How to Create Self-Running Presentations

by Lydia | Jun 27, 2023 | Presentation Design

While traditional PowerPoint presentations require manual control, self-running presentations offer a convenient solution for engaging audiences without constant intervention. In this guide, we will explore the art of creating self-running PowerPoint presentations. Whether you’re a business professional, educator, or public speaker, these tips and tricks will empower you to deliver seamless and captivating self-running presentations that leave a lasting impression.

A self-running presentation is a PowerPoint slideshow that advances automatically from slide to slide without manual control. This feature allows presenters to focus on delivering their message rather than navigating through each slide. Self-running presentations are ideal for situations where you want your content to be displayed continuously, such as trade shows, exhibition presentations, kiosks, or digital signage.

Preparing the Self-Running Presentation

1. On the Slide Show tab, click on Set up Slide Show.

Within this menu, you will find three different choices:

• Presented by a speaker: This initial option necessitates the viewer to manually progress through each slide. This is the default setting commonly used in PowerPoint presentations and is the mode you are likely most accustomed to.
  
• Browsed by an individual: Opting for this option generates a slideshow where the viewer lacks control over slide advancement. It functions as an autoplay feature, although the viewer must still initiate the presentation by pressing the Play button.
  
• Browsed at a kiosk: Upon selecting this option, the slideshow will continuously loop until a viewer presses the escape button. This setting is particularly useful in kiosk or exhibition settings.
  
• If you prefer to restrict viewer control over the slideshow’s start and stop, choose the Browsed at a kiosk option. This selection automatically activates the “Loop Continuously” feature underneath.

Creating Automatic Timings

During a live presentation, it is common to have control over the timing of animations and slide transitions, requiring manual interaction by clicking the mouse to proceed.

However, in a kiosk setting, it is preferable to have the presentation’s animations and slides advance automatically. This allows passersby to read and follow the content without the need to manually operate it.

1. Go to the Slide Show tab and select Rehearse Timings.

Adding Recordings

Moreover, you can utilise your self-running PowerPoint slideshow in a kiosk scenario where your presence may not be constant. If you wish to incorporate a voiceover providing commentary or explanations for your slides, you have the option to record yourself, and your presentation will automatically integrate the recorded audio.

1. On the Slide Show tab and select Record.

2. If you want that all narration and slide transitions are included in your presentation, ensure that Play Narrations and Use Timings are checked.
   
3. If you wish to create a sequence of slides without any accompanying audio, make sure to uncheck the Play Narrations option.

Before recording your presentation, here are some quick tips to ensure a smooth and professional result:

1. Practise and Rehearse: Familiarise yourself with the content and flow of your presentation. Practice delivering it smoothly to enhance your confidence and minimise any potential mistakes during recording.
   
2. Check Audio and Equipment: Test your microphone or audio recording device to ensure clear sound quality. Make sure your equipment is functioning properly and positioned correctly for optimal audio capture.
   
3. Clear Background Noise: Choose a quiet location for recording to minimise background noise. Turn off any potential sources of disturbance such as fans, phones, or notifications that could interfere with the audio.
   
4. Visuals and Slides: Review your slides for any formatting issues, typos, or inconsistencies. Ensure that your visuals are clear, visually appealing, and properly aligned. Double-check that all content is readable and appropriately sized.
   
5. Script or Outline: Consider having a script or outline handy to guide you during the recording. This can help maintain a smooth flow and ensure you cover all key points effectively.

Why are Self-Running Presentations Advantageous

Self-Running Presentations offer several advantages that make them highly beneficial in various scenarios. Here are three reasons why self-running presentations are helpful:

1. Convenience and Efficiency. Self-running presentations eliminate the need for manual control, allowing presenters to focus on other aspects of their event or engage with their audience directly. By automating the presentation, you can save time, streamline your workflow, and ensure a seamless experience for your viewers.
   
2. Consistency in Delivery. With self-running presentations, you can ensure consistent delivery of your content. Each slide transitions at the pre-determined timing, eliminating the potential for human error or inconsistencies in manually clicking through slides. This guarantees that your message is conveyed in a structured and uniform manner, enhancing the professionalism and impact of your presentation.
   
