One of my earlier posts showed how to create a Polaroid vector in Inkscape. However at the time, I noted that if you wanted to use that Polaroid as a Powerpoint shape, if you saved the shape as an emf the gradient disappeared. So I thought I would post how to add gradients in PowerPoint, for shapes or to create a realistic looking background.
Create a shape
eg. Rectangle. This method can be used to add any type of shape to a slide
Click on the insert tab & find the illustrations group
Click on the small down arrow below shapes
Then click on the rectangle shape in the rectangles group.
Drag the cross style cursor over the screen to draw the rectangle
Drag the circular / square placeholders to adjust the size and shape of the rectangle so that it fills the width of the slide
Adding a gradient
Right click on the shape and then select format shape.
Ensure fill is selected
Click on gradient fill
Click on the left gradient colour stop
Click on the Color down arrow
Choose white for the left gradient colour.
Repeat for the right gradient color, choosing a light grey
Remove the centre stop by dragging it downwards from the bar
Click on the Direction down arrow and choose linear down. (This is the second option. If you hover the mouse over the option, a tooltip with the name of the option will appear)
Ensure the angle is set to 90°. If necessary, type in a new value or use the up and down arrows to adjust it.
If necessary remove the line. Click on Line Color.
Click on No line. Then click on Close
You should have this result
