Change the Brightness or Contrast of Images in PowerPoint (2 Ways)
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 10, 2023
Applies to: Microsoft® PowerPoint® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)
In PowerPoint, you can change the brightness or contrast of a picture using picture correction tools in the Ribbon or in the Format Picture task pane.
Note: Buttons and Ribbon tabs may display in a different way (with or without text) depending on your version of PowerPoint, the size of your screen and your Control Panel settings. For PowerPoint 365 users, Ribbon tabs may appear with different names. For example, the Picture Tools Format tab may appear as Picture Format and the Drawing Tools Format tab may appear as Drawing Format or Shape Format.
Recommended article: How to Make a Picture Transparent in PowerPoint (3 Ways)
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Adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Ribbon
To adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Ribbon:
- Select the picture you want to adjust.
- Click the Picture Tools Format or Picture Format tab in the Ribbon.
- In the Adjust group, click Corrections. A drop-down menu appears.
- Under Brightness/Contrast, hover over the thumbnails to preview the effect and when you find the setting you want, click the thumbnail.
- Thumbnails on the left show less brightness and thumbnails on the right show more brightness. Thumbnails on the top show less contrast and thumbnails on the bottom show more contrast.
The Picture Corrections drop-down menu appears as follows in the Ribbon:
Adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Format Picture task pane
You can use the Format Picture task pane for more control over brightness and contrast settings.
To adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Format Picture task pane:
- Select the picture you want to adjust.
- Click the Picture Tools Format or Picture Format tab in the Ribbon.
- In the Adjust group, click Corrections. A drop-down menu appears.
- Click More Picture Corrections Options. The Format Picture task pane appears. At the top of the task pane, the Picture icon should be selected.
- Click the arrow beside Picture Corrections to expand the area (if necessary).
- Drag the slider beside Brightness and / or Contrast to change the settings. You can also enter a number in the box next to the slider.
The Format Picture task pane appears as follows:
In PowerPoint, you can also remove the changes by clicking Reset in the task pane.
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More resources
How to Rotate Objects in PowerPoint (4 Ways)
PowerPoint Shortcuts for Copy, Paste and Paste Special
How to Remove the Background of a Picture in PowerPoint (2 Ways)
Change the Background of PowerPoint Slides to a Color, Gradient or Picture
How to Add Animation in PowerPoint (Animate Text, Images and Other Objects)
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Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate / Advanced
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Microsoft PowerPoint: Animations Bootcamp
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