Use Picture Fill for Vector Art in PowerPoint

One of the hidden design features within PowerPoint is the PICTURE FILL option. I use this in combination with PowerPoint shapes and inserted vector art to create custom art elements for slides. Because it is Christmas time, my example is a Christmas Tree slide.

Add the Christmas Tree “icon”/vector art (I recommend .svg file format) to the slide
Vector art can have different effects added; color fill, gradient fill, pattern fill (ugg – do not use any PowerPoint provided pattern!). For example, 1^st is a gradient fill that can be adjusted to any color, direction etc.
Or here, the second tree is updated from the black art to a solid green fill.
Or, here is an example with the third tree using a PowerPoint pattern fill. Note: on pattern fills, the lines and background colors can all be customized to make them less horrible…
But the real trick is using the PICTURE OR TEXTURE FILL option! Select the tree shape > open the FORMAT SHAPE dialog > select PICTURE OR TEXTURE FILL > locate the image to use

TIP: you can also paste an image in by using the CLIPBOARD button – if you have the image you want inserted already copied.
Important: The inserted image is distorted to the size of the tree. The solution is the CROP tool. Select the tree > click the crop tool > adjust the width of the fill image with its size/shape points. I made the fill shape much wider and positioned to show some of the real tree branches in the fill image.
And here is the final slide, which can be downloaded here.