F1 Coolness at Almost 8K!
This week I am having a lot of visual fun working on exciting slides like this
The LED wall is almost 8K in resolution and the slides are designed to fill the screen with a custom “Ultrawide” presentation. But as the presentation approached 2GBs it was time to pause on design and manage the content for an optimized file size. I trust the NXPowerlite add-in to optimize images in presentations, and the Slidewise add-in to give me insights into what images are oversize, if there are unneeded master slide layouts and much more.
But working with 8K wide slides poses some issues for letting NXPowerlite optimize images. I created a custom 8K resolution profile, so any image LARGER than the profiles 7,680px wide (aka 8K) will be automatically re-rendered to that resolution. But what about a slide like this where the two images; the F1 logo and the awesome F1 vehicle are not 8K images, and need to be optimized to their on-screen size?
The answer, for me, is a feature that is part of PowerPoint – but not well known. Here is the process:
- Copy the image (eg. the race car)
- Use the Thor Hammer add-in to copy the image size and position
- Delete the image (yes delete!)
- Use PowerPoint’s Paste Special > as .PNG (or use the “PNG” icon on my QAT)
- This adds the original image, but at the size it was copied at (eg. an optimized image!). For the F1 car image it originally as a 8.4 MB image (as reported by Slidewise’s image audit). The pasted in optimized .png is 2.8 MB. Same image, at the pixel size needed, so no quality loss, and over 5MB file size reduction!
- Last, use Thor’s Hammer to position the new image exactly where the original image was
Yes, it is a manual process with a number of clicks. And yes, it took me approximately 10 minutes, but I went a 2GB file to a 1.5GB file with no qualify loss!
Back to creating amazing slide layouts!
Troy @ TLC
The Presentation Podcast talked about Data Viz in 2016
Throughout April The PowerPoint Blog is focused on charts and data viz in PowerPoint. From 2016 is this great conversation about data viz, episode 19 of The Presentation Podcast. It definitely is in line with the blog series and worth a mention and a relisten (or read through of the show notes outline)!
Original blog post announcing the podcast episode is here.
Episode 19 replay is available, with show notes, here.
New Podcast Episode Available! “The Secret Sauce to Stunning PowerPoint Presentations – Navigating the World of Vector Graphics!”
In the latest episode of The Presentation Podcast, Troy and Nolan delve into everything PowerPoint and vector. What does PowerPoint consider a vector graphic? What types of vector files does PowerPoint recognize? What are PowerPoint limitations with vector graphics? This episode is a treasure trove of insights, practical tips, and expert advice on leveraging vector graphics, particularly .SVGs, for great presentation design. Have a listen to see where the conversation goes!
Listen to episode 220 here.
Which Chart Tells 1 Story?
In a presentation, clarity of data is the goal. When presenting charts, our goal is not only to convey information, but to do so efficiently, so much that our design team goal is for a chart to convey its story in just one second. A chart where the viewer immediately understands the core message, without having to think through a lot of unnecessary visual noise.
Let’s look at some examples of PowerPoint’s default charts and how TLC Creative team transforms it into a streamlined, highly effective visual.
The Cluttered Default Chart
Let’s start with a traditional chart, complete with all the usual visual elements.
This chart contains every possible visual component:
- Axis lines – both horizontal and vertical.
- Axis labels – showing the scale of values.
- Axis demarcation lines – to show intervals.
- Legend – to explain the different data series.
- Title – to provide a description of what the chart is about.
- Data labels – showing the exact value of each data point.
While this chart is technically “correct” in that it has all the necessary elements to be fully interpretable, it’s also overwhelming. The amount of information in the presentation makes it hard for the viewer to focus on any one key insight.
What’s the Problem?
This chart is packed with details, but the viewer might struggle to extract the one key takeaway quickly. Maybe you want to highlight a single data point or illustrate a trend without making the viewer sift through a lot of information. The goal is to cut out the visual clutter so that the data speaks for itself.
Streamlining the Chart Styling
Now, let’s transform that chart into one that can be absorbed in just one second.
What has changed?
- Grey bars represent the general data, but they are now muted to draw attention away from them.
- One green bar stands out. This bar is the focus of the chart, the key data point that the viewer should immediately notice.
- The large data label on the green bar clearly shows the value, reinforcing its importance.
- No gridlines to distract the viewer.
- The legend and title have been removed because they’re unnecessary for this simple, focused visualization.
- The Y-axis only shows the minimum and maximum values, which immediately sets the scale without additional numbers cluttering the view.
The Goal of the 1-Second Chart
By eliminating the excess, we create a 1-second chart. A chart that tells you exactly what you need to know. In this case, you might see that one data point is much higher than the others, immediately identifying it as the key takeaway from the chart. The viewer doesn’t need to spend time interpreting axis labels or other extraneous elements – the message is crystal clear.
Why Does This Work?
- Simplicity: Humans process visuals much faster than text or numbers. By focusing on the most important data point, the chart makes a quick impression.
- Focus: The viewer’s attention is drawn directly to the green bar, the focal point of the story.
- Instant comprehension: When there’s minimal distraction, the brain processes the key insight more efficiently.
1-Story Line Chart
Let’s now look at a typical line. Axis titles, chart title, legend (that matches the axis labels), data points (generically positioned) all together is a lot to process. It is a lot of visual clutter. Line charts are often used to show trends over time or the relationship between variables. In the lower version of the line chart, lots of visual clutter has been removed and the important data point for this part of the talk is quickly and clearly identified.
- One green line stands out as the key focus, indicating the primary trend or the data point that is most important.
- The green line is accompanied by a bold green data label clearly showing the exact value of the message.
- Data labels have been moved from the default positioning to beside each data point.
- Gridlines are a lighter grey.
