Skip to content
Home » Inserting Pictures and Graphics in MS PowerPoint

Inserting Pictures and Graphics in MS PowerPoint

🧩 1. Introduction

Pictures and graphics make presentations more attractive, engaging, and easier to understand.
They help in explaining ideas visually and leave a stronger impact on the audience.
Microsoft PowerPoint allows users to insert various types of images, clip arts, shapes, SmartArt, icons, and charts into slides.

🎯 2. Purpose of Inserting Pictures and Graphics

  • To enhance visual appeal of slides.
  • To illustrate concepts more clearly.
  • To retain audience attention.
  • To simplify complex data through visuals.
  • To support the message of the presentation.

🖼️ 3. Inserting Pictures

A. From a File (Computer or Device)

Steps:

  1. Go to the slide where you want to insert a picture.
  2. Click on the Insert tab.
  3. Choose Pictures → This Device.
  4. Browse and select the image file (e.g., JPG, PNG, BMP).
  5. Click Insert.

The picture appears on the slide — you can resize, move, or format it.

Formatting Options:

  • Use the Picture Format tab to:
    • Crop the picture.
    • Apply picture styles (borders, shadows, reflections).
    • Adjust brightness, contrast, and color.
    • Add artistic effects (blur, glow, sketch, etc.).

B. From Online Sources

Steps:

  1. Go to Insert → Pictures → Online Pictures.
  2. Type a keyword in the search box (e.g., “nature,” “business,” “education”).
  3. Choose an image from the results.
  4. Click Insert.

(Requires Internet connection)

🎨 4. Inserting Clip Art (Older Versions)

In PowerPoint 2003/2007, you could add Clip Art — pre-designed drawings or illustrations.

Steps:

  1. Go to Insert → Clip Art.
  2. In the Clip Art pane, type a keyword.
  3. Select and insert the desired image.

(In newer versions, “Clip Art” is replaced by “Icons” and “Online Pictures.”)

🧠 5. Inserting Shapes

Shapes are geometric figures (like circles, arrows, rectangles) used to highlight information.

Steps:

  1. Click Insert → Shapes.
  2. Choose a shape (arrow, rectangle, callout, etc.).
  3. Draw it on the slide using the mouse.
  4. Use the Shape Format tab to:
    • Change fill color.
    • Add outline or shadow.
    • Insert text inside the shape.

💡 6. Inserting SmartArt Graphics

SmartArt is used to represent processes, hierarchies, relationships, and cycles visually.

Steps:

  1. Go to Insert → SmartArt.
  2. Choose a category (List, Process, Cycle, Hierarchy, etc.).
  3. Select a layout → Click OK.
  4. Type your text in the text pane.

Example:

Use Process SmartArt to show steps of a workflow, or Hierarchy SmartArt for an organizational chart.

📊 7. Inserting Charts

Charts help present numerical data visually.

Steps:

  1. Go to Insert → Chart.
  2. Choose a chart type (Column, Pie, Line, Bar, etc.).
  3. An Excel window opens — enter data.
  4. Close Excel, and the chart appears in PowerPoint.
  5. Format using the Chart Design tab.

🧾 8. Inserting Icons (Newer Versions)

Steps:

  1. Click Insert → Icons.
  2. Browse through available categories (People, Business, Education, etc.).
  3. Select the icons and click Insert.
  4. Adjust color and size from the Graphics Format tab.

🧰 9. Tips for Using Pictures and Graphics

✅ Use high-quality images for a professional look.
✅ Keep image size optimized to avoid large file sizes.
✅ Avoid clutter — maintain balance and white space.
✅ Use consistent style for all images.
✅ Ensure visuals support the message, not distract from it.

✅ 10. Conclusion

Inserting pictures and graphics in PowerPoint enhances the effectiveness and attractiveness of a presentation.
They help communicate ideas visually, engage the audience, and make complex information easier to understand.
Using the right visuals with proper formatting makes your presentation more impactful and professional.