You can make Microsoft PowerPoint more interesting and intuitive by using icons instead of just text. For example, most people know that an exclamation mark in a triangle represents a warning. We also know that a trash icon represents a deletion.
Contents1. Using default icons on Microsoft PowerPoint2. Convert emojis to icons3. Create icons using shapesMake presentations fun
Not only are icons convenient, but most of the time they make a presentation visually appealing. With Microsoft PowerPoint, users can add icons via the methods below.
To apply this method, users must have a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you have one, follow this process:
Step 1: Launch the Microsoft PowerPoint application.
Step 2: On the ribbon, select the Insert tab.
Step 3: Select the Icons tab to display the menu containing all icons.
Step 4: Browse the icon offerings and click Insert to select your preferred icon.
Step 5: After that, right click and select your preferred color for the chosen icon.
This method is simple, straightforward and saves time. However, it limits you to only the options given by the software. In other words, you will have limited options.
Yes, you read that right. You can convert emojis to icons by following these steps:
Step 1: On the ribbon, select the Shapes tab.
Step 2: Select the Insert text box option.
Step 3: Draw your text box anywhere on your PowerPoint slide.
Step 4: Press and hold the Windows + . (period) keys together. Then the emoji menu will appear.
Step 5: Select your favorite emoji and it should appear in the text box.
Step 6: Select the Shapes tab and insert a rectangle over the emoji.
Step 7: Right click on the rectangle and click Select to Back and it should bring the emojis forward.
Step 8: Click on the rectangle, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the text box containing the emoji.
Step 9: Click Format, Merge Shapes and Intersect and the emoji becomes an icon.
Step 10: To change the icon color, simply right-click and select your preferred fill or outline color.
You can choose from a wide range of options, and that's cool. Also, the method is available for both Windows and Mac users. However, this method only works for Windows 10 and not for previous editions.
This method is perhaps the most creative because it leaves room for innovation and creativity. This involves using Shapes and the Merge feature in PowerPoint.
Step 1: Using a search engine, find an icon you want to create. In our case, we chose to create a warning sign.
Step 2: Break down the components or shapes that make up the sign. A simple warning sign has an exclamation point in the middle of a triangle.
Step 3: Insert the appropriate shapes. In our case, we opted for a triangle, a parallelogram, an oval, and the lag flowchart shape.
Step 4: Combine the relevant shapes into your intended icon shape.
Step 5: Highlight the shapes by holding down the left key and creating a rectangle around them.
Step 6: On your keyboard, click Ctrl + G to group the shapes.
Since icons are created using shapes, users can create different varieties. The only downside is that you have to know PowerPoint well enough to get the look you want.
One or all of the methods mentioned above should come in handy to help you add diversity to your Microsoft presentations. Alternatively, if none of the above options work for you, you can always search the internet for ready-made icons and insert them into your presentation. However, a downside to this seemingly simple method is that scalable vector graphics aren't always free.
Thinking of other cool tricks you can do on Microsoft PowerPoint? Check out this interesting method of creating animations on Microsoft PowerPoint.
