The SmartArt are very interesting elements to which you can go to not only enrich your PowerPoint presentation, but also for organize in a better way all data, information or ideas.
Inside the program, you will get a wide number of options that adapt to each type of message you want to communicate. Some of the most common are organization charts or Venn diagrams, which help you represent specific data.
If you want make use of these interesting visual resources, throughout this post we will teach you what are SmartArt, what they are for, the step by step on how to insert them into your presentation, etc. Take note!.
What is a SmartArt and what is it for in Microsoft PowerPoint?
Before I start to explain how to use SmartArt in PowerPoint, it is necessary to clarify what they are. In simple words, just is the visual representation of data, information or ideas. The interesting thing is that PowerPoint allows you to create all kinds of elements In order for you to choose the one that best suits both the message and the way you want to convey it. This is how you can make flow charts, or other ways to represent specific kinds of data.
It should be noted that not all are so elaborate. There are some simpler ones that allow you, for example, to simply improve the appearance of a bulleted list, etc. We recommend using them in conjunction with other available elements such as shapes, themes and much more, to give a much more professional and original look to your presentation.
SmartArt vs Shape How are both graphic elements different in PowerPoint?
In general terms, it can be said that the main difference between a SmartArt and a shape, is that the shapes are simple figures that you can incorporate into your presentation one by one. For its part, SmartArt is a set of pre-designed and organized shapes Their objective is to help the user to graphically represent the information.
Other than that, the graphics SmartArt They are organized in different categories according to the type of data that you want to place them. In this way, you will have at your disposal types like Hierarchy, Relationship, Process and much more.
What should I keep in mind before choosing the right SmartArt for my presentation?
The main aspect to consider when choosing a type of SmartArt, it is the information you want to place. Remember that depending on the data to be captured in a slide, the type of SmartArt which you will choose.
The use of these types of resources is recommended when you are going to perform any of the following actions:
- To elaborate an organization chart.
- To show a hierarchy.
- To illustrate steps or stages of a certain process.
- Enumerate data.
- Portray information in a cyclical or repetitive manner.
- To show relationship between parties, such as overlapping tips.
- Design an illustration quickly by typing or pasting text.
These are so just some of the main scenarios that may come your way, and in which SmartArt graphics will be of great help. Take the risk and try this way of putting information into PowerPoint!
Learn step by step how to insert a SmartArt graphic in PowerPoint
Once you already know what a SmartArt graphic consists of, what it is for and some aspects to consider before using it, it is time to start inserting them into slides.
To do this, we will show you a simple step-by-step guide for you to work with this resource like a professional:
Choose SmartArt
The way to choose a SmartArt is practically the same in any of the operating systems you work with.
However, here we show you how to choose a SmartArt in Windows:
- Go to the tab Insert Within the group Illustrations.
- Press on SmartArt.
- Inside the dialog Choose a SmartArt graphic, click on the type and design you want.
- It's time to insert text within the graph. You can do it in three ways:
- Click on Text on the panel and type.
- Copy the text from another program or location. Then press on Text inside the panel and paste it.
- Select a box in your SmartArt graphic and write the text you want to place.
Add or remove shapes from a SmartArt
- Tap on the SmartArt graphic that you are going to modify.
- Click on the existing shape that's closest to where you want to add the new shape.
- Within SmartArt tools, specifically in the tab Design in the group Create chart, click the arrow next to Add shape.
- Continue with any of these procedures:
- In case of want to insert a shape behind of the selected form, click on Add shape behind.
- If you want to insert a shape in front, click on Add shape in front.
For your part, if what you want is remove a shape from the SmartArt graphic, you just have to click on the shape and then press on SUPPRESS. In case you want to remove the entire graphic, tap on the border of the element and press SUPPRESS.
Define style and color
Another very cool feature that you can enjoy when working with graphics SmartArt, Its the define the style and color of the same. This will ensure that your slide maintains the same color palette, which makes everything visually more harmonious. These options are available in SmartArt tools, inside the tab Design. Once there, you will be able to appreciate two galleries with which you can quickly modify the SmartArt Styles and Change Colors.
The styles include shape fills, shadows, edges, gradient, three-dimensional perspectives (3D), etc. These can be applied to the entire graphic or individually to each shape. Other than that, with the second gallery Change colors, the user is provided with a wide range of color options through which they will be able to customize their design much better. SmartArt graphic.
To apply any of these changes you have to:
- Click on the graphic element.
- Inside of SmartArt tools, in the group SmartArt Styles, play in the style you like best.
- If you want to see more styles, select the button Plus.
Define animation
If you want to give more emphasis on SmartArt, It is a good idea encourage graphic elements present in it.
In this way, you can make it appear for example by flying quickly from one side of the screen to the other:
- Tap on graphic element of the SmartArt what you want encourage.
- Press about the option of Animations, Within the group Animation.
- Select the type of animation what you want.
- In option of Plus, you can take a look at the other available options.
To delete or remove an animation, all you have to do is select in the option None.