Explore how you can draw an Arc shape in PowerPoint. The Arc is different than the similar Pie shape.
Author: Geetesh Bajaj
Product/Version: PowerPoint
OS: Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X
There are so many shapes in PowerPoint, from the basic Rectangle and Oval to the fancy Pie and Smiley Face! You can use these shapes as they are, or you can use the Merge Shape commands to create your own unique shapes. However, even if you do not create new shapes, there are some existing shapes that can be used in myriad ways. One of these is the Arc shape, that we will explore today. The Arc shape is quite easy to use, and in fact, you'll find so much similarity between how the Arc and the Pie shapes appear and work—and some difference too. Let's first explore how you draw an Arc shape. Thereafter we will explore differences between the Arc and the Pie shapes.
Follow these steps to draw the Arc shape in PowerPoint:
In Figure 7, below you will find the Pie shape on the left while the Arc can be found right-wards. Notice that they look the same except for the partial outline within the Arc shape (pointed by arrows in Figure 7). In comparison, the Pie shape sports a full outline.
Figure 7: Pie and Arc shapes look similar but can be different
Tip: There are other shapes with which you can create an Arc easily. You can use the Freeform drawing tool to create your own individual Arc. You can also use the Block Arc shape within the Shapes gallery that you can see in Figure 8, below.
Figure 8: The Block Arc shape
Once drawn, you will see two handles on the Block Arc shape, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 9, below.
Figure 9: Two handles can be found within the Block Arc shape
Drag the left handle to make your Arc smaller or larger, as shown within the top shape within Figure 10, below. The right handle, on the other hand allows you to make your Arc shape thinner or thicker, as shown in the bottom shape within Figure 10, below.
Figure 10: The Block Arc shape can also create Arcs
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