How to create a cycle flow chart using four arrows in a circle

PowerPoint 2016
If you create a diagram, graphic, or even flow chart with cyclic procedures, you can use predefined SmartArt graphics, but the Cycle diagrams set is very limited. Moreover, modification of SmartArt graphics is not easy, and sometimes you will spend a lot of time on even trivial changes. So, it is easier to create your own arrows in a circle diagram if you want to add a fresh look to your presentation.

See also how to stress cyclic processes using two arrow circle diagram.

Four arrows in circle PowerPoint 365

To create the picture like the one above, follow the next steps:

   1.   On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, select Shapes:

Shapes in PowerPoint 365

   2.   On the Shapes list, in the Block Arrows group, choose the Circle: Hollow shape:

Basic Shapes in PowerPoint 365

For example:

Circle: Hollow shape in PowerPoint 365

   3.   After pasting this shape into your slide, change it like you want by using a yellow point, and then add an arrow or Isosceles triangle:

Triangle shape in PowerPoint 365

   4.   Copy the arrow or triangle three times (for example, by clicking Ctrl+D).

   5.   Positioning all arrows or triangles in the appropriate positions:

Four triagles in circle shape in PowerPoint 365

   6.   Rotate three arrows or triangles by doing one of the following:

  • Using the rotation handle at the top of the selecting border:
    Rotation handle in PowerPoint 365
  • On the Shape Format tab, in the Arrange group, select some commands in the Rotate dropdown list:
    Rotation in PowerPoint 365

    For example, for the shape:

    • in the top - select Rotate Right 90o
    • on the right - select Flip Vertical
    • in the bottom - select Rotate Left 90o.

  • On the Format Shape pane (to open the Format Shape pane, right-click on the shape and choose Format Shape... in the popup menu), on the Shape Options tab, in the Size & Properties group, in the Size section, choose or enter different volumes – 90o, 180o and 270o in the Rotation edit box:
Rotation shape in PowerPoint 365

After rotating, it should look like this:

Rotated triangle shapes in PowerPoint 365

   7.   On the Shape Format tab, in the Insert Shapes group, choose the Merge Shapes dropdown list and then select Fragment:

Fragment shapes in PowerPoint 365

You will see a lot of fragments:

Fragmented shapes in PowerPoint 365

   8.   Select parts then you really need for the first arrow:

Parts for one arrow PowerPoint 365

   9.   On the Shape Format tab, in the Insert Shapes group, choose the Merge Shapes dropdown list and then select Union:

Union shapes in PowerPoint 365

You will see the new circling arrow:

Circling arrow in PowerPoint 365

   10.   Repeat the previous two steps for the next three arrows, remove the last part (centered one) from fragmentation, and you will see the result that you can use in the presentation to highlight circling:

Arrows in circle in PowerPoint 365

   11.   You can group these two arrows and format them like you want.

See also this tip in French: Comment créer un diagramme circulaire avec quatre flèches.

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