PowerFrameworks

Tutorial for

Concepts 101

Target and Horizon

These frameworks have two components: the target (a place to put your objectives) and the horizon element (a place to put the steps to achieving your objective). They can also be used as an icon. There are five variations: two through six segments of the target. As in the series example, WordArt text can be used to arc within the target segments.

Check out this FAQ to learn how to create perfectly round WordArt for this series.

Customizing the targets and horizons

Adjust size

Be sure to group the entire graphic and resize/rescale. To rescale, hold shift key down as you resize. Then ungroup and proceed with other formatting.

Color variations

The individual rings can receive line and fill colors. Choose colors from your templates color palette or other compatible colors.

PowerPoint 2007 options

The drop shadows are nice to use, but only if the graphic is grouped.

3D variations

This graphic doesn't work really well with 3D formatting. Use as is.

Shadows

Don't use shadows in PowerPoint 2003 – they will date your presentation. Use drop shadows in PowerPoint 2007 and 2010. Group the target and horizon graphic before applying the shadow. Otherwise each ring will have a shadow and the target won't look like a target any longer.

Gradients, patterns, and pictures

Consider using a gradient, as in the series example. Gradients add a little dimension to the target. Also consider using a round photograph (import photograph into circle) and place behind the target. Make the rings semitransparent so that the photograph is "ghosted" behind the target – a nice effect.

Animations

Animations should be limited to revealing text over the rings instead of revealing the rings themselves. Animated builds tends to disrupt the target concept, since the target is supposed to be a single object.