6.4: Adding Visuals and Features to Microsoft PowerPoint Slides
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Add tables to slides to organize and present data in a grid format
- Insert images into slides
- Add written information to slides
- Use symbols to enhance visual appeal
- Include equations to represent complex mathematical concepts
- Utilize WordArt to maximize the impact of text
- Use the tools in the Illustrations command group to increase the design appeal of slides
Adding visuals and features to Microsoft PowerPoint slides makes your presentation more engaging and interesting for the audience. It’s best to do this after the text has been formatted and the general layout established. Visuals such as images, charts, and videos can help to break up text and make the presentation more visually appealing, keeping the audience engaged and making it easier for the audience to understand and remember the information. Additionally, using relevant, high-quality images will help make your presentation look more professional.
Adding Tables
A table in PowerPoint is a structure for organizing and presenting data in a grid format. It is similar to the Table feature in Microsoft Word. In Figure 6.26, the Table option has been selected within the Insert tab. You will not need to include a table in your My Life in a Snapshot presentation, but tables are regularly included in professional presentations.
There is a grid located directly under the Table option, followed by Insert Table . Using the mouse, click and hold to select the desired number of cells you want to include. In the figure, a 3 x 5 table has been highlighted—specifically, three cells horizontally and five cells vertically. A 10 x 8 grid is provided, but if this size is too limiting, the Insert Table option enables you to build a grid all the way up to 75 x 75. Keep in mind that the facts and figures contained in your table need to be visible and easy for your audience to understand.
The Draw Table option allows you to create a table by literally drawing it on your slide. As you select the option, the cursor becomes a pencil. You can first draw the table border and then sketch out cells that meet your needs. This option is especially useful when you’re not looking for a perfectly symmetrical grid. If you prefer to create tables within Microsoft Excel, you may prefer the last option within the table group, Microsoft Excel, which opens an Excel worksheet inside the slide. You will have to save the Excel sheet as its own document, but it will be stored within the PowerPoint slide.
Adding Images
The Images command group , located to the right of the Insert Table option, gives you the following options: Pictures, Screenshot, and Photo Album. In general, an image is a visual representation of a scene, object, or information, often captured or created through digital means. In today’s technological world, your cell phone is also a professional camera with advanced formatting options, enabling you to share photos instantly on social media and in texts and emails. Adding photos and screenshots in PowerPoint can be just as effective. Those saved files can be at your fingertips to add to your presentation.
One good option is to use the Pictures feature to add an image to your PowerPoint presentation, either from your device or from the internet. You can also add a stock image —a preexisting photograph or illustration that you can purchase for use in websites, brochures, presentations, advertisements, and other forms of media. Stock images are created by professional photographers and illustrators and are usually sold through online stock image agencies. These images can be used by anyone who buys the rights to use them, rather than having to commission a photo or illustration specifically for their project. Stock images can be used to supplement or enhance a presentation, brochure, or website by adding relevant and interesting visual elements. They can also be used to illustrate a point or idea, by providing an image that represents a concept or feeling. Stock images can save time and money, avoiding the need to create new images specifically for your project.
Stock photos are often fairly generic and not specific to a location or brand. For example, you can use a stock photo of a team working in an office environment to illustrate teamwork in the workplace. Many stock photos are considered to be available in the public domain and therefore are free to use, although this is not true of all stock photos. Be sure you keep copyright issues and licensing requirements in mind when using stock photos in your presentation. You can find websites of stock photos such as Vecteezy or Shutterstock. Some companies may have licenses or accounts with these websites. Some stock photo websites are starting to specialize in specific styles and types of stock photography, such as more diverse stock photos and more realistic, natural stock imagery.
To personalize My Life in a Snapshot, add two photos from your personal collection to the last slide. To add a photo from your computer to a PowerPoint slide, follow these steps:
- Open PowerPoint and select the slide on which you want to add the photo.
- Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen (Figure 6.27). In the Images command group, click on Picture, then select This Device. (This means that you will be inserting a picture from your computer.) If you want to add a picture from your phone, you can email the photo to yourself and download it to your computer. If you want to use a picture from the internet, again, download the picture and save it to your computer. A window will appear, allowing you to browse your computer for the photo you want to add. Navigate to the folder where the photo is located, select it, and then click the Insert button (Figure 6.28).
