Mask with PowerPoint: Part IV
Today, we will talk about Static Masking. By static masking, it refers to showing a portion of a picture while having the rest of the portion hidden. Below are two images showing you a sunset before and after masking.
Figure 1: Picture of Original Sunset (Before Masking)
Figure 2: Picture of Masked Sunset (After Masking)So how can this be done?
First, the picture must be a background. To do so, click Format > Background.
Click on the dropdown field and select Fill Effects.
Click on the Picture tab, then Select Picture.
Browse for the picture you want and click Insert.
Ok your way out.
Now, click AutoShape > Basic Shapes > Rectangle.
Draw the rectangle onto the slide and make sure it covers the entire slide. Make sure you can't see any portion of the picture.
Double click on the rectangle to bring up the dialog box.
Under the Fill section, set the Color dropdown field to black, which is what I would recommend. You can also try out other colors.
Ok your way out.
Now, add the AutoShape of your preference onto the slide. In this tutorial, we will use rounded rectangle.
Double click on the rounded rectangle to bring up the dialog box.
Click on the Color dropdown field and select Background.
Ok your way out.
Finally, move the rounded rectangle around and position it on the portion where you want audience to see.
One scenario where you can make use of this method would be, having a photograph with many people, but you only want some of the faces to be seen. The sample below includes a picture of the original sunset, a masked sunset, and a simple animation to mask the sunset:
http://pptheaven.mvps.org/blog/MaskingEffectPartIV.zipStay tuned for Part V!