Microsoft Office · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 5: Presentations with PowerPoint · Lesson 1 of 3

Building Slides with Layouts and Themes

Create a presentation using layouts and a consistent theme instead of manual formatting.

In this lesson you will

  • Add slides with appropriate layouts
  • Apply and customise a theme

Key concepts

slide layoutplaceholderthemeoutline view

The lesson

PowerPoint slides are built from layouts — Title, Title and Content, Two Content, Section Header. Using layouts keeps titles and text in the same place on every slide, which looks professional.

A theme sets consistent colours and fonts across the presentation. Choose one simple theme and avoid changing fonts and colours slide by slide.

Plan the story before designing: what does the audience need to know, in what order, and what should they do afterwards?

Step by step

  1. Write a six-point outline on paper.
  2. Create a presentation and apply one theme.
  3. Add slides using the appropriate layouts.
  4. Check every title is in the same position.

Practice activity

Create a six-slide presentation about a local business using layouts and one theme.

Expected result: A consistent six-slide deck built from layouts.

Check your understanding

  1. Why use slide layouts instead of free text boxes?

    Show answer

    They keep slides consistent and make global changes easy.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.