How to Avoid distorted images in PowerPoint

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In this article we will address a common issue found in PowerPoint slides – distorted images. They make slides look unprofessional. You will find the reason why this issue occurs and how to resolve it.

Nothing looks more annoying than beautiful pictures or shapes distorted on a slide. Take a look the following example:

Distorted Image

Here is the original image:

Original Image

Why do presenters distort their images on a slide?

Here are some common reasons:

They try to stretch the image to fill the slide width or the width of an auto shape they have on slide. Naturally the images look warped.
They enlarge the image by dragging the handles on the sides or bottom of the images.

Here is how you can overcome these issues:

Issue 1: Stretching image to fill slide:

Always enlarge images by locking the aspect ratio so that the ratio of length and width remains constant. Here is how it is done:

Go to ‘Size’ option in the Format tab of PowerPoint ribbon.

Size option in Menu

When you click on the small arrow in the bottom right corner, you will have the corresponding pane opening up. To get the distorted picture back in order click on the ‘Reset’ button:

Reset Original Picture

Once the picture gets back to original dimensions, check on ‘Lock Aspect Ratio’.

Lock Picture Aspect Ratio

Now, when you scale the height or width, the picture enlarges proportionately:

Scale Ratio

Issue 2: Re-sizing image:

Many presenters enlarge the image by dragging the handles on the right or bottom of the images. To ensure that the picture ratio is maintained, it is always better drag the image from the corners.

To enlarge an image, you can also hold down the Ctrl key and drag on the handle in the corner.

The 2 methods are shown below: