How do I insert icons in PowerPoint?

Go to Insert → Icons in the ribbon. This opens PowerPoint's icon library where you can browse categories and search for icons. Select an icon and click Insert to add it to your slide. However, this library is limited and lacks many professional icons that consultants need.

Where do I find professional icons for PowerPoint presentations?

PowerPoint's native icon library is basic and missing crucial business icons. Deckary provides a comprehensive library of professional icons designed specifically for business presentations, including industry-specific icons, frameworks, and consulting visuals that aren't available in PowerPoint.

Can I change the color of icons in PowerPoint?

Yes, but it requires multiple steps. After inserting an icon, you need to select it, go to Graphics Format → Graphics Fill, and choose a color. PowerPoint doesn't show a live preview while browsing colors. Deckary lets you preview different colors instantly before applying them.

How do I add a background circle to icons in PowerPoint?

PowerPoint's native icon insertion doesn't offer background circles. You'd need to manually insert a circle shape, position it behind the icon, [align them](/guides/align-objects-powerpoint), and group them together. Deckary includes built-in background circle options that you can apply with one click.

What format are PowerPoint icons?

PowerPoint icons are inserted as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files, which means they're resolution-independent and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. You can also convert them to shapes to edit individual elements.

Can I edit PowerPoint icons after inserting them?

Yes, you can change colors and size. For more advanced editing, right-click the icon and select 'Convert to Shape' to access individual vector paths. However, this makes the icon more complex to work with. Deckary provides easier customization options without converting.

Why can't I find the icons I need in PowerPoint?

PowerPoint's icon library is designed for general use and lacks specialized business, consulting, and industry-specific icons. It's missing many frameworks, professional symbols, and modern design elements that business presenters need regularly.

How do I make icons look more professional in PowerPoint?

Use consistent colors that match your brand, add subtle background circles for emphasis, [maintain uniform sizing](/guides/align-objects-powerpoint), and choose icons from a professional library. You can also [distribute icons evenly](/guides/distribute-objects-powerpoint) for a polished look. Deckary makes this easy with built-in styling options, color previews, and a curated professional icon collection.

Guide

How to Insert Icons in PowerPoint

Learn the native method plus how to access 600+ professional icons with color preview and background circles.

5 min read

Updated January 2025

Written by Bob • Former MBB and Big4 consultant with 6 years of experience

Quick Answer

To insert icons in PowerPoint using the native method:

Go to Insert tab: Click the Insert tab in the ribbon.
Click Icons: Find and click the Icons button to open the icon library.
Browse and select: Search or browse categories, select an icon, and click Insert.

Better with Deckary: Access 600+ professional icons with instant color preview, background circles, and no menu navigation.

Why PowerPoint's Icon Library Falls Short

You need an icon for your presentation. You open PowerPoint's library. Here's what you encounter:

Missing professional icons: Can't find crucial business icons like frameworks, consulting diagrams, or industry-specific symbols.
No background circles: Want an icon with a background? Manually insert a circle, align it, group them — 5 extra steps per icon.
No color preview: Can't see how different colors look before applying. Click, check, undo, repeat.
Settle for generic icons or waste time searching external libraries and importing files.

How to Insert Icons in PowerPoint

The native method works, but comes with significant limitations for professional work.

Click Insert Tab in the Ribbon

Navigate to the Insert tab at the top of PowerPoint

Look for the Icons button in the Illustrations group

Click Icons to open the library dialog

PowerPoint Insert tab showing Icons button in the ribbon for inserting icons into presentations

Browse and Insert Icons

Browse categories or use the search bar to find icons

Select one or multiple icons from the library

Click Insert to add them to your slide

Manually change colors via Graphics Format tab if needed

PowerPoint Icons dialog window showing icon library with search and category browsing options for inserting icons

Limitations: The library lacks professional business icons. No built-in color preview. No background circle options. Icons require manual formatting and customization after insertion. You'll likely need to align and distribute your icons after inserting them.

Pro Method

How Consultants Access Professional Icons

The native method works for basic needs. When building client presentations daily, you need instant access to business-specific icons.

600+ professional icons designed for business presentations — frameworks, consulting diagrams, industry symbols

Instant color preview — see exactly how each color looks before applying

One-click background circles — no manual shape creation, alignment, or grouping

Direct insertion — no menu navigation, fully customized before insertion

Pairs perfectly with keyboard shortcuts for alignment to speed up your entire workflow.

Try Free Browse Icon Library

Native vs Professional Icon Library

For consultants and frequent presenters, a specialized library offers significant advantages:

Icon Library

600+

Professional business icons

Color Preview

Instant

See before you apply

Time Saved

5 min

Per icon with backgrounds

Common Questions About PowerPoint Icons

Everything you need to know about inserting and using icons

Looking for More PowerPoint Tips?

Beyond icons, explore our guides on alignment, distribution, and other PowerPoint productivity techniques to build presentations faster.

View All Guides

How to Insert Icons in PowerPoint

Quick Answer

Why PowerPoint's Icon Library Falls Short

How to Insert Icons in PowerPoint

Click Insert Tab in the Ribbon

Browse and Insert Icons

How Consultants Access Professional Icons

Native vs Professional Icon Library

Icon Library

Color Preview

Time Saved

Common Questions About PowerPoint Icons

How do I insert icons in PowerPoint?

Where do I find professional icons for PowerPoint presentations?

Can I change the color of icons in PowerPoint?

How do I add a background circle to icons in PowerPoint?

What format are PowerPoint icons?

Looking for More PowerPoint Tips?

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