3. Enhanced Audience Engagement. Self-running presentations can captivate and engage your audience more effectively. By carefully timing slide transitions, incorporating captivating visuals, and utilizing subtle animations, you can create an immersive experience that holds the attention of your viewers. Additionally, the absence of manual intervention reduces distractions, enabling your audience to focus solely on the content being presented. This heightened engagement can lead to better retention of information and a more memorable experience for your viewers.
   
4. Automated Information Display. Self-running presentations are ideal for scenarios where information needs to be continuously displayed or updated. For example, in exhibitions or trade shows, self-running presentations can serve as an interactive information hub that showcases products, services, or key messages.

In conclusion, mastering the art of creating self-running presentations empowers you to deliver captivating content without the need for constant manual control. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating the provided tips and tricks, you can create engaging slideshows that leave a lasting impact on your audience. Remember, a well-executed self-running presentation not only saves time but also showcases your professionalism and expertise in delivering compelling visual narratives.

Best PowerPoint Shortcuts

by Lydia | Jun 2, 2023 | Presentation Design

PowerPoint is a versatile presentation software that can be further enhanced by using keyboard shortcuts. These time-saving shortcuts allow you to perform tasks quickly and efficiently. In this article, we will explore the best PowerPoint shortcuts to help you become a proficient PowerPoint user.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or presenter, these shortcuts will elevate your productivity and streamline your PowerPoint workflow.

Formatting Shortcuts

Formatting shortcuts allow you to quickly apply formatting options without the need to navigate through menus and ribbons. This saves you time and enables you to focus on content creation rather than spending excessive time on formatting tasks.

Text Formatting Shortcuts

• Ctrl + B: Bold Shortcut
  • Function: Applies bold formatting to selected text.
• Ctrl + I: Italic Shortcut
  • Function: Applies italic formatting to selected text.
• Ctrl + U: Underline Shortcut
  • Function: Applies or removes underlining to selected text.
• Ctrl + Shift + >: Increase Font Size Shortcut
  • Function: Increases the font size of selected text.
• Ctrl + Shift + <: Decrease Font Size
  • Function: Decreases the font size of selected text.
• Ctrl + Shift + A: Toggle Capitalisation
  • Function: Toggles the capitalisation of selected text between lowercase, uppercase, and sentence case.
• Ctrl + Shift + F: Change Font
  • Function: Opens the Font dialog box to change the font style and attributes of selected text.
• Ctrl + Shift + W: Underline Words Only
  • Function: Applies or removes underlining to only the individual words within selected text.
• Ctrl + Shift + K: Small Caps
  • Function: Applies small caps formatting to selected text.
• Ctrl + 1: Single Line Spacing
  • Function: Applies single line spacing to selected text.

Slide Formatting Shortcuts

• Ctrl + D: Duplicate Slide Shortcut
  • Function: Creates a duplicate of the selected slide.
• Ctrl + M: Insert Slide
  • Function: Inserts a new slide at the current position.
• Ctrl + Shift + D: Duplicate Slide and Keep Source Formatting
  • Function: Creates a duplicate of the selected slide while preserving the original formatting.
• Ctrl + Shift + P: Insert Slide from Another Presentation
  • Function: Inserts a slide from another PowerPoint presentation.

Navigation Shortcuts

With navigation shortcuts, you can easily select and jump to specific slides within your presentation. This is especially useful when you need to navigate to a particular slide for reference, revision, or to address specific audience questions.

Slide Navigation Shortcuts

• Ctrl + Home: Go to the First Slide 
  • Function: Navigates to the first slide in the presentation.
    Ctrl + End: Go to the Last Slide
    Function: Navigates to the last slide in the presentation.
• Ctrl + G: Go to Slide
  • Function: Jumps to a specific slide by entering its slide number.
• Ctrl + Up Key: Go to Previous Slide
  • Function: Navigates to the previous slide in the presentation.
• Ctrl + Down Key: Go to Next Slide
  • Function: Moves to the next slide in the presentation.

