Modifying a Freeform

Each vertex (a corner in an irregular polygon and a bend in a curve) has two attributes: its position and the angle at which the curve enters and leaves it. You can move the position of each vertex and control the corner or bend angles. You can also add or delete vertices as you like. When you delete a vertex, PowerPoint recalculates the freeform and smooths it among the remaining points. Similarly, if you add a new vertex, PowerPoint adds a corner or bend in your freeform.

Move a Vertex in a Freeform

Click the freeform object you want to edit.

Click the Draw button on the Drawing toolbar, and then click Edit Points.

Drag one of the freeform vertices to a new location.

Click outside the freeform when you are finished.

Insert a Freeform Vertex

Click the freeform object in which you want to insert a vertex.

Click the Draw button on the Drawing toolbar, and then click Edit Points.

Position the pointer on the curve or polygon border (not on a vertex), and then drag in the direction you want the new vertex.

Click outside the freeform to set the new shape.

Delete a Freeform Vertex

Click the freeform object you want to edit.

Click the Draw button on the Drawing toolbar, and then click Edit Points.

Right click the vertex and then click Delete.

Click outside the freeform to set the shape of the freeform.

Did You Know?

You can gain control over your freeform . After you click Edit Points, right-click a vertex. PowerPoint displays a shortcut menu with options for other types of vertices you can use to refine the shape of the freeform. These commands let you specify, for example, a smooth point, a straight point, or a corner point.

Modify a Vertex Angle

Click the freeform object.

Click the Draw button on the Drawing toolbar, and then click Edit Points.

Right-click a vertex and click Smooth Point, Straight Point, or Corner Point. Angle handles appear.

Drag one or both of the angle handles to modify the shape of the line segments going into and out of the vertex.

Click outside the freeform to set its shape.