Creating an effective PowerPoint presentation requires time and effort. Starting from a blank slate every time can be tedious and lead to inconsistencies. Using a thoughtfully designed PowerPoint template saves time and effort while ensuring brand consistency.
As a presentation designer, set your colleagues up for success by creating a custom default PowerPoint template. Follow these best practices to build a template your team will love using.
Keep It Simple Yet Complete
The best PowerPoint templates are simple, clean and professional. Avoid cluttered designs – they distract from the content. Use a simple color palette and font scheme.
However, the template should address all common presentation needs. Include slide layouts for titles, section headers, text/content, and more. Covering 80% of users’ needs is a good goal. Special use cases can always start from your template then customize further.
Use Brand Colors and Fonts
Branding consistency is key. Use your organization’s official colors, fonts, and logo in the template. Place the logo on the master slide so it appears on every slide.
If your organization lacks brand guidelines, keep fonts and colors simple yet professional. Good font choices include Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Garamond.
Focus on Hierarchy and Flow
Guide the audience’s eyes from the most important elements to the least using font sizes, colors, and positioning:
- Use large, bold fonts for titles and headers
- Use smaller fonts for body text
- Place titles at the top center of slides
- Left align body text under titles
Organize information clearly from one slide to the next. Use slide ordering, icons, and progress trackers to show logical flow.
Include Useful Elements
Enhance the template with subtle yet useful elements:
- Date, slide numbers, and footer on the master slide
- Icons to easily convey concepts and ideas
- Data charts, tables, and graphs to visualize information
- Shapes and lines to highlight or separate content
Keep It Flexible
No template can meet every need. Build in flexibility so users can customize:
- Provide light and dark color variations
- Use layered shapes instead of complex backgrounds
- Allow ample blank space for added content
Test with Users
Have a few team members test drive the template before rolling out. Ask:
- Does it work for your most common presentation needs?
- Is it easy to use and customize?
- Are there ways to improve it?
Implement feedback to create the best possible starting point for your colleagues.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Building a Custom PowerPoint Template
Follow these steps to create a tailored default template your team can use immediately when starting new presentations.
Set Up the Slide Master
The slide master stores default branding elements and design schemes.
- Open PowerPoint and select View > Slide Master
- Click the top thumbnail to edit the slide master
- Add background colors or images
- Insert your logo (sized appropriately)
- Add slide number, date, and footer placeholders
Customize Layouts
Layouts determine the positioning of titles, text boxes, and more on each slide type.
- In slide master view, select the layouts you wish to edit
- Delete any unnecessary layouts
- Resize and reposition placeholders as needed
- Set fonts, sizes, colors for text placeholders
- Add design elements like shapes or lines
Save the Template
After customizing the slide master and layouts, save your work as a template.
- Go to File > Save As
- For file type, select PowerPoint Template (.potx)
- Give your template a descriptive name
- Select save location Documents > Custom Office Templates
The template will now show up in PowerPoint’s New Presentation gallery for easy access whenever you need it.
Set as Default (Optional)
To skip directly to your custom template whenever opening PowerPoint:
- Pin the template to the New Presentation gallery
- With the template open, select Design > Themes
- Right click your custom theme > Set as Default Theme
The next time you launch PowerPoint, your template will load automatically, ready for your next presentation masterpiece!
Present Better with a Polished PowerPoint Template
A thoughtfully designed PowerPoint template makes every presentation easier for you and your colleagues. Follow the tips and step-by-step guidance to create a custom template tailored to your organization and audience.
With a professional yet flexible template, you can start crafting polished presentations faster. Simply open PowerPoint, load your template, add your content, and present with confidence. Your colleagues will thank you for setting them up for presentation success!