Create Google Slide Layouts

Do you need a specialized Google Slides layout for your presentation?

Whether you’re looking to add a logo to a title page layout, change the default font or colors, or format text into columns, this guide will help you create unique layouts in Google Slides.

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Creating custom layouts is essential for effective presentations, regardless of whether they are for business, education, or personal projects. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to create your own Google Slides layouts, discuss Google Slides dimensions, and cover essential design basics.

Getting Started with Google Slides Layouts

QuickStart: Create Google Slide Layouts

In this section, we will walk through how to create Google Slides layouts using Master Layouts. This allows you to apply your new slide design quickly to multiple slides in your presentation.

Read on for an illustrated guide to making your own unique Google Slide layouts, with or without presentation templates.

Choose a Google Slides Presentation Template

For this tutorial, we will be using the Bold Lapis Google Slides template from Envato Elements. This modern template comes with multiple layouts for Google Slides.

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To customize the template, simply replace the pre-existing information with your own content. This makes it easy to adapt these premade layouts to fit your needs without worrying too much about dimensions initially.

Discover more Google Slides presentation templates on Envato Elements, including:

• [30+ Cool Google Slides Themes (With Aesthetic Slide Design Ideas for 2024)]

Understanding Google Slides Sizes & Dimensions

Before downloading a template, you should choose the Google Slides dimensions that best suit your presentation needs. The Page Setup option allows you to define the aspect ratio of your Google Slides layouts.

To access the Page Setup dialog box, click on File > Page setup:

You can select from various aspect ratios:

1. Standard 4:3
2. Widescreen 16:9
3. Widescreen 16:10
4. Custom

Selecting the right size and dimensions is crucial depending on the display equipment you will be using. The aspect ratio determines the horizontal to vertical resolution of your slides, which helps ensure your presentation looks good on different devices.

If you choose the Custom option, you can define your own aspect ratio in inches, centimeters, points, or pixels, allowing for greater flexibility.

What Is a Master Slide?

Understanding master slides is essential for creating your own layouts. A master slide defines the overall look of your presentation and affects all slides. In contrast, master layouts can be reused selectively across your slides.

To view the master slide and layouts for your presentation, use the Slide > Edit master menu option.

Many presentation themes include pre-defined master slides and layouts, saving you time. However, knowing how to create your own layout can be beneficial.

How to Create Google Slide Layouts

Sometimes, you may need a different slide layout. In this section, we will go through the steps to create your own master slide.

Step 1: Start with an Open Presentation

Open the presentation for which you want to create a new Google Slides layout.

Step 2: Add a Blank Slide

Add a new blank slide to your presentation as a basis for your new master layout. Click the down arrow next to the Plus (+) symbol to add a blank slide.

Step 3: Open the Master Layout Editing Dialog Box

Select your blank slide in the left pane, then go to Slide > Edit master to open the Master Layout Editing dialog box.

Step 4: Make Layout Changes

Use the tools in the toolbar to make your desired changes to the layout. You can add text placeholders, images, shapes, and lines. Changes made will affect every slide that uses the master layout you create.

Step 5: Apply Your New Master Layout

Now that you have created your new master layout, it can be applied to any slide in your presentation. To apply it to a new slide, click the down arrow next to the + symbol and select your new layout. To apply it to an existing slide, right-click on the slide, choose Apply layout, and select your new master layout.

5 Basic Google Slide Design Tips

Creating custom master layouts is just the beginning. Here are five basic design principles to ensure your presentation is effective:

1. Use Less Text

Avoid large blocks of text, as they can distract the audience. Keep it simple with bullet points and concise statements.

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2. Add Animations

Animations can enhance your story and help control pacing. Google Slides offers various animation options to explore.

3. Choose Effective Colors

Color choices should complement or contrast effectively. Stick to professional tones and consider your branding when selecting a color scheme.

4. Be Mindful of Fonts

Select readable fonts and limit yourself to one or two types. Use bold or italic for emphasis but avoid excessive variety.

5. Incorporate Graphics Wisely

Graphics should enhance your presentation. Avoid low-quality images, and be cautious not to overwhelm slides with too many visuals.

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Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to change slide dimensions in Google Slides, work with master slides, and create your custom layouts. Remember these design tips as you create engaging presentations.

Now, why not get started on your next presentation? Explore available Google Slides templates and begin crafting your unique slides today!