Where and how to insert an image

PowerPoint lets you insert an image in four ways. Which way is best and when should you use each method? It all depends on the result you want.

Place on the background of the slide master

When you place an image on the background layer of the slide master, you can easily apply the image to every slide in the presentation, or you can apply that master to one or more individual slides. The image automatically stretches to fill up the whole slide. It’s difficult to remove the image accidentally or inadvertently hide text behind the image.

When you want to create one background for the entire presentation that fills the slides, this method is easy and effective. But make sure that text and other content is legible.

1. In PowerPoint 2003, choose View > Master > Slide Master. In PowerPoint 2007 and 2010, choose View tab> Presentation Views group> Slide Master. This displays the slide master. (Note: In 2007 and 2010, you can apply the image to all slides using the slide master, or to only slides using a specific layout of the slide master. To apply the image to all slides, click the top, larger thumbnail in the left pane. To apply the image to a specific layout, click that layout’s thumbnail in the left pane.)
2. Right-click, and choose Background/Format Background.
3. In PowerPoint 2003, click the drop-down list and choose Fill Effects. In PowerPoint 2007 and 2010, with the Fill category active, click the Picture or Texture Fill option.
4. In 2003, on the Picture tab, click the Select Picture tab to choose an image file. In 2007 and 2010, click the File button to choose an image file.

Place directly on the slide master

When you place an image on the slide master, you can easily apply it to every slide in the presentation, or you can apply it to one or more individual slides. The image doesn’t automatically stretch to fill up the whole slide, so you avoid distorting the image. As with the previous option, it’s hard to remove or move the image accidentally, or lose text behind the image.

When you want to add an image to every slide, this is a good option.

1. In PowerPoint 2003, choose View > Master > Slide Master. In 2007 and 2010, choose View tab> Presentation Views group> Slide Master. This displays the slide master.
2. In 2003, choose Insert > Picture > From File. In 2007 and 2010, choose Insert tab> Illustrations group> Picture. Choose an image file to insert.
3. Select the image and move it to the desired location. You can also drag on a corner handle to resize it.

Place on the background of a slide

Placing an image on the background of a slide applies the image to that slide only. The image automatically stretches to fill up the whole slide. It’s difficult to remove the image accidentally or inadvertently hide text behind the image.

When you want to create a background for one slide that covers the entire slide, this is a good option.

1. Display the slide.
2. Right-click, and choose Background or Format Background.
3. In 2003, click the drop-down list and choose Fill Effects. In 2007 and 2010, with the Fill category active, click the Picture or Texture Fill option.
4. In 2003, on the Picture tab, click the Select Picture tab to choose an image file.  In 2007 and 2010, click the File button to choose an image file.

Place on a slide

When you place an image on a slide, the image appears only on that slide and doesn’t automatically stretch to fill up to whole slide, so you don’t distort the image.

When you want to place an image on one slide, and don’t want it to take up the whole slide, use this option.

1. Display the slide.
2. In 2003, choose Insert > Picture > From File or click the Insert Picture icon on the Drawing toolbar. In 2007 and 2010, choose Insert tab> Illustrations group> Picture. Choose an image file to insert.
3. Select the image and move it to the desired location. You can also drag on a corner handle to resize it.