When it comes to your graphic design needs for an eLearning course or presentation, it’s easy to assume you need a tool like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. But, that’s simply not the case. You can use PowerPoint for graphic design, and it’s not that hard!

Removing backgrounds from images, blurring images, creating custom shapes, and convert text to shapes are just some of the way you can use PowerPoint for graphic design. The possibilities are endless!

Here are six how-to videos that will show how you can use PowerPoint for graphic design.

How to Remove the Background from an Image in PowerPoint

When you need to remove the background from an image, your first thought might be to open Adobe Photoshop. But, did you know you can remove the background from an image in PowerPoint? It’s true! For years, PowerPoint has included the ability to quickly and easily remove the background from an image. Check out this how-to video and learn how to remove the background from an image in PowerPoint!

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How to Create Drop Shadows in PowerPoint

When I’m designing and eLearning course or presentation, one of my go-to graphic design techniques I use most often is a drop shadow. A drop shadow is a quick and easy way to make objects “pop” off the screen and create a sense of depth between background and foreground objects. Check out this how-to video and learn how to create custom drop shadows in PowerPoint.

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How to Blur an Image in PowerPoint

I’ve always enjoyed using a blur effect in my eLearning courses and presentations. When properly applied to an image, a blur effect can add visual interest, help direct the learner’s attention, and even create a sense of context or location. In addition to several other visual effects, you can also use PowerPoint apply a blur effect to your images. Check out this how-to video and learn how to blur an image in PowerPoint.

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How to Create Custom Shapes in PowerPoint

When using PowerPoint to create an eLearning course or presentation, you might assume the only shape options available to you are the ones located in Shapes drop-down menu. But, what do you do when you need a shape that’s not available in the default options? Well, it’s actually possible to create custom shapes in PowerPoint, just like you would in more advanced graphic design programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator! Check out this how-to video and learn how to create custom shapes in PowerPoint.

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How to Convert Text to Shapes in PowerPoint

I’ve always been a big fan of using PowerPoint to create custom shapes, but I used to find myself opening other graphic design programs (like Adobe Illustrator) when I wanted to edit text like a shape. I quickly stopped doing that when I discovered how to easy it is to convert text to shapes in PowerPoint! Check out this how-to video and learn how to convert text to shapes in PowerPoint!

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How to Use the Selection Pane in PowerPoint

The most powerful features in PowerPoint are hidden in plain sight. When you stumble across one of these hidden features, it’s easy to wonder how you ever survived without it! The Selection Pane in PowerPoint is one of these powerful (and hidden) features. With the Selection Pane, you can hide, rename, and change the stacking order of the individual objects on your slide. Check out this how-to video and learn how to use the Selection Pane in PowerPoint.

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