How to adjust and crop an image in PowerPoint in just a few clicks?

How to adjust an image in PowerPoint using the crop tool?

Start by adding an image that you want to change on your slide. Once the image is inserted, click on it to select it. This will bring up the tab Format on the top ribbon in PowerPoint.

In this tab, look for the option Crop, located in the group Size. By clicking on it, black trimming handles appear around your image, these correspond to the cropped areas. Drag one of the crop handles inwards to crop the important area of the image. When you're done, click outside the image or press Enter to confirm your changes.

This feature is particularly useful for highlighting and changing key parts of an image; such as a face, logo, or other important elements, while eliminating distractions. It allows you to obtain a professional result in no time.

If you want to reuse the original version of your image for another project, no problem since cropping in PowerPoint is completely reversible. In order to restore your image to its original condition, simply select the crop option by clicking on it. The black trim handles will appear around it again. Crop the image by dragging the crop handles, you will notice that the hidden pixels reappear, allowing you to readjust the crop and recover your entire original image. This feature allows you to create multiple versions of the same image, while maintaining the original.

Tip: Use the Ctrl button for precise cropping

When you Trim an image on PowerPoint, press and hold Ctrl pressed down provides even more precise control. By pressing Ctrl while moving the handles, you can adjust the image symmetrically from its center. This means that changes are applied in a balanced manner on each side of the image, which is especially useful for maintaining a harmonious layout. This tip is ideal if you want to edit an image while maintaining perfect alignment in your slide.

Crop an image to fit a shape in PowerPoint

It is also possible to modify an image by giving it the shape of your choice. PowerPoint offers a wide range of shapes, such as circles, squares, stars, or even more complex shapes. This option is ideal for customizing your visuals and giving a unique look to your slides.

How to adjust an image to a shape? Start by selecting an image that you want to transform. Then go to the tab Format, then click the arrow under Crop. From the dropdown menu, choose Crop to a shape. A list of predefined shapes is displayed: select a shape you want, this will automatically integrate the image inside a shape.

Use the Aspect Ratio option in PowerPoint

The option Height/width ratio in PowerPoint is an essential tool for adjusting the proportions of an image without distorting its content. It allows you to define a ratio between the width and the height of the image, such as a square (1:1) or a widescreen format (16:9), while maintaining the visual integrity of your supports.

In the dropdown menu that appears under the tab Crop, select Height/width ratio. A list of predefined ratios is displayed, after selecting an aspect ratio, you can further refine the appearance of your image with the options Fill or Adjust.

The option Fill allows you to completely occupy the cropped area with the image. In this case, some parts of the image may be cut off, but the area is completely filled without leaving empty spaces. This is especially useful when you want a consistent layout with no visible borders. On the other hand, the option fit allows you to adapt the image so that it fits completely into the cropping area, without cutting off any part of the image. However, if the proportions of the image do not match those of the crop area, empty margins may remain.

If you want customize an height/width ratio that is not in the predefined list, you can resize the image manually by holding the key Shift pressed while dragging the corners of the image. This allows you to maintain your proportions while freely adjusting your size.

Use edit points to change or crop a shape

To get started, select the shape that you want to change on your slide. Then go to the tab Shape format, then click Change the shape in the upper left corner, and use the tool Edit points.

Once this option is activated, black spots (called summit points) will appear around the shape. You can move them around to redefine the contours of the shape as needed.

If you want to remove a Summit point, hold the key Ctrl pressed and click on the point you want to remove. To add a new Summit point, also press and hold Ctrl and click anywhere on the outline of the shape where no points are yet present. You will thus be able to create a shape unique by adjusting its points to suit you.

Conclusion

The cropping tool in PowerPoint is an essential resource for customizing your visuals and create an engaging PowerPoint presentation. Whether you want to crop an image to highlight a specific part, integrate it into an original shape, or adjust its aspect ratio, these features are both simple and powerful.