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Use custom shape as video shape in PowerPoint

Anonymous
2023-03-24T10:36:42+00:00

Hello,

I created a custom shape by editing points of a rectangle in PowerPoint:

t.

Now I want to use this custom shape as a video shape (Select Video > Go to Video Format > Crop > Video Shape). How do I add my custom shape into this Video Shape menu?

Thank you for your help in advance :-)

What I tried so far:

– set my custom shape as a default shape >>> not working when I edited points of the shape, only works for styles

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For business | MacOS

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  1. Steve Rindsberg 99,086 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2023-03-24T15:53:50+00:00

    This is kinda tricky, but it works:

    • Draw a rectangle the same size as and positioned directly atop your video.
    • Select your custom shape and bring it to front, then move it atop the rectangle and video so it sits over the part of the video you want to crop to.
    • Select the rectangle and custom shape then in the shape format tab, insert group, choose Merge Shapes and choose to Subtract. This will create a hole in the rectangle the same size as your custom shape (Undo then select the two in the opposite order and try again if it doesn't work.)
    • Now select this new shape with a hole in it and set its fill to Slide Background, and give it no outline.
    • Try playing the show now.
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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-24T16:15:38+00:00

    Another approach.

    Go to Slide Master view and duplicate one of the layouts that supported Video being added.

    Select the appropriate placeholder and in SHAPE FORMAT tab > Edit Shape, change to a shape nearest to what you need.

    You should now be able to choose EDIT POINTS in the same menu and create the shape you need.

    In normal view add a slide with that layout and click the Video button. It should play within your custom shape.

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  1. Steve Rindsberg 99,086 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2023-03-24T20:06:40+00:00

    >> Go to Slide Master view and duplicate one of the layouts that supported Video being added.

    Or just add a media placeholder to any layout you like.

    I like this way better than mine. Far simpler and faster. I'd only revert to my suggestion if you need to do a whole variety of slides like this, each with its own custom shape to hold the video.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-04-11T09:06:18+00:00

    Thank you very much for your help! Both tips work for me :-)

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