Create neat lines and shapes with ink in Excel and PowerPoint for Windows

Hello, Microsoft 365 Insiders! My name is Mark Rideout and I am a Product Manager on the Office AI team. We’re excited to share that we’re introducing draw and hold gestures (already available in OneNote) in both Excel and PowerPoint for Windows, making it easier to create straight lines and clean shapes.

Create clean lines and shapes using ink in Excel and PowerPoint for Windows

In early 2023 we will Draw and hold gestures in OneNote for Windows. It was later imported into Word for Windows. Today we’re expanding the availability of this handy tool to support its use in worksheets and presentations.

Animation of drawing a straight line using drag and hold motion

How it works

1. Open a new or existing Excel worksheet or PowerPoint presentation.
2. Sketch a line, arrow, or shape on the canvas using a single stroke, then hold the pen in place for a few milliseconds.
3. See the shape converted to a cleaner version of the stroke you drew.

tips and tricks

• This feature supports shapes such as circles, ovals, triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, pentagons, and hexagons. Add hearts and stars to the mix!
• If you are satisfied with the shape or location, you can leave it as is. Or you can drag to resize or rotate it.

effectiveness

This feature is available to Beta channel users running version 2410 (build 18108.20000) or higher.

memo: Features will be released over time to ensure smooth operation. We’re highlighting features you may not have as they are slowly being rolled out to a larger number of Insiders. Sometimes we remove elements for further improvement based on your feedback. Although this is rare, we also reserve the option to completely remove features from the product, even if you have had the opportunity to try it out as an Insider.

feedback

We’d love to hear from you! Please click Help > Feedback Submit feedback about this feature in Excel or PowerPoint for Windows.

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