Stop using basic square photos in your slides! They make even the best presentations look basic. Switching to circular photos is a total game-changer, and this article takes you through a step-by-step guide on how to create a circular image in Google Slides.
Beyond looking modern, circular crops help you to highlight key details, such as a person’s face, by stripping away the background. Whether you are building a digital portfolio or a science fair slideshow, this simple trick will give your presentation a high-end appearance without using fancy graphic design tools.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before we dive into the guide, here are a few pro tips and common mistakes to avoid when you make a square image round in Google Slides.
Tips:
💡 Resize the image before masking. Finalize adjustments to image size before masking to avoid unexpected edge cut-offs.
💡 Fine-tune the image within the circle: After masking, double-click to center or zoom the image.
💡 Add a subtle border: Avoid thick outlines, but a thin border around the image helps it stand out.
Common Mistakes:
❌ Image distortion: Never drag the slide handles to resize. It distorts your image.
❌ Poor centering: If the image is not centered, it looks sloppy and accidental.
❌ Oversized circles: making a circle too large throws off the visual balance of the slide.
How to Circle Images in Google Slides Using the Mask Tool
Ready to circle your first image in Google Slides? Ensure you are logged into Google Slides and that the image has already been inserted. We will use the built-in Mask tool to make a photo a circle in Google Slides. It’s important to note that the masking options appear on the toolbar only after the image is actively selected.
Step 1: Select your image
Click on the image to select it for masking. A blue border with square handles will appear around the image.
Step 2: Go to the mask tool
On the toolbar, select the downward-facing arrow next to the crop tool. From the drop-down menu, select Shapes > oval shape.
Step 3: Your image is masked!
The selected image is automatically turned into a circular shape. To move the image within the circle, double-click on the image and drag it. Focus on centering the image within the circle.
Step 4: Adjust the image using format options
Once the image is masked, you can use the format toolbar to fine-tune the position or resize it. Click the image to select it and go to Format options in the toolbar. Use the size and rotation tools to fine-tune the appearance of the masked image.
How to Make an Image Circular in Google Slides with a Third-Party Tool
Using a third-party image editor like Canva to make an image circular in Google Slides gives you more control over editing. You can precisely cut it into a circle, apply filters, and remember to save it with a transparent background before importing it into Google Slides.
Let’s see how to frame an image using Canva.
Step 1: Upload the image
Open Canva. Click Uploads >Upload files to add the image to the Canva platform. Select the image from your local drive in the pop-up menu.
Step 2: Select a circle frame from the elements
Navigate to the elements and search for frames. Select a circular frame from the list.
Step 3: Drag your image into the frame
From the uploads section, drag your image into the frame. Canva will automatically fit the image within the circle.
Step 4: Click on the image to edit
Click on the image to select and edit it. You can use the Canva tools to change the image alignment, remove the background, crop the image, or add a transparent background.
Step 5: Download the image
Go to Share at the top right-hand corner and select download> File type( PNG) and then select Download to save the final image to your laptop. The circular image is now ready for uploading to Google Slides.
Conclusion
Presenting images in circular form is an easy way to up your presentation game. By mastering the mask tool in Google Slides and avoiding common mistakes like distorted images, you can easily give your project a professional appearance.
We have studied how to make a picture a circle in Google Slides in detail, with built-in tools and third-party platforms, in this tutorial. Whether you are highlighting a key historical figure in a class presentation or building a team portfolio, making a circle image in Google Slides will keep your audience engaged.
FAQs on Making a Photo a Circle in Google Slides
Here is some additional information on how to make a square image round in Google Slides, which will help you create pro-looking slides.
1. How do I change the shape of a picture in Google Slides?
Changing the shape of your photos is a quick way to attract attention. Log in to Google Slides and open your presentation.
- Select the image you want to modify by clicking it.
- Open the mask menu. It’s a downward-facing arrow located next to the crop tool.
- Choose the shape you want from the galley- it can be a heart, oval, or rectangle.
The selected picture will change into the new shape.
2. How to make a photo a circle in Google Slides without a background?
To remove the background of an image directly in Google Slides, you will need a Google One/ Google Workspace premium subscription.
- Click on the image.
- Go to edit image> remove background to make a picture circular in Google Slides without a background.
3. How to make an image curve in Google Slides?
While there is no direct curve or warp tool in Google Slides, you can use shapes to create a similar effect.
- Upload the image to Google Slides and click on it to select the image.
- In the masking tool (down arrow next to crop tool), select Shapes.
- Click a curved shape, like a teardrop or a curved rectangle, to give the image a curved appearance.
