A simple way to create stunning slides is to layer an image, a shape, and text placeholders. Here are 2 examples:
Here are the steps to create these slides:
Create a numbered list with shapes
I recently saw an interesting slide that had a unique numbered list and I thought I’d show you how to create a numbered list with shapes. It’s hard to get numbered lists that have a graphic look to them because SmartArt doesn’t do numbers. Of course, it isn’t nearly as automated as SmartArt, so it requires some fiddling even after you create it, but I think you’ll like it.
You can create a shape like this in more than one way, but here’s one way:
Insert a short rectangle that will contain the numbered circle. The height should be enough to fit 2 rows of text if you think you’ll need them. The reason for using a short rectangle is that if you create a wide rectangle across the slide, when you add the circle and then decide that you want to resize it (perhaps to add an image on the right), resizing the rectangle distorts the circle, as you see here. Not pretty! So by dividing the shape up, you can create a nice slide like this. [Read more…]
Results of Extreme Shapes contest!
A few weeks ago, in my newsletter, I announced a contest based on my blog post, “Customize slide objects to the extreme.” With a great prize — the winner would get a choice of one of my two $97 products.
What, you aren’t a subscriber? You can subscribe here. Subscribers sometimes get special offers like this one.
We received some beautiful and creative entries and I wanted to show you some of them. I added the creators’ comments where I thought they would be useful to you. I couldn’t pick one winner, so I chose 3! Congratulations to them and everyone who submitted an entry. [Read more…]
Reorder objects in the Selection pane in PowerPoint 2013
As you build a slide’s design, you may add a lot of objects to it. Complex animation may especially include many objects.
Do you spend a lot of time reordering objects? By that I mean moving an object behind or in front of another object? Usually, the way I reorder objects is to right-click an object and choose Send to Back, Send Backward (1 layer), Bring to Front, or Bring Forward (1 layer).
But sometimes I want to bring an object forward a few layers, but not to the front. It can be time-consuming and confusing to get the order right.
In PowerPoint 2013, you can use the Select pane and simply drag objects where you want them. It’s a great new feature! (I’ve been asking for it, too. Do you think that Microsoft listened to me?)
Here are the steps:
- On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Select, Selection Pane to display the Selection task pane on the right.
- Either select an object on a slide or select it in the Selection pane.
- Drag it upward to move it forward. Drag it downward to move it backward.
You can even change the order of objects within groups!
Watch the video to see how I reorder objects in the Selection pane.
Create professional-looking 3D effects with bevels
The single most effective way to add a professional look to shapes on a slide is to add a bevel.
What’s a bevel, you may ask?
A bevel is a 3D effect on the edge of a shape. The bevel makes the shape look raised. Here are the preset bevel looks, but you can adjust them to your liking:
Don’t they look cool?
Here’s a slide with an infographic that uses one of the bevel treatments for the circles. [Read more…]