Managing images in PowerPoint

Step-by-step to finding images, and using the crop tool to resize them.

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> Managing graphics

Images are measured in pixels
(or dots). Internet and PowerPoint
graphics require only low resolution:
72 dpi (dots/inch).

Tip: Most images on the Internet
are displayed at 72dpi.

First determine the space you wish
to fill, then begin your image search.

> Finding manageable images

You'll find excellent assortment
of images at Google and Yahoo.

In the search window, type Mountains

Let's assume we like the image
in the blue box.

1 > Size of file: 415x332 pixels
      49k is the size of the file

Tip: This image will roughly fill
about half of a PowerPoint screen.

2 > Host website for the image

Tip: Click on the image
to open the host website

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> Capturing and saving the image

Click on the small image at the top.

Tip: Avoid using those small preview
images on the google or yahoo sites
(they are reduced in size and don't
look good in PowerPoint).

When the image appears on your screen,
position your mouse over the image and
click the right mouse key.

From the menu, select "Save picture as..."
and indicate where you want to save it
on your computer's hard drive.

You're almost ready to import the image
into your PowerPoint presentation.

But first, it's important to remember that
you're working with a low resolution image.

In most circumstances, you can reduce
the size and preserve its appearance.

It's only when you try to enlarge it
that it often tends to break apart.

(Notice that the clarity of the peaks
and riverside bank tends to be a bit fuzzy.
This is especially true for images
smaller than 25k.)

Tip: Try to use images between 35-100k.

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> Inset your image in PowerPoint

Load the images:
> Insert > Image > From file
or click the image button

First we loaded the background image
below, sized to fit a full screen.

Then we loaded the mountain image.

We need to crop the size of the
image to fit inside the frame.

First, click on the image so the dots
appear (shown on the image above).

Use the crop tool to reformat the
image so the center peak appears
in the frame.

Open the Picture menu:
View> Toolbars> Picture menu.

Tip: Often, clicking on the image
will make the picture menu appear.

When you click on the crop tool,
notice how the corners and sides
of the image change from dots
to crop marks (black lines).

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You can now hold the left mouse
button over any one of the crop lines
and drag the corners/sides to reformat
the image without distorting it.

Tip: While cropping, use the mouse
to move the image where you want it
to appear.( Position the mouse
in the center of the image and drag it.)

In this case, we move it inside
the frame and crop to fit.

Tip: Precise cropping is easier
when you hold down the ALT key
as you move the mouse.

Practice makes perfect.

You've still got 2 overlapping images.

To animate both as a single image,
you need to group them.

Click on one of the image (dots appear
on all 4 sides). Then, holding down the
Enter key, click on the second image.
Both should now be highlighted.

Click on the Draw menu at the lower
left of your PowerPoint screen,
then Group.

A new set of dots will appear,
and you can proceed to animate it.

That's all there is to it.

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© 2009 Steve Toms.  All materials posted on the webpage are for educational purposes,
intended for the exclusive use of Steve Toms' clients and students.