Favorite PowerPoint Features?
Feb 05, 2011
One of the reasons PowerPoint is so popular is because it's so easy to use - there isn't much you need to know to begin using it. That's probably why so many users often miss the newer features after upgrading.
So I thought it would be helpful to share our favorite and most-used features in PowerPoint 07 and 10. For those using 2003, this will be good ammo to make the case for upgrading
My top 3 features:
- Slide Masters - the ability to create my own text and image placeholders. Awesome for creating custom layouts.
- Selection Pane - there's no way to manage multiple animations and objects without it
- Change Picture - simple, but one of the most used features for me.
So, what about you? What are your top features or workflows in PowerPoint?
69 Replies
Good question, Grasshopper.
I'll limit it to three and try not to repeat what you have:
Of course, there's a bunch more but we need to leave room for others.
Wow, I have to admit, I didn't even know about the text and image placeholders. Are there any good tutorials or Screenrs where I can learn more?
We have one here: http://community.articulate.com/tutorials/courses/inserting-text-and-image-placeholders.aspx
It's part of the course-building tutorials but includes a Start and Final version of the file. Can you check that one out to see if it helps?
Awesome, David. Thanks. I'll check it out and post back if I have any questions.
I'm with Tom on the combining shapes features. I've used vector programs for years so it's great to see PowerPoint 2010 offer the ability to combine and create shapes.
Great question - thanks for starting this one David.
I use a lot of animation in my courses - nothing complicated, but there's a lot going on. I couldn't work without the Selection Pane. I don't always name my layers like I should, but I rely on that feature more than anything.
I also customize the menu bar with my own features and tasks. That's a big one.
The other feature I like is PowerPoint 2010's option for saving presentations out as movies. That's pretty cool for sharing on mobile devices.
!que plato! I need to upgrade. I know we're behind w/2003 but I just looked up some of the features everyone's talking about and it's clear I'm not working efficiently.
Does anyone have any PowerPoint tutorial sites that like?
Hello Gang!
You've covered my favorite and most-used PowerPoint features. I would like, however, to add the screenshot tool in version 2010. I find this to be a very helpful and essential tool. I confess, I do not use this tool daily, but when I have used it, I found it very convenient.
Thank you.
Awesome! This is a great list.
What about the Photo Effects? Those were introduced in 2007. Are you using those? I use Shape Effects (Drop Shadows, Soft Edges) more, but the photo effects are pretty schweet!
I love some of the new transitions in PowerPoint 2010. Also love the image filters like blur.
I was not a fan of PowerPoint until I started using Articulate and learning all of the ways to use it. Now I'm a big fan. My favorite features are that it is easy for me to use and share my work.
Sorry, I hit return before I was done.
I like all of the templates that I can use. Some people don't like templates but they make it easy for me.
We just got power point 2010 and I really like a lot of the features. Some of them are already listed. I'll add the new design templates.
For this interested, I did two PowerPoint sessions. I'll be posting them as workshops soon. In the mean time, here are some links that may help:
Mathematical equations. Long overdue, but glad to have them now.
I also had a PowerPoint post a while back in the Rapid E-Learning Blog with more than 100 free PowerPoint tutorials.
Oh awesome! Thanks Tom!
NP, Jeff. Are you the Jeff I met at the conference in San Jose? You look familiar.
I'm with David on the Photo Effects. It brings a little bit of Photoshop into PowerPoint and can be a great
way to stylize a course. Combining remove background with drop shadows and a photo filter can make for a fast and cool look. And I love how the photo effects have controls to further tweak the outcome.
One feature I don't use real often, but love it when I do, is the Edit Points ability for shapes. Makes for some great fine tuning ability and creative possibilities.
You guys are awesome! I'm doing a PowerPoint webinar next month for my E-learning Team and this will really help!
I am not a PowerPoint expert but I do leverage a lot of what you guys share. The only thing I use a lot that I didn't see is the new cropping features. I love how it lets me see the area I've cropped.
Thank you so much! I'm glad to see others work Saturday nights LOL.
Always working, it seems. Thanks for a great posting thread.
Mine is a simple one; I love the many treatments you can easily add to images. It saves so much time and looks great.
I'm going to focus on the animation side: Top three:
Fade in/out
Appear
Slide in
I ♥ the new shape tools that allow you to combine and customize all sorts of new shapes.
All great features. Add the ability to compress images (and make them transparent), cropping, motion path animations, and easy color corrections and artistic effects, and, to echo David, the selection pane and image replacement.
And one simple feature often overlooked. The ability to drag and have things off-canvas.
Also, the ability to have add-ins, without which they would probably be no Presenter.