Flipping pictures in PowerPoint 2010 is easy and allows you to create mirror images or invert images for visual interest or improved layout. Here is a step-by-step guide to flipping pictures vertically or horizontally in PowerPoint 2010.
Why Flip Pictures in PowerPoint
There are a few key reasons you may want to flip a picture in PowerPoint:
- To create a mirror image for visual interest or comparison
- To invert an image to fit better on a slide
- To change the direction an image is facing to lead the eye across a slide
Flipping an image horizontally creates a mirror image, while flipping vertically inverts the picture.
How to Flip a Picture Horizontally
To flip a picture horizontally to create a mirror image in PowerPoint 2010:
- Insert the picture you want to flip onto a slide. You can insert a picture from your computer files or use an online image.
- Click on the picture to select it. Sizing handles will appear around the edges.
- Go to the Format tab under Picture Tools at the top.
- In the Arrange group, click Rotate.
- Select Flip Horizontal from the drop-down menu.
The picture will now flip horizontally to create a mirror image on the slide.
How to Flip a Picture Vertically
To flip a picture vertically and invert it in PowerPoint 2010:
- Insert the picture you want to flip onto a slide, then click it to select the image.
- Go to the Format tab under Picture Tools at the top.
- In the Arrange group, click Rotate.
- Choose Flip Vertical from the drop-down menu.
The picture will now flip vertically and be inverted on the slide.
Tips for Flipping Pictures
- You can flip multiple pictures at once by holding Ctrl while selecting them before flipping
- Use flip judiciously for visual interest; flipping every picture could be distracting
- Try flipping duplicate images for comparison or show motion by incrementally rotating a sequence of images
- Flip pictures vertically to switch the direction they lead the eye on a slide
Alternative Ways to Flip Pictures
In addition to using the Format tab, there are a couple other ways to flip pictures in PowerPoint 2010:
- Right-click the picture, choose Format Picture, select the Size & Properties icon, go to Layout & Properties, and pick flip horizontal or vertical
- Double-click the picture to open the Format tab, go to Picture Styles, open the gallery, and choose a flipped style
The Format tab method is usually the fastest way to quickly flip a picture in PowerPoint.
Cropping, Rotating, and Resizing Flipped Pictures
Once you flip a picture, you may want to make adjustments like cropping, rotating, or resizing:
- Crop: Go to Format > Crop to trim away edges of the flipped picture
- Rotate: Go to Format > Rotate to spin the flipped image as needed
- Resize: Click and drag the sizing handles on the edges to enlarge or shrink a flipped picture
Cropping often works best before flipping, while rotation and resizing can help optimize the flipped image.
Adding Effects to Flipped Pictures
To make flipped pictures stand out, add unique effects:
- Picture Styles: Go to Format > Picture Styles to add built-in combinations of effects
- Picture Effects: Go to Format > Picture Effects to choose individual effects like shadows, glows, etc.
- Color: Go to Format > Color to make the flipped picture black and white or recolor it
- Artistic Effects: Go to Format > Artistic Effects to make a flipped picture look hand-drawn, like a painting, etc.
See what unique effects look best with your flipped picture to make it pop!
Flipping pictures in PowerPoint 2010 is an easy way to create visual interest and improved layouts. Follow the step-by-step instructions to quickly flip pictures vertically or horizontally. Then use cropping, resizing, rotating and artistic effects to optimize the flipped images. With practice, flipping pictures can become a useful tool in your presentation toolbox.
