How do I draw nonstandard autoshapes in Powerpoint

[Cordell]

How can I easily create my own autoshapes for powerpoint. I would like to be
able to easily create an autoshape that has straight lines and convex and
concave arcs. The supplied autoshapes in powerpoint show some examples of the
types of things I'd like to create - like the toilet or computer. They have
straight and curved lines, can be stretched, enlarged, reduced, filled, typed
in, etc.
I have connected straight lines and curved connectors, but they do not
create an autoshape. I have also tried the freeform tool where I can create
straight and curved autoshapes, but they are sloppy - the lines arent of
equal lengthe, the curves are not good.

Is there an easy way to do this where it looks good? Thank you.

 

[Mary Sauer]

Have you tried to edit the points on your drawn lines? Select the object,
right-click, edit points. You can select a point, right-click, there are options
for editing said point or segment. Use the grid and guides to get equal lengths.

 

[Cordell]

Thanks for the reply. I have tried your suggestions and if I have lots of
time and patience, I might be able to do it that way. I guess the three
words to further explain my post would be quick, easy, and something of good
quality.

It seems that it would take a long time to draw something simple like that
toilet and have it be symetrical, smooth etc. I feel like trying to draw
using points would be like creating Mount Rushmore with a pocket knife. Maybe
I should look into Adobe or Corel or some drawing program? Thanks.

 

[Echo S]

Unfortunately, you can't create your own autoshapes. As Mary explained, you
can use Edit Points to refine lines and curves, but, as you're aware, it can
be pretty fiddly. I feel your pain -- I needed a triangle with rounded
corners the other day, and it was way too much trouble to draw, even though
I'm pretty good with PPT's Bezier curves (edit points). (There's a quick
tutorial at http://www.echosvoice.com/beziercurves.htm, if you're
interested.)

However, go to Autoshapes|More Autoshapes. You may find some of the shapes
you're looking for there -- for example, I know there's a toilet in "more
autoshapes." You can also use more than one shape and overlay the shapes to
create the shape you're after. Group the pieces to keep them together. It's
a pain, though, if you need to add an outline to the shape.