Member Avatar for lovablefool

Hi,

Can anyone say me how to create 3D shapes (Rectangles, circles etc.) in POWERPOINT using the Auto Shape tool? Does it require any other tools to do this? If so plz mention the name.

Thanks in advance

Lovablefool

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by racksjackson

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Short answer: modern desktop PowerPoint can do both “3D-looking” AutoShapes (bevels / 3‑D rotation) and true rotatable 3D models — they are different workflows and serve different needs. Several earlier replies here (for example and ) are right about the built‑in, quick bevel/rotation options; and called out add‑ins and external tools as alternatives. See Microsoft’s notes on shape effects and the newer 3D‑model workflow for the current feature set. (support.microsoft.com)

If a presentation needs real 3D geometry (not just a bevel), use PowerPoint’s 3D‑model support and prefer the glTF/GLB route: Office renders models as glTF and recommends GLB; other import types (FBX, OBJ, 3MF, STL, etc.) are handled with limitations. Prepare models so textures are embedded, materials are simple PBR or baked, and polygon counts are reasonable — Blender and other tools export GLB directly. See Microsoft’s 3D content guidance and Blender’s glTF export docs. (support.microsoft.com)

Notes on animation and portability: desktop PowerPoint provides interactive rotation controls, Pan & Zoom and can combine 3D models with Morph or slide animations; some animated 3D features require Microsoft 365. PowerPoint for the web and mobile clients have more limited 3D insertion/editing support and may render or fall back to images in some cases — always test on the target device. (support.microsoft.com)

Quick practical checklist

  • For simple “3D look” (icons, buttons): built‑in bevels + 3‑D rotation are fastest.
  • For real models: export a single GLB with embedded textures; reduce polycount and bake lighting where possible.
  • If import fails: convert to GLB, embed textures, strip unsupported nodes/animations, then re‑try in desktop PowerPoint.
  • For legacy deep‑3D features, third‑party add‑ins (historically Perspector) exist but check compatibility with your PowerPoint version. (support.microsoft.com)

Relevant Microsoft references: Get creative with 3D models, 3D Content Guidelines for Microsoft, and Blender glTF export docs (see Blender manual). (support.microsoft.com)

Recommended Answers

All 12 Replies

Member Avatar for mikeandike22

i dont think you can create 3d shapes using powerpoint.

Member Avatar for Soral 3.0

yeah, powerpoint is not your graphical creation program.

Try using something else to draw your object and then import it into your presentation.

Member Avatar for Steve Hards

I appreciate this query is years old, but the Perspector add-in for PowerPoint that lets you create, rotate and animate 3D shapes, charts, etc.

Member Avatar for HI2Japan

Once you have the auto shape on the slide selected, make sure you have the drawing toolbar out. It should appear at the bottom of the screen. If you don't have the drawing toolbar out, choose View --> toolbars --> drawing. The last button on the right of the drawing toolbar is 3d styles. click on that button to see a bunch of 3d styles. There is a text button within the 3d styles button called 3d settings. click on that and you can specify how much you want the 3d object to rotate, whether you want wire frame or a bunch of other settings.

For anyone who said that Powerpoint does not have 3d options, you should not answer when you do not know the program. That has been in the program since at least powerpoint 97.

Member Avatar for roryt

My advice would be just DON'T use it. There is no way the outcome will be anywhere near a professional standard. Just buy some software like photoshop and you will not regret it!

Member Avatar for JNathanson

My advice would be just DON'T use it. There is no way the outcome will be anywhere near a professional standard. Just buy some software like photoshop and you will not regret it!

Photoshop will not create 3D renders... You want something like 3D Studio Max or a cheaper choice would be Maya or Maxon Cinema4D.

You can create vector shapes that look 3D using Adobe Illustrator I think.

Member Avatar for Member #46692

I think maya, specifically maya unlimited, is more expensive than 3dmax? It is only recently that its price has .

Blender beats all those for 3d stuff, by the way. Totally free and just as powerful, when used with other free plugins.

Member Avatar for JNathanson

I think maya, specifically maya unlimited, is more expensive than 3dmax? It is only recently that its price has .

Blender beats all those for 3d stuff, by the way. Totally free and just as powerful, when used with other free plugins.

I'm not too savvy with 3D apps, you're probably right.

Member Avatar for Pirelli Peeler

Yeah, but the majority of people use PowerPoint at work and don't want to finance buying all that amazing software.
I found the 3D icon on the tool bar but found all the functions in greys which don't do anything when you click on them.
Just chose a 2D shape first, a square for example and once that is on the slide all the 3D shape options turn to colour and you can choose depths, colours sizes etc.:cool:

Member Avatar for pixelpaintr

Wow - for simple shapes like rectangles and such you DO NOT need another program. Just go to the insert tab - select a simple shape there (say a rectangle). Draw the shape on the slide. Right-click on the shape you drew. A window will pop up - select the "format shape" option at the bottom of the list. A new window will open that lists two options - 3D format and 3D rotation. Select the 3D format option and play with the settings to get a bevel, or a bunch of other 3D effects on your object. Then try out the rotations to angle the object on x, y or z axis.

Member Avatar for racksjackson

: I am totally agree with his point.I will try then share my thought

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