Editing Shortcuts

Editing shortcuts allow you to perform editing tasks quickly and efficiently. Instead of manually navigating through menus and options, you can accomplish tasks with just a few keystrokes. This saves time, especially when working on large presentations with extensive content.

Copy, Cut, and Paste Shortcuts

• Ctrl + C: Copy
  • Function: Copies the selected text or object.
• Ctrl + X: Cut
  • Function: Cuts the selected text or object.
• Ctrl + V: Paste
  • Function: Pastes the copied or cut content.
• Ctrl + Alt + V: Paste Special
  • Function: Opens the Paste Special dialog box for advanced pasting options.

Undo and Redo Shortcuts

• Ctrl + Z: Undo
  • Function: Reverses the last action performed.
• Ctrl + Y: Redo
  • Function: Reverses the last undo action.

Slideshow Presentation Shortcuts

Slideshow presentation shortcuts allow you to navigate through your presentation smoothly and seamlessly. By quickly moving between slides, you can maintain the audience’s engagement and ensure a cohesive flow of information.

Start and Navigate Slideshow

• F5: Start Slideshow from the Beginning
  • Function: Initiates the slideshow from the first slide.
• Shift + F5: Start Slideshow from the Current Slide
  • Function: Begins the slideshow from the current slide.
• Spacebar or Enter: Advance to Next Slide
  • Function: Moves to the next slide in the slideshow.
• Backspace or Up Arrow: Go to Previous Slide
  • Function: Navigates to the previous slide in the slideshow.
• Esc: End Slideshow
  • Function: Exits the slideshow and returns to normal editing mode.

Slide Show Tools

• B or . (Period): Blank the Screen
  • Function: Temporarily hides the slide content during the presentation to draw attention to the presenter
• W or , (Comma): White or Black Screen
  • Function: Displays a white or black screen during the slideshow.
• Ctrl + P: Display Pointer
  • Function: Activates the pointer during the slideshow.
• Ctrl + A: Hide/Show Mouse Cursor
  • Function: Toggles the visibility of the mouse cursor during the slideshow.
• N: Toggle Notes Pane
  • Function: Toggles the display of the Notes pane during a slide show.
• M: Mute/Unmute Audio
  • Function: Mutes or unmutes the audio during a slide show if audio is present.
• T: Set Timer
  • Function: Sets a timer during the slide show to keep track of presentation time.
• Ctrl + Plus (+): Zoom In
  • Function: Zooms in on the slide during a slide show.
• Ctrl + 0: Fit Slide to Window
  • Function: Adjusts the slide size to fit the slide show window during a presentation.

Formatting and Object Manipulation Shortcuts

Formatting and object manipulation shortcuts allow you to quickly apply formatting options and make adjustments to objects without the need to navigate through menus and ribbons. This saves you time and enables you to focus on content creation and design.

Group and Ungroup Objects

• Ctrl + G: Group Objects
  • Function: Groups selected objects into a single unit.
• Ctrl + Shift + G: Ungroup Objects
  • Function: Disassembles a grouped object into individual components.

Rotate and Resize Objects

• Ctrl + Shift+ > or Ctrl + Shift + . : Increase Object Size
  • Function: Increases the size of the selected object(s).
• Ctrl+ Shift + < or Ctrl + Shift + , : Decrease Object Size
  • Function: Decreases the size of the selected object(s).
• Ctrl + R: Rotate Object
  • Function: Rotates the selected object clockwise by 15 degrees.
• Ctrl + Shift + R: Rotate Object Counterclockwise
  • Function: Rotates the selected object counterclockwise by 15 degrees.
• Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys: Nudge Objects
  • Function: Moves the selected object(s) by small increments in the corresponding direction.

Presentation View Shortcuts

Presentation view shortcuts allow you to navigate through your slides and control your presentation with ease. They provide a seamless and uninterrupted experience, allowing you to focus on delivering your message to the audience.

