Preparing slides on your PowerPoint is challenging, especially when you have images to attach. The images may move accidentally and disarrange your work. Did you know you can lock your images on the slides to prevent them from moving accidentally?
To lock images in PowerPoint, you can use the shortcut menu by right-clicking the image you want to lock and then selecting the lock option. When locking multiple photos, you can choose the pictures you want to lock on the selection pane and right-click to lock.
In this article, we shall show you how to lock images in PowerPoint to prevent unnecessary movement as you edit your work step-by-step. We shall also provide screenshots for every step for easy understanding.
How To Lock Images In PowerPoint – Step-By-Step Guide With 2 Methods!
Locking images in PowerPoint ensures they remain in position as you work on other edits on the slide. Locked images help you to arrange your work neatly and save on space.
You can lock your images using the following methods.
Method 1: Locking Images Using The Shortcut Menu For A Single Image
Follow the steps below to lock either one or multiple images in PowerPoint.
Step 1: Opening the PowerPoint
Open the Microsoft PowerPoint software application on your desktop, navigation or taskbar.
Step 2: Open a New Slide
Click on a new document from the home page to start from a clean slide, as indicated below. If you have an already saved document, select it by clicking it open.
Step 3: Add the Image
Click on the “Layout” section on the menu bar. Click on the layout with a slide to add a picture as shown below. Add your image by selecting the “Add Image” icon as indicated below. It will direct you to your storage files where you can select the image to add.
You can also drag an image from the desktop and drop it in your PowerPoint by splitting the screen to allow dragging. You can also copy the image by searching the image online and right-clicking to select the copy option. Then open your slide and right-click to paste or use the “Ctrl + V” shortcut.
For multiple images, click on the insert tab on the menu bar and select pictures. Follow by choosing the file where your images are saved – preferably in the “Pictures Folder”. Select your image and then open it to add it to your PowerPoint slide.
Step 4: Locking the Image
After adding your image, “Right Click” on the image and a dropdown list. Select the “Lock” option, and you will have successfully locked your image. Below is a screenshot of the dropdown list after right-clicking the image.
Method 2: Locking Images Using The Shortcut Menu For Multiple Images
When you have more than one image, instead of locking them individually, which is tedious, you can select them and then lock them. Follow the same steps up to step 3 to open the Microsoft PowerPoint software and add the multiple images used in the previous method.
Follow the steps below to select and lock multiple images.
Step 1: Select the Selection Pane
For multiple images, click the “Selection Pane” in the home tab on the right side in the “Drawing Section.”
Step 2: Locking the Images
After clicking on the “Selection Pane”, a selection table with all the listed images will appear on your right. Select the photos you want to lock by holding “Ctrl Key” and then select them.
Follow by clicking on the “Lock Icon” on every selected image below.
You can also lock by “right clicking” on one of the selected images and then choose the “lock” option,
You can now work on other aspects of your PowerPoint since your images are all locked.
You can watch the video below on locking an image in PowerPoint.
How To Lock The Aspect Ratio Of An Image In PowerPoint
Locking images with the lock aspect ratio is vital to maintain the length-to-width ratio when resizing. Let’s look at the two methods available for locking the aspect ratio.
Method 1: Use the “Format Picture” By Right Clicking On The Image
Here are the steps to follow to lock the aspect ratio of an image
Step 1: Select the Format Picture
Start by clicking on the “Format Picture” on the panel, then “Right-click” on the image. A dropdown list will pop up on your screen. Select the “Format Picture” option as shown below.
Step 2: Go to Size and Properties
After selecting “Format Picture,” an option bar will appear on the right side under the Format Picture tab. Proceed to the third option for “size and properties.”
Step 3: Tick the Checklist
You will see a checklist with the lock aspect ratio option. Mark the checklist – should have a blue tick in the box as shown below. Your image is now aspect ratio locked.
Method 2: Using The “Picture Format” Option From The Main Menu Bar
Here are the steps to follow for formatting the pictures from the main Menu bar.
- Step 1: Select the Image
Select the image you want to lock by clicking on it. The picture format will appear. Locate the “Picture Format” on the main menu bar and click on it. The feature occurs at the end of the listed features, as shown below.
Step 2: Locate the Image’s Dimension
After clicking the picture format, it will open formatting options. Locate the section with the image’s dimensions (length and width).
Step 3: Lock the Aspect Ratio
Finally, locate the shown box next to the dimensions settings and click on it. Mark the box by clicking on it. You have successfully locked the image aspect ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the questions below to understand how to lock images in PowerPoint.
Q: Does The Lock Feature Work In Microsoft Office 2021?
The lock feature only works in Microsoft 365 and is not available to the office 2021 software. However, you can lock images and objects by manually editing the XML using hacking tricks.
For detailed hacking tricks to use for locking images in your Excel, PowerPoint and Word, check the OOXML Hacking – Locking Graphics website.
Q: Why Do My Images Seem Stretched And Disoriented After Locking?
Your image may look stretched or disoriented after locking if you didn’t select the lock aspect ratio before locking. The lock aspect ratio facilitates the proportional resizing of the image while locking.
Unlock the image first, select the lock aspect ratio, and then lock again. Your image will be locked and resized in a clear resolution.
Q: Does Locking An Image Protect It From Being Deleted Or Moved?
No. Locking your image does not prevent it from being moved or accidentally deleted. You can preserve the slide or the whole document with an encrypted password to protect it from being deleted.
Conclusion
Locking your images in PowerPoint prevents unintended or accidental image movement while working on other slides. You can highlight your photo on the slide and right-click to lock it.
To access the lock features, ensure your Microsoft PowerPoint is updated and licensed. You can easily maneuver through your work with a locked image, enabling you to have presentable and neat work.