- The photo will be inserted onto the slide. You can then move it around by clicking and dragging it to the desired position. You can also resize the photo by clicking and dragging the handles (small squares) around the edges of the photo (Figure 6.29).
To format the picture, first select it with your cursor and then use the options under the Picture Format tab , such as cropping, adjusting brightness and contrast , and adding a border. The Picture Format tab only shows up if the picture is selected. When you are finished, save your presentation by clicking on the File menu and selecting Save. By following these steps, you can add photos from your history that will be shared with WorldCorp’s team.
The Picture option supports all picture formats. Notice that when any of the three pictures are highlighted/selected, the Picture Format tab opens, as shown in Figure 6.30. This new ribbon tab will appear all the way on the right end of the ribbon. The first command group, Adjust, lets you adjust and add corrections to the actual picture, such as its color, brightness, and transparency. The last command group in this ribbon, Size , is helpful to know. The Size group within the Picture Format ribbon contains a feature called Crop , which is available in most Microsoft Office programs.
Having the ability to crop a picture to a preferred size can be a time-saver. You no longer need to find a perfect image, but only a piece of the image that is perfect for your needs. Notice in Figure 6.31a how much ice is in the picture. The ice skates appear small in relation to the entire slide. By cropping some of the ice out of the picture, then enlarging the image to fit the space (Figure 6.31b), you can emphasize what you want your audience to see.
Adding Text
A great way to add a well-placed description of an image is to insert a text box. Let’s add a text box to your My Life in a Snapshot presentation, as shown in Figure 6.32.
To add a text box, open the PowerPoint presentation to the slide where you want to insert the text box. Click on the Insert tab in the top menu. In the Text section, click the Text Box button. Click and drag on the slide to create the text box. Type or paste your text into the text box that describes each photo that you selected to share with the WorldCorp team.
You can use the Shape Format tab to customize the text box, such as changing the font, color, or size of the text, just as you did when adding text to existing text boxes provided by PowerPoint in the various defined layouts. Once finished, you can move the text box around by clicking and dragging it, much like any other object or image within the slide.
Adding Symbols
You can add symbols to a PowerPoint slide to enhance the visual appeal of your presentation and to make it more engaging. Symbols can include anything from emojis to arrows to creative shapes, like hearts. You can use symbols to represent different ideas or concepts, to emphasize certain points, or to create a visual hierarchy , arranging the elements of your design according to their level of importance. The purpose of visual hierarchy is to guide the viewer’s eye to the most important information or elements first, then to less important information. It’s a good idea to use symbols sparingly, and only when they add value to your presentation, so they don’t become distracting. This first presentation doesn’t require the addition of a symbol, but the steps for adding one to a slide are as follows:
- Open the PowerPoint slide where you want to add the symbol.
- Click on the Insert tab in the top menu.
- In the Illustrations command group , click the Symbol button. A menu will appear with a selection of symbols. Choose the symbol you want to use and click on it to add it to the slide. (Note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the version of PowerPoint you are using. In some versions, Symbols is its own command group on the ribbon.)
You can also use the Format tab to customize the symbol by changing its size, color, or shape.
It is helpful to know the most common types of symbols that you can use in a PowerPoint presentation:
- Icons: simple, graphic symbols that you can use to represent concepts or ideas, such as an icon of a light bulb to represent an idea or an icon of a person to represent a customer
- Arrows: used to direct attention, to show cause and effect, or to indicate a process
- Emojis: used to add a personal touch or to create an emotional impact
- Shapes: can include simple symbols such as check marks, stars, and hearts; they can be used to emphasize a point or to indicate a positive or negative aspect
Always note that the symbols you use in your PowerPoint presentation should be appropriate for the context, audience, and purpose of the presentation.
