You're probably aware that you should use visual stimuli in PowerPoint presentations. Visual stimuli evoke emotions, support your presentation content, and thus help you achieve your objectives.
With Microsoft Office PowerPoint 365, you have the option of embedding 3D PowerPoint models into your slides. These offer a completely different visual impact than standard images or animations. Today, we'll show you how to incorporate three-dimensional elements and explain the basic functions of the 3D capabilities in PowerPoint.
These are the advantages of using 3D PowerPoint elements.
Using three-dimensional elements on your slides offers you the following advantages :
- Visually appealing
- Varied
- Avoiding text blocks by visualizing the content with 3D elements
- Modern design
- 3D elements customizable to your needs (highlighting of elements, etc.)
What you need to know when using 3D PowerPoint models
As visually appealing and varied as 3D elements may be for your slides, keep in mind that they are not necessarily suitable for every topic . A poorly designed and thematically inappropriate 3D animation element can quickly appear out of place.
Furthermore, avoid overloading your presentation slides with 3D elements. This quickly looks unprofessional. Less is more in this case.
Another important detail to consider, especially with animated 3D objects, is their size. These animations can quickly reach many megabytes , which affects the overall size of your PowerPoint presentation.
How to insert 3D PowerPoint elements into your presentation
Please note that the following instructions only apply to subscribers of the Microsoft 365 package!
- In the "Insert" tab, select the "3D Models" option.
- PowerPoint now allows you to insert your own three-dimensional objects using the "From a file..." drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can access a wide selection of 3D elements using the "From online sources" drop-down option.
- We will now introduce the "From Online Sources" option. Selecting this option opens a window containing thematically pre-sorted 3D elements . You can also search for a keyword using the search bar. Some elements are also animated , indicated by the running figure icon in the bottom left corner of the category box.
- Select your desired three-dimensional element and it will be inserted onto your slide. You can also select and insert multiple elements at once.
How to use and edit animated 3D PowerPoint elements
If you have chosen an animated 3D object, the animation will run automatically on the slide. You can stop it by clicking on the animation. A frame will appear around the animation. Then, click the "Start/Stop" icon in the bottom left corner.
To edit the animation, click on the object and the "3D Model" tab will open.
Here you have various editing options:
- "Scenes" option: With this selection, your animated three-dimensional object plays a different animation . A maximum of 18 different scenes are possible.
- Select the scene that appeals to you. You also have the option to play multiple scenes . To do this, switch to the "Animations" tab. Click the "Add Animation" option there.
- You can also refine your animation by clicking on the drop-down menu under "Animations" . For example, you can rotate it ("Rotating Plate") or have it evolve from a fade-in ("Fade-In"). Further options are available.
- The "Effect Options" option lets you specify how many times your animation should play. The "Display Duration" button also allows you to set the exact playback time .
- Clicking on "Animation Pane" in the "Advanced Animation" button opens a window on the right side of the screen. Here you have an overview of all animations used on your slide and can also make more detailed adjustments.
- Back in the "3D Model" tab, you can use the "3D Model Views" button to select the perspective from which you want to show the element.
- You can also change the size and orientation of the element.
- Don't like the edited 3D PowerPoint model? A single click on "Reset 3D Model" in the ribbon will return it to its original state.
Further editing of 3D PowerPoint objects
To further edit and adjust the three-dimensional object, right-click on the object. Select "Format 3D Model". An editing menu will now open on the right side of the screen.
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Rotate/Reposition/Resize a 3D Object: Click on the 3D element. The control will appear in the center. Select it and hold down the left mouse button. Then tilt or rotate the model as desired. To change the size and position, use the handles to zoom in/out or the frame to move.
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Rotate a 3D object: Select the pentagon (second element from the left). Here, select "3D Rotation". You can rotate the object as preset or rotate it around the X, Y, or Z axis.
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To color a 3D object: Click the paint bucket icon (leftmost icon). Under "Fill," select "Solid color fill" in the next step. Clicking the "Color" button opens a color selection for the new color.
- To color a 3D object with a gradient : Select the paint bucket icon and then "Fill". Next, select the "Gradient" option. Various options for setting a gradient are available here.
- To insert an image into a 3D object: Click the paint bucket icon and select " Fill" to access the "Image or Texture Fill" option. Select the "File" button to locate the image you want to insert, and then click "Insert" .
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To assign a shadow to a 3D object: Select the pentagon icon (second icon from the left). Here, select "Shadow" . You can then use the sliders and options to assign object shadows as desired.
- To adjust the lighting conditions of the 3D object: Select the cube icon (the rightmost icon). Here, under "Preferences," you can select the lighting conditions.
Many more editing options are available to you in Microsoft PowerPoint. Try them out and customize your 3D PowerPoint element as desired.
5 appealing 3D PowerPoint ideas for your presentation
PowerPoint's 3D option offers numerous possibilities for visualizing slide content . PresentationLoad already provides you with professionally designed templates for various (business) topics . We've compiled five ideas for you here.
1. Data visualization/diagram:
Take advantage of the opportunity to present your data in three dimensions using charts . Thanks to 3D models, your company data will be even more appealing to your audience.
These and other templates are available for you to download:
2. Geometric shapes:
Three-dimensionality allows for a direct inference about geometric shapes. For a change, present shapes like spheres, triangles, or pyramids in three dimensions in your presentation!
These and other slide templates are available for you to download:
3. World maps/globe:
World maps are a good option if, for example, you want to show company headquarters in different parts of the world or convey other country-specific information. Three-dimensional visualizations allow you to communicate this content even more effectively.
These and other templates are available for you to download:
4. 3D images
Do you work with images? Images evoke emotions and help your audience better understand your topic . A picture is often worth a thousand words. Try to further enhance this effect and use animated images.
These and other templates are available for you to download:
5. Further ideas
3D PowerPoint models offer numerous visualization options for your slides . Feel free to browse our shop. We have many more 3D templates available for your topic! ► To the shop
Conclusion: 3D PowerPoint models visually support your topics
To make your next presentation even more visually appealing and varied, use 3D elements . Whether you use individual supporting 3D objects or entire slide content, such as 3D diagrams, a 3D model is always a real eye-catcher !
However, be sure to use your 3D elements effectively and avoid overloading your slides. You should also consider the size of the three-dimensional elements. Then nothing will stand in the way of your next presentation!
Do you have questions about 3D PowerPoint elements or PowerPoint in general? Don't hesitate to contact us, preferably by email at becker@presentationload.de . We're happy to help!
You don't want to create your own 3D elements, but are looking for pre-made 3D templates? Feel free to browse our shop . Here you'll find numerous 3D templates suitable for a wide variety of (business) topics. Visit us today! ► To the shop
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