Tame your computer - design ideas

In her regular series for Cambridge Network members - now in its 15th year - software training expert Karen Roem offers handy tips to help you 'Tame your computer'. This week she describes how to convert bullet points into professionally designed layouts with icons (PowerPoint for Microsoft 365).

Roem tip time logo

Back in 2009 I wrote about PowerPoint 2007’s new feature to convert bulleted lists into SmartArt. The option is still there, but if you are a Microsoft 365 subscriber there is a fabulous new way to quickly turn your bullet points into professionally designed slides. It even suggests icons to accompany your text.

Here’s how:

1.       Create your bulleted list, as normal. (Remember, you can convert your Word documents if it uses built-in headings.)

2.       Click on the Design Ideas button on the Home or Design tab.

3.       Click on your preferred design in the Task Pane.

4.       If you selected a design that contains one or more pictures that you want to change, click on the tiny Replace Your Icon button that pops up when you click on it – as shown below.

[[{"fid":"292022","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"icons","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"icons"},"link_text":false,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"icons","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"icons"}},"attributes":{"alt":"icons","title":"icons","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

By the way, Designer constantly works in the background to match the content that you type or add.

Related tips

Courses and webinars

I have reopened classroom training for up to two people per session. And remember, we never cancel classes due to insufficient enrolments, so if you’re lucky you might have a one-to-one session. I will also continue to deliver the ever-growing list of 60-minute webinars, inspired by your real-life questions, addressing day-to-day tasks and frustrations.

See the course schedule here or the webinar schedule here.

I am also running comprehensive Excel courses in conjunction with Cambridge Network's Learning Collaboration:

 

I meticulously test every tip I write to make sure it is correct, easy to understand and time-saving. Let me know if something isn't clear or doesn't work.

Missed an issue? To view all tips created so far – including corrections, where necessary – go to http://roem.co.uk/hints.php

Unless stated otherwise, the steps are written about Microsoft 365 using Windows 10.

22 March 2021

Karen Roem offers software training and support through her company Roem Ltd.  Contact her by email (Karen@roem.co.uk) or visit her website at www.roem.co.uk

 



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