SmartArt Graphics in PowerPoint 2007
Author: Geetesh Bajaj
Product/Version: PowerPoint 2007
Date Created: June 9th 2009
Last Updated: June 9th 2009
Excerpt/Capsule: Learn about SmartArt graphics -- a new feature in PowerPoint 2007.
SmartArt graphics are a new feature in PowerPoint 2007 (and Office 2007). Like charts, these are info-graphics but the similarities end there. Whereas charts are based on figures, the foundations of SmartArt graphics are based on logic, which helps convey relationships, hierarchies, and flows through a combination of simple shapes and text. Organization charts and cycle relationship drawings are all common examples of SmartArt graphics
Follow these steps to insert SmartArt graphics in PowerPoint:
- Create a new presentation in PowerPoint 2007.
- Select the Insert tab on the Ribbon, and then click the SmartArt button as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: SmartArt
- This summons the Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box (see Figure 2). Choose any of the SmartArt graphic variants. and click OK to add it to the slide.
Figure 2: Choose a SmartArt Graphic
- This places the selected SmartArt graphic on the slide as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: SmartArt on the slide
- Replace the dummy text with the text that you want to use.
- When a SmartArt graphic is selected on the slide, two new contextual tabs are activated on the Ribbon:
- The SmartArt Tools Design tab (see Figure 4) allows you to add and reorganize shapes within a SmartArt graphic. You can also change the layout, color, and styles and reset the formatted SmartArt to its default state.
Figure 4: SmartArt Design tab
- The SmartArt Tools Format tab (see Figure 5) lets you can change, enlarge or reduce the shapes, apply Shapes Styles, format text and also rearrange the shapes.
Figure 5: SmartArt Format tab
- The SmartArt Tools Design tab (see Figure 4) allows you to add and reorganize shapes within a SmartArt graphic. You can also change the layout, color, and styles and reset the formatted SmartArt to its default state.
- Save your presentation.
Related Link: My book Cutting Edge PowerPoint 2007 For Dummies covers many aspects of PowerPoint 2007. A free chapter excerpt PowerPointing with the Best of Them is available on this site.
