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How to Edit a PowerPoint Template

Last Updated: June 8, 2024

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 139,384 times. Learn more...

Templates can speed up the creation of projects, but they can also slow productivity down when they are slightly incorrect, out-of-date, or disorganized. This wikiHow article will show you how to control the look and feel of all of your slides by editing a template in PowerPoint on a computer.

Editing a PowerPoint Template

  • Open the PowerPoint template that you want to edit.
  • Click Slide Master to edit the slide themes, colors, fonts, and placeholders.
  • Choose "Save As" from the drop-down menu to save your changes as a template.

Step 1 Open your PowerPoint template.

  • If you don’t have a PowerPoint template, you can search the web for one or create your own .

Step 2 Click the View tab.

  • For example, if you change the font on a text-based slide, the entire group’s font will change. In Slide Master view, you will see a menu of formatting options, like adding or removing the slide title and footers, changing the background styles , hiding or showing the background graphics , and changing the theme.
  • You can add elements such as an image placeholder throughout your slideshow, like a logo. Use Insert Placeholder from the Slide Master menu to add an image or a text box that will appear in the same spot, with the same dimensions, throughout the slideshow.
  • Using the Themes drop-down, you can apply a pre-made consistent color scheme and font. Since not all themes will work with your customized template, you can use the colors and font styles as inspiration. Use the Colors and Fonts drop-downs to further customize your template.

Step 5 Click Close Master.

  • From the File tab, select Save As .
  • In the "Save as File Type" menu, choose PowerPoint template . It will save in your Custom Office Templates folder with a .potx extension. [2] X Research source
  • Click Save after you’ve given the template a name.

Expert Q&A

  • If you don’t already have a Microsoft Office account, you can get a free trial version for a limited time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to change powerpoint presentation template

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  • ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/customize-a-slide-master-036d317b-3251-4237-8ddc-22f4668e2b56#OfficeVersion=2010plus
  • ↑ https://designshack.net/articles/business-articles/how-to-edit-powerpoint-template/

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA

1. Open a PowerPoint Template. 2. Click Slide Master from the View tab. 3. Edit the slide masters themes, colors, fonts, and placeholders. 4. Click Save as from the File tab. 5. Click PowerPoint Template from Save File Type... . 6. Click Save . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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how to change powerpoint presentation template

Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials How to Change PowerPoint Template

How to Change PowerPoint Template

Cover for How to Change a PowerPoint Template - Learn how to change theme in PowerPoint presentations

Sometimes, you might want to adapt your presentations to the design of different PowerPoint templates . Similarly, you might want to change the basic theme to a default version or switch to a theme you might have saved on your computer. Below are a few easy ways to change the PowerPoint template and theme.

How to Apply a Template to an Existing PowerPoint File

Step 1: save source powerpoint file as a template.

To apply a template to an existing PowerPoint, make sure that the template that you wish to switch your design to is saved to your device. You can do this via File -> Save as and save the template as a PowerPoint presentation in PPTX format.

Saving file as PPTX to change the theme

Step 2: Apply the Template to PowerPoint

When applying a template to your existing PowerPoint file, go to the Design tab and select Browse for Themes .

Browsing to change template in PowerPoint

Browse to the location where the source file is saved and select the template or theme to apply to your current PowerPoint presentation. You can also opt for downloaded templates to adapt to your current presentation. For example, you might have downloaded Google Slides templates that you might want to adapt to your current presentation. In such a case, you can select them to change the template for your PowerPoint presentation.

Select a new template file in PowerPoint

Step 3: Save Your PowerPoint with the New Template Design

Once selected, your PowerPoint will adapt to the selected template design. Needless to say, ensure your presentation with the newly applied theme is saved to your device.

Apply new template in PowerPoint

How to Save and Switch to a Theme in PowerPoint

Step 1: save source powerpoint file as a theme.

Save the source PowerPoint as a theme via the Design tab by going to Themes -> Save Current Theme as a THMX file.

Save Current Theme in PowerPoint

The saved theme file can be used to apply the theme to a selected PowerPoint file anytime. This theme file also includes the font configuration and color themes. If you only want to change the fonts in the presentation, you can learn how to change Theme fonts in PowerPoint here .

Save PowerPoint theme as a file

Step 2: Apply Theme to PowerPoint

To apply the saved theme to your current PowerPoint file, go to Design -> Themes -> Browse for Themes .

