Working with PowerPoint Based Maps

One of the benefits of editable PowerPoint maps is that you can edit individual objects, such as state, county and division objects.   Adding color to an object is easy.

1. First, make sure the map has been ungrouped.
2. Next, simply click on the object to select it.
3. After the object you want to edit is selected, click on the “Shape Fill” located in PowerPoint’s drawing tools palette.
4. Choose the color you want to use.

As soon as you choose the color, the selected object(s) are colored.

Now what if you want to choose multiple objects?  It can be a real pain to select each individual object and apply the color individual.  Instead you want to select multiple objects and probably even group those objects. 

To select multiple objects hold down the “Ctrl” key while selecting the individual objects you want to include.  You can then apply the color changes to those selected objects.  

Or, if you think you’ll have more edits to that same group in the future, you may benefit from grouping those objects.

To group objects:

1. Select the objects you want to group
2. Right-click the selection
3. Choose Group, then Group again.

Then you can apply the colors or attributes from the drawing tools palette.

This is demonstrated in the following video.