PowerPoint Tips & Tutorials

Create Bezier curves

A hidden feature in PowerPoint lets you create fluid curves like this.

You need to have a curve, freeform, or scribble to use this feature. Follow these steps:

1. Insert a curve, freeform, or scribble by choosing AutoShapes on the Drawing toolbar. (In 2007, click the Insert tab and choose Shapes to find them.)
2. Select the AutoShape.
3. From the Drawing toolbar, choose Draw > Edit Points. (In 2007, click the Format tab and choose Edit Shape > Edit Points.) You now see the vertices displayed.
4. Click on a vertex to display two handles on either side of the vertex.
5. Drag the handles to create the Bezier curves, as you see here.

You can also do the following:

• Add a vertex: Press Ctrl and click anywhere on the outline.
• Delete a vertex: Press Ctrl and click any vertex.
• Straighten a segment: Right-click along a segment and choose Straight Segment.
• Make a straight segment curved: Right-click along a segment and choose Curved Segment.
• Create a corner point: Right-click a vertex and choose Corner Point. This ensures a sharp corner.
• Create a smooth point: Right-click a vertex and choose Smooth Point. This ensures a non-sharp corner.
• Create a straight point: Right-click a vertex and choose Straight Point. This disallows a corner.

2007 only tip: If you have a rectangle or other shape, select it, click the Format tab, and choose Edit Shape > Convert to Freeform.

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