# Apply Shape Effects in Presentations Using C++

> Transform your PPT and PPTX files with advanced shape effects using Aspose.Slides for C++ — create striking, professional slides in seconds.

Source: https://docs.aspose.com/slides/cpp/shape-effect/
Updated: 2026-08-05


## **Introduction**

While effects in PowerPoint can be used to make a shape stand out, they differ from [fills](/slides/cpp/shape-formatting/#gradient-fill) or outlines. Using PowerPoint effects, you can create convincing reflections on a shape, spread a shape's glow, etc.

<img src="shape-effect.png" alt="shape-effect" style="zoom:50%;" />

* PowerPoint provides six effects that can be applied to shapes. You can apply one or more effects to a shape. 

* Some combinations of effects look better than others. For this reason, PowerPoint options under **Preset**. The Preset options are essentially a known good-looking combination of two or more effects. This way, by selecting a preset, you won't have to waste time testing or combining different effects to find a nice combination.

Aspose.Slides provides properties and methods under the [EffectFormat](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/cpp/class/aspose.slides.effect_format/) class that allow you to apply the same effects to shapes in PowerPoint presentations.

## **Apply a Shadow Effect**

This C++ code shows you how to apply the outer shadow effect ([OuterShadowEffect](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/cpp/class/aspose.slides.effect_format#aea1a48246d3240e29092498f648bc028)) to a rectangle:

```c++
#include <DOM/Effects/IOuterShadow.h>
#include <DOM/IAutoShape.h>
#include <DOM/IColorFormat.h>
#include <DOM/IEffectFormat.h>
#include <DOM/IShapeCollection.h>
#include <DOM/ISlide.h>
#include <DOM/ISlideCollection.h>
#include <DOM/Presentation.h>
#include <DOM/ShapeType.h>
#include <Export/SaveFormat.h>
#include <drawing/color.h>
using namespace Aspose::Slides;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Effects;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Export;
using namespace System::Drawing;

auto pres = System::MakeObject<Presentation>();
auto slide = pres->get_Slides()->idx_get(0);
auto shape = slide->get_Shapes()->AddAutoShape(ShapeType::RoundCornerRectangle, 20.0f, 20.0f, 200.0f, 150.0f);

auto effectFormat = shape->get_EffectFormat();
effectFormat->EnableOuterShadowEffect();
auto outerShadowEffect = effectFormat->get_OuterShadowEffect();
outerShadowEffect->get_ShadowColor()->set_Color(System::Drawing::Color::get_DarkGray());
outerShadowEffect->set_Distance(10);
outerShadowEffect->set_Direction(45.0f);

pres->Save(u"output.pptx", SaveFormat::Pptx);
```

## **Apply a Reflection Effect**

This C++ code shows you how to apply the reflection effect to a shape:

```c++
#include <DOM/Effects/IReflection.h>
#include <DOM/IAutoShape.h>
#include <DOM/IEffectFormat.h>
#include <DOM/IShapeCollection.h>
#include <DOM/ISlide.h>
#include <DOM/ISlideCollection.h>
#include <DOM/Presentation.h>
#include <DOM/RectangleAlignment.h>
#include <DOM/ShapeType.h>
#include <Export/SaveFormat.h>
using namespace Aspose::Slides;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Effects;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Export;

auto pres = System::MakeObject<Presentation>();
auto slide = pres->get_Slides()->idx_get(0);
auto shape = slide->get_Shapes()->AddAutoShape(ShapeType::RoundCornerRectangle, 20.0f, 20.0f, 200.0f, 150.0f);

auto effectFormat = shape->get_EffectFormat();
effectFormat->EnableReflectionEffect();
auto reflectionEffect = effectFormat->get_ReflectionEffect();
reflectionEffect->set_RectangleAlign(RectangleAlignment::Bottom);
reflectionEffect->set_Direction(90.0f);
reflectionEffect->set_Distance(55);
reflectionEffect->set_BlurRadius(4);

pres->Save(u"reflection.pptx", SaveFormat::Pptx);
```

## **Apply a Glow Effect**

This C++ code shows you how to apply the glow effect to a shape:

```c++
#include <DOM/Effects/IGlow.h>
#include <DOM/IAutoShape.h>
#include <DOM/IColorFormat.h>
#include <DOM/IEffectFormat.h>
#include <DOM/IShapeCollection.h>
#include <DOM/ISlide.h>
#include <DOM/ISlideCollection.h>
#include <DOM/Presentation.h>
#include <DOM/ShapeType.h>
#include <Export/SaveFormat.h>
#include <drawing/color.h>
using namespace Aspose::Slides;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Effects;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Export;
using namespace System::Drawing;

auto pres = System::MakeObject<Presentation>();
auto slide = pres->get_Slides()->idx_get(0);
auto shape = slide->get_Shapes()->AddAutoShape(ShapeType::RoundCornerRectangle, 20.0f, 20.0f, 200.0f, 150.0f);

auto effectFormat = shape->get_EffectFormat();
effectFormat->EnableGlowEffect();
auto glowEffect = effectFormat->get_GlowEffect();
glowEffect->get_Color()->set_Color(System::Drawing::Color::get_Magenta());
glowEffect->set_Radius(15);

pres->Save(u"glow.pptx", SaveFormat::Pptx);
```

## **Apply a Soft Edges Effect**

This C++ code shows you how to apply the soft edges to a shape:

```c++
#include <DOM/Effects/ISoftEdge.h>
#include <DOM/IAutoShape.h>
#include <DOM/IEffectFormat.h>
#include <DOM/IShapeCollection.h>
#include <DOM/ISlide.h>
#include <DOM/ISlideCollection.h>
#include <DOM/Presentation.h>
#include <DOM/ShapeType.h>
#include <Export/SaveFormat.h>
using namespace Aspose::Slides;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Effects;
using namespace Aspose::Slides::Export;

auto pres = System::MakeObject<Presentation>();
auto slide = pres->get_Slides()->idx_get(0);
auto shape = slide->get_Shapes()->AddAutoShape(ShapeType::RoundCornerRectangle, 20.0f, 20.0f, 200.0f, 150.0f);

auto effectFormat = shape->get_EffectFormat();
effectFormat->EnableSoftEdgeEffect();
auto softEdgeEffect = effectFormat->get_SoftEdgeEffect();
softEdgeEffect->set_Radius(15);

pres->Save(u"softEdges.pptx", SaveFormat::Pptx);
```

## **FAQ**

### Can I apply multiple effects to the same shape?

Yes, you can combine different effects, such as shadow, reflection, and glow, on a single shape to create a more dynamic appearance.

### What shapes can I apply effects to?

You can apply effects to various shapes, including autoshapes, charts, tables, pictures, SmartArt objects, OLE objects, and more.

### Can I apply effects to grouped shapes?

Yes, you can apply effects to grouped shapes. The effect will apply to the entire group.