Change the shape of the title placeholder

Change the shape of the title placeholder

Sometimes you want something different. Is it possible to change the shape of a placeholder to another shape? Yes this is possible, in fact you can change any shape you have drawn to another.

If you want all placeholders to change shape go to the slide master. Here's how in PPT 2003:

• View - Master - Slide master
• Select the title placeholder
• On the drawing toolbar, click the Draw button
• Click Change Autoshape
• Select one of the many categories of AutoShapes, for example Basic shapes. Select an appropriate shape, say a rounded rectangle or keystone.
• Now, if you apply a border to your placeholder it will have the chosen shape. To do that click the Line colour button on the Drawing toolbar and choose an appropriate colour.
• You can adjust the AutoShape to your liking using the little yellow diamond shaped handles.

For PowerPoint 2007, do this:

• View tab - Slide Master button
• Select the first thumbnail which is the Slide master or select any of the Slide Layouts beneath it, depending on what you want to change.
• Select the title placeholder, or any other placeholder you want to change.
• Choose the Format contextual tab on the far right of the ribbon.
• Select the Edit shape button in the Shapes group.
• Select the Change shape item.
• Select one of the many categories of AutoShapes, for example Basic shapes. Select an appropriate shape, say a rounded rectangle or keystone.
• In the Shape Styles group, click Shape Outline button and choose an appropriate border.
• Now your placeholder will have the chosen shape.
• You can adjust the AutoShape to your liking using the little yellow diamond shaped handles.
• Click the Slide Master tab, click the Close Master button.

That's it.