Transparency for Shape Lines in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows

Shape Outlines such as solid colors and gradients have a transparency attribute that lets you reduce the opacity of the outline so that the slide object or background behind shows through. Transparency is calculated in percentages and you can change its value all the way from 0 to 100%. Look at Figure 1 below, and you will see the original outlines (Line shapes) on the left with their semi-transparent (50%) counterparts on the right.

Figure 1: Solid and gradient outlines (lines) with their semi-transparent counterparts

To set a transparency value for your shape outline in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows, follow these steps:

1. First Select the Line shape you want to edit. Right-click the shape to bring up the contextual menu that you can see in Figure 2. Within this menu, choose the Format Shape option.
2. 
   Figure 2: Format Shape option selected
2. This brings up the Format Shape Task Pane that you see in Figure 3. Options in the Task Pane may differ, depending upon the original line attribute of your selected shape. In this instance, we have selected a Solid Line shape. You'll notice that all Fill options are greyed out, and only Line options are accessible. That is because our selected line is an open shape. If you had selected a closed shape like a circle or rectangle, the Fill options would be available. Now, drag the Transparency slider within the Line section, highlighted in red within Figure 3 to change the transparency value.
3. 
   Figure 3: Set transparency for solid line
Tip: You can even use the Up or Down arrow buttons towards the right (highlighted in blue within Figure 3, above) to increase or decrease the transparency. You can also directly type in the transparency percentage value within the box placed next to Transparency slider.
4. Gradient Outlines work a little differently as far as transparency is concerned. You need to adjust the transparency value of every single color stop comprised within the gradient fill you choose. To do that, select each stop of your gradient individually, and change its transparency, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 4, below.
5. 
   Figure 4: Set transparency for gradient stops
Tip: To learn more about gradient stops, explore our Gradient Stops in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows tutorial.
3. Save your presentation often.