Normal View

• Ctrl + Shift + N: Switch to Normal View
  • Function: Transitions to the Normal View, which is the default editing mode.

Slide Sorter View

• Ctrl + Shift + S: Switch to Slide Sorter View
  • Function: Changes to the Slide Sorter View, displaying thumbnail previews of all slides.

Notes Page View

• Ctrl + Shift + H: Switch to Notes Page View
  • Function: Transitions to the Notes Page View, where you can add and edit speaker notes.

Reading View

• Shift + F5: Switch to Reading View
  • Function: Enters the Reading View, which simulates a presentation environment.

Animation and Transition Shortcuts

By utilising shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow when working with animations and transitions. These shortcuts enable you to make adjustments, reorder animations, or modify timing without interrupting your creative process or having to manually click through various menus.

Animation Shortcuts

• Ctrl + Shift + F9: Clear Animation
  • Function: Removes all animations from the selected slide or object.
• Alt + Shift + Left Arrow: Move Animation Left
  • Function: Moves the selected animation left in the animation order.
• Alt + Shift + Right Arrow: Move Animation Right
  • Function: Moves the selected animation right in the animation order.

Transition Shortcut

• Ctrl + Shift + Up Arrow: Previous Slide Transition
  • Function: Applies the previous slide transition to the selected slide.
• Ctrl + Shift +Down Arrow: Next Slide Transition
  • Function: Applies the next slide transition to the selected slide.
• Ctrl + Spacebar: Remove Transition
  • Function: Removes the transition from the selected slide.

Miscellaneous Shortcuts

Miscellaneous shortcuts encompass a range of functions that can enhance your productivity in PowerPoint. Whether it’s navigating through different views, accessing specific tools or features, or performing quick actions, these shortcuts save time and make your workflow more efficient.

Save and Open Shortcuts

• Ctrl + S: Save Presentation
  • Function: Saves the current presentation.
• Ctrl + O: Open Presentation
  • Function: Opens an existing PowerPoint presentation.

Conclusion

Mastering PowerPoint shortcuts can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency when creating and delivering presentations. By familiarizing yourself with these 70 essential shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow, save time, and accomplish more with PowerPoint. Whether you’re formatting text, navigating through slides, editing content, or delivering a presentation, these shortcuts will empower you to work smarter and achieve professional results. Incorporate these time-saving techniques into your PowerPoint repertoire and unlock your full potential as a presenter and content creator.

How to Use Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

by Lydia | May 30, 2023 | Presentation Design

Speaker notes in PowerPoint can be a valuable tool for enhancing your presentation skills and ensuring a smooth delivery of your message. Speaker notes provide a way to include additional information, reminders, or cues that can help you stay on track and deliver a confident presentation.

Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or a novice, utilising speaker notes can greatly improve your presentation delivery.

In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively use speaker notes in PowerPoint.

How to Add Notes in PowerPoint

Maintain your focus during your slideshow by incorporating speaker notes into each slide of your PowerPoint presentation. There’s no need to transcribe every word of your speech; simply include sufficient details to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted delivery.

1. Go to View and select Normal.

2. Choose the slide you wish to attach a note to by selecting its thumbnail in the Slide pane.
3. Click the Notes button at the bottom of the window.

TIP: If the Notes pane is not visible, you can access it by going to the View tab and selecting Notes. On a Mac, you can reveal the notes section by dragging the bar located below the slide upward.

4. A small box labeled Tap to Add Notes will be displayed below the slide. Mac users will see the text Click to Add Notes instead.

5. Now, simply type the speaker notes for that slide. Repeat this process for each slide you’d like to add notes to.
6. Don’t forget to save the changes you made to your presentation.

How to View Speaker Notes During a Presentation in Windows

If you are using PowerPoint 2016, 2013, or 2010 and your computer is connected to an external monitor or projector, you have the option to enable Presenter View. Presenter View allows you to see your speaker notes, slide thumbnails, and additional presentation tools while your audience sees only the slideshow on the external screen.

