This post describes how to apply transparency to images and text in PowerPoint 2010. The steps remain the same for PowerPoint versions 2013 and above; only the PowerPoint interface is different. 

 

The most neglected aspect of any presentation is the title and sub-title slides. The slide which starts the presentation is called the Title slide and the slide used before switching to any topic is the Sub-title slide. Many designers try to insert images and cover the slide as there is not enough information to be presented.

 

This approach will result in slides where relevant content is not concentrated. The concepts discussed in this post will allow beginner/intermediary creators to produce work that has the appeal of advanced refinements.

 

For example:

 

Text without Transparency

 

 

Properties of the Slide:
1. The Company name and sub-title is not clear.
2. The image is not used correctly.
3. The first thing visible on the slide is the image, which should never be the case.

 

The rule of Transparency is when you use multiple transparent objects to highlight the text and reduce the visibility of a background image. Beginners can start by one/two transparent objects on the image and then increase as and when necessary. Let’s transform the slide using the rule of transparency with the same image and content:

 

Beginner Mode:

 

Text with Transparency

 

Properties of the Slide:
1. The Company name and sub-title is clearly visible.
2. The text is brought together in the center.
3. Added a transparent rectangle behind the text to increase its visibility.

 

Illustration for Beginner mode:

 

Step 01: Before working on PowerPoint always go to View and activate ‘Ruler and Guides’ by ticking on the checkboxes provided. (Thumb rule to be followed)

 

Activate Ruler and Guides Option

 

You can see that the Guide has divided the slide into 4 equal pieces by inserting a dotted line vertically and horizontally. Please note that this Guide is not visible on the Slide Show mode and hence you can add and subtract as many guidelines as per your need.

 

Step 02: Drag the texts individually closer to the horizontal guideline.

 

Drag the texts

 

Step 03: Add a rectangle from the Drawing column on the Home panel.

 

Insert a rectangle from the Drawing Column

 

Step 04: The shape will be of the properties not suitable for our presentation. Do a right-click on the rectangle and go to the ‘Format Shape’ option.

 

Choose Format Shape Option

 

Step 05: The Fill option has a radio button already selected as Solid fill, which will have a Color fill button. Paint the rectangle white.

 

Paint the Rectangle white

 

Step 06: Below the Color, there is a feature called Transparency. Increase that to a favorable percentage. On current slide, we have kept it 20%

 

Increase Transparency to 20%

 

Step 07: In the Line Color section of Format Shape, the default option selected will be Solid line. Select radio button - No line and close the dialog box.

 

Choose No Line

 

Step 08: Resize the rectangle using your creative instinct.

 

Resize Rectangle

 

Step 09: And finally, play the masterstroke by clicking the Arrange button on the Home panel and select ‘Send to Back’ option. This will place your selected rectangle behind the text.

 

Send back the Rectangle

 

Step 10: You have begun the path to create visible topics by using the rule of Transparency.

 

Text with Transparency

 

Intermediate Mode:

 

Text with Transparent Image

 

Properties of the Slide:
1. The Company name and sub-title is clearly visible.
2. The Text font is more professional.
3. Added 2 transparent rectangles behind the text increasing its visibility.
4. The effect of the image is seen, but the image clearly is compromised.

 

Illustration for Intermediate mode:

 

Step 01: Good Slide Creators never like default fonts or styling. Changing and experimenting on fonts and styling are the first steps to hatch from the Beginner mode. We have changed the font and the color of the text, plus added a darker shade of grey to the rectangle created in the beginner mode.

 

Text with Transparent Image

 

Step 02: Right click on the background image and select Format Background. In the Picture Correction column, there is a panel named Sharpen and Soften where we have adjusted the scale to -50% i.e. Softer the image by 50%. This is to basically blur the image and reduce its visibility.

 

Note: Adjust the other columns of the Picture Corrections, Picture Color and Artistic Effects to get the right filter you need, but understand that lesser effects give a better presentation.

 

Soften the image by 50%

 

Step 03: Select the rectangle created by us in the beginner mode and Press Ctrl+D. This will create another duplicate copy of the rectangle. The reason of doing this is to take the same format of the rectangle without changing most of its properties.

 

Select the Rectangle created in the Beginner mode

 

Step 04: Stretch the length - height of the selected rectangle to fit the entire slide and select a lighter grey color from the shade card available under the Shape Fill button on Home panel.

 

Select Rectangle to fit the entire slide

 

Step 05: And finally, play the masterstroke again by clicking the Arrange button on the Home panel and select ‘Send to Back’ option. This will place your selected rectangle on the background.

 

Click the Arrange button to Send Back the Rectangle

 

The product of your efforts is right in front of you.

 

Text with Transparent Image Slide

 

Advanced Mode:

 

The rule of Transparency used by an advanced creator can be as follows:

 

Creative Use of Transparency

 

The created slide is an epitome of effectively using multiple squares and implementing the same shade of colors, practically eradicating the image from the sight of any viewer.
The theme can be utilized all over the slide show by increasing the transparency.
The text is also given the shadow effect to make it more prominent.

 

You can highlight the text in your creative more prominently by using the Rule of Thirds along with the rule of Transparency. The examples of the same are as below:

 

Rule of Thirds applied along with Rule of Transparency

 

Creative Use of Rule of Thirds & Rule of Transparency to the Image

 

Creativity is not just about applying rules and presenting a design. It is about using the knowledge and presenting a thought that is well versed with the latest trends and norms that shape and re-shape industries. This fine blend is what makes an outstanding creative and you, an outstanding creator!

 

Innovative Image with Rule of Transparency

 

Based on the above thought, this slide uses the Rule of Transparency and the Rule of Thirds efficiently to display the text while sustaining image in the background. In addition, it utilizes the Ultra violet shade, which is the color of 2018.
It is effective and in-sync with the current trends, making it more capable of creating an impact.

 

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