Clever Clogs tip # 715
22 September 2022


Find text or shapes that are hidden, stacked, or behind other objects (Microsoft PowerPoint) *

Don't know about you, but I sometimes struggle to "grab" text or objects on a slide. Perhaps you did a Send to Back, but now need to delete the shape. Or you have an object that is aligned and now hidden behind another one.

On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Select to open the Selection Pane ...

... but that assumes you renamed or know the obscure name of the various bits and bobs.

So why not flick through everything on your slide?

Here's how:

  1. Make sure nothing is selected. For example, click in an empty bit in the top right hand corner of the slide.
  2. Press TAB to flick through all the objects on your slide.

And remember, no need to add a Text Box to a shape; just type! And if you want to edit or format the text, simply use F2.

Related tips

  1. Keyboard shortcut to edit and format text in a shape: tip_705.php
  2. Resize and position photos in SmartArt: tip_513.php
  3. Magnify part of a picture on your slide: tip_613.php

This week's CleverClogsTipTime on LinkedIn

       What can I do with F1?

K.

PS Click here for all PowerPoint training dates. And remember that - unlike most training companies - I never cancel a course if I don't have enough takers. So you could be lucky and have a 1:1 for the price of an 'off the shelf' session.


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