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How to "fill in" the background to an inserted picture in Powerpoint 2010.

Anonymous
2010-11-12T01:24:41+00:00

Hi,

I am extremely frustrated with Powerpoint 2010. The 2003 version was easy to use. 2010 is a complete goose chase trying to relocate the icons/menu entries that were there right in front of you in the 2003 version.

Here is the latest: We use templates that have customized backgrounds for each of our various projects. When I insert a picture into a slide there used to be a little icon shaped like a ink pen that would fill in the background into the pictures (essentially making it transparent). Where can I find this now?

And please for the next Powerpoint version just revert it back to 2003. I have yet to meet one user that finds 2010 easy to use.

Thanks,

Dietmar

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-11-12T11:34:09+00:00

    As Shyam suggests the background removal tool is MUCH more powerful than the transparent color tool in 2003. However the "old" tool is still there in Picture Tools > Colors dropdown menu > Set transparent color

    Microsoft® MVP PowerPoint® since 2007.

    Web Page: PowerPoint Alchemy Hints and Tips

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-06-11T14:29:55+00:00

    Hi There,

    There's a video on this page video demos which shows you how to add backgrounds in PowerPoint. I know how frustrating it is to get used to a new version of a piece of software! I've done some Microsoft upgrade training with Quasar Anytime and I can highly recommend it....

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-11-17T08:07:58+00:00

    If you use the tool a lot I would add it to the QAT in PowerPoint Options > Quick Access Toolbar

    Choose All Commands > Set Transparent Color

    Microsoft® MVP PowerPoint® since 2007.

    Web Page: PowerPoint Alchemy Hints and Tips

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-11-17T00:55:43+00:00

    Thank you John and Shyam. The old tool was what I was looking for. The other method is quite nice if you want to do sophisticated presentations but completely over the top for what I and my co-workers need to do. As part of explaining concepts to customers/vendors/co-workers in other offices we do create quick powerpoint presentations showing technical sequence of operations. Based on the project we use powerpoint starters specific to the respective program. In those we insert CATIA screenshots which show the area of interest on a white background. With the ink tool I click it, select the picture and I am done. In PPT 2010 I have to click 4 times to get the same results. Unfortunately, this is the same for many functionalities. I can assure you that at least in my office there isn't anyone that thinks Powerpoint 2010 is an improvement over 2003. About the only one feature that is better is the text box alignment capability and the fact that the leaders snap to the box. Unfortunately, this is more than offset by all the extra clicking necessary.

    Still, thanks for your help!

    Dietmar

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-11-12T02:05:02+00:00

    Hi,

    Take a look at this article which explains the new background removal tool - http://blogs.msdn.com/b/powerpoint/archive/2010/04/29/powerpoint-2010-remove-background.aspx.

    Regards, Shyam Pillai. http://skp.mvps.org

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