1. Go to the Slide Show tab and select Use Presenter View.
2. Select the monitor of your choice to view the speaker notes. Select Primary Monitor to designate your screen as the primary display for your speaker notes.

3. If any of the following options are available in your PowerPoint version, you can choose them to view your slideshow notes during the presentation:

• From Current Slide: Selecting this option will start the presentation from the currently selected slide, allowing you to see your slideshow notes as you progress through the slides.
• Custom Slide Show: If you have created a custom slide show with specific slides or a different slide order, selecting this option will present your slideshow according to the customized settings, while also displaying your notes.
• Present Online: This option allows you to deliver your presentation online, sharing it with remote viewers. When using the Present Online feature, your notes will be visible to you while presenting.
• Broadcast Slide Show: If you want to broadcast your slide show to a remote audience, you can use the Broadcast Slide Show feature. Your speaker notes will be accessible to you during the broadcast.

Unfortunately, PowerPoint Online does not support Presenter View as it does not have the capability to connect to an additional monitor or display. Therefore, when using PowerPoint Online, you won’t be able to open a presentation in Presenter View to view your speaker notes or utilize other Presenter View features.

PowerPoint Online is a simplified version of PowerPoint that runs in a web browser, offering basic presentation functionalities. While you can still create and edit presentations online, certain advanced features, such as Presenter View, are not available in this version.

If you require the full functionality of Presenter View, including the ability to view speaker notes, slide thumbnails, and other tools, you will need to use the desktop version of PowerPoint for Windows or Mac. These versions provide more extensive features and options for presenting your slides.

How to View Speaker Notes During a Presentation in Mac

PowerPoint for Mac operates slightly differently compared to the Windows version. To view your notes during a presentation on PowerPoint for Mac, follow the steps presented below.

1. Click on the Slide Show tab and choose the Presenter View option. This will enable Presenter View and display your speaker notes.
2. Once Presenter View is activated, you will see a split-screen layout. The primary screen will show the slideshow that your audience sees, while the secondary screen (your Mac screen) will display Presenter View.

• Speaker notes: You will be able to view your speaker notes on the secondary screen.
• Slide thumbnails and additional tools: Presenter View often includes slide thumbnails, navigation controls, annotation tools, and a timer to assist you during the presentation.

3. Use the on-screen controls or keyboard shortcuts to move through the slides while referencing your speaker notes in Presenter View.

Conclusion

By utilising Speaker Notes and Presenter View in PowerPoint, presenters can enhance their presentations by having important references at hand and managing the timing effectively.

If you need help putting together a presentation, whether a seminar deck or pitch deck design, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

How to Insert Superscript and Subscript in PowerPoint

by Lydia | Apr 5, 2023 | Presentation Design

PowerPoint is an essential tool for creating engaging and informative presentations. It offers a range of features that help to enhance the visual appeal and clarity of your slides. One such feature is the ability to insert superscript and subscript text.

This can be particularly useful when working with scientific or mathematical equations, as well as when creating footnotes or citations. Appropriate use of superscripts or subscripts can have a significant impact on written material. In this article, we will explore how to insert superscript and subscript text in PowerPoint.

What is Superscript?

Superscript is a type of formatting used in written or printed text, where the characters or numbers are positioned above the normal line of text, typically in a smaller font size. This type of formatting is commonly used in various technical fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and other scientific disciplines where there is a need to display equations, formulae, or other mathematical expressions.

The use of superscript formatting allows for clear differentiation between the normal text and the characters that are intended to be superscripted. It also helps in avoiding confusion or errors when representing complex mathematical or scientific equations. In addition to technical fields, superscript formatting can also be used in various other contexts such as legal writing, citations, and footnotes, to name a few.

What is Subscript?

Subscript is a formatting option used in written or printed text where the characters or numbers are positioned below the normal line of text, typically in smaller font sizes. This type of formatting is often used in scientific fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology to denote chemical formulas other scientific symbols. Subscript formatting can also be used in various other contexts, such as mathematical expressions, footnotes, and bibliographic references.

