Creating a Google Slides template can seem daunting at first, but with a little guidance, it’s a breeze. In a nutshell, you’ll want to open up Google Slides, choose a theme, customize your slide layouts, and save your template for future use. That’s it! After reading this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make a Google Slides template that’s all your own.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Make a Google Slides Template
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for. By following these steps, you’ll create a custom template that you can use for any presentation, saving you time and ensuring consistency across your slideshows.
Step 1: Open Google Slides and Start a New Presentation
Open Google Slides and create a new presentation by clicking on the plus sign.
Starting with a blank slate is always best when creating a template. It allows you to let your creativity flow without any preconceived constraints.
Step 2: Choose a Theme or Start from Scratch
Select a theme from the gallery or opt for a blank presentation if you want total control over the design.
If you’re not a design wizard, don’t fret. Google Slides offers a variety of themes that can serve as a great starting point.
Step 3: Customize Slide Layouts
Edit the master slide to customize common elements like fonts, colors, and background images.
This is where the magic happens. By editing the master slide, you ensure that any changes you make will apply to all slides in the presentation.
Step 4: Add Placeholders for Content
Insert placeholders for text, images, and other content that will be consistent across presentations.
Placeholders are like empty cups waiting to be filled. They give you a clear idea of where content should go, making it easy to swap in new information.
Step 5: Save Your Template for Future Use
Save your design by going to File > Download > PowerPoint (.pptx), and then re-upload it as a template.
While it seems counterintuitive to download and re-upload, this step ensures that your template is saved and ready for future use.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a custom Google Slides template at your disposal. No more starting from scratch for every presentation!
Tips for Making a Google Slides Template
- Keep it simple. Don’t overcrowd your slides with too many elements.
- Stick to a color scheme. Consistent colors will give your presentation a professional look.
- Use high-quality images. Pixelated images can detract from the overall impact of your slides.
- Be mindful of text size. Make sure it’s legible for your audience.
- Test your template. Make a sample presentation to ensure everything works as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Google Slides?
Simply go to slides.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
Can I share my template with others?
Absolutely! Just like any Google Doc, you can share your template with specific people or even make it public.
What if I don’t have a strong design sense?
No problem. You can use one of the preset themes as a starting point and tweak it to your liking.
Can I use custom fonts in my template?
Yes, Google Slides allows you to add a variety of fonts from the Google Fonts library.
Is it possible to make a template with more than one slide layout?
Definitely! You can create as many custom slide layouts within your template as you need.
Summary
- Open Google Slides and start a new presentation.
- Choose a theme or begin with a blank presentation.
- Customize slide layouts.
- Add placeholders for content.
- Save your template for future presentations.
Conclusion
Templates are a game-changer when it comes to creating presentations. They not only save time but also help maintain a consistent look and feel, which can be crucial for branding or academic purposes. The process of making a Google Slides template is quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. Remember, simplicity and consistency are your best friends when designing a template. Play around with different designs, test them out, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. With this newfound skill, you’ll be churning out top-notch presentations that captivate and engage your audience in no time. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how a custom Google Slides template can elevate your presentation game!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.