Do you create resources using PowerPoint? Do you use shape effects on your resources? There are so many cool effects you can use with shapes on PowerPoint. Let me help you take your resources to the next level!
In this post I am going to show you step by step how to use my four favorite effects for shapes on PowerPoint.
Disclaimer: In this video I am working on PowerPoint 2019 for MAC. Therefore, some options and location of formatting may be slightly different depending on what year and type of Microsoft PowerPoint you use.
Effect #1: Convert a Text Box Into a Shape
Open a new PowerPoint presentation. On a new slide insert a text box type the word(s) that you need into it. I like to make my resources stand out by using bold fonts that are bigger.
First, click on the text box and then click “Shape Format” from the toolbar on the top. Then, towards the left click “Edit Shape” and select “Change Shape”. A drop down menu will appear and you will choose what shape you want your text box to be by clicking it.
Please note, when you click your shape (ie: a heart), your text box will appear to be the same. You have to fill in the shape for it to appear.
Therefore, next you will click the paint bucket that represents the shape fill. Select the color you want the shape to be. Now you should see the shape in the text box (ie: a heart around the word LOVE”.
Edit the shape’s qualities, such as adding a thick border around your shape.
Effect #2: Take a Shape and Make It Another Shape (formatting preserved)
This effect is for shapes that are already created. You will take a shape, including its specific formatting properties, and you will change it into another shape. The awesome part is that the formatting and properties change with it so you do not need to reformat anything afterwards!
First, click your already created and formatted shape. Then, click “Shape Format” from the toolbar on the top. Next, towards the left click “Edit Shape” and select “Change Shape”. A drop down menu will appear and you will choose what new shape you want your original shape to become by clicking it.
The shape now transformed into the new shape you selected. All of the formatting properties, such as fill color, border, etc. will automatically be applied to the new shape.
Effect #3: Merge Shapes
Prior to merging shapes together, you will first insert two shapes onto your slide. Format both of them to your desire (ie: fill color, border color, border thickness, etc.).
Now that you have two shapes you will drag one of the shapes on top of the other. Place the shapes where you would like them to be once merged. You might have to edit the shape(s) sizes to make everything fit to your desire.
Next, select shapes by clicking each one while holding down the command key (MAC) or control key (PC) on your keyboard.
With both shapes selected, click “Shape Format” from the top toolbar. Towards the left you will see “Merge Shapes”. Click “Merge Shapes”.
A dropdown menu will appear with options on how to merge the shapes. For today, we will select “Union”. The other options are really cool effects that you play around with as well.
Now your two shapes are one. You can resize it, move it around, and use it in your resources!
Effect #4: Merge Shapes Part 2
This effect is meant to create shapes where you remove parts or pieces from one shape. For example, I will show you how to take a big circle and make a hole inside of it by using another circle. This will create a ring or donut shape.
Prior to being able to use this effect, please insert any two shapes onto a slide and format to your desire.
First, drag the smaller shape onto your bigger shape and place it where you want the hole to be.
Next, select both shapes by clicking each one while holding down the command key (MAC) or control key (PC) on your keyboard.
With both shapes selected, click “Shape Format” from the top toolbar. Towards the left you will see “Merge Shapes”. Click “Merge Shapes”.
A dropdown menu will appear with options on how to merge the shapes. For today, we will select “Combine”.
Now you have your custom shape created!
I hope these tips were helpful! You can literally create any shape by using these effects for shapes on PowerPoint. Do you love making your own customized shapes for your resources?! Comment below or tag me on Instagram and let me know!
Creating engaging resources doesn’t have to stop here! Head to LindsayBowden.com/Training to sign up for my FREE training on creating engaging math resources!
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