PowerPoint

Part 4: Tips and Tricks for PowerPoint Shape Manipulation

As you venture deeper into the world of PowerPoint, mastering the art of selecting objects with precision becomes vital. In this segment of our series, we bring you insightful tips that will facilitate precise object selection, allowing you to create visually appealing and well-organized slides. Whether it’s setting object defaults or manipulating line types, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to sharpen your skills in object selection and manipulation!

What’s covered in this part:

  • Setting object defaults to save time and maintain consistency
  • Understanding line types and their controls for creating professional slides
  • Utilizing SmartArt to enhance visual appeal
  • Exploring advanced features like merging shapes, changing shapes, and cropping pictures for a polished presentation

Before diving in, ensure you have a firm grasp on the lessons encapsulated in the previous segments of this series, as this segment will build upon those.

Setting Object Defaults

Significance: Streamlines your workflow by pre-formatting standard objects according to your preferences, saving time in the long run.

  • You can revert to the default settings of objects anytime.
  • Setting object defaults is highly recommended, especially when working with external or client templates.
  • After customizing an object to your liking, right-click on it and choose “Set as Default Shape”.

Procedure: Select the Object → Right-Click → Set as Default Shape

Exploring Line Types and Controls

Significance: Lines hold a wealth of possibilities beyond mere connectors.

  • Discover an array of line functionalities in the Format Shape menu.
  • Endeavor to connect objects at designated connection points or opt for layering to position the line behind a solid object.
  • Experiment with various options for curved lines and arrows to enhance visual appeal.

Leveraging SmartArt

Significance: SmartArt serves as a quick tool to construct new graphics, especially when a suitable template is unavailable through slide shopping or online resources.

Procedure: Navigate to Insert → SmartArt

Note: Managing font sizes in SmartArt might be challenging. However, converting SmartArt to shapes allows for regular editing.

Merging Shapes

Significance: Unlocks creative opportunities to craft unique shapes that were previously challenging to create.

  • PowerPoint offers a Merge Shape feature that can be a potent tool in design.

Procedure: Select Multiple Objects → Navigate to Shape Format → Merge Shapes

Shape Transformation

Significance: Facilitates easy modifications to shapes without the need for redrawing.

  • Easily transform a square into a rounded rectangle using the Edit Shapes feature.

Procedure: Select the Desired Object(s) → Navigate to Shape Format → Edit Shapes

Effective Cropping Techniques

Significance: Cropping enables selective focus on specific sections of an image without distorting the aspect ratio.

  • Crop images to specific shapes, a handy tool when creating proposals requiring consistent headshot formatting.

Procedure: Select the Picture → Navigate to Picture Format → Crop

Tip: Ensure consistency in head size and source photo dimensions before cropping to shapes.

Adjusting Picture Transparency

Significance: Essential when working with client logos to ensure seamless integration with various backgrounds.

Procedure: Navigate to Picture Format → Color → Set Transparent Color

  • This functionality permits the selection of a color to render transparent, facilitating background alterations.
  • While the “Remove Background” option exists, its reliability is lesser compared to setting a transparent color.

Remember: Always lock the aspect ratio when manipulating client logos to prevent distortion.

Incorporating Harvey Balls and Symbols in Tables

Significance: Harvey Balls are a staple in consultancy tools, facilitating easy editing and alignment in tables alongside other symbols.

Procedure: Access the PowerTools toolbar → Select Harvey Balls

  • PowerTools offers adjustable custom Harvey Balls, allowing for color modifications and percentage alterations through drag handles.
  • While alignment within the table is necessary, an updated custom toolbar can make this process a breeze.
  • For status circles, opt for fonts like WingDings or WebDings available in the Insert → Symbols → Symbol menu, which eliminates the need for constant realignment.
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