How to Create 3D Split Photo Effect in PowerPoint

The hardest part of preparing a PowerPoint presentation is successfully capturing your audience’s attention and making your points memorable. It gets even harder when you are handling a complicated topic.

Luckily, there are many tips that help make your presentation more lively and engaging. One of them is using the 3D split photo effect. In this article, we'll show you how to add the 3D split photo effect to your PowerPoint slides.

What Is the 3D Photo Effect?

3D photo effects are PowerPoint graphics that modify your images to appear like they have multiple dimensions rather than the standard 2D. 3D effects make your slides both interactive and fun. Using the 3D split photo effect in PowerPoint, you do not need additional photo editors such as Photoshop.

Creating 3D Split Photo Effects

If you want to add a 3D split photo effect, but you don't know where to start. Here is a quick guide on how to create the 3D split photo effect without breaking a sweat. For an easier time, we have split this process into four progressive steps.

Step 1: Setting Up

1. Open your designated PowerPoint presentation.
2. Click on Insert > Pictures.

3. Browse to find your picture and insert it.

Step 2: Inserting Shapes

1. Click on the inserted picture; this will prompt the Picture Format tab.
2. Click on Size group > Select ideal dimensions.

3. Select the Home tab > Rectangle shape, which is under the Drawing tab.

4. Using the rectangle, trace it on the picture's edge. This will prompt a Shape Format tab > format the size in the width box.
5. To remove the Shape Outline, click on Styles and Shapes and then choose your preferred option from the dropdown menu, i.e., No Outline.

6. Duplicate the shape by clicking on Ctrl+D. Do this several times until you cover the whole image.

7. If you want to send the rectangles to the back of your image, select all the rectangles and click the Send to Back button.

Step 3: Splitting the Photo

1. Click on your image, press the Shift button and simultaneously click on the first rectangle.
2. On the Shape Format tab, select, Insert Shape > Merge Shapes option.

3. Choose the Intersect option from the dropdown menu that appears. That will split your image into the width of the rectangle that you placed behind it.
4. Copy the original image and paste it over all the rectangles.
5. Repeat the same method you used to split the first photo.
6. Your photo is now in three equal sections (depending on the dimensions you used). It should look like this:

Step 4: Adding 3D Effects

To complete your 3D split photo effect, you will have to add the relevant effects by following these steps.

1. Select all the split photos by holding down the Shift key while clicking on them.
2. Right-click on the selected images > click on Format Object to display the Format Picture pane.

3. Click on the Effects page > 3D Rotations.

4. Select the Preset button > Perspective section > Choose the best effect and edit as you please.

5. Click OK to effect the changes.
   Note that some effects are more complementary than others. Have this in mind as you select the best effect for each of the split photos.

Why You Need 3D Split Images in Presentations

1. Breaks Monotony

No matter the topic or pictures involved, 3D split images go a long way in breaking the usual monotony associated with a formal presentation. Splitting your image will spruce up your presentation and make it much more unique and memorable.

2. Speaks Creativity

Nothing screams creativity in a presentation more than a well-edited 3D split image. There are many effects available-pick one that best suits your images and presentation. PowerPoint allows you to use all the effects for free.

You can even opt to make your images transparent for a more dramatic effect. However, be sure to strike a balance between creativity and professionalism in order not to over-deviate the attention from the main agenda.

3. Captures Attention

When making lengthy presentations, you will need all it takes to capture people's attention. Using the 3D split effect will work for you. Unlike regular pictures, the 3D photo effects are attractive to look at; thus, they will capture your audience’s attention and keep them wanting to see more and more.

4. Memorability

People are wired to remember unusual things. In this case, they remember the images that stand out over the more basic ones. So if you want to make a lasting impression on your audience, it is prudent to take your time making the best 3D split images. Never underestimate the impact of these images on the memory of your audience.

PowerPoint Images Best Practices

When preparing PowerPoint presentations, the key is in picking the right photos. Here are some of the PowerPoint best practices that you might want to consider.

1. Use Enough Images

The secret to perfectly utilizing photos in PowerPoint slides is to ensure you use just enough images. Do not clutter your slides with unnecessary images. At the same time, do not go short on photos, as they can help you avoid using too many words. This way, your audience will follow your presentation without much effort.

2. Use High-Quality Images

No matter the circumstances, do not use low-quality images. Ensure that you have the best photos and that they are of high resolution. Blurry images will only shift your audience's attention from the presentation and create the impression that your work is substandard.

3. Ensure Consistency

Another critical tip you should remember is to keep your images consistent. This will help create some uniformity and harmony between your slides. For instance, you may choose a particular theme, e.g., outdoor photos, stick to using them till the end of your presentation.

4. Utilize Images With White Space

White space, or negative space, is essential if you want to draw and capture your audience's attention to a particularly important point. To find the perfect image, get a picture with plenty of blank space (it does not have to be white; it can have a different solid color). You should then type (insert) your point on this space. Doing this will give your slide a professional look as opposed to a crowded and untidy look.

5. Only Split Particular Images

Not every image is ideal for 3D splitting. Before you split an image, consider whether it is necessary to do so. Ask yourself, “Will splitting detract the audience from understanding the main point of the picture? Will it add any value to the image? Will splitting the image improve its aesthetic appeal?” If splitting your image will cause more harm than good, it would be best to avoid doing so altogether.

6. Explore With Shapes

Do not shy away from using diverse shapes for your split photos. From triangles to circles and even parallelograms, no shape is out of bounds. Consider using multiple shapes if you can get away with it. The goal is to be as creative as possible while still maintaining relevance and preventability in your slides and presentation. It can sometimes surprise you how great a blend of two or more shapes might turn out to be.

It's Worth the Effort

Compared to your regular images, 3D photo splitting effects will spruce up your presentation. It may take much longer to prepare and a whole lot of effort compared to just dropping an image into the slide; however, it will all be worth it. So work your way around this method and get as creative as you can get while still maintaining that professional look. You can even borrow some of these tips to ensure your presentation is the best and stands out from the rest!