author image

As someone who relies on Google Slides for both work and personal projects, I know how frustrating it can be when your default templates suddenly disappear, change, or just don’t look quite right anymore. 

If you’re wondering how to get normal Google Slides templates back, or want to change your Google Slides defaults, you’re definitely not alone—I’ve been there, and I want to share what actually works.
Table of contents
  1. Why I Needed to Get My Google Slides Templates Back
  2. How to Get Normal Google Slides Templates Back: What Worked for Me
  3. How to Change Google Slides Defaults
  4. History of Google Slides Templates
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

Why I Needed to Get My Google Slides Templates Back

A while ago, I noticed my Google Slides template menu looked totally different. Some of my favorite classic layouts were missing, replaced, or simply not loading. I had tried a few third-party add-ons, imported some PowerPoint templates, and played with custom themes—which, to my surprise, seemed to have disrupted my defaults.

If you’re experiencing something similar, here’s why you might want the standard Google Slides templates back:

  • Familiarity: The default templates are clean, professional, and easy to use.
  • Consistency: If you collaborate with others, standard templates avoid formatting headaches.
  • Speed: It’s faster to create new presentations when you know what you’ll get.

    • How to Get Normal Google Slides Templates Back: What Worked for Me

    After some trial and error, here’s the process I used to restore the classic Google Slides templates:

    1. Start with a Brand New Presentation

  • Go to Google Slides.
  • Click the “+ Blank” button to open a fresh presentation.
  • In most cases, this resets your theme to Google’s default and gives you access to the standard template layouts.

    • add blank google slides

    2. Remove or Reset Custom Themes

    Sometimes, a custom theme overrides the usual template options. Here’s how I reset mine:

  • Click on “Slide” in the menu bar.
  • Go to “Change theme”.

    • change google slide templates

  • Select “Simple Light” or “Simple Dark” (these are Google’s standard themes).

    • select simple light or dark theme

  • All the default layouts should now appear in the “Layout” menu.

    • 3. Clear Unwanted Add-ons or Extensions

    Occasionally, add-ons or browser extensions can change how templates load:

  • Disable or remove any recent Google Slides add-ons.
  • Try opening Google Slides in an incognito/private browser window to rule out extension conflicts.

    • 4. Revert Imported PowerPoint Templates

    If you’ve recently imported a PowerPoint template and want to switch back:

  • Click “Slide” > “Change theme” and pick a Google default.
  • The imported template layouts will be replaced by the standard Google Slides layouts.

    • How to Change Google Slides Defaults

    If you want to change your Google Slides defaults (for example, always starting with a certain theme or font):

  • Open a blank presentation, set up your preferred theme, fonts, and styles.
  • Click “File” > “Make a copy” > “Entire presentation“.

    • make a copy

  • Save this as “My Default Template“.

    • save copy as default template

  • Next time, open this file and click “File” > “Make a copy” to start a new deck with your preferred defaults.

    • History of Google Slides Templates

    Over time, Google Slides has introduced new themes and retired some old ones. If you’re nostalgic for a specific classic template, unfortunately, there’s no built-in “history” button for template versions. However, you can:

  • Search online for “classic Google Slides templates” (some users share old versions).
  • Rebuild your favorite look using the theme builder and save it for later use.
  • Use the “Version history” (File > Version history) in a specific presentation to roll back changes, but this won’t restore old Google-wide templates—just your own edits.

    • view version history

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did my normal Google Slides templates disappear?

    Usually, it’s due to a custom theme, imported template, or add-on. Resetting the theme often brings them back.

    How can I get classic Google Slides templates again?

    Open a new presentation, go to “Change theme,” and pick a default theme like “Simple Light.”

    Can I set my own default template for Google Slides?

    Yes! Save a copy of your preferred setup and reuse it for new presentations.

    Does importing a PowerPoint template overwrite Google Slides layouts?

    Temporarily, yes. But you can switch back to Google’s layouts by changing the theme.

    How to Import PowerPoint Templates into Google Slides

    If you want to use a PowerPoint template in Google Slides:

  • 1. Download your desired PowerPoint template (.pptx file).
  • 2. Go to Google Slides, then click File > Import slides.

    • import slides

  • 3. Upload your PowerPoint file.
  • 4. Choose which slides to import, and decide whether to keep the original theme or match the Google Slides theme.
  • 5. If you want to go back to normal Google Slides templates, just change the theme as described above.

    • Are there AI-powered ways to help with Google Slides templates?

    Absolutely! Modern AI presentation makers like WorkPPT can generate stylish, ready-to-use decks for Google Slides. You can even export AI-generated slides and import them to Google Slides for a fresh start every time.

    workppt ai presentation generator screenshot

    Create AI Presentation
    ✍ [You May Also Like]:
  • Best In-Slides Extension for Google Slides
  • Top PowerPoint Alternatives Comparison

    • 💬 Conclusion:

    Restoring your normal Google Slides templates is easier than it seems once you know the steps. I hope my personal experience helps you save time and frustration. If you’re ready to try a more advanced or AI-powered approach, tools like WorkPPT AI slide maker can give you even more freedom to create, customize, and import beautiful templates into Google Slides.
    workppt banner

    WorkPPT – Create Presentation in 1-Click

    Simple enter the topic or upload files and get a complete presention ager few mins.

    Create AI Presentation