Select theme in PowerPoint

Select the theme file saved on your computer to apply it to your current presentation.

Applying selected theme into a PowerPoint file

Step 3: Save Your PowerPoint with the New Theme

Once the changes are applied, make sure you save your presentation with the new theme. Sometimes, the newly applied theme might give a different color from the colors shown in the original template you saved the theme from. In this case, you can go to Design -> Variations to select the color variation you want for your presentation.

End result of new PowerPoint theme applied

How to Change PowerPoint Theme using Design Menu

You can also change the theme for your PowerPoint presentation using a number of default options.

PowerPoint Default Themes

The Design tab in PowerPoint provides several themes. This is one of the quickest ways to give your presentation design a new look.

Change to a default PowerPoint theme

Theme Variations

You can also opt for different variations from the Design tab via the Variations menu for selected themes. Let’s see how to change the theme in PowerPoint to apply a different variation:

Accessing Theme Variants in PowerPoint

Format Background

To change the background color, switch the background to a gradient, an image, or a pattern, or hide the graphics of your PowerPoint theme, you can go to Format Background via the Design tab.

Working with Format Background in PowerPoint

PowerPoint Designer

If you are short of ideas and can’t seem to find a template to redesign your slides, instead of applying a template to PowerPoint, you can get instant design ideas from the Home tab or via Design -> Designer . PowerPoint Designer provides instant design suggestions based on the content of your presentation slides.

Browsing themes in PowerPoint Designer

Final Words

To adapt to the template or theme of a PowerPoint file, you can select the source file to apply the changes to your current presentation. However, if you’re simply looking to give your slides a fresh look, you can opt for default themes or variations, format the slide background, or get help from PowerPoint Designer.

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Design, Microsoft PowerPoint Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials

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how to change powerpoint presentation template

How to Apply a Template to an Existing PowerPoint Presentation

Learn how to apply a new template to your existing PowerPoint presentation with our easy step-by-step guide.

Understanding PowerPoint Templates

Step 1: choose the right template.

  • Relevance to Topic: Ensure the template matches the theme of your presentation. A formal template might be better for business presentations, while something more colorful could be suitable for educational content.
  • Audience Engagement: Pick a template that will keep your audience engaged. A visually appealing template can make your presentation more interesting.
  • Brand Consistency: If you’re presenting for your company or a personal brand, use a template that aligns with your brand’s colors and logos.

Step 2: Open Your Existing Presentation

notion image

Step 3: Apply the New Template

  • Go to the Design Tab: Once your presentation is open, navigate to the ‘Design’ tab in the PowerPoint toolbar.

notion image

  • Browse for Themes: Click on the ‘Themes’ dropdown. Here, you’ll see a variety of themes you can apply directly. Hover over them to preview how they would look on your slides.

notion image

  • Browse for More Templates: If you don’t see one you like, click on ‘Browse for Themes’ at the bottom of the menu to upload a template file you’ve downloaded or saved elsewhere.
  • Apply the Template: Once you find the right template, click to apply it. PowerPoint will update all your slides to the new template format.

Step 4: Adjust Layouts and Reformat

  • Check Slide Layouts: Go to the ‘Home’ tab, click on ‘Layout,’ and you’ll see various layout options that match your new template. Apply these to ensure all elements are correctly aligned.
  • Reformat Text and Images: You might need to adjust font sizes, image alignments, or reposition text boxes to fit well with the new template style.
  • Customize as Needed: Modify any colors or fonts if they do not exactly fit your needs or brand identity.

Step 5: Review and Finalize

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How to Change Templates in PowerPoint (+ Common FAQs)

Microsoft PowerPoint is renowned for its versatility and array of customizable features, one of which is the ability to change the template of your presentation. A well-chosen template can set the mood for your entire presentation, enhancing the audience’s engagement and comprehension.

If you’ve ever created a PowerPoint presentation and later decided that you want to use a different template, you’re not alone. Many PowerPoint users frequently experiment with various templates to find the one that best suits their presentation’s theme and content.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to change the template in your PowerPoint presentation. By following these straightforward steps, you can easily switch between templates and find the perfect look and feel for your presentation.

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Download thousands of PowerPoint templates, and many other design elements, with an Envato membership. It starts at $16 per month, and gives you unlimited access to a growing library of over 19+ million presentation templates, fonts, photos, graphics, and more.

