Grouping shapes in PowerPoint can greatly simplify the shape editing process, especially when dealing with complex arrangements of shapes. It allows you to modify the entire group collectively, saving time and effort compared to adjusting each shape individually. This is particularly beneficial when you need to apply consistent formatting or positioning to a set of shapes. Ungrouping shapes provides increased flexibility and customization options. By ungrouping a set of grouped shapes, you regain individual control over each shape. This allows you to make specific modifications, resize or reposition individual shapes, and apply unique formatting or styling as needed. In this article, we will explain how to group and ungroup shapes in PowerPoint in Python using Spire.Presentation for Python.

• Group Shapes in PowerPoint in Python
• Ungroup Shapes in PowerPoint in Python

Install Spire.Presentation for Python

This scenario requires Spire.Presentation for Python and plum-dispatch v1.7.4. They can be easily installed in your Windows through the following pip command.

pip install Spire.Presentation

If you are unsure how to install, please refer to this tutorial: How to Install Spire.Presentation for Python on Windows

Group Shapes in PowerPoint in Python

Spire.Presentation for Python provides the ISlide.GroupShapes(shapeList: List) method to group two or more shapes on a specific slide. The detailed steps are as follows.

• Create an object of the Presentation class.
• Get the first slide using Presentation.Slides[0] property.
• Add two shapes to the slide using ISlide.Shapes.AppendShape() method.
• Create a list to store the shapes that need to be grouped.
• Add the two shapes to the list.
• Group the two shapes using ISlide.GroupShapes(shapeList: List) method.
• Save the result document using Presentation.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.presentation import *

# Create an object of the Presentation class
ppt = Presentation()
# Get the first slide
slide = ppt.Slides[0]

# Add two shapes to the slide
rectangle = slide.Shapes.AppendShape(ShapeType.Rectangle, RectangleF.FromLTRB (250, 180, 450, 220))
rectangle.Fill.FillType = FillFormatType.Solid
rectangle.Fill.SolidColor.KnownColor = KnownColors.SkyBlue

rectangle.Line.Width = 0.1
ribbon = slide.Shapes.AppendShape(ShapeType.Ribbon2, RectangleF.FromLTRB (290, 155, 410, 235))
ribbon.Fill.FillType = FillFormatType.Solid
ribbon.Fill.SolidColor.KnownColor = KnownColors.LightPink
ribbon.Line.Width = 0.1

# Add the two shapes to a list
shape_list = []
shape_list.append(rectangle)
shape_list.append(ribbon)

# Group the two shapes
slide.GroupShapes(shape_list)

# Save the resulting document
ppt.SaveToFile("GroupShapes.pptx", FileFormat.Pptx2013)
ppt.Dispose()

Ungroup Shapes in PowerPoint in Python

To ungroup the grouped shapes in a PowerPoint document, you need to iterate through all slides in the document and all shapes on each slide, find the grouped shapes and then ungroup them using ISlide.Ungroup(groupShape: GroupShape) method. The detailed steps are as follows.

• Create an object of the Presentation class.
• Load the PowerPoint document using Presentation.LoadFromFile() method.
• Iterate through all slides in the document.
• Iterate through all shapes on each slide.
• Check if the current shape is of GroupShape type. If the result is True, ungroup it using ISlide.Ungroup(groupShape: GroupShape) method.
• Save the result document using Presentation.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.presentation import *

# Create an object of the Presentation class
ppt = Presentation()
# Load a PowerPoint document
ppt.LoadFromFile("GroupShapes.pptx")

# Iterate through all slides in the document
for i in range(ppt.Slides.Count):
    slide = ppt.Slides[i]
    
    # Iterate through all shapes on each slide
    for j in range(slide.Shapes.Count):
        shape = slide.Shapes[j]
        
        # Check if the shape is a grouped shape
        if isinstance(shape, GroupShape):
            groupShape = shape            
            # Ungroup the grouped shape
            slide.Ungroup(groupShape)

# Save the resulting document
ppt.SaveToFile("UngroupShapes.pptx", FileFormat.Pptx2013)
ppt.Dispose()

Apply for a Temporary License

If you'd like to remove the evaluation message from the generated documents, or to get rid of the function limitations, please request a 30-day trial license for yourself.

Watermarks serve as subtle overlays placed on the slides, typically in the form of text or images, which can convey messages, copyright information, company logos, or other visual elements. By incorporating watermarks into your PowerPoint presentations, you can enhance professionalism, reinforce branding, and discourage unauthorized use or distribution of your material. In this article, you will learn how to add text or image watermarks to a PowerPoint document in Python using Spire.Presentation for Python.

