Drawing Lines and Arrows

The most basic drawing objects you can create on your slides are lines and arrows. Use the Line tool to create line segments. The Drawing toolbar's Line Style and Dash Style tools let you determine the type of line you can draw ”solid, dashed, or a combination. You can add arrowheads to any lines on your slide. Use the Arrow tool to create arrows that emphasize key features of your presentation. You can edit the style of the arrow using the Arrow style tool.

Draw a Straight Line

Click the Line button on the Drawing toolbar.

Drag the pointer to draw a line. The endpoints of the line are where you start and finish dragging.

Release the mouse button when the line is the correct length. Sizing handles appear at both ends of the line. Use these handles to resize your line or move an endpoint.

Edit a Line

Click the line you want to edit.

Click the Line Style button on the Drawing toolbar to select a line thickness .

Click the Dash Style button on the Drawing toolbar to select a style.

Click the Line Color button list arrow on the Drawing toolbar to select a color .

Drag a sizing handle to change the size or angle of the line.

Draw an Arrow

Click the Arrow button on the Drawing toolbar.

Drag the pointer from the base of the arrow to the arrow's point.

Release the mouse button when the arrow is the correct length and angle.

Did You Know?

You can change the default size of an arrow . Click an arrow object, click the Arrow Style button, click More Arrows, change the line and arrow settings to the default format you want, select the Default For New Objects check box, and then click OK.

Edit an Arrow

Click the arrow you want to edit.

Click the Arrow Style button on the Drawing toolbar.

Click the arrow type you want to use, or click More Arrows.

If you click More Arrows, modify the arrow type in the Format AutoShape dialog box as necessary, and then click OK.

Did You Know?

You can increase the size of an arrow . Click the Arrow Style button, click More Arrows, and then increase the Weight setting or End Size setting.