How to Crop a Picture in Microsoft Powerpoint Like a Pro

When it comes to cropping a picture, there are various tools you can use. For example, if you already have PowerPoint installed, why not use it to crop an image instead of installing yet another program.

PowerPoint has the option of cropping a picture freestyle or you can crop the image to have a particular shape. Regardless of which one you choose, both are easy to do even if it’s your first time using PowerPoint.

How to Crop a Picture to Aspect Ratio in PowerPoint

If the image you need to crop can be cropped to standard aspect ratios, PowerPoint already has them as options. If you want to give them a try, you’ll need to click on the image you’re previously inserted and click on Picture Format at the top.

The Crop option will be to your far right, click on its drop-down menu > Place the cursor on the Aspect Ratio option and click on the one you want to use.  If you’re going to crop the image a little more, you can use the crop rectangle.

Crop an Image by Dragging in PowerPoint

It’s also possible to crop the image using the black crop handles that’ll appear on the sides. To make these handles appear right-click on the image you’ve inserted and click on the Crop option. You can also access this option by going to Picture Format > Crop > Crop.

Use the black handles to crop the image to your liking. By pressing the Ctrl button, you can even crop the image on both sides. First, press Ctrl and then click and drag the black handle. You’ll see how the opposite side will crop the same amount your cropping on the other side.

By adjusting the height and width, you can crop the image to exact dimensions. You’ll find the height and width in the upper right-hand corner.

How to Give a Cropped Image a Shape

If you’re working on a project and you need to give your image a specific shape when you crop it, PowerPoint has you covered. To give your image a form go to:

• Picture Format
• Crop
• Crop to Shape

In the new window, you’ll have quite a few options to choose from.

After choosing the shape you want your image to have, you should see cropping handles on the sides. Once you’ve set them to your liking, click on the Crop option you previously clicked on to access the shape options in the first place.

Conclusion

Sooner or later, cropping an image is something you’ll need to do, for work or for a personal project. Now you know that you can crop your images in three different ways. You probably already have your preferred cropping app, but if it’s ever necessary to crop in PowerPoint, you’re aware of all the cropping options. Which option are you going to choose first?