Over the years, PowerPoint has made it easy for millions of people to create an engaging presentation of the ideas they want to communicate. By knowing how to insert SmartArt in Power Point, it will be much easier for us to reach that goal.
So if you want to convert a multi-level list or text into a SmartArt graphic in PowerPoint, this article will show you how to do it. We will also teach you how to add images to your charts in order to make them even more visually appealing. But first, we will explain a little what SmartArt is.
What is SmartArt?
It is a feature that is built into several programs in the Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint. It was introduced to the list of tools as of the 2007 version of this Suite. In an easy and fast way, it allows the user to communicate an idea through the visual representation of the information, in a way that is different from the text.
This tool has a large number of designs and graphic styles that will help you convey your message or idea effectively and convincingly. They can help us make sophisticated lists and designs easily, and it is even possible to make a creative concept map in PowerPoint with it.
Over the years, SmartArt has been improving version after version. Today, it is much more compatible and stable than before. In addition, the styles and designs of the graphics have been expanding. Of course, in order to use it, you need to be able to download and install Microsoft Office with its famous tool: PowerPoint.
How to Convert a Multilevel List or Text to a SmartArt Graphic in PowerPoint
To do so, follow these simple steps:
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Select the part of the text that you want to turn into a graphic. You can do this by shading the entire content with your cursor or by double-clicking on the text box in question.
- Click on “Start” located in the menu at the top of PowerPoint. Once there, select the “Convert to SmartArt” option, located in the “Paragraph” section.
- Select the SmartArt graphic you prefer. If this is the case, the tool will automatically detect the levels of the list and separate them into different sections.
SmartArt has a large number of graphics available. In order to achieve the best results, keep in mind what the objective of your presentation is: to inform, to describe, to list, etc. Based on this, choose the graphic that best suits the needs and objectives of your presentation.
Moreover, each graphic element can be modified. Thus, if the situation warrants it, you can level up or down, change the shape and colors of the element, redistribute the boxes, add shapes and alter many other parameters.
Now, if you want to make your presentation even more impressive, adding images is one of the best methods to achieve it. And PowerPoint SmartArt graphics let you do just that.
How to Add Images to a SmartArt Graphic in PowerPoint
To perform this action follow these simple steps:
- Select the list or text you want to convert.
- Under “Home,” select “Convert to SmartArt,” then “More SmartArt Graphics.”
- Once inside the dropdown menu, click on the “Image” section. All the elements found here are designed to house an image.
- Select the chart you prefer and click “OK”. The tool will adapt the text you have selected to the graphic you chose.
- To add an image to the element, click on the image icon. Then find the item you want to add and select it.
- Finally, click on “Insert”.
Depending on the characteristics of the text and the SmartArt graphic, you can add as many images as you want. We recommend that you choose carefully the visual elements that you will add to your presentation. Even if you were to use free Microsoft Office online together with PowerPoint, we assure you that you would have no problem achieving it.
The main objective is that the images complement the text, not overshadow it or, even less, distract your interlocutor. If you take this and other recommendations into account, you will make the list you have designed visually attractive.