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Explore PowerPoint Templates

1. Open PowerPoint and Your Presentation

Start by opening the PowerPoint presentation in which you wish to change the template.

2. Go to the Design Tab

Next, navigate to the “Design” tab in the PowerPoint toolbar. The “Design” tab contains many formatting options for your presentation, including the option to change the template.

3. Open the Theme Gallery

Click on the “More” button in the “Themes” group, represented by an arrow pointing downwards. This will open the theme gallery, where you can browse through a wide selection of pre-made templates.

how to change powerpoint presentation template

4. Choose a New Template

Scroll through the theme gallery until you find a template that suits your presentation. Click on the template to select it, and PowerPoint will automatically apply it to all the slides in your presentation.

5. Customize the Template

After selecting a new template, you can customize it to better fit your presentation. You can adjust colors, fonts, and slide layouts under the “Variants” section in the “Design” tab.

how to change powerpoint presentation template

5 Reasons to Try Using a PowerPoint Template

PowerPoint templates are pre-designed slide layouts that you can use to quickly create presentations. They can save you time, provide design inspiration, and ensure your presentation has a professional and cohesive look. Here are five reasons to consider using a PowerPoint template:

1. Save Time

Creating a presentation from scratch can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to designing the slides. Templates provide you with a ready-made design, allowing you to focus on the content. This can save you valuable time, particularly if you’re working to a tight deadline.

2. Ensure Consistency

A PowerPoint template ensures consistency across your presentation. All your slides will follow the same design theme, which helps to create a professional, cohesive look. This can enhance your audience’s understanding and retention of your content.

3. Gain Design Inspiration

Even if you’re a seasoned designer, it can be hard to come up with a fresh, creative layout for every presentation. Templates can provide design inspiration, giving you new ideas for color schemes, fonts, and slide layouts.

4. Enhance Accessibility

Many PowerPoint templates are designed with accessibility in mind. They use clear, high-contrast colors and large fonts to ensure that all members of your audience can easily read and understand your slides. This is particularly important if your audience includes people with visual impairments.

5. Improve Audience Engagement

A well-designed template can enhance your audience’s engagement with your presentation. Visually appealing slides can help to hold your audience’s attention, making them more likely to engage with your content and remember your key messages.

how to change powerpoint presentation template

In summary, using a PowerPoint template can provide numerous benefits, from saving time to enhancing accessibility and engagement. So why not try using a template for your next presentation? You might be surprised at the difference it makes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Using PowerPoint Templates

When it comes to using PowerPoint templates, many users have common questions about the process and its benefits. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Are PowerPoint Templates Free to Use?

Yes, PowerPoint provides a selection of free templates that you can use for your presentations. These templates come with the software and are accessible through the “Design” tab. Additionally, there are third-party websites where you can download free or paid PowerPoint templates designed by professionals.

2. Can I Customize a PowerPoint Template?

Absolutely! Once you apply a template to your presentation, you can customize various aspects such as colors, fonts, and slide layouts to better fit your content and brand identity. The flexibility of templates is one of their major benefits.

3. Can I Use a Template for an Existing Presentation?

Yes, you can apply a new template to an existing presentation. Just open the presentation, go to the “Design” tab, and choose a new template from the theme gallery. The new template will be applied to all the slides in your presentation.

4. Can I Share a Customized Template with Others?

Yes, if you’ve customized a PowerPoint template and want to share it with others, you can save it as a template file (.potx) and send it to them. They can then apply your customized template to their own presentations.

5. Are There Any Limitations to Using PowerPoint Templates?

While PowerPoint templates can save time and ensure a consistent look and feel, they might limit your creative freedom if you want a completely unique design for your presentation. Also, popular templates might be overused, making presentations seem similar. However, with customization options and a vast selection of templates, it’s easy to modify and choose unique designs.

Remember, the goal of using PowerPoint templates is to enhance your presentation, not limit it. Choose a template that aligns well with your content and don’t be afraid to customize it as needed.

Changing templates in PowerPoint is a quick and easy way to give your presentation a fresh look. The extensive selection of pre-made templates allows you to find a design that aligns with your presentation’s content and audience. Remember, a well-chosen template not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your presentation but also aids in effectively conveying your message.