• Add a Text Watermark to PowerPoint in Python
• Add an Image Watermark to PowerPoint in Python

Install Spire.Presentation for Python

This scenario requires Spire.Presentation for Python and plum-dispatch v1.7.4. They can be easily installed in your Windows through the following pip command.

pip install Spire.Presentation

If you are unsure how to install, please refer to this tutorial: How to Install Spire.Presentation for Python on Windows

Add a Text Watermark to PowerPoint in Python

Unlike MS Word, PowerPoint does not have a built-in feature that allows to apply watermarks to each slide. However, you can add a shape with text or an image to mimic the watermark effect. A shape can be added to a slide using the ISlide.Shapes.AppendShape() method, and the text of the shape can be set through the IAutoShape.TextFrame.Text property. To prevent the shape from overlapping the existing content on the slide, you'd better send it to the bottom.

The following are the steps to add a text watermark to a slide using Spire.Presentation for Python.

• Create a Presentation object.
• Load a PowerPoint file using Presentation.LoadFromFile() method.
• Get a specific slide through Prentation.Slides[index] property.
• Add a shape to the slide using ISlide.Shapes.AppendShape() method.
• Add text to the shape through IAutoShape.TextFrame.Text property.
• Send the shape to back using IAutoShape.SetShapeArrange() method.
• Save the presentation to a PowerPoint file using Presentation.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.presentation.common import *
from spire.presentation import *

# Create a Presentation object
presentation = Presentation()

# Load a PowerPoint file
presentation.LoadFromFile("C:/Users/Administrator/Desktop/input.pptx")

# Define a rectangle
left = (presentation.SlideSize.Size.Width - 350.0) / 2
top = (presentation.SlideSize.Size.Height - 110.0) / 2
rect = RectangleF(left, top, 350.0, 110.0)

for i in range(0, presentation.Slides.Count):

    # Add a rectangle shape to
    shape = presentation.Slides[i].Shapes.AppendShape(
    ShapeType.Rectangle, rect)
    
    # Set the style of the shape
    shape.Fill.FillType = FillFormatType.none
    shape.ShapeStyle.LineColor.Color = Color.get_Transparent()
    shape.Rotation = -35
    shape.Locking.SelectionProtection = True
    shape.Line.FillType = FillFormatType.none

    # Add text to the shape
    shape.TextFrame.Text = "CONFIDENTIAL"
    textRange = shape.TextFrame.TextRange

    # Set the style of the text range
    textRange.Fill.FillType = FillFormatType.Solid
    textRange.Fill.SolidColor.Color = Color.FromArgb(120, Color.get_Black().R, Color.get_HotPink().G, Color.get_HotPink().B)
    textRange.FontHeight = 45
    textRange.LatinFont = TextFont("Times New Roman")

    # Send the shape to back
    shape.SetShapeArrange(ShapeArrange.SendToBack)

# Save to file
presentation.SaveToFile("output/TextWatermark.pptx", FileFormat.Pptx2010)
presentation.Dispose()

Add an Image Watermark to PowerPoint in Python

To add an image watermark, you need first to create a rectangle with the same size as an image. Then fill the shape with this image and place the shape at the center of a slide. To prevent the shape from overlapping the existing content on the slide, you need to send it to the bottom as well. The following are the steps to add an image watermark to a slide using Spire.Presentation for Python.

• Create a Presentation object.
• Load a PowerPoint file using Presentation.LoadFromFile() method.
• Get a specific slide through Prentation.Slides[index] property.
• Load an image using Presentation.Images.AppendStream() method.
• Add a shape that has the same size with the image to the slide using ISlide.Shapes.AppendShape() method.
• Fill the shape with the image through IAuotShape.Fill.PictureFill.Picture.EmbedImage property.
• Send the shape to back using IAutoShape.SetShapeArrange() method.
• Save the presentation to a PowerPoint file using Presentation.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.presentation.common import *
from spire.presentation import *

# Create a Presentation object
presentation = Presentation()

# Load a PowerPoint file
presentation.LoadFromFile("C:/Users/Administrator/Desktop/input.pptx")

# Load an image
stream = Stream("C:/Users/Administrator/Desktop/logo.png")
image = presentation.Images.AppendStream(stream)
stream.Close()

# Get width and height of the image
width = (float)(image.Width)
height = (float)(image.Height)

# 
slideSize = presentation.SlideSize.Size

# Loop through the slides in the presentation
for i in range(0, presentation.Slides.Count):

    # Get a specific slide
    slide = presentation.Slides[i]

    # Add a shape to slide
    shape = slide.Shapes.AppendShape(ShapeType.Rectangle, RectangleF((slideSize.Width - width )/2, (slideSize.Height - height)/2, width, height))

    # Fill the shape with image
    shape.Line.FillType = FillFormatType.none
    shape.Locking.SelectionProtection = True
    shape.Fill.FillType =  FillFormatType.Picture
    shape.Fill.PictureFill.FillType = PictureFillType.Stretch
    shape.Fill.PictureFill.Picture.EmbedImage = image

    # Send the shape to back
    shape.SetShapeArrange(ShapeArrange.SendToBack)

# Save to file
presentation.SaveToFile("output/ImageWatermark.pptx", FileFormat.Pptx2013)
presentation.Dispose()

Apply for a Temporary License

If you'd like to remove the evaluation message from the generated documents, or to get rid of the function limitations, please request a 30-day trial license for yourself.

