Apply Bevel Effects to Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows

By default, the PowerPoint shapes that you insert on your slide are flat and two-dimensional. And this indeed works well most of the time. Yet, there are situations that may benefit from a 3D graphic. It is times like these that you can apply a plethora of Shape Effects that PowerPoint provides, or just use the Bevel shape effect that makes it stand apart by making your shape look embossed, like a button, or even a pillow.

The different output variations occur since there are many Bevel presets available in PowerPoint. Some Bevel presets can make your shapes look as if they can pop out of the slide, as shown within the samples you see in Figure 1, below. Do note though that 3D does not always have to be loud and opulent. There are plenty of Bevel effect presets that are more restrained and understated!

Figure 1: 3D Bevel Presets

To see a sample presentation containing Bevel effects in PowerPoint, scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Follow these steps to apply a Bevel effect to a shape in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows:

1. Select the shape so that the Ribbon area shows the Drawing Tools Format tab, as shown highlighted in blue within Figure 2. Activate this Ribbon tab by clicking on it. Within the Drawing Tools Format tab, click the Shape Effects button (highlighted in red within Figure 2).
2. 
   Figure 2: Shape Effects button
Note: The Drawing Tools Format tab is a contextual tab. These tabs are special tabs in the Ribbon that are not visible all the time. They only make an appearance when you are working with a particular slide object which can be edited using special options.
2. This brings up the Shape Effects drop-down gallery, as shown in Figure 3. From this gallery, choose the Bevel option. This brings up the Bevel sub-gallery (refer to Figure 3 again).
3. 
   Figure 3: Bevel sub-gallery within the Shape Effects drop-down gallery
4. The options within the Bevel sub-gallery are explained below, as marked in Figure 3, above.

A. No Bevel

5. Use this option to remove any bevel effect from a selected shape. You can use this option only if the shape has a Bevel Effect applied.

B. Bevel

6. PowerPoint provides twelve default Bevel styles to choose from. You can preview these styles in the online presentation at the bottom of this page.

C. 3-D Options

7. This option brings up Format Shape Task Pane. Bevel editing options within this Task Pane are covered in our 3-D Format Options for Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 tutorial.
3. Move the cursor over any of the effects within the Bevel sub-gallery to see a Live Preview of the effect on the selected shape, as shown in Figure 4.
4. 
   Figure 4: Shape with the Live Preview of the Bevel effect
Tip: Place your shape in the area that is not covered by the Shape Effects drop-down gallery as shown in Figure 4 above, so that you can see the Live Preview.
4. Click on any effect to apply to the selected shape. In Figure 5 you can see that a Bevel effect has been applied to the previously selected shape.
5. 
   Figure 5: Bevel effect applied to the Star shape
5. Remember to save your presentation often.

Sample Presentation:

Click below to view on SlideShare

Click below to view on YouTube