Before diving into the “how-to” steps, let’s clarify what a PowerPoint template is. A PowerPoint template is a pre-designed file that provides a set of slide layouts, color schemes, fonts, effects, and often background images. Templates help you maintain consistency across your slides and save significant design time.
Templates vs. Themes:
While both templates and themes enhance the look of your presentation, templates are more comprehensive. Themes mainly affect colors and fonts, but templates can include complete layouts, sample content, and backgrounds.
Why Use Templates?
- Save time by avoiding repetitive design tasks
- Ensure brand consistency
- Access professionally designed layouts and graphics
And if you’re looking for creative, modern, and fully-editable templates, workppt offers a wide range of options tailored for any industry or occasion.
If you need professional, custom-branded slides instantly, consider using WorkPPT, turning hours of design work into minutes.
Where to Find PowerPoint Templates
1. Built-In PowerPoint Templates
2. Downloading Templates Online
Popular PowerPoint Templates Download Sites:
- SlidesPPT – 100% free PowerPoint and Google Slides templates, simple and easy to download with no sign-up needed.
- Free Powerpoint Templates Design – Offers a variety of classic PowerPoint templates; most are free but quite basic in design.
- Slidesgo – Beautifully designed modern templates, but only a limited selection is free; premium plans unlock most designs.
- SlidesPPT – Creative and professional templates available for free, though the library is smaller compared to paid platforms.
- SlidesPPTSlideModel.com/free-powerpoint-templates/ – High-quality templates with professional layouts, but the free collection is limited — most templates require a paid subscription.
Common Template File Formats:
.POTX— PowerPoint Template file.PPTX— Standard PowerPoint Presentation (can also be used as a template)
How to Add a Template to PowerPoint
1. Adding a Template When Creating a New Presentation
Step 1: Open PowerPoint.
Step 2: Go to File > New.
Step 3: Browse the available templates or use the search bar to find a specific style.
Step 4: Click on a template you like and select Create.
Your new presentation will be based on that template, complete with coordinated fonts, layouts, and colors.
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2. Importing a Downloaded PowerPoint Template
Downloaded a template from presentation template site or another source? Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Download the .potx or .pptx file on internet.
Step 2: Open PowerPoint.
Step 3: Click File > Open and navigate to the downloaded template file.
Step 4: The template will open as a new presentation. You can now add your content.
3. Adding a Template to Your Custom Templates Library
Want regular access to your favorite templates?
Step 1: Save your downloaded templates in a dedicated folder on your computer (e.g., “My PowerPoint Templates”).
Step 2: In PowerPoint, go to File > Options > Save.
Step 3: Under “Default personal templates location,” enter the path to your templates folder.
Step 4: Next time you create a new presentation, go to File > New > Personal to access your custom templates instantly.
4. Apply a Template to an Existing PowerPoint Presentation
Changing the style of an existing presentation is straightforward. Here’s how you can apply a template to an existing PowerPoint:
Step 1: Open your existing PowerPoint presentation.
Step 2: Click on the Design tab.
Step 3: In the Themes group, click the More button (downward arrow).
Step 4: Select Browse for Themes
Step 5: Navigate to the template file you downloaded from template site and select it.
Step 6: The template’s color scheme, fonts, and layouts will be applied to your current slides.
How to Insert and Customize Backgrounds in PowerPoint Templates
Backgrounds are a key part of any great template. Most templates from workppt come with beautifully designed backgrounds, but you might want to customize them. Here are the steps:
- Step 1. Go to the Slide Master: Click View > Slide Master
- Step 2. Select the Layout: Choose the slide layout you want to edit.
- Step 3. Format Background:
- Click Background Styles > Format Background.
- Choose a solid color, gradient, picture, or texture.
- Step 4. Apply changes: Click Apply to All if you want the background on every slide.
This flexibility allows you to adjust even professionally designed powerpoint templates to perfectly match your brand or topic.
Tips for Using Templates Effectively
- Customize Your Content: Add your own text, images, and data to make the template unique to your needs.
- Maintain Consistency: Use the same template throughout your project for a cohesive look.
- Use Slide Master: Customize fonts, colors, and layouts in the Slide Master to quickly update the entire presentation.
- Save Time: Save your customized template for future use by selecting File > Save As > PowerPoint Template (.potx).
- Source Quality Templates: Use reliable sources to ensure your templates are high-quality, up-to-date, and fully compatible with the latest PowerPoint versions.
