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Use the Eyedropper to Match Any Color in PowerPoint

2 minute read

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If you want to make consistent, professional-looking PowerPoint slides (and why would you not?!), they Eyedropper tool is your new best friend.

PowerPoint 2013 introduced the Eyedropper, which is included in the color drop-down menu for items like text, shapes, outlines, and more. The steps to match a color using the Eyedropper are available in the video above, or:

  1. On your slide, select the shape, text, or object that you want to change the color of.
  2. On the Ribbon, select the color drop-down menu. If you’re changing a shape color, it will be under Format -> Shape Fill; if you’re changing text color, it will be on the Home tab in the text drop-down menu, and so on.
  3. Click Eyedropper.
  4. Move the eyedropper over the color area you want to match. You’ll notice the square next to the eyedropper change colors as you move it around the slide.
  5. Click when you see your desired new color in the square and your shape/text/object will be changed to that color.

Bonus Eyedropper Tip

Once you’re comfortable using the Eyedropper across PowerPoint, break out of the box and use it to match colors external to PowerPoint! It’s true–you can escape the boundaries of the application and use the Eyedropper to select the color of an image in another Office program, an image on a website, your desktop background, and more. Check out these instructions from the Office blog:

“1. In PowerPoint, click the dropdown menu for the color you wish to set (e.g. fill color, outline, glow, text color).

2. Left-click within the slide and drag your mouse (don’t let go yet!) – and you will be able to move the Eyedropper cursor outside of the PowerPoint window, allowing you access to any color you see on screen.

3. Release the mouse when you have found your desired color to apply that color.”

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