Insert and format autoshapes

To add an autoshape on a slide,

  1. in the slide list on the left, select the slide you want to add the autoshape to,
  2. click the Insert Autoshape Insert Autoshape icon icon at the top toolbar,
  3. select one of the available autoshape groups: Basic Shapes, Figured Arrows, Math, Charts, Stars & Ribbons, Callouts, Buttons, Rectangles, Lines,
  4. click on the necessary autoshape within the selected group,
  5. in the slide editing area, place the mouse cursor where you want the shape to be put,

    Note: you can click and drag to stretch the shape.

  6. once the autoshape is added you can change its size, position and properties.

    Note: to add a caption within the autoshape make sure the shape is selected on the slide and start typing your text. The text you add in this way becomes a part of the autoshape (when you move or rotate the shape, the text moves or rotates with it).


Some of the autoshape settings can be altered using the Shape Settings tab of the right sidebar. To activate it click the autoshape and choose the Shape Settings Shape Settings icon icon on the right. Here you can change the following properties:

Shape Settings tab


To change the advanced settings of the autoshape, right-click the shape and select the Shape Advanced Settings option from the contextual menu or left-click it and press the Show advanced settings link at the right sidebar. The shape properties window will be opened:

Shape Properties - Size tab

The Size tab allows to change the autoshape Width and/or Height. If the Constant Proportions Constant Proportions icon button is clicked (in this case it looks like this Constant Proportions icon activated), the width and height will be changed together preserving the original autoshape aspect ratio.

Shape Properties - Weights & Arrows tab

The Weights & Arrows tab contains the following parameters:

Shape Properties - Text Padding tab

The Text Padding tab allows to change the autoshape Top, Bottom, Left and Right internal margins (i.e. the distance between the text within the shape and the autoshape borders).

Note: this tab is only available if text is added within the autoshape, otherwise the tab is disabled.


To replace the added autoshape, left-click it and use the Change Autoshape drop-down list at the Shape Settings tab of the right sidebar.

To delete the added autoshape, left-click it and press the Delete key on the keyboard.

To learn how to align an autoshape on the slide or arrange several autoshapes, refer to the Align and arrange objects on a slide section.