How to Change Background on Google Slides

Changing the background on Google Slides is an easy way to customize the look of your presentations. The background includes the color, gradient, or image behind the slide content. Selecting an appropriate background can reinforce your ideas, match your brand, and make your presentation more visually appealing.

In this article, we will cover step-by-step instructions for changing Google Slides backgrounds on both desktop and mobile devices.

Benefits of Customizing Google Slides Backgrounds

Here are some of the key reasons why you may want to change the background in Google Slides:

  • Reinforce ideas and brand image – Choose colors, gradients, and images that represent your brand or match the theme of your presentation. This creates cohesion.
  • Enhance visual interest – The right background can make your slides stand out and capture the audience’s attention.
  • Increase accessibility – Some backgrounds work better for those with visual impairments. Simple, high contrast options are most accessible.
  • Cater to audience preferences – Consider your audience when selecting backgrounds. Cooler colors and minimalist designs often appeal to corporate audiences.
  • Set the mood – Darker backgrounds can create a serious tone, while light and bright backgrounds feel more energetic.

How to Change Background on Desktop

Changing backgrounds in Google Slides using a desktop web browser is simple. Here are the steps:

Change Slide Background Color

  1. Open your presentation and select the slide to modify.
  2. Click Slide > Change Background.
  3. Click the color box and choose a pre-set color or create a custom one.
  4. Click Done to apply to just that slide or Add to Theme to apply to all slides.

Change Slide Background Image

  1. Select the slide and click Slide > Change Background.
  2. Click Image > Choose to select a JPG, PNG, or GIF from your computer.
  3. Click Select once chosen.
  4. Click Done or Add to Theme.

Change Background Theme

  1. Click Slide > Change Theme.
  2. Browse different theme thumbnail images on the right.
  3. Hover over one you like then click to apply it.

Themes change the background colors and images for all slides in one click.

How to Change Background on Mobile

The process for changing Google Slides backgrounds on mobile devices is similar with slightly different menus.

Change Slide Background Color

  1. Tap the slide then tap More in the top right.
  2. Tap Change Background > Color and select a color.
  3. Tap Apply to Theme or just Done.

Change Slide Background Image

  1. Tap the slide and tap More > Change Background > Image > Choose.
  2. Select an image from your phone’s gallery or take a new photo.
  3. Tap the image then Select.
  4. Tap Apply to Theme or just Done.

Change Background Theme

  1. Tap More > Change Theme.
  2. Swipe left and right to browse themes.
  3. Tap a theme thumbnail to apply it.

Conclusion

Customizing Google Slides backgrounds is an easy way to enhance your presentations. Match your brand colors, choose appropriate images, and select themes that reinforce your ideas. Feel free to get creative and test different options – backgrounds are easy to change.

Implement the steps outlined above depending on whether you’re using a desktop or a mobile device. With a few simple clicks, you can set the right tone and hold your audience’s attention from start to finish.