How to Cut Around an Image in PowerPoint: Simple Guide

Have you ever wanted to remove the background from an image in PowerPoint and cut out just the subject you want to feature in your presentation? Cutting around an image, also known as cropping out the background, allows you to highlight the most important part of a picture and integrate it seamlessly into your PowerPoint slides. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to expertly crop images in PowerPoint and take your presentations to the next level.

Why Cut Around Images in PowerPoint?

Before we get into the how-to, let’s discuss some key reasons to cut out image backgrounds in PowerPoint:

1. Emphasize the subject: Cropping helps draw focus to the main subject of the image by eliminating distracting backgrounds.
2. Create visual interest: Cut-out images add depth and variety to your slide layouts, making them more engaging.
3. Save space: Removing unnecessary parts of an image allows you to fit more content on a slide without it feeling cluttered.
4. Maintain consistency: By cropping images to match, you can maintain a cohesive look and feel throughout your presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Out an Image in PowerPoint

Now that we understand the importance of cutting out an image in PowerPoint, let’s go through the process step by step:

Step 1: Insert the Image

First, insert the image you want to crop into your PowerPoint slide:

1. Go to the Insert tab in the PowerPoint ribbon
2. Click on Pictures
3. Select the image you want from your computer
4. Click Insert to add the image to your slide

Step 2: Remove the Background

PowerPoint makes it easy to remove the background of an image with just a few clicks:

1. Select the image on your slide
2. Go to the Picture Format tab that appears
3. Click on the Remove Background button
4. PowerPoint will automatically detect and mark areas to remove in purple
5. Use the Mark Areas to Keep and Mark Areas to Remove options to fine-tune the selection
6. Adjust the Keep Changes threshold if needed
7. Click somewhere outside the image and the background will disappear

Step 3: Crop the Image

After removing the background, you may want to crop the image to focus on your desired subject:

1. With the image still selected, click on the Crop button in the Size group of the Picture Format tab
2. Drag the edges of the crop rectangle to frame your subject
3. To crop out parts of the image in finer detail, use Crop to Shape and select a shape like an oval or circle
4. Resize the shape to perfectly frame your subject
5. Press Esc or click somewhere else on the slide to finish cropping

Step 4: Refine the Cut-Out Effect

To make the cropped image blend more naturally with your slide, you can refine the edges:

1. With the cropped image selected, go to Picture Format > Picture Effects
2. Choose Soft Edges to slightly blur the border of the cut-out
3. Select a Glow or Shadow effect to add subtle depth and dimension to the image
4. Adjust the effect settings like size, color, and transparency to get the perfect look

Step 5: Position and Integrate the Cropped Image

Finally, position the cut-out image on your slide and integrate it with the rest of your content:

1. Drag the cropped image to the desired position on your PowerPoint slide
2. Use Align and Distribute in the Arrange group to precisely align the image with other elements
3. Right-click > Bring to Front or Send to Back to adjust the layering of the cut-out image
4. Apply a subtle Shape Outline around the image for a polished look and to separate it from the slide background

By following these steps, you can expertly cut around an image in PowerPoint and elevate your presentations with beautifully cropped graphics perfectly integrated with your content.

Best Practices for Cropping Images in PowerPoint

To achieve the best results when cutting out images in PowerPoint, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose high-quality images with clear differentiation between the subject and background for easier cropping
• Zoom in when marking areas to keep or remove for greater precision
• Use a transparent background when saving cut-out images so they blend seamlessly with your slides
• Don’t crop too tightly – leave a bit of breathing room around your subject
• Maintain consistency in cropping style and effects across related images in your presentation

Advanced PowerPoint Cropping Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of cropping in PowerPoint, try these more advanced techniques:

Combine Cropping and Removing the Background

For images with complex backgrounds, you may get better results by first removing the background and then cropping the subject. This allows you to be more precise in both steps.

Crop to a Custom Shape

In addition to basic shapes like rectangles and ovals, PowerPoint allows you to crop an image to any custom shape:

1. Select the cropped image
2. Go to Picture Format > Crop > Crop to Shape
3. Choose a shape from the gallery or select More Shapes for additional options
4. Adjust the shape and image as desired

This is a great way to creatively frame your subject and add visual interest to your slides.

Use Artistic Effects

PowerPoint’s artistic effects allow you to transform cropped images into stylized graphics:

1. Select the cut-out image
2. Navigate to Picture Format > Artistic Effects
3. Choose an effect like Pencil Sketch, Paint Strokes, or Cutout
4. Adjust the effect settings to customize the look

Artistic effects can help your cropped images stand out and enhance the overall design of your presentation.

Create a Collage

You can use PowerPoint’s cropping tools to create compelling collages:

1. Insert several related images onto your slide
2. Remove the background and crop each image to focus on the key subjects
3. Arrange the cropped images into an eye-catching collage layout
4. Align and distribute for a polished, professional look
5. Group the images so you can move and resize the collage as a single unit

Image collages are perfect for showcasing products, telling a story, or highlighting key points in an engaging way.

Final Thoughts

Cutting around an image in PowerPoint is a powerful way to remove distracting backgrounds, emphasize your subject, and create eye-catching slides. By following this step-by-step guide and exploring the advanced cropping techniques, you can take your PowerPoint presentations to new heights.

With expertly cropped images, your presentations will be more focused, engaging, and impactful, ensuring your message resonates with your audience. So, start cutting out those backgrounds and watch your PowerPoint skills soar!

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Trish Dixon

Trish Dixon is the founder of PPTBliss and a PowerPoint expert with over a decade of experience in presentation design. Passionate about visual storytelling, Trish shares her expertise through easy-to-follow tutorials on slide design, animations, transitions, and best practices, helping professionals create impactful presentations across industries.

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