Tutorial for Circular Flows 055 – Teardrops
These circular flows convey motion without arrowheads. Use these as an alternative to the standard circular flows with arrowheads or chevron points. They can receive a small amount of text or, as in the series example, numbering to establish sequence. They can be coupled with pies so associated text can be added to the center (see series example to right). Associated text can also be added outside the teardrop flow and look just as nice. General guideline: less text can go inside the flow; more text should go outside the flow.
Customizing the vertically sliced circles
Adjust size
Group all fields comprising the flow and resize as group. To rescale, hold shift key down as resizing.
Color variations
These flows can receive fill and line colors. Choose a color in your template's color palette or a complementary color and apply to the teardrops.3D variations
If you add 3D formatting, just make sure that the depth is very shallow.
Shadows
Don't us shadows if you're using PowerPoint 2003. This type of shadowing reduces the quality of the slide. If you're using PowerPoint 2007 or 2010, then use the drop shadows to lift the teardrops off of the page slightly.
Gradients, patterns, and pictures
Gradients are a little difficult. To make them consistent, each teardrop needs to have a gradient format that is different. Unless you have a lot of time to spend on this, forgo gradients. Otherwise, the gradients will detract from the overall look of the graphic. Add pictures as round icons in the round section of the teardrop. Just create the round picture and place it over the teardrop. You don't need to import the pictures. These graphics are not well suited for imported pictures.
Animations
Animate these in simple reveals, either by themselves or with their associated text. Don't have them fly or spin in or anything that confused the flow concept.
Series that relate to this tutorial:
Links to instructions for getting the framework into your presentation
- Determine the best file type for your needs
- Download the file
- Import the framework into your presentation
| More