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Change Colors for a SmartArt Graphic in PowerPoint 2010

Author: Geetesh Bajaj

Product/Version: PowerPoint 2010

Date Created: April 8th 2011
Last Updated: April 8th 2011

Excerpt/Capsule: Learn how to change colors for a SmartArt graphic in PowerPoint 2010.

Once you insert a SmartArt graphic within PowerPoint 2010, you might realize that the colors of the shapes comprising the SmartArt graphic are not exactly what you wanted -- and while it is possible to change colors of individual shapes within the SmartArt graphic, PowerPoint lets you change the colors of everything within the SmartArt graphic at one go -- not only does it save your time, but this also ensures that the different colors chosen are coordinated to look good together. Follow these steps to learn how you can change colors of your SmartArt graphic in PowerPoint 2010:

1. Select your existing SmartArt graphic, as shown in Figure 1. The SmartArt graphic variant that I am using (and have selected) is the Horizontal Picture List. This variant is perfect for this tutorial since it comprises shapes with solid fills, shapes with picture fills, and also text -- you'll notice how each of elements colors differently.
   
   
   Figure 1: Horizontal Picture List SmartArt graphic
   
   
2. When any SmartArt graphic is selected, you'll find two contextual tabs activated on the Ribbon: these are the SmartArt Tools Design and the SmartArt Tools Format tabs (highlighted in red in Figure 2). Select the SmartArt Tools Design tab.
   
   
   Figure 2: SmartArt Tools Design tab selected
   
   
3. Within the SmartArt Tools Design tab, locate the SmartArt Styles group, then click the Change Colors button (highlighted in red in Figure 3).
   
   
   Figure 3: Change Colors button selected
   
   
4. This brings up the Change Colors drop-down gallery that you can see in Figure 4. All the color variations within this gallery are Theme based.
   
   
   Figure 4: Change Colors drop-down gallery
   
   
5. Just hover the cursor over any of the color previews in this gallery -- as you move over different previews, the selected SmartArt graphic on the slide shows you a live preview of the colors applied, as shown in Figure 5. Click on the preview thumbnail in the gallery to apply the color changes to the selected SmartArt graphic.
   
   
   Figure 5: SmartArt graphic showing live preview of the color selected
   
   
   Tip: Place your SmartArt graphic in an area that is not covered by the Change Color drop-down gallery, so you can see the live preview.
   
   
6. Figure 6 shows the selected SmartArt graphic with changed colors.
   
   
   Figure 6: Color changed of selected SmartArt graphic
   
   
7. Within the Change Colors drop-down gallery you'll find the Recolor Pictures in SmartArt Graphic option (see Figure 7). Select this option to recolor all picture fills within the SmartArt graphic.
   
   
   Figure 7: Recolor Pictures in SmartArt Graphic option selected
   
   
8. This changes the color of the pictures, as shown in Figure 8. The Recolor Pictures in SmartArt Graphic option will only work with SmartArt graphic layouts that contain pictures.
   
   
   Figure 8: Color of the pictures changed to coordinate with the rest of the SmartArt graphic.

See Also: Change Colors of SmartArt in PowerPoint 2011 for Mac