Notes on Creating a Presentation in PowerPoint

Chapter 1: Creating a Presentation in PowerPoint

Overview

This chapter focuses on inserting and resizing pictures within a PowerPoint presentation. The process is demonstrated with steps to enhance the visual appeal of slides by effectively utilizing images.

Key Steps to Insert a Picture

1. Choosing Layout for New Content

• Click on the Slide 2 thumbnail in the Slides tab.

• Use the Layout button in the Slides group to select the Two Content layout which is suitable for incorporating a new picture.

1. Inserting a Picture

• Click the Pictures icon in the content placeholder.

• Navigate to the Data Files location, select the image (e.g., Support_ PPT_1_Woman.jpg), and click Insert.

• A dialog box will open, showing available images.

1. Utilizing Picture Tools

• After inserting the image, the Picture Tools Format tab appears along with the Design Ideas pane which offers layout suggestions.

Picture Definition

• Picture: A digital photograph or artwork (line art, clip art) created in another application, which can be inserted into presentations. Common formats include JPEG and BMP files.

Key Functions of PowerPoint Regarding Pictures

• Formatting and Resizing: Users can format and resize pictures. Resizing can be either proportional (maintaining aspect ratio) or non-proportional (independent height and width).

Resizing Steps

• To resize a picture, you can:

1. Drag Sizing Handles:

   • Use the middle sizing handles for non-proportional resizing.

   • Use the corner sizing handles for proportional resizing.

2. Undo Changes: Click the Undo button in the Quick Access Toolbar to revert any changes if necessary.

3. Text Box Adjustments: In the Size group of the Picture Tools Format tab, values in Height or Width text boxes can allow for specific proportional adjustments.

Tips for Effective Resizing

• To ensure the image fits well, drag the sizing handle carefully and compare the visual result to provided examples (e.g., reference Figure 1-16 and Figure 1-17).

• Zooming in can help inspect how the image looks on the slide, which can be adjusted accordingly.

Finalizing Presentation

• After adjustments are complete, save your work. Click the File tab followed by Close to exit the presentation securely.

Conclusion

Mastering picture insertion and resizing is crucial for creating visually engaging PowerPoint presentations.