Starting with PowerPoint 2010, you can use Artistic Effects to create some cool effects for your pictures. You can convert a shape to an image and then apply an effect to that image. You can use the texture as a slide background or as an object on your slide. Here’s an example.
Here’s how to create this texture:
- Insert a rectangle. You can drag it to cover the entire slide (or slide master) but you don’t have to — you can enlarge it later if you want. Unlike most images, textures are quite forgiving if you need to resize them because they’re so abstract.
- With the rectangle selected, click the Format tab and choose Shape Outline, No Outline.
- Copy the rectangle to the Clipboard.
- Right-click and choose Picture under the Paste Options. Alternatively, go to Home tab, Clipboard group and choose Picture from the Paste drop-down list. Now, instead of seeing the Drawing Tools Format tab, you have a Picture Tools Format tab and you can use tools that apply to images instead of shapes.
- On the Format tab, choose Artistic Effects and choose one of the options. I chose Pencil Grayscale for the above slide.
Here are some other changes you can make:
- Change the color: On the Format tab, choose Color and choose an option from the Recolor section.
- Soften: To mute the texture, choose Corrections. In the Sharpen/Soften section, choose the Soften: 50% option.
- Lighten or darken: Choose Corrections and choose one of the options in the Brighten/Contrast section.
There are other possibilities as well; poke around the settings to see what gives you the effect you like. Here’s another slide that uses these settings.
I’m working with a colleague to get you a great price on a whole library of textures — I think you’ll love them!
Hi Ellen, thanks for the post.
I am not able to open your tips and tricks page at http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/powerpoint_tips.html
please help.
I have been trying to order your E-book on line and has been told that my credit card has been rejected. I would like to know why? as it has been accepted only today and I know for sure that there are sufficient funds available.
Would you please let me know the reason for the rejection.
K Liddell