How to Create a PowerPoint Template

We will talk about the PowerPoint tool today that will save you and your colleagues plenty of time. Using a template is what you should do if you want to keep the PowerPoint presentations from your company consistent.

Whether you are familiar with templates or not, we will teach you everything you need to know and walk you through the process of making your own.

Johan Müller

Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Writer

Like any other writer, his path crossed with the SaaS industry. For over three years, he has been combining his SEO and writing skills to create informative listicles, comparisons, and tutorial posts.

What is a PowerPoint template?

A PowerPoint template is a pre-designed framework that guides the overall look and feel of a presentation. It serves as a blueprint for the style and format of the slides, allowing users to focus more on the content outline rather than the design details. Templates usually come with a predefined layout, which includes a set of slide designs, color combinations, fonts, and sometimes smart art items. These elements are customizable, giving users the flexibility to tailor the template to their specific needs.

When creating a fresh presentation, users can select a template from the File Tab under the default option, or they may choose to import templates from online sources. The template includes various built-in slide layouts, like a cover slide, content slides, and a default slide master that ensures consistency in design across all slides.

Users can view these different layouts in the Slide Thumbnail Pane, and select them based on the content's requirements.

PowerPoint templates often feature tools like a search bar for finding specific templates or content within a slide, and the ClickSlide Size option to adjust the larger slide image dimensions. The Slide Master lets users customize the default layouts and add new ones, ensuring that each slide in the presentation reflects the desired appearance.

By using a PowerPoint template, the process of creating visually appealing and cohesive presentations becomes significantly easier and more efficient.

You can also read about creating Google Docs templates.

How to create a PowerPoint Template?

Step 1: Start a New Presentation

• Go to File > New > Blank Presentation.

Step 2: Set Slide Size and Orientation

• Navigate to the Design tab.
• Click Slide Size > Custom Slide Size.
• Choose your preferred orientation (Portrait or Landscape) and dimensions.

Step 3: Access the Slide Master

• Open the View tab.
• In the Master Views group, select Slide Master

• The slide master appears as the largest slide image at the top of the slide thumbnail list on the left.

Step 4: Customize the Slide Master

• To add a theme: Click Themes on the Slide Master tab and select from the gallery.

• To change the background: Select Background Styles and choose an option.

Step 5: Adding Placeholders

• In the sidebar where thumbnails of slides are displayed, select the slide layout where you want to add the placeholder. Select the desired placeholder.
• Draw the placeholder by clicking and dragging.
• To resize, drag the corners; to move, drag the edges.
• To delete an unwanted placeholder from a slide master or layout, select it in the thumbnail pane, then click its border on the slide and press the Delete key.

Step 6: Adjust Page Orientation (Optional)

• Choose Slide Size > Custom Slide Size.
• Under Orientation, select Portrait or Landscape.
  
  

Step 7: Save as PowerPoint Template

• Go to File > Save As (or Save a Copy for Microsoft 365 users).
• In the dialog box, select PowerPoint Template from the Save as type list.
• PowerPoint will automatically suggest the Custom Office Templates folder. Enter a file name for your template, or keep the suggested name.
• Click Save.
  
  

Step 8: Using Your Template for New Presentations

• To create a new presentation with your template, go to File > New.
• Click Custom > Custom Office Templates.
• Double-click your saved template to use it.
  
  

You can also check our resume resource on How to Create a PDF Logo.

How to Create a PDF PowerPoint on Windows

Looking to convert your presentation from a PDF file to a PowerPoint format? Here's a step-by-step guide for Windows users:

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Step 1: Create or Open PDF Content

Begin by either creating a new PDF document by selecting the "Create PDF" option, or get ready to open an existing PDF that you wish to convert.

Step 2: Select "PDF to PPT" from Advanced Tools

From within the application, go to the Advanced Tools section and select the "PDF to PPT" option. Navigate through your file manager to find your presentation, then click "Open" to proceed.

Step 3: Adding Multiple Files (Optional)

If you need to convert several files at once, you can use the "Add Files" function. This allows for batch conversion, saving time when dealing with multiple documents.

Step 4: Saving the Converted PowerPoint File

After your PDF is ready for conversion, simply click on the "Convert" button. This action will transform your PDF into a PowerPoint presentation and save it in your library for easy access.

