This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
AutoShapes
Organizing Information Visually Helps Guide Your Audience Through the Messages
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- When to Use a Shape
When manipulated to match the design of your overall presentation, AutoShapes can not only visually organize information but can add the professional polish that will set you apart. To get started, select slide 5.
- Draw a Shape
You’ll find the Shapes icon under the Insert tab in the Illustrations group. Click on the icon and select any shape from the drop-down menu A. Your cursor will change to crosshairs. Click and drag the mouse to create the shape that you selected. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the size of the shape B. To constrain proportions, hold down the Shift key while dragging your mouse. The shape will remain editable if you want to resize it later.
- Create a Simple Diagram
Create another shape on the opposite side of the page. Now select a line shape A. With your cursor still in the crosshairs mode, hover over one of the shapes you’ve created until the edges of the shape are highlighted with series of small red boxes B. Click and drag the mouse to the shape that you would like to connect to. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the position of the connecting line C.
- Modify Shapes to Match Your Design
Click on a shape that you’ve created. Under the Drawing Tools tab, select the Format tab and click on the Shape Effects drop-down menu A. Roll over a few presets and your shape will display a live preview B. It is possible to add images within a shape; add textures; move the shape around in 3-D space; make the shape appear to be made of glass; adjust the opacity, direction, distance, and softness of a drop shadow; add simple or beveled 3-D text within a shape, and more. Experiment with the different options available to you.
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