Adding Equations
Another feature to consider inserting in PowerPoint slides are designed equations. An equation is a mathematical statement that shows the relationship between two or more quantities, using mathematical symbols and operators. Equations are used to describe a wide range of physical, biological, and economic phenomena, and are central to many areas of science and engineering. Simply click on the option on the Insert tab and select from a list of drop-down options. (Note that the Equation option will be grayed out unless your cursor is active on the slide canvas.) A new tab, Equations, will appear on the ribbon, revealing many options for inserting and editing equations.
Adding an equation to a slide in PowerPoint can enable you to represent complex mathematical concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for your audience to follow your presentation. Equations can convey a level of technical expertise and professionalism, which can be especially important in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). They can be used to emphasize certain points in your presentation, such as key formulas or important calculations. Using equations to support your arguments can increase the credibility of your presentation and give your audience more confidence in your claims. Additionally, you can use PowerPoint to create interactive equations that allow the audience to manipulate variables—a useful option in fields like education and training.
You will not be asked to add an equation to My Life in a Snapshot . However, it is important to remember that when adding anything, even equations, to your PowerPoint slides, they should be formatted correctly and should be used in a way that supports the overall message of your presentation. The process for inserting and editing equations is covered in more detail in the chapter on Document Preparation.
Adding WordArt
In PowerPoint, WordArt can add visual interest to a slide by using different font styles, colors, and effects that are prebuilt and designed for maximum impact. This can make your presentation more engaging and memorable for your audience.
WordArt can be used to emphasize important points or quotes in your presentation, making them stand out from the rest of the text and allowing for more creative expression than a simple text box. For example, you can create shapes, bend text, and add different effects to make your text more appealing than what is offered in a simple text box.
WordArt can be used to give your presentation a consistent look and feel, which can be especially important when creating presentations for work or business purposes as the exaggerated font is easy to duplicate across different slides. Additionally, WordArt can be used to create a visual hierarchy , making it easier for people with visual impairments to read your slide.
Now, let’s put this tool into action. As seen in Figure 6.33, start by selecting the fourth slide, Goals, to work on. This slide tells the audience about your short-term and long-term goals within the coming year at WorldCorp. To clearly separate the goals, we will use WordArt to change the headings for each.
- Start by highlighting the heading “Long Term.”
- Select Insert, WordArt, and then choose a style.
- Once selected, WordArt will appear in the center of the slide. Delete the original text box.
- Select and drag over the WordArt text in replace of the original heading.
- Repeat these steps for “Short Term” using a contrasting style choice (Figure 6.34).
WordArt should be used sparingly, and only when it adds value to your presentation. It’s also important to make sure that the WordArt doesn’t distract from the main message of your slide. Always consider if a text box is more appropriate due to the length or positioning of the statement. In addition, consider if the provided text needs to be formatted.
Shape Format Tab
You can easily create and change WordArt within the Shape Format tab . To format WordArt in PowerPoint, open the PowerPoint slide where you want to format the WordArt. Click on the WordArt that you want to format. Click on the Shape Format tab in the top menu. Use the options in the Text Effects and WordArt Styles sections to change the font, color, and effects of the WordArt. Additionally, you can use the Text Fill and Text Outline to change the fill and outline color of the WordArt. There are numerous options to explore and evaluate on what may work best.
Use the Text Box to change the size and shape of the text box that contains the WordArt. Use Arrange to change the position of the WordArt in the slide and use 3D Rotation to rotate the WordArt, as seen in Figure 6.35. As with all additions and changes, use WordArt sparingly, only when it enhances the overall look and feel of your presentation and adds emphasis to certain points—but not every point!
Adding Illustrations
Much like adding images, illustrations can have a lasting impact in a presentation. An illustration is an image that’s “handmade,” so to speak, using either tangible elements such as pens and pencils or digital elements such as media. In this case, please take note of understanding the copyrights of the original work before selecting illustrations. In this section, we will walk through how to add a star to your presentation along with exploring some of the various illustration options. There are several types of illustrations that can be inserted in PowerPoint, including:
- Shapes: basic shapes such as rectangles, circles, and arrows, as well as more complex shapes like flowchart symbols and callout shapes
- Icons: simple, symbolic images that can be used to represent concepts or ideas
- Charts: bar charts, line charts, and pie charts that can be used to present data in a visual way
- SmartArt: predesigned graphics that can be used to create diagrams, lists, and other types of illustrations
- 3D models: models that allow you to rotate and zoom in on an object to show it from different angles
These types of illustrations can be used to make slides more engaging and memorable and to effectively convey the intended message. Now, we will take a closer look at shapes, icons, and the use of charts.
