How To Create A PowerPoint Template

If you are tired of using PowerPoint's default blank template, it is easy to create your own custom templates. You can add logos and pictures to the template, and also change the fonts and colors. The PowerPoint template can also be saved for future use. A simple template is very easy to create and you can reuse it as many times as you want with little effort. You can use your template to display your company's logo or to make it a little more personal.

Creating a Template

* You will begin by opening a new presentation in PowerPoint

* Select a slide layout and click OK

* You can now alter the template. You can add a color scheme or background, pictures, shapes, ClipArt, or WordArt.

* Click on File>Save As>Design Template

* In the pull down menu under Save As, click on the pull down arrow and choose Microsoft>Templates

* You will want to save the template in the Templates folder

You are now ready to apply your template as a presentation. You will begin by double clicking on the name of your template in the General tab.

Adding Color and Background Graphic

* Select Format>Slide Color Scheme. A dialog box will appear. Examples of color schemes can be found under the Standards tab. Select your color scheme and click on it. For one slide in a presentation click Apply. For all slides in the presentation, click Apply to All.

To create a custom color scheme click on Custom tab. Select the color scheme of your choice and click on Change Color. Once the changes are made, click on Apply or Apply to All.

To change the background, select Format>Background. You will see the Background Dialog Box. Choose the color you want to add to the slide and Click Apply or Apply to All. You can find many web sites allowing the downloading of free quality wallpapers for saving as your template background graphic. When searching for a template background, try to find wallpapers with solid colors and avoid colourful or visually complex images.

Adding Pictures

You can add pictures in AutoShapes, ClipArt, and Pictures from File, or Word Art.

To add an AutoShape, select Insert>Pictures>AutoShape. This will open an AutoShape Toolbar with a list of icons describing different shapes. Select one and choose a shape. A crosshair will appear when you move over on on the slide. Click and Drag until the shape is the size you want.

To move an image below the text, click on the shape. A box with 8 white squares surrounding it will appear behind the text.

To add ClipArt, pictures you have taken, or WordArt, you will follow the same steps. You will want to make sure once you finish the template that you resave it for future use.

There are many more advanced options to customize a template, however it is outside the scope of this article. With a little time and effort, you will be creating enriching PowerPoint templates in minutes.