The instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint 2019 and 2016, as well as PowerPoint for Microsoft 365. you’ve got the option to use either a smart pen or your finger on these devices.

To get started, open yourPowerPoint presentation.

Drawing a Shape Using the Freeform Tool

SelectInsert>Shapes.

Overhead view of a man using computer surrounded by office supplies

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To draw a freeform shape, select theFreeformicon.

Draw a shape by moving your cursor around the screen, selecting where you want your points.

you might also hold your mouse or finger down to scribble.

Using Shapes tool to draw a custom shape in Powerpoint

Once you’re ready, complete your shape by connecting the last point to the beginning point.

PowerPoint will automatically fill the shape and bring up theFormatsection in the ribbon.

Draw a Shape Using the Scribble Tool

To draw a scribbled shape, select theScribbleicon.

Using the Freeform shape tool to draw a freeform shape in Powerpoint

Hold down your mouse or trackpad to draw a scribble in your PowerPoint slide.

The ends don’t have to connect.

Once completed, theFormatsection will appear.

Drawing a custom shape using the Freeform tool in Powerpoint

Use this section to change the design of your shape.

To get started, open a new or existing presentation.

Here, you’ll see a wide range of pen options, including pencil, highlighter, and marker.

Finished custom shape using Freeform tool in Powerpoint

Select a pen from the available tools.

Start drawing inside your presentation using your finger orsmart pen.

Don’t like what you drew?

Using the Scribble tool to draw scribbled shapes in Powerpoint

Select theErasertool to erase all or part of your drawing.

Simply open a presentation to get started.

Using theDrawtool, write your text using the ink tool of your choice.

Drawing a shape in Powerpoint using the Scribble tool

SelectInk to Textfrom the toolbar.

Draw a lasso around the words you wish to turn to text.

PowerPoint will automatically turn the words into text, giving you spelling options just in case they missed.

Using the Draw tool to draw shapes in Powerpoint

Open a presentation and begin in the same way you did for the Ink to Text tool.

Create your shape using your pen tool of choice.

SelectInk to Shapefrom the toolbar.

Pen formatting options inside the Pen tool in Powerpoint

It even suggests shapes just in case they created the wrong one.

In theDrawtool, selectRulerfrom the toolbar.

Drag the ruler around until you’re happy with the placement.

Drawing with the Pen tool inside a Powerpoint presentation

When you’re done, simply selectRuleragain to remove it from your screen.

FAQ

To add a table in PowerPoint, go to theInsert tab>Table.

you’re free to alsoadd Excel charts to PowerPoint presentations.

Using the Ink to Text tool in Powerpoint

UseEffect Optionsif you want the animation on multiple items.

Use the Animation Pane to change the order and timing.

UsePlay Allto preview your animations.

Using the Ink to Text tool in PowerPoint

Change colors or styles or reorder elements.

Taking ink to text using the Ink to Text tool inside Powerpoint

Using the pen tool to draw a custom shape in Powerpoint

Selecting the Ink to Shape tool inside the Draw tool in PowerPoint.

Turning an ink shape into a text shape using Powerpoint

Viewing the Ruler tool inside the Draw tool in PowerPoint.

Using the Ruler tool in Powerpoint to create a straight line

Drawing a straight line using the Pen and Ruler tools in Powerpoint

Drawing a straight line using the Ruler and Pen tools inside PowerPoint.