Circlify for PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations have become the standard method of conveying information in variety of settings, from academic conferences to business meetings. Although praised for this feature, sometimes slideshows seem to sacrifice elements of design for ease of access to information.

Numerous plugins have been devised to tackle this issue and Circlify for PowerPoint is one of them. It promises users the ability to create visually-distinctive presentations, without making any sacrifices concerning the data contained.

As one can tell from the addon's name, the main innovation consists in adding circles or swirls to slideshows. However, the small tool does more than just add user-defined shapes. In essence, it allows one to define invisible circles of various diameters, around which multiple textures or images are placed.

The application features two modes of operation: “Circle” and “Spiral” and a small preview frame allows one to foresee the results, before editing the presentation. Once the 'support-shape' has been defined, users can add the graphical elements that orbit around the main object. Multiple shapes can be inserted, including arrows of various directions.

The number of elements gravitating around the main shape can be customized and rotation effects can be added, either with regard to the circumference or the center; the color of the objects can be randomized and 3D effects can also be applied. Once satisfied with their input parameters, users are free to stretch and move the resulting objects on the slide.

In conclusion, Circlify for PowerPoint is a simple, but practical tool for anyone who regularly uses Microsoft PowerPoint to create slideshows.