Layers in PDF are similar to layers in image editing software, where different elements of a document can be organized and managed separately. Each layer can contain different content, such as text, images, graphics, or annotations, and can be shown or hidden independently. PDF layers are often used to control the visibility and positioning of specific elements within a document, making it easier to manage complex layouts, create dynamic designs, or control the display of information. In this article, you will learn how to add, hide, remove layers in a PDF document in Python using Spire.PDF for Python.

• Add a Layer to PDF in Python
• Set Visibility of a Layer in PDF in Python
• Remove a Layer from PDF in Python

Install Spire.PDF for Python

This scenario requires Spire.PDF for Python and plum-dispatch v1.7.4. They can be easily installed in your Windows through the following pip commands.

pip install Spire.PDF

If you are unsure how to install, please refer to this tutorial: How to Install Spire.PDF for Python on Windows

Add a Layer to PDF in Python

A layer can be added to a PDF document using the Document.Layers.AddLayer() method. After the layer object is created, you can draw text, images, fields, or other elements on it to form its appearance. The detailed steps to add a layer to PDF using Spire.PDF for Java are as follows.

• Create a PdfDocument object.
• Load a PDF file using PdfDocument.LoadFromFile() method.
• Create a layer using Document.Layers.AddLayer() method.
• Get a specific page through PdfDocument.Pages[index] property.
• Create a canvas for the layer based on the page using PdfLayer.CreateGraphics() method.
• Draw text on the canvas using PdfCanvas.DrawString() method.
• Save the document to a different PDF file using PdfDocument.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.pdf.common import *
from spire.pdf import *

def AddLayerWatermark(doc):

    # Create a layer named "Watermark"
    layer = doc.Layers.AddLayer("Watermark")

    # Create a font
    font = PdfTrueTypeFont("Bodoni MT Black", 50.0, 1, True)

    # Specify watermark text
    watermarkText = "DO NOT COPY"

    # Get text size
    fontSize = font.MeasureString(watermarkText)

    # Get page count
    pageCount = doc.Pages.Count

    # Loop through the pages
    for i in range(0, pageCount):

        # Get a specific page
        page = doc.Pages[i]

        # Create canvas for layer
        canvas = layer.CreateGraphics(page.Canvas)

        # Draw sting on the graphics
        canvas.DrawString(watermarkText, font, PdfBrushes.get_Gray(), (canvas.Size.Width - fontSize.Width)/2, (canvas.Size.Height - fontSize.Height)/2 )

# Create a PdfDocument instance
doc = PdfDocument()

# Load a PDF file
doc.LoadFromFile("C:\\Users\\Administrator\\Desktop\\input.pdf")

# Invoke AddLayerWatermark method to add a layer
AddLayerWatermark(doc)

# Save to file
doc.SaveToFile("output/AddLayer.pdf", FileFormat.PDF)
doc.Close()

Set Visibility of a Layer in PDF in Python

To control the visibility of layers in a PDF document, you can use the PdfDocument.Layers[index].Visibility property. Set it to off to hide a layer, or set it to on to unhide a layer. The detailed steps are as follows.

• Create a PdfDocument object.
• Load a PDF file using PdfDocument.LoadFromFile() method.
• Set the visibility of a certain layer through Document.Layers[index].Visibility property.
• Save the document to a different PDF file using PdfDocument.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.pdf.common import *
from spire.pdf import *

# Create a PdfDocument instance
doc = PdfDocument()

# Load a PDF file
doc.LoadFromFile("C:\\Users\\Administrator\\Desktop\\Layer.pdf")

# Hide a layer by setting the visibility to off
doc.Layers[0].Visibility = PdfVisibility.Off

# Save to file
doc.SaveToFile("output/HideLayer.pdf", FileFormat.PDF)
doc.Close()

Remove a Layer from PDF in Python

If a layer is no more wanted, you can remove it using the PdfDocument.Layers.RmoveLayer() method. The following are the detailed steps.

• Create a PdfDocument object.
• Load a PDF file using PdfDocument.LoadFromFile() method.
• Get a specific layer through PdfDocument.Layers[index] property.
• Remove the layer from the document using PdfDcument.Layers.RemoveLayer(PdfLayer.Name) method.
• Save the document to a different PDF file using PdfDocument.SaveToFile() method.

from spire.pdf.common import *
from spire.pdf import *

# Create a PdfDocument instance
doc = PdfDocument()

# Load a PDF file
doc.LoadFromFile("C:\\Users\\Administrator\\Desktop\\Layer.pdf")

# Delete the specific layer 
doc.Layers.RemoveLayer(doc.Layers[0].Name)

# Save to file
doc.SaveToFile("output/RemoveLayer.pdf", FileFormat.PDF)
doc.Close()

Apply for a Temporary License

If you'd like to remove the evaluation message from the generated documents, or to get rid of the function limitations, please request a 30-day trial license for yourself.