How to Make Graphics in PowerPoint: Yes You Can!

Know your way around PowerPoint?

Wish you knew how to make graphics in PowerPoint?

If this is an app you own and use, it may be a great starting point for you to make your own graphics.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How to do graphic design in PowerPoint for blog and social media graphics.
• How to make a Facebook cover photo with PowerPoint template.
• How to create an infographic in PowerPoint from scratch or templates.

How to do graphic design in PowerPoint

If you’re still here, great! Let’s get started.

Step 1: Setup Your Page

To start a graphic in PowerPoint without a template, you’ll need to do a little math. You need to convert pixels into inches.

We’re going to use 72 pixels per inch as our standard.

If you already know the pixel size you need, great! If not, check the Social Media Cheat Sheet to get the pixel dimensions for the image you want to create.

Then divide width and height by 72 to get the measurement in inches.

Create a New Presentation and set the Document Size under File > Page Setup.

You might get a warning that your size isn’t supported by your printer. That’s fine, since our graphics are for web use.

Just click OK and move on.

Step 2: Add Your Background

Once you have a blank slide in the correct size, add your background image using Insert > Photo… from the menu.

Adjust the photo to fill your slide using the corner handles. Using top, bottom, or side handles will distort your photo.

You can temporarily adjust the photo’s transparency so you can see how to position it. Then click on the Crop tool and cut it down to your slide’s size.

Click outside the picture, and your cropping is complete.

If you prefer, you can choose one of PowerPoint’s backgrounds, textures, and patterns, or create a solid or gradient color.

Step 3: Add Your Text

Now add your text as you normally do. You can add colored shapes to place your text on, if desired.

Don’t forget to add your name and/or website URL in small type. This way, if anyone “borrows” your graphic, it’s still attributed to you.

Step 4: Save as Pictures

The important trick to know is how to save your graphic. Go to File > Save as Pictures. In the pop-up, choose to save as JPG or PNG. PNG gives you better quality but larger file size.

Now click the Options button. Be sure the pixel size is set to the size you got from the Social Media Cheat Sheet. Click OK and then Save.

Finally, be sure to save your file as a PPT or PPTX so you have an editable template to make variations on your graphic!

How to Create a Facebook Cover Photo in PowerPoint

This is even easier, because I’m giving you a PowerPoint Facebook cover template.

You just need to open the template. No fiddling to set the size!

NOTE that this template is for the Facebook business page cover photo.

If you need to make a cover photo for your personal profile, group, or event, check the Social Media Cheat Sheet to get the appropriate pixel dimensions, and follow instructions above.

Download the PowerPoint Facebook Page cover template here.

This template has been updated for 2020, and doesn’t match the screenshots below. The instructions are still correct though!

You’ll also need a great photo that expresses your business – one you’ve taken, have purchased as a stock photo, or have commercial rights to use.

Be sure to start with an image that’s at least 1200 pixels wide. You can reduce the size effectively, but enlarging it will reduce clarity and quality.

Step 1: Open template

Open the template in PowerPoint on your computer. It’s already the correct Facebook Page Cover Photo size.

Now, add your image using Insert > Photo… from the menu.

Adjust the photo to fit using the corner handles. Using top, bottom, or side handles will distort your photo.

Temporarily adjust transparency so you can see how to position your photo to avoid Facebook cropping out important elements on various devices. The template has these croppings marked for you.

Add type over your photo if you wish – but keep it simple for a more professional look.

Return to opaque when you’re satisfied.

Save by using File > Save as Pictures. Photos are usually best saved in JPEG format. Click the Options button, and at the bottom, choose Save current file only, and ensure it’s set at Width: 1200 and Height: 674.

You’re done! You made a perfectly sized Facebook Cover Photo with PowerPoint.

Creating Infographics with PowerPoint Templates

Thought about creating infographics – but it seems overwhelming?

Did you know you can make infographics with PowerPoint?

To make it even easier, you can use FREE infographic templates from Hubspot (signup required).

You’ll be creating infographics faster than you imagined with these PowerPoint templates.

Two important tips are:

Right clicking on any image, textbox, or shape will open up various options for you to change the appearance of the respective object—whether that be shading, colors, fills, outline, or styles. Be open to playing around seeing what you discover.

When inserting images for your graphic, you might find that the images have white backgrounds while your infographic does not. Either give the image a border, or use the transparent tool in your toolbar. Simply click “Transparent color,” and then click the background of your image.

Find the step-by-step instructions in the infographic at the end of this article!

Make PowerPoint Infographics From Scratch: Slides & Video

You can make a perfect Pinterest size PowerPoint infographic as a single slide.

Below is a SlideShare showing how to create one from scratch – in less than 30 minutes!

Credit: How I Created Easy Infographics Using MS PowerPoint from Kimberly Gauthier

Want to make taller infographics?

Watch this 10-minute video that goes into detail about making tall infographics from a number of PowerPoint slides, saved as .PNGs. Lots of great tips here!

What Do YOU Think about PowerPoint graphics?

If you’ve tried PowerPoint, or have another favorite design tool, I’d love to hear what you think!

Leave me a comment below about your experience with graphic design in PowerPoint.