Smart Art set default

[agibsonsw]

Hello. PowerPoint 2007.

If I modify the formatting of a Smart Art shape can I set it as the default for newly added shapes? Can't find an option such as "Set as Default Shape" that we have with ordinary shapes.

[Rudi]

No. Smart art does not have a default setting.

What you can do is format the first smart art with a custom format and then copy it to the next slide, and once pasted you can change the layout. This preserves the custom format irrespective of the new shape you choose.

[agibsonsw]

No. Smart art does not have a default setting.

What you can do is format the first smart art with a custom format and then copy it to the next slide, and once pasted you can change the layout. This preserves the custom format irrespective of the new shape you choose.

Mmm run that by me again ?
I created a new slide and new SmartArt, custom-formatted each row differently.. or should I delete all shapes except the top one?
If I copy JUST the shape then it is no longer SmartArt. If I copy the whole SmartArt then it defaults back to the original colours (for new shapes).

Sorry, I must be missing a step

[Rudi]

Edit a single smartart with formats of your choice...and then copy...

1.png

Go to next slide and paste...

2.png

Then use the SmartArt ribbon to change the shape (if needed)

3.png

[agibsonsw]

I must be Christmas dim, but:

I deleted shapes to reduce the SA to a minimum;
Customized the colours of each shape;
Copied and paste the SA to a new slide;
Change the layout of this new SA;
When I Add Shape it is still the default blue..

[Rudi]

OK, this method will not work if you intend to add shapes. If you do, they will just default back to the master template colour scheme. Also if you choose from the gallery of styes for the smartart it resets...

A better solution would be the following:

Create a custom colour theme changing the Accent colours to what you need...see image below.
Once you have the theme, you should apply it to the existing smartart using the theme | colour button on the Design ribbon.

Hope this is a better solution...

[agibsonsw]

Thank you @Rudi. That looks more promising. I'll try it a bit later.
Andy