It's common knowledge that images in presentations attract more attention than text. There are several ways to leverage this effect in your presentation without sacrificing important information.

In this article, we present two options that allow you to combine text and image elements to create visually appealing slides.

Option #1: Design slides in a grid style

Perhaps you have already heard of the grid look : thanks to the grid look, you can combine text and image elements on one slide and, for example, combine product photos and product information into a single unit.

To enable you to use this practical technique, we have compiled instructions for you in this section.

1. Create a grid

First, place the desired shape (for example, a rectangle) in different sizes on your foil and add white outline lines to the shapes.

If you need a more detailed explanation of this step, please see our article on treemaps .

2. Prepare the image

Now select all shapes in the grid using the Shift key and then group them using Ctrl + G or Command + Option + G on a Mac. Insert your desired image onto the slide and position it over the grid. Adjust the inserted image to fit the grid and then cut it out using Ctrl + X. On a Mac, use the shortcut Command + X.

You can also find more helpful shortcuts for working with PowerPoint in our blog article on the topic of "useful shortcuts" .

3. Insert image into grid

Now right-click on the grid and select "Format Shape". Then switch to the "Fill" section and select "Picture or Texture Fill". Finally, select the "Clipboard" option. Your previously selected image is now on the individual shapes of the grid.

4. Text and color

You can now fill the individual areas of the grid with suitable colors and text . Since the image and text elements are part of the grid, they appear as a unit and are easier for the audience to absorb. However, be sure to use easily legible fonts and adjust the color contrasts between text and background accordingly.

Option #2: Text on images

As an alternative to the grid layout, you can also visually enhance your presentation by adding text over your images . We will present various application and design options in the following section.

Option #1: As a chapter divider or heading

First, select an image you want to use as the background of your slide . Next, draw a shape (for example, a rectangle) on the slide. Then, select the shape and, under "Format Shape," adjust the fill and transparency. For a sophisticated design effect , we recommend setting the transparency so low that the background image shows through the shape .

Once the form has been edited, you can write your heading or other information on the form as you wish.

Option #2: Overlay a longer text on the image

If you decide to place a longer text in a shape on your image , first follow the same steps as explained in the last paragraph. For longer texts, we recommend filling the shape beneath your text with black and approximately 50% transparency . This ensures that even longer texts remain easily readable for your audience.

Option #3: Rectangle with transparent gradient

As an alternative to using a shape with low transparency, you can also get creative with the gradient between the shape and the image . A rectangle or a square is best suited for this, as these shapes can be adjusted to fit the slide. Extend your shape over an entire side of the image and then darken that side with a transparent gradient.

Here's how it works:

3 advantages of image and text combinations

Even though these solutions may seem more complex at first glance than simply creating image or text slides, they offer several advantages .

#1: Audience attention

Presentations consisting primarily of text slides with only a few images quickly become boring. Too much text on slides overwhelms the audience , while overly monotonous slides cause their attention to wane quickly. Combining images and text on your slides provides variety and thus ensures a longer attention span for your audience.

You can also find further tips on how to capture your audience's attention in our blog article on "Attention in Presentations" .

#2: Professional-looking design

Even if you consider yourself an amateur when it comes to using PowerPoint, you can still impress your audience with sophisticated combinations of images and text, demonstrating your design skills.

#3: Product Presentation

Instead of simply presenting your products with text or basic images, you can combine these elements using a grid layout . This allows you to present product photos and information in a visually appealing way on your slides and convince your audience.

You can also use professionally designed slides from PresentationLoad to present your products!

Further image editing options

If you use images in presentations, you've probably noticed the numerous possibilities they offer, from size to design. Always customize images to your specific needs. We've compiled a number of helpful blog articles for you, providing further valuable tips on working with images.

Conclusion: Combinations of image and text for greater attention

Try out our design ideas yourself and see how easily you can convince your audience with sophisticated image and text slides!

Do you have questions about grid layout, text on images, or PowerPoint in general ? Don't hesitate to contact us at info@presentationload.de . We're happy to help!

Are you looking for visually appealing and professionally designed slide templates ? Feel free to browse our shop. We have numerous slides on a wide variety of (business) topics available for download. Visit us today! ► To the shop

Other articles that might interest you: