Applying a template to an existing PowerPoint presentation can significantly enhance its visual appeal and consistency. Templates provide pre-designed slide layouts, fonts, colors, and overall styles that make your presentation look professional and cohesive. Whether you’re updating an old presentation or standardizing multiple presentations, using a template can save time and ensure a polished look.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of applying a template to an existing PowerPoint presentation step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying a Template to an Existing Presentation
Step 1: Open Your Existing Presentation
First, open the PowerPoint presentation to which you want to apply a new template. You can do this by launching PowerPoint and selecting "Open" from the "File" menu, then navigating to the location of your file.
Step 2: Access the Design Tab
Once your presentation is open, go to the "Design" tab on the PowerPoint ribbon. This tab contains various design tools and options, including themes and templates.
Step 3: Browse for Templates
In the "Design" tab, you will see a gallery of themes. To find additional templates, click on the "More" button (often represented by a downward arrow) to expand the theme options.
If the template you want isn’t listed, click on “Browse for Themes” at the bottom of the gallery.
Step 4: Select and Apply a Template
After clicking “Browse for Themes,” a file dialog box will appear. Navigate to the location where your template (.potx file) is saved. Select the template and click "Apply."
PowerPoint will automatically apply the selected template to your presentation.
Step 5: Review and Adjust Slide Layouts
After applying the template, review each slide to ensure the content fits well within the new layout. Some slides may need adjustments to align with the template's design elements.
Use the "Layout" button in the "Home" tab to select different slide layouts if needed.
Step 6: Customize the Template
If you need to make further customizations, such as adjusting colors or fonts, you can do so within the "Design" tab. Use the "Variants" section to change theme colors, fonts, effects, and background styles.
These customizations will help you tailor the template to better suit your presentation’s content and style.
Step 7: Save Your Presentation
Once you’re satisfied with the applied template and any adjustments, save your presentation. Click on "File" and then "Save As" to save a new version, preserving the original file if needed.
Choose a location and file name, then click "Save."
Conclusion
Applying a template to an existing PowerPoint presentation is a straightforward process that can dramatically improve its visual appeal and consistency. By following these steps, you can easily enhance your presentation with a professional and cohesive look. Templates are a powerful tool for ensuring your slides are visually appealing and aligned with your brand or style guidelines.
Whether for a business meeting, academic presentation, or any other purpose, using templates can help you create polished and effective presentations.
FAQs to help you!
Can I apply a template to specific slides instead of the entire presentation?
No, when you apply a template in PowerPoint, it changes the design for the entire presentation. However, you can manually customize specific slides afterwards if you need different styles for certain sections.
Will applying a new template affect my existing content?
Applying a new template will change the layout, fonts, and colors of your slides, but your existing content (text, images, charts, etc.) will remain intact.
You may need to adjust the content to fit the new layout.
Can I revert back to the original design after applying a new template?
Yes, you can revert to the original design by reapplying the original theme or template. Go to the "Design" tab, find the original theme, and apply it.
Ensure you have a backup of your original presentation before making changes.
Where can I find additional PowerPoint templates?
You can find additional PowerPoint templates from various sources:
- Microsoft Office Online: Access through PowerPoint’s "Design" tab.
- Third-Party Websites: Sites like Envato Elements, SlideModel, and TemplateMonster offer professional templates.
- Custom Templates: Create your own or use templates shared by colleagues or organizations.
