Tutorial for Arrow Variation 024 – Upward Arrow with Feeds

Using Upward Arrows with Feeds

This series is a set of one-field frameworks that can illustrate collaboration, joint ventures, dual contributions, dual feeds, etc. – a highly useful framework. Since the framework is only one field, it is very easy to use and format: simple sizing/scaling and color/gradients are all that are needed.

They are extremely versatile and easy to use.

Customizing the Slotted Arrows and Outflows

Adjust size

These slotted arrows are a single object so there is no grouping necessary before sizing. Just grab one of the corner handles and begin sizing. Hold the shift key down if you want to scale the framework. If you are also using an outflow, group with the arrow and resize/rescale together.

Notice that the downloads have three colors. The dark blue frameworks are the widest, the light blue frameworks are the least wide, and the medium blue frameworks' widths are sized between the dark and light blue frameworks.

Color variations

Select color from your document's color palette or a complimentary color so that the arrows and outflows will reflect the color scheme of the rest of your document. Select "No line." If you use a line color, the space between the feeds will fill in too much

PowerPoint 2007 options

These arrow variations look nice with shadows and reflections. They also look okay with bevels, although the bevel effect does diminish the usable space for text. A drop shadow looks especially nice and "lifts" the framework off the page.

3D variations

A 3D effect adds volume to the arrow variation, which can be accomplished within PowerPoint after it is imported. Be sure to use 3D and/or 2D consistently throughout the presentation, and make sure you have complimentary dimensions (the same depth and direction of the 3D effect) on a page for a more polished look. A shorter 3D depth usually works better because there is more distinction between the segments.

Shadows

A shadow adds interest and dimension to a graphic, which can be accomplished within PowerPoint after the arrows/outflows have been imported. Shadows can give the appearance of multiple objects. Just be sure that the shadow you choose does not interfere with the readability of any surrounding text or obscure the separations between the sections of the arrows/outflows.

Gradients, patterns, and pictures

Gradients and patterns can be added as fills from the "Fill Effects" menu. Gradients, when carefully used, can also add motion to a flow such as this. Pictures don't work all that well with this type of framework. Gradients can also extend the feeds (see series example). By eliminating the "boundaries" of the feeds' starting points and the ending points of the outflows, longer strings of text can be used.

Animations

Since these arrows in and up from two directions, be very careful about animations. It would probably be better to set the framework on the slide and then animate the content text as reveals.

Series that relate to this tutorial:

AV024 – Arrow Variation 024 – Upward Arrow with Feeds

Possible use example