How to Create a PDF PowerPoint on Mac

You can quickly convert PDF documents to a PowerPoint presentation on your Mac computer:

"PDF Reader Pro is an amazing tool for individuals and for business. It's annotation and editing help me with my daily tasks and allows for collaboration amongst my team and I."

Naaziyah Ismail

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Source: LinkedIn

Step 1: Starting with PDF Creation

Begin by creating your PDF. If you don't already have a presentation in PDF format, open PDF Reader Pro and click on "Create PDF" on the Home interface. You have the option to create your PDF from images (ideal if you have slides in image format) or from a blank page if you need to start from scratch.

Step 2: Editing Your PDF (Optional)

If you're starting with a blank page or need to make adjustments to your PDF, click on "Edit PDF". This lets you add text and images, essentially designing your slides directly within the PDF.

Step 3: Preparing to Convert: Opening Your PDF Content

Once your PDF content is ready, whether freshly created or pre-existing, open it in the reader. Then, navigate to the "Converter" option in the menu to initiate the conversion process.

Step 4: Converting to PowerPoint

In the final step, choose the "To PPT" option. Click on "Convert" to transform your PDF into a PowerPoint (PPT) file, completing the conversion process.

PowerPoint Template: FAQ

How do I create and use Personal Templates in PowerPoint?

Personal templates in PowerPoint allow you to save a custom design that you can reuse for different presentations. To create one, design a slide layout that suits your needs, then save it as a template file. You can access these templates under the 'Personal' tab when you create a new presentation.

What is the difference between Professional and Personal Templates in PowerPoint?

Professional templates in PowerPoint are often designed with a business-oriented look and feel, offering more formal and standardized designs. Personal templates, however, are customized by users to fit their individual style or specific presentation needs.

Can I create a Reusable Template in PowerPoint for various presentations?

Yes, creating a reusable template in PowerPoint is quite straightforward. Design a template with versatile elements like modifiable background colors and different types of placeholders. This allows you to adapt the same template for various presentation topics.

"Using PDF Reader Pro has made my daily workday so much easier. I can do everything I need, like combining files or adding notes, all in one place. It speeded my document management and every task I work on."

Johan Müller

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Source: LinkedIn

What are some tips for effective Template Design in PowerPoint?

Effective template design in PowerPoint involves a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Use appropriate background colors, clear type of placeholders, and ensure there is a logical flow to the content. The design should enhance the presentation’s message without being distracting.

How should I choose Background Colors for my PowerPoint Template?

Choose background colors that complement the content and purpose of your presentation. For a professional look, opt for subtle, muted colors. For more dynamic presentations, brighter colors can be used. Always ensure there is sufficient contrast with the text for readability.

What Types of Placeholders are essential in a PowerPoint Template?

Essential types of placeholders in PowerPoint templates include text boxes for titles and content, image placeholders, chart placeholders for data representation, and sometimes video or audio placeholders, depending on the presentation’s needs.

How do Default Placeholders in PowerPoint templates improve presentation design?

Default placeholders in PowerPoint templates help maintain consistency in design and layout across different slides. They also speed up the process of creating a presentation by providing pre-set spaces for text, images, and other content.

Is it possible to include a Drop-Down Menu in a PowerPoint Template?

PowerPoint doesn’t natively support interactive drop-down menus, but you can create a similar effect using hyperlinks or action buttons. These can guide viewers to different slides, mimicking the functionality of a drop-down menu.

How can I access more templates from the Themes Folder in PowerPoint?

To access more templates in PowerPoint, go to the 'Design' tab and click on the 'More' button in the Themes group. This will open the Themes folder, where you can choose from a variety of pre-designed templates.

What is the best Save Location for custom PowerPoint Templates?

The best save location for custom PowerPoint templates is typically the default PowerPoint Templates folder. This ensures they are easily accessible from within the application. Alternatively, you can save them in a cloud storage folder for access from different devices.

How can I ensure my PowerPoint Template has a Professional Appearance?

To ensure your PowerPoint template has a professional appearance, use a consistent color scheme, keep font styles elegant and readable, and use the Slide Master feature to maintain uniformity in slide layouts. Avoid clutter and focus on simplicity and clarity in your design.