your presentation and customize with your own colors, fonts and content.

Regardless of if you choose a template or theme, you have full range customization options to make the presentation your own. We just give you a visually appealing starter kit to make your life easier.

If you choose between one of our presentation themes, you have hundreds of slide layouts to choose from to build out your presentation in the way that you see fit.

Whether you need a title slide, a timeline , a slide for your services or an ending contact us slide, our slide library has plenty of options for you.

When you’re in the presentation maker , click Add Slide to access the slide library. Choose one of the categories to view each of the slide layout options available.

This allows you to reuse the same theme over and over again for multiple presentations while maintaining a fresh look each time. Just choose the slide you want to edit, add it into your presentation and customize it with your own information.

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Another important tool for your presentations that you have access to in Visme is free fonts. There are over 100 fonts for users to choose from in the presentation design dashboard.

Stick to three fonts or less. Too many different font faces can make your slides appear cluttered. It’s best to incorporate one font for headers, one for body copy and a possible third for an accent font.

If you don’t find the font you want, you can also utilize Visme’s Brand Kit to upload and access your own preferred fonts. This can include your company’s brand fonts or simply a personal favorite or two.

While many of the presentation themes and templates come with an already established color scheme , absolutely nothing is set in stone. You can switch out the color of every item in your presentation to match your company or your topic.

One great presentation tool that Visme has is color themes. This allows you to change the color scheme of your entire presentation with a single click.

You can add your own brand color scheme into the Brand Kit section of your Visme dashboard so you can easily access them later. There is also a section to create your own color themes from scratch.

The color themes you create will appear at the top of the list and will switch the colors of your presentation for you without you having to pick and choose which individual elements are which color.

Using icons in your business presentation is a great way to visualize the text in your slides. You don’t want to include only text for your audience to follow along, so incorporating graphics as a visual aid is a great way to make your content more engaging.

In Visme, users have access to over 10,000 icons with four different styles to choose from.

Since you want to stick to a single icon style throughout your presentation, this gives you a way to differentiate each presentation you create while still having tons of icon options.

Access thousands of high-quality icons and graphics!

• Vector icons to spice up any Visme design or document
• Free to use , and great for print or web.
• Customize colors to fit your design needs.

Use these high-quality icons and graphics to help visualize the main points in your next presentation.

Another great way to add a few design touches to your presentation is by incorporating shapes. These can be used to emphasize photos and text by surrounding them or to create a design by themselves.

Check out the presentation slide template below. It's a great example of how using circular frames around photos can help draw attention to them.

Here's another presentation slide template that incorporates shapes into the design.

Incorporating different shapes can help to add depth to your presentation. It’s not all text, photos and icons. Instead, there’s an entire design aspect to your slides as well.

Here’s a video of how to format shapes and lines in Visme.

Visme partners with Unsplash to bring its users a massive library of free stock photos to incorporate into presentations, infographics , social media graphics and more.

While you may have your own photos of your team, business, products and services, there are still many other options for including stock photos in your presentation.

You can use the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for in the photo library and easily drag and drop it onto your presentation slide.

If you have a preset slide with images you want to change out, click on the photo to have the option to replace it appear in the top bar.

There are many ways to use presentation images , so be sure you browse through the photo library to see what options are available for you to use in your own slides.

If you’re presenting financial data, charts and graphs are key presentation mediums . There are many different chart and graph options available, from bar charts to line graphs and pie charts to funnel charts and more.

Want to create your own charts and graphs?

• Upload an Excel file or sync with live data from Google sheets
• Choose from 16+ types of charts, from bar and line graphs to pyramid and Mekko charts
• Customize anything, from backgrounds and placement of labels to font style and color

The Graph Engine is the first option available to users when you open up the Data tab in the design dashboard, giving you 15 chart and graph options right off the bat.

You’re able to input your data manually or import an Excel or Google spreadsheet and your dynamic chart will automatically update to reflect it.

Change colors, name axes and customize the legend. All charts and graphs in Visme can also be animated to make your presentation look even more engaging and creative.

If you’re talking about demographics or sharing information that pertains to a location within your presentation, consider adding in a map to visualize the area.

Visme’s map maker allows you to insert a world map or pinpoint any location in the world, color coding areas and creating an engaging visualization for your audience.

Set a global color for your map and color code different areas based on your information. You can hide areas on the map or showcase just one specific country or continent in the world.

There are many reasons you may need to add a table to your presentation.

You can create a schedule for the event or presentation, create a pricing table or even include a table of data next to the chart that visually represents it.

It's very easy to add a table to your presentation in Visme. You can set the number of rows and columns your table has, change cell colors, customize fonts and more.

A flowchart can help you visualize business processes, chains of command and more. And Visme makes it extremely easy to customize a premade flowchart or create one entirely from scratch.

