PowerPoint Tips Blog

Create a changeable radial gradient background theme

I’ve mentioned before (here) that you can create a theme in PowerPoint 2007 that changes as you change the theme colors. This gives you lots of flexibility to create a great background in many circumstances. For example, you can change the background to the branding colors of a potential client is you give sales [...]

Transparency gradients-an update

I’m working on my upcoming webinar, High-Impact Slide Design for Non-Designers, and one technique that I’m covering is transparency gradients. I’m explaining how to use them for a simple bottom bar on a slide and also how to create belly bands. (What, you don’t know what belly bands are?)

I realized that my tip [...]

Create a radial gradient background with a highlight effect

Even top designers who disavow backgrounds sometimes use gradient backgrounds. As an example, see the link at the end to the “Create a timeline agenda in PresentationZen style” which was done by Garr Reynolds. If you look at the embedded presentation’s slides 7-12, you’ll see a slight gradient.

A radial gradient background with a [...]

Create text reflections

One of PowerPoint 2007′s new features is reflections. You can create reflected text in earlier versions, too, using WordArt.

Click the WordArt button on the Formatting toolbar. In the WordArt gallery, choose a simple option (nothing wavy), and click OK.

Enter the text you want in the Edit WordArt Text dialog box. If you [...]

Simplicity and understatement

Are you having a hard time deciding on colors or an arrangement for your slides? An easy solution that always looks good is to shoot for simplicity and understatement.

Review one of your recent presentations and do the following:

Remove non-essential elements including distracting images and colors Remove 3D graphics (convert to 2D), [...]

Create multi-color gradients in PowerPoint

Gradients make effective simple backgrounds. Unfortunately, PowerPoint 2003 and earlier versions only allow two colors in a gradient and gives you little control over where the colors change, so I show you a trick to get more interesting gradients. PowerPoint 2007 & 2010 offer lots more options.

PowerPoint 2007 & 2010

PowerPoint 2007 and [...]

Use transparency gradients

You can create some great effects with gradient fills that have variable transparency.

Let’s say that you have a side bar image but you want a softer edge. In this slide, the edge of the cookies is sharp.

sharp edges on a subject

Here I’ve added a white rectangle with a gradient whose [...]

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You'll find free tips, techniques, articles, and tutorials here, all designed to help you succeed when you present. This blog gives you knowledge. I'm passionate about turning Death by PowerPoint into Life by PowerPoint. Discover books and courses to help you become an outstanding presenter. Find out more about training, consulting, webinars and coaching on presentation skills and PowerPoint.

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