In this article, we have put together instructions step by step on how to create a Venn Diagram in PowerPoint. Charts are a great asset to any presentation. It is said that a picture speaks a thousand words, but charts speak two thousand. A great visual representation for a comparison is a Venn diagram. Venn diagrams allow you to compare two or more topics to show similarities and differences. Luckily, PowerPoint allows you to add a Venn Diagram using the SmartArt feature.
Microsoft PowerPoint has four types of Venn diagrams built into the software: Basic, Linear, Stacked and Radial.
The Basic Venn is the most commonly used Venn diagram and is the most recognizable. This article will focus on the Basic Venn diagram. At the end of the article, we have included a bonus step to show how and when to use the Linear, Stacked and Radial diagrams.
Inserting SmartArt Venn Diagram in PowerPoint
Microsoft has Venn diagram templates built into PowerPoint. Therefore, all that needs to be done is to insert the specific diagram you would like. Of course, customizing options are always available, but not required. Below is a quick overview and detailed step by step instructions on inserting and editing a Venn diagram into PowerPoint.
Table of Content
In a Nutshell
- Open a blank slide
- Open SmartArt Graphics
- Find and insert basic Venn diagram
- Modify the diagram as needed
Create Venn Diagrams in PowerPoint [Video Step by Step]
How to Create a Venn Diagram in PowerPoint [Pictures]
1. Open A Blank Slide
When you are looking to insert your Venn diagram, it best to insert it on a blank slide. If you are choosing it to be a supporting graphic, then you do not have to have a blank slide to do that; instead, you can skip to Step 2. If you are looking to change your slide to a blank slide, ensure you are on the Home tab in the top ribbon.
Then, select the Layout drop-down in the “Slides” section of the Quick Access Toolbar. When the drop-down appears, select Blank.
2. Open SmartArt Graphics
Next, you must open the SmartArt Graphic tool. Go to the Insert tab in the top ribbon toolbar. Then click on SmartArt in the “Illustrations” section of the Quick Access Toolbar.
3. Find and Insert A Basic Venn Diagram
While having the SmartArt Graphic open, go to the Relationship section on the left-hand side. That section shows all the diagrams that will compare multiple items of your choice. In the “Relationship” tab, scroll all the way to the bottom. Then, find the icon for the Basic Venn diagram. That diagram will look like three overlapping circles. Select the Basic Venn icon and click OK.
4. Modify the Diagram as Needed
Now you can begin to modify your diagram. First, edit text that you would like to appear in each bubble. To do that, use the text pane that opened to the left of the diagram when you inserted it. That will allow you to edit the text within each bubble.
Next, you can customize your diagram by changing the color scheme of your diagram. Microsoft PowerPoint defaults to using blue circles, but you can customize your chosen colors to match your presentation using the Change Colors drop down.
Another further customization you can do is change your SmartArt style. This will change the effect that is applied to your diagram. Select the SmartArt Styles drop-down in the “Smart Art Styles” in the Quick Access Toolbar. Then, choose the type of effect that best matches your presentation design.
Lastly, there are some additional features to customizing your Venn diagram in the “Create Graphic” section of the Quick Access Toolbar.
Add Shape: Currently, you only have three circles in your diagram, allowing you to compare three topics. If you would like to compare more, click the Add Shape button in the top-left of the section.
Add Bullet: Using the Add Bullet button in the “Create Graphic” section will add bullet points under your selected topic). For example, you could add sub-bullet point under “Pens” that says “Ink.”
Promote/Demote: Promoting or demoting your text will either create a new circle for that text or will move the text into a sub-bullet. Using this function is another way to “Add Shape” or “Add Bullet.”
Text Pane: Selecting or deselecting Text Pane will show or hide the text pane to the left of the diagram.
Types of Venn Diagrams
The Basic Venn diagram is the most common Venn diagram. Although, Microsoft PowerPoint does have three other Venn diagrams you could choose if your presentation calls for it. The diagrams can all be edited the same way in but will be inserted into the PowerPoint differently. Below is how to create those additional diagrams and examples of when to use them.
If you have already inserted your Basic diagram but would like to change it, you do not have to remove your old diagram. Instead, you can go to to the “Layouts” section of the Quick Access Toolbar, and select your diagram from there. If you already have text and customization in your diagram, it will keep those attributes.
How to Create Linear Venn Diagrams in Powerpoint
A Linear Venn diagram is a diagram that a relationship in a sequence. Each circle overlaps only 1-2 other circles, opposed to a basic Venn in which every circle overlaps one another. This would be a great diagram when comparing things over a span of time (such as months or years).
To insert a Linear Venn diagram, you will want to be in the same relationship section of the SmartArt Graphics as the Basic Venn. Then, scroll down and select the diagram that shows circles side by side, while overlapping. Once you have selected the diagram, click OK to insert it into the PowerPoint.
How to Create Stacked Venn Diagrams in Powerpoint
A Stacked Venn diagram is a comparison diagram that allows you to compare all circles at one time to each other. This is commonly used when showing a progression of detail or growth within your chart. It could be used to start comparing a general topic and get more narrow. For example, you could start with the topic “holidays,” then get smaller by having the smaller circles read “winter,” than “Christmas.”
To insert a Stacked Venn diagram, go to the Relationship section in the SmartArt Graphics. Then, scroll to the bottom and click the icon that matches the Stacked Venn diagram.
How to Create Radial Venn Diagrams in Powerpoint
A Radial Venn diagram is a diagram that allows you to relate multiple items to one larger, overarching topic. For example, if the central topic was Revenue, then the side items could be sales, earnings, products, and vendors.
If you would like to insert a Radial Venn diagram, you need to be in the Relationship section of the Smart Art Graphics. Then choose the second to last diagram when you scroll to the bottom of the options. Click on the diagram’s icon and click OK.
More Powerpoint Tutorials:
- How to Print Powerpoint with Notes
- How to Add Powerpoint Borders to a Slide
- How to Print Powerpoint with Notes
- How to Embed a YouTube Video in Powerpoint
- How to Highlight in Powerpoint