There are several slide layouts that include flowcharts you can edit to fit your content, but it’s actually quite fun to play with the shapes and lines to create your own flow.

The flowchart elements are fully customizable so that you can choose outlines or filled in shapes, corners or rounded edges in your lines, line width and more.

An icon chart or an array is a way to represent data with icons. You can use this to differentiate between the number of men and women, cats and dogs, etc., that fall under different categories.

While the array visualization automatically comes with two icons, you can add more, change colors, switch the icons with any options from our library and more.

A radial, or circular counter, is a more engaging way to represent numbers or percentages than having them stand alone on the slide.

The thing is, not many PowerPoint alternatives have this tool. However, there are many different styles to choose from in Visme's data widget sidebar.

You’re able to customize the colors, the number, the maximum and minimum values and even whether you’re visualizing a percentage or just a number.

You can even add icons to the center of your radial to better visualize what each percentage is referencing.

Want to let your audience know how much time there is left in the presentation? Add a progress bar to the bottom of each slide.

You can also use this to show how far along the company is with creating products or gathering funding.

In Visme, you can choose from many different styles of progress bars, creating a new look and feel in each presentation you add this feature to.

To make your presentation more engaging , consider adding animation to the elements in your slides. This makes them move on the screen and helps grab the attention of your audience.

In Visme, you have six animation options:

• Fly from left
• Fly from right
• Fly from top
• Fٖٖٖly from bottom

Just remember that you only want to stick to one animation type per presentation. Having elements fly in from all different directions is not a good look and can easily overwhelm your audience.

Create beautiful and animated presentations!

• Add your own text, images, colors and more
• Add interactive buttons, transitions and animations
• Customize anything to fit your design and content needs

Watch this video to learn how you can animate text, video, shapes and images in Visme.

Your transition is the way your slides appear and disappear, and it’s a great idea to give this a bit more flair than your typical slide interchange.

With Visme, you can create transitions that not only move your slide, but each of the elements simultaneously. Simply click on the gear at the right corner of the slides to access the transitions.

The Staggered Fade, Enter from Side, Enter from Bottom, Enter from Top and Zoom In transitions all include both slide and element transitions. However, if you want to animate your elements separately, you can choose the transition Simple Fade or Slide In.

Visme also offers several great ways to make your presentation interactive.

Have Q&As, bring props, have your audience raise their hands and more. You create hyperlinks between slides and even design elements to create a unique experience for your audience.

This is a great way to make your presentation stand out and get your audience involved, so be sure to keep some of these interactivity ideas in mind.

Adding an audio narrative, recording a voice-over for your slides, incorporating background music or even embedding a video can be a great way to increase engagement in your presentation.

You can record audio directly in Visme, embed video links or embed any other type of online content directly in your presentation slides.

This can also give you a break from presenting during longer sessions, breaking up the monotony of your audience listening to the same thing for the duration of the time.

Watch the video below to learn how to embed video into your presentation and capture your audience's attention.

Looking for the Best Presentation Software to Use These Tools?

There you have it. We’ve shared 18 valuable tools for beautifying your next presentation.

But here’s a caveat! When preparing your presentation, don’t throw in all of these tools. Match the presentation topic with the tool that will have the most impact on your audience.

While there is a lot of presentation software out there—like PowerPoint, Keynote, Beautiful.ai, Prezi, Canva, Visme and more—what tools do you use for your presentation? Visme comes preloaded with all of the best presentation tools we’ve mentioned and more. Use them to create a presentation that your potential customers and investors will fall in love with.

Sign up for a free Visme account today to get started, and check out all of our presentation templates to find something you love.

Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.

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About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

How To Select Shape in PowerPoint In Different Ways

In this tutorial, we will show you various methods for selecting shapes in PowerPoint , including clicking on the shape, using the Shift key to select multiple shapes, using the selection pane, and using the keyboard shortcut.

With these methods, you will be able to easily select and manipulate shapes in PowerPoint to create engaging and visually appealing presentations.

Selecting a shape in Microsoft PowerPoint is an essential step in customizing and formatting your presentation. Whether you want to change the color, size, or position of a single shape or multiple shapes, selecting them is the first step.

Understanding the Different Types of Shapes in PowerPoint

There are various types of shapes available in PowerPoint, including basic shapes such as rectangles, circles, and triangles, as well as more complex shapes such as flow charts, stars, and callouts.

Now let’s walk through how to select these shapes…

how to select all shapes in PowerPoint

2. In the “ Editing ” group, click the “ Select ” drop-down.

how to select shapes in PowerPoint

To select a shape in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

how to select multiple shapes in PowerPoint

To select multiple shapes in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

In conclusion, there are various ways to select shapes in PowerPoint , including using the Selection Pane, selecting multiple shapes, using the Format Shape option, and grouping shapes. Understanding these methods will allow you to effectively use shapes in your presentations and enhance their visual appeal.

