10 Power Tips Using ToolsToo for PowerPointToolsToo for PowerPoint is a productivity add-in that extends PowerPoint’s native layout, alignment, and automation tools. Whether you’re designing slides for a pitch, report, or training deck, ToolsToo can save time and improve consistency. Below are ten practical, actionable tips to help you get more done, faster — with concrete steps and examples.
1. Use Align to Shape to maintain consistent margins
When you need objects to sit a precise distance from the slide edge or another object, ToolsToo’s Align to Shape commands are invaluable.
How to:
- Select the object(s) you want to align.
- Choose Align → Align to Shape, and pick the reference shape (slide or another shape).
- Use the “Align Left/Right/Top/Bottom” options to lock objects to a consistent margin.
Example: Align a logo 0.3” from the left and 0.2” from the top of every slide for consistent branding.
2. Distribute Spacing Evenly with Exact Spacing
ToolsToo lets you set exact spacing between multiple objects — not just “distribute horizontally” but define the exact distance.
How to:
- Select the objects to distribute.
- Choose Distribute → Exact Spacing and enter the desired measurement (e.g., 0.25”).
- Apply to rows or columns as needed.
Example: Create evenly spaced icon rows on a feature slide with exactly 0.2” between each icon.
3. Use Resize to Fit to scale groups proportionally
Resize to Fit scales groups of shapes or pictures to fit within a target area while preserving proportions.
How to:
- Group the items or select multiple shapes.
- Choose Resize → Resize to Fit and specify the target width/height or select a reference shape.
- Optionally lock aspect ratio.
Example: Fit multiple product screenshots into a fixed frame on a comparison slide without distortion.
4. Create consistent connectors with SmartConnect
SmartConnect makes drawing connectors between shapes precise and consistent across diagrams.
How to:
- Select two shapes.
- Click SmartConnect and choose the connector style and offset.
- ToolsToo adds and adjusts the connector to maintain spacing if shapes move.
Example: Build an org chart where connectors remain tidy as you reposition boxes.
5. Batch rename shapes for maintainable slide structure
Give meaningful names to shapes in bulk so you can find and edit them quickly later, especially when slides have many layered objects.
How to:
- Select shapes to rename.
- Use Rename → Batch Rename and apply patterns like “Icon_01”, “Icon_02”.
- Use numbering and prefix/suffix options.
Example: Rename all callout shapes to “Callout_Step_1…Callout_Step_N” to make slide automation easier.
6. Use Align to Grid for pixel-perfect layout
Align to Grid snaps objects to a configurable grid, which helps create clean, consistent layouts across slides.
How to:
- Enable Grid in ToolsToo and set grid spacing (e.g., 0.125”).
- Turn on Align to Grid for selected objects or the whole slide.
- Move objects; they’ll snap to grid lines.
Example: Create a clean data-visual slide where bars and labels align precisely.
7. Automate repetitive adjustments with Macros
ToolsToo supports macros for recurring layout tasks — record actions and replay them across slides.
How to:
- Open the Macros panel and record a series of ToolsToo commands.
- Save the macro with a descriptive name.
- Run the macro on other slides or include it in batch processing.
Example: Record a macro that resizes and repositions customer quotes uniformly on dozens of slides.
8. Use Make Same Size for consistent visual weight
Make Same Size lets you match width, height, or both among selected shapes to keep visual balance.
How to:
- Select the reference shape and other shapes to change.
- Choose Make Same Size → Width/Height/Both.
- Optionally center or align after resizing.
Example: Make all product image frames the same height so thumbnails look uniform.
9. Use Align to Slide to quickly center content
Need a centered title or visual? Align to Slide centers objects relative to the slide, not to other shapes.
How to:
- Select object(s).
- Use Align → Align to Slide → Center and Middle.
- Combine with Distribute to center a group of objects.
Example: Center a call-to-action box both horizontally and vertically on a closing slide.
10. Export layout measurements for documentation
ToolsToo can list object positions and sizes so you can document slide templates or hand off specs to a designer.
How to:
- Select objects or the whole slide.
- Use Export → Export Measurements to generate a CSV or a text report.
- Share the report with team members for consistent handoffs.
Example: Export element dimensions to create a one-page slide spec for your design system.
Tips for faster adoption
- Add ToolsToo commands you use often to the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Use keyboard shortcuts for common ToolsToo actions.
- Combine ToolsToo with PowerPoint Slide Masters for template-level consistency.
ToolsToo streamlines the mechanical parts of slide design so you can focus on message and storytelling. Use the steps above as templates — adapt measurements, spacing, and macros to your brand standards and slide dimensions.
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