- Legend and titles are removed to simplify the chart, letting the viewer focus on the essential data.
- The Y-axis units simplified to whole numbers, which also reduces the number of gridlines.
Conclusion: The Power of Minimalism in Data Visualization
In data visualization, less can be more. A well-designed chart should prioritize clarity over complexity, especially when you want to convey a key point quickly. The 1-second chart is an exercise in simplification, removing the excess and letting the data shine. By focusing on the key message and eliminating everything that doesn’t support it, we create a PowerPoint that delivers its story in a flash.
So, next time you’re preparing a chart, ask yourself: What’s the one thing I want my audience to walk away with? And then design your chart to make that insight as clear and immediate as possible.
By reducing distractions and focusing on the essentials, you can create charts that don’t just inform—they communicate.
-The TLC Creative Presentation Design Team
The 2016 New Chart Types – A Look Back to February 2016
Looking back through previous posts, I read this one highlighting new chart types introduced to PowerPoint back in 2016 (original post here).
Today, of the 4 chart types introduced in 2016, I cannot recall ever using a Radar chart… and maybe 3-4 times the Treemap chart type. I do recall working on a Sunburst chart and using PowerPoint to create the basic chart, then ungrouping -> converting to shapes -> modifying to the custom styling & sizing needed -> and then producing a fantastic animated series. End result was great, it all started with a native PowerPoint chart. But 4 hours later, it was all custom art elements.
Question: thinking back to 2016, how often do you use these 4 chart types?
How to insert New Chart Types in PowerPoint 2016
New Chart Types where added in PowerPoint 2016. There is bigger news than just some new styles. Microsoft is moving all charting to a new charting engine, and these new charts are coded with this new engine. Eventually, all legacy charts will be ported to the new charting engine, and, fortunately, this is still an in-process engine development (I am certain everyone will encounter a chart limitation depending on their chart data and the way they create charts) – so my take on things is “Yay new charts! But the new charting engine is not fully functional, so some options in the new charts are not fully functional yet.”
The good news is even though only subscription users can create these charts, all versions of PowerPoint (dating back to 2010 and Mac versions) can display chart types – editing and animation is somewhat limited when using previous versions…
Here are 4 of the new chart types currently available (we will continue to see more chart variations added over time, look for another new chart type in the February updates).
Follow these Steps:
Go to INSERT > CHART
The Column Bar Chart
A standard Chart.
1. Radar Chart
That same data in the Bar Chart can instantly be updated.
2. Sunburst Chart
This a great addition to the native PowerPoint chart options vs. going to external charting apps to develop.
3. Treemap Chart
This Chart is new to PowerPoint 2016 native chart options.
4. Waterfall Chart
This standard Column chart with negative data.
-Troy @ TLC
This is from our Look Back series, rediscovering previous blog posts with relevant PowerPoint tips, tricks and examples. The original post from February 17th, 2016 can be viewed here.
Is My Chart Too Skinny?
If you’ve ever inserted a bar chart into PowerPoint and thought that the bars look too thin and awkwardly spaced — you’re not alone. The styling solution is available within PowerPoint, let’s walk through adjusting the bar thickness, and reducing that gap between bars.
1: Select Your Chart
Click on the chart to make sure it’s selected. Once it is, you’ll see the Chart Tools menu pop up at the top with two tabs: Design and Format. Along with the Format Data Series option, these are your go-to tabs for making all the visual adjustments you need.
2: Format the Data Series
To start adjusting your chart, right-click on one of the bars and select Format Data Series from the dropdown menu. This will bring up a panel on the right side of your screen, where you’ll find various options for fine-tuning your chart.
3: Adjust the Gap Width
Within the Format Data Series panel, navigate to Series Options. Here, you’ll find the Gap Width slider, which controls the width or height or your bars. Reducing the Gap Width will make the bars skinny. Increasing the Gap fattens them up. This step will also reduce (or increase) the gap between each of the series bars. In the two examples shown, notice the gap in the between the Black Cars and Green Cars. Play with the slider and adjust it based on your preferences.
4: Adjust the Overlap
If you’re working with a clustered bar chart, you might also want to tweak the Series Overlap setting, located just below the Gap Width slider. Increasing the overlap percentage will cause the bars to slightly overlap, while decreasing it will add more separation. A range of 0% to 20% usually works well, but adjust as needed for your design.
5: Fine-Tune and Customize
Once your bars are spaced to your liking, it’s time to add those finishing touches. Experiment with colors, add data labels, or remove gridlines for a cleaner look. You can do all of this from the Chart Elements button or through the Chart Design tab. Little tweaks like these can make a big difference in how professional and polished your chart looks.
Bonus Tip
If your bars still aren’t quite right, try resizing the chart by dragging its edges. Sometimes a wider or taller chart gives those bars the breathing room they need to stand out. Adjusting the size can be an easy fix for better proportions.
And that’s it! Now your bars should look bold, clear, and way more polished. It’s all about finding that sweet spot with the gap width and overlap.
Adjust The Chart Size… Inside the Chart Frame!
There is a secret when it comes to PowerPoint charts (bar charts, line charts, pie charts, etc.) The secret is: charts have two elements for sizing; the overall chart element bounding box (or frame), and inside that the chart bounding box.
Keep the chart’s overall size as is, which can be helpful for alignment on a slide, or when multiple charts are on a slide. Click the chart, then click the data to make the inner bounding box active. Resize and position as needed – within the outer bounding box of course!
The same goes for chart and axis titles and legends. Each is resizable and moveable within the overall chart bounding box.
TIP: use the legend preset location options; top, bottom, left, right to adjust all chart elements positions, then fine tune the legend size and position).
The functionality is there. It is finnicky. And now it is no longer a secret, hidden formatting option!
-The TLC Creative design team