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How to Make a Shape Transparent in Google Slides

Google Slides tutorial: red and orange squares with dotted borders on yellow background shows making shapes transparent.


Creating stunning presentations is a must if you want to stand out at the racing pace today. Slides, if in school, at the office, or on any project that you are working with, should seem professional yet innovative. One handy trick that’s going to make your presentation pretty is by making a shape transparent in Google Slides. No need to worry-it’s going to be super easy, and you don’t need to be a design expert to do this.


Today, you’re going to learn how to make a shape in Google Slides transparent. And, in the interests of saving you time, let’s get right into it, shall we?


Why Would I Use a Transparent Shape?


You are probably thinking right now, “Why would a shape ever need to be transparent?” Well, there are several reasons why you want to do this easy little trick to take your slides to the next level:


  • Layer text over background images: You can apply transparent shapes in order to layer text over text without overlaying an image or design completely.
  • Guide audience attention: Use transparent shapes to guide the viewer’s attention to points or aspects that they should pay the most heed to the most important thing.
  • Create a professional look: Any degree of transparency will make your slides look sleek and modern.
  • Custom Design Elements: Use the transparent shape with images, text, or other design elements and come up with an innovative creative idea for your design.


Since you’re swimming in ideas, let’s see how to do it in a few easy steps.


How to Make a Shape Transparent in Google Slides


Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation


  • Open up the Google Slides presentation and add a shape to be semi-transparent here, or create a new slide if you just want to try it first.


Step 2: Insert a Shape


  • Click up in your top menu and click on “Insert” by opening it down.
  • Over “Shape”, click on the best for you, rectangle, circle, or even a much more creative shape you might be able to find there. The shape will automatically appear on your slide.


Step 3: Resize and Move the Shape


Click on the shape to drag and drop or resize it around your slide. Now, using the handles on the edge, drag and resize it to be closer to where you want.


Step 4: Transparency of the Shape


Now it gets fun: making your shape transparent. Here’s how to do this:


  • Click on the shape so that it is selected.
  • Now go up to the toolbar and select Paint Bucket. This will open a bunch of colors for you.
  • Scroll down the color menu then click “Custom”. Now you can see a transparency slider.
  • Drag the slider so that you have the shape barely visible or transparent enough to almost make it invisible.


And you get that shape transparent in Google Slides.


Need more possibilities with editing images? Check here to learn how to make images transparent in Google Slides.


Pro Tips:


If you just don’t have much time or want to get creative without having to do all of the setup work, then check out premade free Google Slides online. These designs are very well done with transparent shapes, images, and text boxes already there for you to use simply as your theme or message to edit. The hard work is done for you with these resources, so no need to reinvent the wheel.


Presentation Hacks


Become a pro on Google Slides? There is much more that can be done to make the creation of fantastic and useful presentations. Here, change the opacity of the objects and layering elements. The list seems endless! Find more from our tips & tricks section on presentation hacks to make your slides look amazing without extra hassle.


Conclusion


One of the supercool, simple yet very powerful tricks you can do in Google Slides is making a shape transparent. It will really make your presentation pop. By drawing attention to the text, creating a lovely background effect, or just messing around with design elements – transparency is one of the fantastic tools in any design kit.


Of course, you do not need to start from scratch, but most of the free Google Slides templates offer all the above and much more. With a few clicks of your mouse, your presentation will surely look professional, modern, and very engaging.


Now that you know how to make any shape transparent in Google Slides. Go ahead, and think of cool stuff!

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Arockia Mary Amutha is a seasoned senior content writer at SlideEgg, bringing over four years of dedicated experience to the field. Her expertise in presentation tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva shines through in her clear, concise, and professional writing style. With a passion for crafting engaging and insightful content, she specializes in creating detailed how-to guides, tutorials, and tips on presentation design that resonate with and empower readers.

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