Shapes
To add a shape to a slide in PowerPoint , first click on the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the PowerPoint window. Click the Shapes button in the Illustrations command group . Select the desired shape from the drop-down menu; in the next step of your project, you will be looking for the shape of a star (Figure 6.36). Click and drag on the slide to create the shape. Shapes can be resized and positioned to enhance text and images on slides.
Now, it’s your turn to add a shape to My Life in a Snapshot . When selecting the area to draw the shape, consider that it can be formatted later on to fit more exactly. It may take several attempts and practice to get the hang of working with these digital drawing tools. Simply select the corners of the shape and position the shape according to the location in Figure 6.37.
Icons
Icons can be used in PowerPoint slides to enhance the visual appeal and convey information in a more exact manner. An icon is a small graphic symbol that represents a specific function, feature, or tool. Icons can be added much like Shapes by selecting the icon you want and then drawing it on the slide. These, too, can be resized and formatted after being placed on the slide.
Icons are slightly different from shapes in that they are intended to be universal messaging tools used to illustrate a point or concept for your audience. You might use a compass icon to indicate “direction” or a heart icon to indicate “emotion.” You can also use icons as bullet points to make your slides more visually interesting and easier to read, or you can add them to diagrams and flowcharts to help clarify the meaning of different elements instead of using text. You can use premade icons from the PowerPoint library or from the internet, or you can also create your own icons by combining different shapes and formatting them as you want, using different colors, sizes, and other options to convey your message effectively.
Charts
PowerPoint provides various types of charts, including column, bar, line, pie, and scatter charts. To add charts to your slides, go to the Insert tab, Illustrations command group (Figure 6.38). You can customize your charts with formatting options such as color, labels, and legends. Additionally, you can import data from external sources, such as Excel and Microsoft Access, to create your chart in PowerPoint. This is another element you won’t need to use in your My Life in a Snapshot presentation, but it will be a useful tool when presenting data.
Depending on your settings, inserting a chart may automatically open Excel so that you can input data to create your chart. Experiment with this process so that you can better understand how to create your data, series labels, and categories.
SmartArt
SmartArt can be effectively used in a PowerPoint slide to visually represent information or ideas. It can be used to create diagrams, flowcharts, organizational charts, and other types of graphic organizers. To use SmartArt in a PowerPoint slide, you can select the Insert tab, then click the SmartArt button. This will open a menu of different SmartArt options to choose from, as seen in Figure 6.39.
Once you have selected the desired SmartArt option, you can enter the text or information that you want to include in the graphic, as you would in a text box. You can also customize the appearance of the SmartArt by changing the typical colors, shapes, and layouts. Each option is designed toward a particular function, such as showing a linear process (like a flowchart) or relationships in a company (like an organizational chart). Take your time looking through these options to ensure that the intent matches the design.
3D Models
One of the newest options that PowerPoint is offering is adding 3D models to a slide. A 3D model in PowerPoint is a digital representation of a three-dimensional object that can be inserted into a presentation and manipulated to show different views and perspectives. 3D models can be effectively used in a PowerPoint slide to add visual interest and help convey complex information. They can be used to demonstrate products, architecture, or other real-world objects in a more engaging and interactive way.
To use a 3D model in a PowerPoint slide, you can select the Insert tab, then click the 3D Models button, as seen in Figure 6.40. This will open a menu of different 3D models to choose from, or you can also import your own 3D models. Once you have inserted a 3D model into your slide, you can rotate, pan, and zoom the model to show different angles and perspectives. Additionally, you can customize the lighting, shadow, and material of the model to suit your needs. A 3D model can help the audience to better understand the product or the object you’re showcasing by capturing the exact angle or motion that is called on.
A good thing to note when deciding to work with 3D models: you will need to have a version of PowerPoint that supports 3D models, such as PowerPoint 2019 or later.