How to Use Connector Lines in Microsoft PowerPoint

By eHow Computers Editor

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Microsoft PowerPoint provides dozens of shapes to insert into flow charts or presentations to help clarify information. To show the relationship between these shapes, connector lines indicate links between shapes. The dozens of shapes available include squares, rectangles, diamonds, ovals and various irregular shapes. To connect them you can use a straight line, a curved line or an angled line (called an elbow).

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Open Microsoft PowerPoint. Go to "File" and choose "New." Select "Blank Presentation" from the column on the right side. Go to "View" and select "Normal."

Step2

Select "Insert." Click on "Picture," then "AutoShapes." Select a shape and left click on it. Left click on the slide where you want to place the shape. Each shape has handles (small circles) at the corners or edges where the connector lines can attach.

Step3

Repeat Step 2 to put another shape on your slide.

Step4

Go to the "Drawing" toolbar. Select "AutoShapes." Click on "Connectors." Pick the "Connector Line Shape" you want to use by clicking on it.

Step5

Click on a "Connection Point" (the blue circles) on the shape where you want to start a connector line. Click on the "Connection Point" (blue circle) on the other shape where you want to end the connector line. PowerPoint will automatically draw the connector line between the two points. Red circles represent attached or locked connectors; green circles represent unlocked connectors.

Step6

Move the connector by dragging one of its ends and placing it where you want it. Adjust the shape of the connector without detaching it by dragging the yellow handle on the line. Detach the entire connector by dragging the middle.

Step7

Choose "Format." Select "AutoShapes." Here you can find a variety of colors, widths, arrows and styles to make the connector lines more meaningful and attractive.

Tips & Warnings

Different versions of Microsoft PowerPoint use slightly different terminology. Some might say "Shapes" rather than "AutoShapes."
Save your work often. If experimenting, save different versions or variations of your work.