By using subscript formatting, it becomes easier to visually distinguish between the normal text and the characters that are intended to be subscripted. This helps to enhance clarity and accuracy in scientific writing and other technical fields.

Make Text Superscript or Subscript on Mac Using the Home Tab Option

To format text as superscript or subscript on a Mac, you can use the Home tab and keyboard shortcuts.

1. First, select the text that you want to change.
2. To make the text a superscript, press the command button (⌘), shift, and the plus sign (+) all at the same time.
3. To make the text a subscript, press the command button (⌘) and the equal sign (=) at the same time.

Make Text Superscript or Subscript on Mac Using Shortcut Keys

1. Highlight the text you want to make superscript or subscript.
2. Click on the Home tab, on the Font tab¸ select Superscript or Subscript.

Make Text Superscript or Subscript on Windows Using Shortcut Keys

1. Highlight the text you want to make superscript or subscript.
2. Press Ctrl key, Shift, and the Plus sign (+) all at the same time to make the text a Superscript
3. For the subscript, press the Ctrl key and the Equal sign (=) at the same time.

Make Text Superscript or Subscript on Windows Using the Home Tab Option

1. Highlight the text you wish to make superscript or subscript.
2. In the Home tab, in the Font group, pick the Dialog Box Launcher.

3. Select whether you want to make your text a superscript or a subscript. You may also choose its Offset which will determine how high your superscript or low your subscript will be.

Make Text Superscript or Subscript on Windows Using the Quick Access Toolbar

In PowerPoint, you have the option to add both superscript and subscript options to your Quick Access Toolbar, making them easily accessible with just one click. The Quick Access Toolbar is a customizable ribbon of frequently used tools that is located either above or below the main PowerPoint ribbon. By adding commonly used features like superscript and subscript to this toolbar, you can save yourself the time and effort of searching through sub-menus to locate the functionality you need.

1. To access the Quick Access Toolbar, click on the File tab and select Options located at the lower left corner.
2. Select Quick Access Toolbar.
3. Ensure that Show Quick Access Toolbar below the ribbon option is checked.
4. Locate and choose the superscript and subscript options, then select the Add >> button followed by OK.
5. If you do not see the superscript and subscript option, make sure that you have selected All commands under the Choose commands from dropdown list.

How to Insert Special Characters in Superscript or Subscript in PowerPoint

PowerPoint provides you with a convenient way of making symbols in superscript or subscript. With this feature, you can input the desired symbol directly into your presentation without having to copy and paste it from Google.

Insert a Superscript or Subscript Symbol on Mac

1. Go to the Insert tab and select Symbol.
2. From there, select the Letter like Symbols option and choose the symbol that you want to insert.

Insert a Superscript or Subscript Symbol on Windows

1. Click on the Insert tab, select Symbol.
2. In the Font drop-down list, select (normal text).
3. In the Subset drop-down list, select Superscripts and Subscripts.

4. Choose the symbol that you want to insert, click Insert, then select Close when done.

The use of superscript and subscript formatting can be beneficial for scientific presentations such as those involving mathematical equations or thesis defenses. Additionally, it can also be helpful in business presentations for registered brand names, or in organizing references for a literature review presentation, among other applications.

It is difficult to predict when you might need to use superscript or subscript formatting, but by familiarizing yourself with the process outlined in this tutorial, you will be well-equipped to do so. Incorporating these formatting techniques into your presentations can save you time and enhance their overall appearance and professionalism.

If you need advice or are looking for a PowerPoint design service, why not get in touch?

How to Make a Picture Transparent in PowerPoint

by Lydia | Mar 28, 2023 | Presentation Design

PowerPoint is an incredibly popular choice for creating presentations, and for good reason. It is user-friendly, versatile, and offers a variety of tools and features that can help you create an impactful presentation. One of the key components of any PowerPoint presentation is images, as they can help to engage your audience and convey your message effectively. However, sometimes an image may not quite fit with the overall look and feel of your presentation, and that’s where transparency comes in.

One of the powerful features of PowerPoint is the ability to make a picture transparent, which allows you to blend the image seamlessly into your slide. This can be useful for creating visually appealing presentations, diagrams, and infographics. Being able to make pictures transparent in PowerPoint is a useful skill, especially when working with multiple images on a slide. This allows for the images to be overlaid or edited individually to prevent them from competing with one another, making it a valuable tool for creating effective presentations.

In this article as we will discuss a step by step on how to make a picture transparent in PowerPoint and how to completely remove its background.

Adjusting Image Transparency in PowerPoint

By making an image transparent, you can use it as a background to improve your slide designs while also highlighting elements in your foreground.  Transparent images can be used in the background to reinforce text.

• Insert an image in your PowerPoint Presentation by going to the Insert tab and selecting Pictures.
• Click on your image and go to the Picture Format tab.
• Click on Transparency and then select on the preview image with the transparency level you prefer.

• You may also manually input the transparency level by clicking Picture Transparency Option and adjusting the slider or entering a percentage.

How to Make an Image Transparent Using Shapes

If you notice that the Transparency option is not available for you, this might be because you are not subscribed to Microsoft 365. If this is the case, the only way to make an image transparent is to put it inside an empty shape and then change the transparency level of the shape itself.

• Go to the Insert tab and select Shapes. You may choose your preferred slide and click on it.

• Draw the shape in your slide. Right-click on it and select the Format shape option.
• To insert an image into the shape, press the Fill option.
• Select Picture or texture fill, and then press the Insert button to insert the image.

• Once your image is inserted, you can now move the Transparency slider to increase the applied transparency of the shape.
• Alternatively, you can also type a percentage in the box next to the slider.

How to Create Gradients with Transparency

Adding transparency gradients to fill shapes within PowerPoint is an effective method for producing stunning overlay effects.

• Click on the Insert tab and select any shape you prefer as an overlay.
• Right-click on the shape and select Format shape which should open Shape Options.
• Select Gradient fill and you may customize the type, direction, and angle of the gradient.

• Click on the different Gradient stops and adjust their transparency according to your preference.

How to Remove Background of an Image

Removing a picture’s background instantly reduces its size while preserving the primary object, resulting in cleaner-looking slides with more space for text.

Images with one solid colour background

This option is the fastest method if your image has a perfectly solid color background such as white. Proceed to the 2nd option if your image has a more complex background or even different shades of colour.

• To begin, go ahead and insert the picture to PowerPoint and select it by clicking on it.
• Go to the Picture Format tab.
• Click on the Colour dropdown.
• Select the Set Transparent Colour option found at the bottom.

• Click on the background colour of the picture you want to remove. This should now remove the solid colour background that your image has.

Images with a more complex background

This second option is more reliable, especially for images with intricate backgrounds that are difficult to remove, such as those featuring shadows, trees, or a beach.

• After inserting your desired image, go to the Picture format tab.
• Click on Remove Background.

• PowerPoint will automatically mark the area that will be removed in pink but you can manually edit this by clicking on “Mark Areas to Keep” or “Mark Areas to Remove” option.
• Mark Areas to Keep – With the pen tool, you can now manually designate which areas of an image you want to retain.
• Mark Areas to Remove – With the pen tool, you can now manually designate which areas of an image you want to remove.
• Once you are satisfied with the changes, you may now click on Keep changes.

• The background should now be removed.

How to Save an Image with Transparent Background in PowerPoint

If you wish to save the image with a transparent background that you created in PowerPoint, click on Save As and make sure that the file type is set to PNG. Other formats such as JPG will automatically set the image background to white.

Although you might think that these small edits are not that significant, paying attention to these details can greatly enhance the overall look of your presentation. As you know, images and other visual elements play a crucial role in PowerPoint presentation design, so it’s worth taking the time to master the art of working with them.

In conclusion, making a picture transparent in PowerPoint is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can achieve the desired effect and create visually appealing presentations that stand out. Remember to experiment with different levels of transparency to find the right balance for your particular slide.