Tutorial for Ribbon Flow 042 – Horizontal Wave
Subscribe now to download a 660kb ppt file for this article.
This ribbon flow is an interesting way to show steps in a process. Without the arrow it can be used to present a line of associated ideas. There are seven frameworks in this series, each with three versions. The frameworks are structured with from 2 to 8 waves, and the three versions are …
- Straight arrow and wave line
- Segmented arrow and wave line
- Segmented arrow, wave line, 1 fill section for each wave (so you can use different colors for each wave, as in the series example)
There are other uses for these frameworks as well. Consider giving the waves above the line and the waves below the line different meanings (pros and cons, pluses and minuses, advances and setbacks, etc.). The wave line can also be used to show transition points. The waves above the line means the process is under the control of an entity and the waves below the line means the process is under the control of another entity.
Download the series example to see how we've formatted it.
Customizing the horizontal waves
Adjust size
Group all the elements of the framework and then resize/rescale. To rescale, hold the shift key down as you resize.
Color variations
These frameworks can receive line and fill colors. Use the colors from your template's palette so that the slide blends with your other slides.PowerPoint 2007 options
You can use the 3D (if the depth is shallow), drop shadows, bevels for the wave centers if you want.
3D variations
Don't use 3D on the line, but you can use 3D if the depths are shallow.
Shadows
Only if you're using PowerPoint versions after 2003.
Gradients, patterns, and pictures
You can apply gradients to the wave line:
- A lighter left side makes the wave line look like it is gaining strength
- A darker left side makes the wave line look like it is losing strength,
Animations
Simple sequential reveals.
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