Convert SmartArt Graphics to Text in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows

One of the best options available to create new SmartArt graphics is by converting your existing bulleted text to a SmartArt graphic. Many times though, you might want to do the reverse, that is converting SmartArt into bulleted text. When Microsoft introduced SmartArt in PowerPoint 2007, this reverse conversion was not possible but in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows, this ability has been added. Do note though that you will be left with just plain text rather than any shapes or visuals.

Follow these steps to do the conversion of SmartArt to bulleted text in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows:

1. Select your existing SmartArt graphic, as shown in Figure 1, below. The SmartArt graphic variant that we are using is called Horizontal Picture List.
2. 
   Figure 1: Horizontal Picture List SmartArt with text
2. When the SmartArt graphic is selected, you'll find two contextual tabs activated on the Ribbon. These are the SmartArt Tools Design and the SmartArt Tools Format tabs, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 2, below. Select the SmartArt Tools Design tab.
3. 
   Figure 2: SmartArt Tools Design tab selected

Contextual Tabs

The SmartArt Tools Design and SmartArt Tools Format tabs are contextual tabs. These tabs are special tabs in the Ribbon that are not visible all the time. They only make an appearance when you are working with a particular slide object which can be edited using special options.
3. Within the SmartArt Tools Design tab, locate the Reset group. Then, click the Convert button to bring up the drop-down list, as shown in Figure 3, below. Within the list, select the Convert to Text option, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 3.
4. 
   Figure 3: Convert SmartArt to Text
4. This action will convert the SmartArt graphic to a bulleted list, as shown in Figure 4, below.
5. 
   Figure 4: SmartArt graphic converted to bulleted list
6. Alternatively, you can right-click the SmartArt graphic. In the resultant contextual menu, choose the Convert to Text option, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 5, below.
7. 
   Figure 5: Convert to Text option