Add Color Gradient to PowerPoint Backgrounds
5 minutes read
Do you want to add subtle color to your presentation? A gradient PowerPoint background is a good choice.
Gradients add depth to your background without distracting the audience from the main information. Knowing how to change the background of your slide is useful knowledge.
In this article, we’ll cover what a PPT gradient background is, how to add a gradient background to your slide, and how to create gradient shapes.
What Is a PPT Gradient Background?
Gradient backgrounds are color transitions that gradually blend from one color to another. They are not limited to two shades.
Gradients can be bold or subtle depending on how they are designed. They add depth to a background and bring life to it without distracting the audience.
Many PowerPoint templates come with gradient fill backgrounds built in. Starting with one of these templates can give you a head start. You can also read the tutorial below to create your own PowerPoint gradient background for a slide.
How to Add Color Gradients to PowerPoint Backgrounds
Here’s how to create a gradient background for a PowerPoint slide:
1. Use a Template
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We’ll use the Hermosa Aesthetic Blue Background PowerPoint premium template in this tutorial. This template is a multipurpose presentation that can be used for both business and personal purposes.
This template comes with 30 unique slides where you can add your information. It also includes image placeholders that make it easy to insert your images.
2. Open a Blank Slide
When you use a premium gradient PowerPoint template, it simplifies the process since you start with a gradient background.
However, if you want something different, you can add your own gradient background by starting with a blank slide. To add a blank slide, click on the Insert tab, then click on the arrow next to the New Slide button. A menu will appear, and you can select the Blank option.
3. Design Your Gradient
Start by clicking on the Design tab to apply a gradient as the background color on PowerPoint. Next, click on the Format Background button in the toolbar, which will open a side panel.
In the Fill section of the side panel, click on the Gradient Fill option. Then, click on the Color button to choose the colors for your gradient.
4. Format Your PowerPoint Gradient Background
You can adjust your PPT gradient background in the Format Background side panel. In the Type field, you can choose the type of gradient background you want.
For example, you can choose from:
- Linear
- Radial
- Rectangular
- Path
- Shade from Title
In the Direction field, select the gradient’s direction. In the Gradient Stops field, decide where the transition from one color to another will occur.
How to Create Gradient Shapes
If you want to be a bit more creative with your gradients, you can use them in various shapes. Here’s how to apply a gradient to a shape in PowerPoint:
1. Create Your Shape
In this tutorial, we’ll create a gradient arrow. First, click on the Insert tab above the toolbar.
Then, click on the Shapes button in the toolbar to open a Shapes menu.
In the menu, locate the Block Arrows section. Choose a block arrow option to add the arrow shape to your slide and drag your cursor to create the size you want.
2. Add a Gradient to Your Shape
To create the shape gradient, start by selecting your shape. Next, click on the Shape Format tab.
In the toolbar, click on the Format Pane button. Finally, in the Fill section, select the Gradient Fill option.
3. Change the Gradient Color of Your Shape
To make the PPT gradient arrow stand out, you’ll want to change its color.
Click the Color button that looks like a paint bucket in the Color section of the side panel. A color palette will appear, allowing you to choose your desired color.
The Top Source for Gradient PowerPoint Templates
Envato Elements is an excellent source for premium gradient PowerPoint templates. It’s a subscription service where you pay a monthly fee to gain access to a range of digital assets, including:
- Premium gradient PowerPoint templates
- Fonts
- High-quality images
- And more
Using a premium template saves time because you start with a well-made foundation. Once you download a template, you only need to add your text and images.
Just because you’re using a premium template doesn’t mean you can’t customize it. A good premium template is easily customizable.
Frequently Asked PowerPoint Questions (FAQ)
You’ve just discovered how to create and use PowerPoint gradients. Here are some frequently asked PowerPoint questions and their answers:
1. How Do I Password Protect My PowerPoint file?
You may want to password-protect your presentation file if you’re presenting sensitive information. PowerPoint makes it easy to protect your presentation by going to File and then selecting Protect Presentation.
Remember to keep your password safe because if you lose it, you may lose access to the file forever.
Here’s a tutorial on how to password-protect your presentation file:
2. What Are Some Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac?
Here’s a quick list of some of the most common shortcuts:
- To open a new PowerPoint presentation, press Command+N.
- To save your PowerPoint presentation, press Command+S.
- To open the Save as option, press Command+Shift+S.
- To undo an action, press Command+Z.
- To redo an action, press Command+Y.
3. Can I Present My PowerPoint Presentation Online?
If you have OneDrive, sharing your presentation online is straightforward. If you don’t have OneDrive, you can create a presentation link to embed your file.
There are also free programs you can use, such as SlideShare. For more information, read this article:
4. How Can I Customize My Slide Layout?
To change your presentation layout as a whole, use the Slide Master tool in PowerPoint. When you modify one slide, it will affect all corresponding slides.
Learn more in this detailed tutorial:
5. What Is a Placeholder in PowerPoint?
You often find placeholders in templates, serving as indicators for where to add images or text. Some placeholders make it easier to insert images into your presentation.
For more information, read this helpful article: