Tip of the week # 646
19 March 2021


Convert bullet points into professionally designed layouts with icons (PowerPoint for Microsoft 365) *

Back in 2009 I wrote about PowerPoint 2007's new feature to convert bulleted lists into SmartArt. (See tip_268.php.) The option is still there, but if you are a Microsoft 365 subscriber there is a fabulous new way to quickly turn your bullet points into professionally designed slides. It even suggests icons to accompany your text.

Here's how:

  1. Create your bulleted list, as normal. (Remember, you can convert your Word documents if it uses built-in headings.)
  2. Click on the Design Ideas button on the Home or Design tab.
  3. Click on your preferred design in the Task Pane.
  4. If you selected a design that contains one or more pictures that you want to change, click on the tiny Replace Your Icon button that pops up when you click on it.

By the way, Designer constantly works in the background to match the content that you type or add.

Related tips

  1. Convert an existing bulleted list to a SmartArt graphic - tip_268.php
  2. Convert your Word documents to PowerPoint presentations - tip_228.php
  3. Move bullet points or text using a keyboard shortcut - tip_531.php


* Unless stated otherwise this tip is written for Microsoft 365 and Windows 10 users, but can also be useful in Office 2010, 2013 and 2016.