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Why use powerpoint shapes.

PPT Shapes are extensively used to:

• Make your  business presentation  interesting and fun
• Emphasize a particular point in the slide
• Add interactive visuals in the slide that encourages audience engagement etc.

How Do You Resize A PowerPoint Shape?

To resize a shape for PowerPoint:

• To resize a 2-D shape, such as a square, drag a selection handle to make the size you want.
• Drag the endpoint to the length you need to resize a 1-D shape, such as a line.
• Select Task Panes > Size and Position in the View tab to resize a shape to a specific value. Then, in the Size and Position window, type the values in the Width, Height, or Length boxes.

How To Make Shape Transparent In PowerPoint?

Making a shape transparent gives your presentation a professional look. The  transparency in powerpoint  shape helps highlight the text,  presentation icons , or other elements in the foreground. Here are steps on how to make PowerPoint shapes transparent.

• Select Insert > Shapes. Choose a shape from the gallery.
• Draw the shape on your slide.
• Select the shape you want to merge: Press and hold the Shift key and select each shape in turn.
• On the right side, you can see Fill, click the Fill icon and then click Picture or texture fill.
• To choose an image file, click on Insert Picture from > File
• Move the Transparency slider to adjust the transparency.

How Do You Combine Pictures And Shapes In Powerpoint?

Follow these steps to combine shapes with pictures in PowerPoint:

• Select a Blank slide. Now change the layout from the Home tab to the Two Content option.
• Now choose a shape and insert a  powerpoint image , make sure the image fits within the slide completely.
• Send this picture behind the shape by right-clicking and choosing the send-to-back option.
• Now, select the picture first and then the shape(s). Then access the Drawing Tools Format tab of the Ribbon, and click the Merge Shapes button.
• This opens up the Merge Shapes drop-down. Point the cursor over the Combine option within the Merge Shapes and click it to create a cookie-cutter  presentation graphic  from the picture.
• Type anything within the placeholders, and also you can insert anything within the placeholders.

What Are The Three Essential Design Shapes In The PowerPoint?

The three essential design shapes are Quadrilaterals(squares, rectangles), Round(circles, ovals, spheres), and Arrows. These are the most commonly used shapes in PowerPoint presentations. You can also use other shapes ppt templates like triangles, spirals, etc. to make your PowerPoint designs more effective.

What Is The Advantage Of Using PowerPoint Shapes?

Shapes influence how our audience thinks and feels about an idea. Numerous studies show that using shapes is as effective as using colors in communicating ideas. People relate the triangle shapes to hills/mountains so that the shape can represent success. Circles are naturally calming to the senses because they are rounded by definition without sharp edges. By knowing the science of shapes, you can take advantage of this perception utility and accentuate your ideas’ impact.

How To Merge Shapes In PowerPoint?

We often need to make different Power point Shapes for our presentations to make them stand out. However, PowerPoint provides a very limited collection of shapes for use. To make your shapes, you must learn how to merge shapes in PowerPoint. To do that, follow these simple steps:

• Select the shapes you want to merge: Press and hold the Shift key and select each shape in turn.
• You will see an option Merge Shapes in the Format tab and then pick the option you want(union, intersect, fragment, combine, subtract, etc).

How To Group Shapes In PowerPoint?

Ppt shapes will help you to impress your audience strikingly. Grouping the presentation shapes allow you to make two or more PowerPoint objects into a single grouped object that you can easily move around your slide. If you want to group shapes, pictures, or any other objects in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

• Select the objects you want to group and right-click
• Click the Group command
• You can see three options Group, Regroup and ungroup. Select Group
• Select the shape and right-click; you will see the option Format click.

You can use the keyboard shortcuts to group the pictures in PowerPoint.

• Hold the Shift key down, select your pictures
• Hit Ctrl + G on your keyboard.

What Are The Different Types Of PowerPoint Presentations Shapes?

PowerPoint has many different shapes, including triangles, circles, spirals, polygons, lines, and curves. You can also use the new  PowerPoint SmartArt to create effective visualization. Different shapes reflect different messages or feelings and are used to present different types of information. The triangle structure represents perseverance and achievement. Polygons represent strength and structure.

How Do You Draw Irregular Shapes In PowerPoint?

• Go to the Insert Tab
• Draw a Line or Shape On the Shapes drop-down, you will see a variety of lines and shapes that you can insert into your slide.
• Modify a Line or Shape You will also notice that you can tweak some aspects like the thickness from the options on the Format tab with a shape selected.
• Reposition a Line or Shape You can click and drag to reposition a line or even resize it by holding the handles on the border.

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