Fading a picture in PowerPoint allows you to blend an image seamlessly into the slide background or emphasize certain parts of an image. A faded picture can make text stand out while still providing context.

There are a few easy ways to fade an image in PowerPoint.

Adjust Image Transparency

The easiest way to fade a picture is to adjust its transparency. Here’s how:

Select the picture you want to fade
Go to the Picture Format tab
Click Transparency and choose one of the preset transparency levels between 0-100%

Adjust image transparency in Picture Format

The presets allow you to quickly fade an image to common levels like 50% or 65%.

For more precision, click Picture Transparency Options to open the Format Picture pane. Here you can use the Transparency slider to fine-tune the fade level.

Use a Shape with Gradient Fill

Another method is to layer a shape with gradient fill over the image:

Insert a rectangle shape on top of the picture
Select the shape and go to Shape Fill

Choose Gradient Fill and set one color stop to 100% transparent
Adjust the angle, direction, and transparency stops to fade the image

Fade image with gradient filled shape

This technique focuses the fade to certain parts of the image. It works well for emphasizing a particular area.

Apply a Soft Edge

You can also use PowerPoint’s built-in Picture Effects to add a faded edge:

Select the picture

Go to Picture Format > Picture Effects > Soft Edges

Applying soft edge effect

There are various types of faded edges to choose from.

Animating Image Transparency

To fade an image in or out:

Select the picture
Go to Animations tab

Choose Fade for the Entrance or Exit animation

Animating image transparency

This will make the image fade in or out during slide transitions.

Tips

For precision, use Picture Transparency Options instead of presets
Match the fade direction to the image composition
Add multiple fades for emphasis

Fade text over images instead of removing background entirely
Balance information and aesthetics

Fading images takes some practice to perfect, but it’s a useful skill for modern presentations. Start applying these techniques today to take your PowerPoint skills to the next level!