Learn about different types of points (vertexes) in PowerPoint 2013 for Windows. Did you know that there are three vertex types in PowerPoint?
Author: Geetesh Bajaj
Product/Version: PowerPoint 2013 for Windows
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 and higher
Every shape in PowerPoint is a combination of segments and points. The points are essentially what is also known as vertexes—and segments are straight or curved lines between these vertexes. These segments and points are similar to a "connect-the-dots" drawing and the dots would be points, and the lines you draw between the dots would be segments. Both the segments and vertexes are only individually visible within Edit Points mode. We discuss more about segments in a subsequent tutorial but for now, let us help you explore the different types of vertexes (points) in PowerPoint 2013 for Windows. Essentially, these are of three types:
Follow these guidelines to see different types of points (vertexes) in PowerPoint 2013 for Windows:
As you have already learned, when any of the corner points in the Rectangle is selected, it shows up with two blue handles as shown in the example on the left side in Figure 3. Now if you move any one of these blue handles outwards, the opposite handle will not move (see on the right side of the Figure 3). To make changes to the opposite side, you will have to manipulate the opposite handle separately, or change the point from a Corner Point to either a Smooth Point or a Straight Point. We discuss these other Point types next.
Figure 3: Corner Point
Make sure you are in Edit Points mode (or just right-click the shape and choose Edit Points option from the context menu). Place the cursor over the point and right-click to get a context menu, from the menu choose the Smooth Point option, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Choose Smooth Point type
This changes the Corner Point to a Smooth Point (shown on the left side in Figure 5). Now if you drag a handle of any one side outwards (drag further, closer, or even sidewards), the opposite side handle also moves symmetrically (see on the right side of the Figure 5).
Figure 5: Corner Point changed to Smooth Point
Now we'll see how to change the Corner Point type to a Straight Point type. Select the shape and switch to Edit Points mode (just right-click the shape and choose the Edit Points option from the context menu). Place the cursor over the point and right-click to get a context menu. From this menu, choose the Straight Point option, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Choose Straight Point type
This changes the Corner Point to a Straight Point (shown on the left side on Figure 7). Now if you drag a handle of any one side outwards (drag further or closer), then the opposite handle won't move (see on the right side of the Figure 7). However if you drag it sidewards, then the opposite handle will also move proportionately.
Figure 7: Corner Point changed to Straight Point
See Also:
Types of Points (Vertexes) for Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows
Types of Points (Vertexes) for Shapes in PowerPoint 2011 for Mac
Types of Points (Vertexes) for Shapes in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows
Types of Points (Vertexes) for Shapes in PowerPoint 2003 for Windows
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