How to Design Cross-Linked Chains in PowerPoint

Content plays a very crucial role in making a presentation great. However, aesthetics play an equally important role too. They breathe new life into an otherwise dull and lifeless presentation making it nothing less than a masterpiece!

Chain links are one such metaphorical representation that can help you create great presentations without much time and effort. They are symbolic of strength, connection, link, relationship, and much more which makes them an essential attribute of a great business presentation.

So, let us walk you through the steps of designing chain links using only one software that is PowerPoint.

What you will learn in this tutorial:

Steps to Create Chain Links in PowerPoint:

Step #1 Insert a Rectangle: Rounded Corners

The first step involves inserting a rectangular shape with rounded corners. For this go to the Insert tab and click on Shapes. Select Rectangle: Rounded Corners from the Shapes menu and insert it in your slide. Then readjust the shape and size of this rectangle by using the yellow handle and the white handle present around the corners of the shape (see the screenshot below)

Step #2 Duplicate and Align the Shapes

The second step involves duplicating the rectangle using the CNT + D command. Once the rectangle is duplicated align both the rectangles together by going to Shape Format> Align> Align Center> Align Top (see the image below)

Step #3 Adjust and Resize the Second Shape

Next up is to adjust the size of the second rectangle and make it smaller than the first one. Readjusting the shape of the second rectangle will create a chain-link effect that we want to achieve. Use the adjustment handles to resize the shapes (see the screenshot below)

Step #4 Merge and Subtract the Shapes

The next step involves merging and subtracting the shapes. For this select both the shapes and click on the Shape Format tab. Once that is done, click on Merge Shapes, and from the dialog box select Subtract. This will remove the second rectangle from the first one (see the screenshot below for reference)

Step #5 Remove the Outline

For the next step remove the outline of the shape by going to Shape Format> Shape Outline and checking the No Outline box. This will remove the outline of the shape giving it a much cleaner look altogether.

Step #6 Insert another Rectangle: Rounded Corners

Insert another rectangular shape with rounded corners. For this go to the Insert tab and click on Shapes. Select Rectangle: Rounded Corners from the shapes menu and readjust its size and shape by using the highlighted adjustment handles (see the image below)

Step #7 Remove the Outline

Remove the outline of this shape too. To do so follow the exact same steps of going to Shape Format> Shape Outline> No Outline

Step #8 Place and adjust the Shapes

Next up to adjust the shapes in such a way that it looks like a chain (see the screenshot below)

Step #9 Fill Color

Now fill color in the individual chain link. To do this, select the chain link, go to Shape Format> Shape Fill and select the color of your choice.

Repeat the exact same steps for each chain link as we have done in the screenshot below:

Your chain links are now ready. Add your desired information just like we have done.

Also more: Top 10 Templates To Understand Marketing Environment Components For An Infallible Business Strategy

Download these Chain Link Templates

Template #1

Template #2

Template #3

Template #4

Template #5

So, why waste time in designing chain-links when you can spend that time honing your content? Simply download these templates and create great presentations in no time.