How to create simple picture designs for PowerPoint slides

PowerPoint 2016
There are many different ways to create custom designs for PowerPoint slides. You can use some of the predefined designs in MS PowerPoint or download some of the proposed templates from the Internet.
But it is great to create your own unique design. This tip is about some tricks for creating some unique design fast and easily.
Simple picture design in PowerPoint 365
Other simple picture design in PowerPoint 365

See also How to make modern picture design in PowerPoint slide.

To create several shapes with one background picture, do the following:

   1.   Add shapes you want to your slide (see How to create a custom shape):

Two triangle shapes in PowerPoint 365    or    Two shapes in PowerPoint 365

   2.   To show one picture through all these shapes, just group them:

   2.1.   To group several objects, select them by pressing Ctrl or Shift and clicking each of these objects:

Two triangle shapes selected in PowerPoint 365    or    Two shapes selected in PowerPoint 365

   2.2.   Do one of the following:

  • On the Home tab, in the Drawing group, select the Arrange drop-down list:
    Drawing group in PowerPoint 365

    Then click the Group command:

    Group shapes in PowerPoint 365
  • On the Shape Format tab, in the Arrange group, click the Group command:
    Shape Format group in PowerPoint 365
  • Right-click on the selection and choose Group -> Group from the popup menu:
    Popup group shapes in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365

PowerPoint puts a single box around the objects instead of a separate box around each object:

Two triangle shapes grouped in PowerPoint 365    or    Two shapes grouped in PowerPoint 365

   3.   Right-click on the grouped shapes and then choose Format Shape... in the popup menu:

Format grouped shape in popup in PowerPoint 365

   4.   On the Format Shape pane, on the Shape Options tab, in the Fill & Line group:

  • In the Fill section:
    • Choose Picture or texture fill,
    • Click on the Insert... button:
      Insert file in Format Picture pane PowerPoint 365
    • In the Insert Pictures dialog box, choose the picture location, select the picture file, and then click Open or Insert:
    Insert picture in PowerPoint 365
  • In the Line section, select No line:
    Line in Format Shape pane in PowerPoint 365

Add any other adjustments you would like.

See also this tip in French: Comment créer des conceptions d'images simples pour des diapositives PowerPoint.

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