To flip a picture in PowerPoint 2013, click the picture, open the Picture Tools Format tab, click Rotate in the Arrange group, and choose Flip Horizontal to mirror it left to right, or Flip Vertical to turn it upside down. The same steps work in newer versions, where the tab is called Picture Format.
Below you’ll learn the difference between flipping and rotating, how to flip shapes and text, and how to undo a flip.
How to flip a picture
- Click the picture on your slide to select it.
- Click the Picture Tools Format tab (Picture Format in PowerPoint 2016 and later).
- In the Arrange group, click Rotate.
- Choose Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical.
You can also find these options under Home > Arrange > Rotate.
Flip vs. rotate
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Flip Horizontal | Mirrors the picture left to right, as if seen in a mirror |
| Flip Vertical | Mirrors the picture top to bottom |
| Rotate Right or Left 90° | Turns the picture a quarter turn without mirroring |
| More Rotation Options | Lets you type an exact angle, like 15° |
Flipping a photo with text in it makes the text read backward. If you just want a picture to face the other way, rotating won’t do that. Flipping will.
How to flip shapes, icons, and text boxes
Select the shape or icon, go to Shape Format (or Graphics Format for icons) > Rotate, and choose a flip. For text boxes, Flip Vertical turns the box upside down. To mirror text, use Format Shape > Effects > 3-D Rotation and set X Rotation to 180°.
How to flip several pictures at once
Hold Shift and click each picture, then choose Rotate > Flip Horizontal. Each picture flips in place.
How to undo a flip
- Press Ctrl + Z right away.
- Or choose the same flip again to flip it back.
- Or click Reset Picture > Reset Picture & Size on the Format tab. This also removes other edits like cropping.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Rotate button grayed out?
No picture or shape is selected, or the item is part of a locked placeholder or slide master. Click the picture directly, or edit it in View > Slide Master.
Can I flip a video in PowerPoint?
Yes, in newer versions. Select the video, open Video Format, and use Rotate > Flip Horizontal. Older versions may not support it.
Does flipping change the original image file?
No. The flip only applies inside your presentation.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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