PowerPoint: Mirror object

In PowerPoint, you can mirror inserted objects and graphics both horizontally and vertically. You can use various reflections as artistic effects. You can find out where you can find these functions in the Office program here.

Quick change of direction: mirror objects horizontally in PowerPoint

In the case of photos or clip art elements in particular, the layout sometimes requires that these objects change their "direction", for example a vehicle no longer drives from right to left, but in the opposite direction. Here you will find the corresponding function in PowerPoint.

• Select the object whose direction you want to change. Go to the "Start" tab and call up the "Arrange" command group in the "Drawing" subgroup. Under the heading "Position objects" you will find the "Rotate" command.
• If you drag the mouse onto the "Rotate" command, a context menu opens in which you will find the "Flip horizontally" command. With this command you create a mirror image of your object.
• Tip: You can achieve the same effect if you move the mouse over a handle on the right or left side of the marking of your object. If you keep the left mouse button pressed, the mouse pointer changes from a double arrow to a cross. Now drag the mouse horizontally over your object to the other side to get a reflection.
• To mirror your object vertically, ie "upside down", select the click path "Start" -> "Arrange" -> "Rotate" -> "Flip vertically". You can also achieve this effect via the handles of the object marker, which is visible on a smaller line above the upper edge of the marker. If you keep the mouse button pressed, the mouse pointer changes into four arrows running in a circle. With the mouse button held down, you can now rotate your object at any angle.

PowerPoint: Gentle reflections as visual highlights

If your PowerPoint presentation should also be visually convincing, reflections of images and graphics are a style element that you should take a closer look at. We'll show you what options you have here.

• Select your object and use the "Start" tab in the "Drawing" command group to open the "Format graphic" dialog window. You can do this by clicking on the small arrow in the lower right corner in the "Drawing" command group. Alternatively, you can open the window via a context menu, which is opened by right-clicking on selected objects.
• In the "Format graphic" window you will find the entry "Mirroring". This point hides a dropdown menu, which you can use to determine the size and transparency of the reflection of your object. Here you have the possibility to check all sizes manually. Alternatively, you can choose from a selection of presets.

This practical tip is based on PowerPoint 2013. Another highlight in a PowerPoint presentation is certainly an embedded video.