How to Create a Custom Template in PowerPoint

Creating a custom template in PowerPoint allows you to save time and effort by reusing slide designs, color schemes, fonts, effects, and layouts across multiple presentations. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to making your own reusable PowerPoint template.

Step 1: Open a New Blank Presentation

The first step is to open a new blank PowerPoint presentation which will become your template. To do this:

1. Open the PowerPoint application.
2. Click on File > New.
3. Select Blank Presentation.

This will give you a blank canvas to design your template.

Step 2: Set Up the Page Layout

Next, you’ll want to set up the page layout which will define the dimensions and orientation of your slides. To customize this:

1. Click on the Design tab.
2. Click on Slide Size and select Custom Slide Size.
3. Choose the desired slide width, height, and orientation (portrait or landscape).

Setting the page layout from the start allows you to design around fixed dimensions.

Step 3: Customize the Slide Master

The Slide Master contains the default formatting and layouts for all slides, so this is where you’ll spend most of your time designing. To access it:

1. Click on the View tab.
2. Click on Slide Master.

In the Slide Master view you can:

• Change background colors, fonts, effects
• Create custom layouts
• Add reusable objects like logos
• Set up slide numbering

Any changes made here will apply automatically to all slides using that layout.

Step 4: Create Custom Layouts

PowerPoint comes with preset layouts like Title Slide, Section Header, Two Content, etc. You can customize these or create new layouts from scratch:

1. In Slide Master view, right-click on an existing layout thumbnail.
2. Select Duplicate Layout.
3. Customize the layout content like placeholders, text boxes.
4. Right click on the layout again and Rename it.

Creating custom layouts ensures you have slide designs tailored to your specific needs.

Step 5: Save the Template

Once you have finished designing your template it’s time to save it for reuse:

1. Click File > Save As.
2. Choose a file name and location to save it.
3. Change the Save as type to PowerPoint Template (.potx).
4. Click Save.

The template will now be accessible when creating new presentations.

Step 6: Apply the Template

To use your custom template:

1. Go to File > New.
2. Click on Personal below the search bar.
3. Select your template to create a new presentation.

All the custom branding and designs will be applied automatically.

Tips for PowerPoint Template Design

Here are some additional best practices when creating templates:

• Use a consistent and readable font scheme throughout
• Limit text and replace with visuals whenever possible
• Use a visual theme with graphical elements aligned to it
• Include branded assets like logo and colors
• Have a healthy mix of layouts catering to different slide contents
• Check layout compatibility by adding sample text, images

Following these tips will ensure your template is easy-to-use and conveys the right brand image.

Creating your own PowerPoint template from scratch takes more initial effort but saves time exponentially down the line. The customization leads to more effective presentations. Use this guide to get started designing a template tailored to your needs and reuse it to enhance all your company’s slides.