How To Use SmartArt in PowerPoint
How To Use SmartArt in PowerPoint
SmartArt is a powerful feature in PowerPoint that allows you to create visually appealing
diagrams, charts, and graphics. It's especially useful for illustrating processes, hierarchies,
relationships, and cycles. With SmartArt, you can turn bulleted lists or plain text into
engaging, professional-looking visuals.
1. Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to insert the SmartArt graphic.
2. Navigate to the Insert tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
3. In the Illustrations group, click on SmartArt. A dialog box will appear with
different categories of SmartArt graphics to choose from.
After inserting a SmartArt graphic, you’ll see placeholder text for each shape or
element.
You can type directly into the shapes to replace the placeholder text.
Alternatively, use the Text Pane:
1. When you select the SmartArt graphic, you'll notice a Text Pane on the left
side of the SmartArt.
2. If the Text Pane is not visible, click on the small arrow button on the left side
of the SmartArt graphic to open it.
3. In the Text Pane, type the text for each shape or element. As you type, the
SmartArt graphic will automatically update.
To Add Shapes:
1. Click on a shape in the SmartArt graphic.
2. Go to the SmartArt Design tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on Add Shape to insert a new shape either above, below, or beside the
selected shape (depending on the layout type).
To Remove Shapes:
1. Click on the shape you want to remove.
2. Press the Delete key on your keyboard or use the Remove Shape option in the
SmartArt Design tab.
To Move Shapes:
1. Select the shape you want to move.
2. Use the Move Up/Move Down arrows in the SmartArt Design tab to change
its position in the hierarchy or structure.
PowerPoint allows you to customize the appearance of the SmartArt graphic to match your
presentation style. Here’s how:
1. Change Colors:
o Go to the SmartArt Design tab.
o Click on Change Colors.
o Choose from the color schemes available or customize your own colors.
2. Apply a Style:
o PowerPoint offers different SmartArt Styles that change the look of the
graphic (e.g., 3D, subtle, etc.).
o In the SmartArt Design tab, click on Change SmartArt Style.
o Choose the style that suits your presentation (e.g., 3D, Simple, Outline, etc.).
3. Change Shape Formatting:
o To change the size or shape of individual elements, right-click on the shape
and select Format Shape.
o You can adjust the shape’s fill color, outline, shadow, 3D effects, etc.
4. Resize the Entire SmartArt Graphic:
o Click on the SmartArt graphic to select it.
o Use the resize handles at the corners of the SmartArt graphic to make it
bigger or smaller.
o You can also drag the graphic to a different location on the slide.
For Lists: If you have a bulleted list, you can turn it into a SmartArt graphic (e.g., a
List or Process graphic).
1. Select the text or bullet points.
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. Click Convert to SmartArt (in the Paragraph group).
4. Choose the desired SmartArt style for the list.
For a Process: Use the Process layout to show a series of steps or actions.
You can also add animations to your SmartArt graphic to make your presentation more
dynamic.
If you decide you no longer want to use the SmartArt graphic, you can convert it back to
regular text.
Keep it simple: Use SmartArt to simplify complex ideas. Avoid overloading the
graphic with too much information.
Choose the right layout: Select a SmartArt layout that aligns with the type of content
you're presenting (e.g., use a Cycle for repetitive processes, or Hierarchy for
organizational charts).
Consistency: Use similar SmartArt styles throughout your presentation to maintain
visual consistency.
Limit the number of elements: Avoid making your SmartArt graphic too cluttered.
Keep it clear and easy to understand.
Summary:
SmartArt is an excellent tool for creating visually rich content in PowerPoint. It helps
transform ideas and text into clear, easy-to-understand visuals, making your presentation
more engaging and professional.