Want to take your PowerPoint presentations to the next level? SmartArt graphics can transform boring bullet points into captivating visuals that better communicate your ideas.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use SmartArt to create professional diagrams, flowcharts, hierarchies, and more to make your presentations visually appealing and memorable.
What is SmartArt in PowerPoint?
SmartArt is a powerful tool in PowerPoint that lets you quickly create designer-quality graphics to represent concepts, ideas, processes, relationships, and other complex information.
With just a few clicks, you can convert a simple list into an eye-catching organizational chart, timeline, matrix, pyramid, Venn diagram, and more. SmartArt graphics automatically resize and reflow as you add or remove elements.
Some key benefits of using SmartArt include:
- Communicate complex ideas more clearly and efficiently
- Make presentations more visually compelling
- Emphasize key points and relationships
- Give presentations a polished, professional look
How to Insert a SmartArt Graphic
Adding a SmartArt visual to your PowerPoint slides is simple:
- On the Insert tab, click SmartArt.
- Select a graphic layout category from the left panel that fits your content.
- Choose a specific layout from the middle panel. Hover over thumbnails to preview.
- Click OK to insert the graphic.
A Text Pane will appear to the left of the graphic. As you type text into the bullets, it will automatically appear in the corresponding shapes.
You can also convert existing bullet points into a SmartArt graphic. Just select the list before clicking SmartArt and PowerPoint will suggest appropriate layouts.
Customizing and Formatting SmartArt
The true power of SmartArt lies in customization. Don’t settle for the default look – tailor it to match your presentation’s theme and branding.
After inserting a graphic, the SmartArt Tools tab appears. Use these formatting options to make the visual your own:
- Change Colors: Choose a color variant that aligns to your brand palette.
- Change Styles: Apply unique combinations of effects like shadows and 3D.
- Reset Graphic: Clear all custom formatting and start fresh.
You can also format individual shapes and text within the SmartArt graphic:
- Resize, rotate, move, or delete shapes
- Change shape fills, outlines, and effects
- Alter text font, size, color and more
Experiment until you achieve the perfect look and layout to communicate your ideas in the best way possible.
SmartArt Design Tips and Tricks
Follow these best practices when working with SmartArt graphics:
- Pick the right layout: Choose one that logically represents your content.
- Keep it simple: Only use essential text in a large, readable font size. Avoid clutter.
- Be consistent: Stick to one or two layouts per presentation. Too much variety is distracting.
- Use color intentionally: Limit colors and align to your brand palette for unity.
- Animating builds interest: Make shapes fly, fade or appear one by one. But don’t overdo it!
Taking the time to properly design your SmartArt makes a huge difference. Well-executed graphics not only look more professional but also better communicate your core ideas.
Types of SmartArt Graphics
With over 100 layouts to pick from, you’re bound to find one that fits your needs. Here are some of the most useful SmartArt categories and examples of when to use them:
Process: Illustrate sequential steps or flow
[Insert Process SmartArt Image]
Use for: workflows, timelines, flowcharts, procedures
Hierarchy: Structure organizations, relationships
[Insert Hierarchy SmartArt Image]
Use for: org charts, decision flows, family trees
Matrix: Compare concepts across multiple axes
[Insert Matrix SmartArt Image]
Use for: decision matrices, SWOT analysis, correlations
Relationship: Connect related concepts
[Insert Relationship SmartArt Image]
Use for: cycles, interconnected ideas, cause and effect
List: Visually arrange bullet points
[Insert List SmartArt Image]
Use for: grouping key points, listing pros/cons, phases
Presentation Takeaways
The SmartArt tool makes it effortless to create professional-quality visuals that capture attention and clearly communicate complex ideas and relationships.
Follow these tips to add visual interest and polish to your next PowerPoint presentation:
- Convert lists to matching graphics
- Customize colors, styles and layouts
- Format individual shapes and text
- Animate builds to emphasize key points
- Keep it simple, consistent, and intentional
With the right SmartArt layout and just a few customizations, you can make your presentations pop! Use SmartArt to create captivating diagrams that make your ideas memorable.
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