How to create a custom shape
PowerPoint
2016
Sometimes you need a unique or a specific shape for cool visualization, but you can't find any suitable
shape among predefined shapes in PowerPoint.
Sure, professional designers prefer to use other programs such as Corel Draw, Photoshop, etc. to modify the picture, photo, etc. or create a new object. But, why casual users should buy and master other tools than PowerPoint?
Sure, professional designers prefer to use other programs such as Corel Draw, Photoshop, etc. to modify the picture, photo, etc. or create a new object. But, why casual users should buy and master other tools than PowerPoint?
Instead, you can use Edit Points, that can easily change any shape, even custom (see how to combine shapes to create a custom shape). The secret is that each shape in PowerPoint consists of a series of points that are connected by straight or curved lines. You can adjust the positions of these points to change the shape of the object.
To modify any existing shape in PowerPoint, do the following:
1. Insert the shape you would like to modify to the slide:
2. To use Edit Points, do one of the following:
- Right-click on the shape and choose Edit Points in the popup menu:
- Under Drawing Tools (it will appear when you select the shape), on the Format
tab, in the Insert Shapes group, click on the Edit Shape dropdown list, and then
choose Edit Points:
3. Make the changes with the selected shape:
- Drag a black square to change the shape - the selection handles on the shape turn black, indicating that they can be moved individually
- Click in any place on the line, and new black square will be appeared to help you create new points in the shape
- Drag white squares to modify the curving of the lines.
4. Click outside of the shape or press Esc.
See also this tip in French: Comment créer une forme personnalisée.
