Top Free PowerPoint Background Sites

Looking for PowerPoint backgrounds to help make your presentation more interesting?

In this article, I share a curated list of some sites where you can get free PowerPoint backgrounds as well as some of the best premium backgrounds for PowerPoint.

Importance of PowerPoint Backgrounds

Are you worried that your presentation might look boring? Consider using one of the many backgrounds for PowerPoint to liven things up and make your slideshow more engaging. Many PowerPoint presentations are primarily text on a solid white, black, or colored background. It doesn’t have to be that way.

There are many professional PowerPoint backgrounds available through sites like Envato Elements and GraphicRiver that can add interest to any slideshow if you know where to look.

Characteristics of Good PowerPoint Backgrounds

In this article, you’ll learn the characteristics of good PowerPoint backgrounds and the benefits of using premium templates. Finally, I’ll share a curated list of some of the best premium PowerPoint background templates and provide you with sites to download PowerPoint backgrounds free of charge.

Why Your PowerPoint Background Is Important

Your PowerPoint background is crucial because it sets the tone for your presentation. An interesting background can transform your slideshow from mundane to sophisticated and engaging. Here are a few advantages of using a PowerPoint background:

1. Adds Texture to Your Slides

Most presentations default to a stark white background. Adding a textured background can give your presentation an edge and make it visually appealing.

2. Contributes to Your Message

The right PowerPoint background can enhance your message. For instance, a geometric pattern may be perfect for a creative presentation.

3. Captures the Audience’s Attention

A well-chosen PowerPoint background makes your audience aware that your presentation is different and noteworthy.

What to Look for in a Great PowerPoint Background Template

When selecting a PowerPoint background template, consider the following characteristics:

1. Fits With Your Message

Your background should complement your message. If your presentation focuses on technology, avoid backgrounds that suggest a rustic or wooden theme.

2. Not Too Cluttered

Good PowerPoint backgrounds provide ample space for you to add your information without overwhelming your slides. Simplicity is often the best approach.

3. Is Subtle

A well-designed background should not distract from your content. Look for templates with faded or blurred backgrounds to keep the focus on your message.

Benefits of Premium PowerPoint Background Templates

While free PowerPoint backgrounds might initially seem like the best option, they often come with limitations such as minimal design options and lack of support. If your presentation is important, investing in premium PowerPoint backgrounds from reputable sites like Envato Elements or GraphicRiver can be worthwhile.

Many Envato Elements PowerPoint templates include unique backgrounds along with professionally designed slide templates. For a single monthly fee, you gain unlimited access to a multitude of templates and creative elements.

Best Premium PowerPoint Background Templates from Envato Elements

Here are some standout templates featuring cool PowerPoint backgrounds available on Envato Elements:

1. Winter - Watercolour PowerPoint Template

This creative template features slides with a beautiful wintry sky background, perfect for seasonal, creative, or personal presentations.

2. Woody - Wooden PowerPoint Template

This template offers a white wooden background, adding subtle texture to your slideshow. It includes six pre-made color themes for easy customization.

3. Kingwood PowerPoint Template

Featuring a wood pattern background, this animated template offers both dark and light options, accompanied by helpful documentation for quick setup.

4. Diagonal Lines PowerPoint Template

For a bolder look, the Diagonal Lines PowerPoint template uses sharp lines to frame your message, including a variety of data visualization elements.

More Premium Infographic Templates from GraphicRiver

If you need a PowerPoint template for a one-time use, consider GraphicRiver, which offers hundreds of premium professionally-designed templates without long-term commitments.

Here are some templates with excellent backgrounds you can find on GraphicRiver:

1. Vantage Collection PowerPoint Template Bundle

This bundle features several hand-made background textures, along with placeholders for images and multiple themes.

2. Cabin Home PowerPoint Template

This template showcases a beautiful wood grain background, ideal for builder presentations or any content needing a western touch.

3. Timber PowerPoint Presentation Template

Featuring rugged wood and weathered paper textures, this template includes numerous design options and over 110 custom icons.

4. The Wall PowerPoint Template

This template offers multiple brick wall background options, including dark and light textures, praised by users for its quality.

5. Business PowerPoint Presentation Template

This template includes various blur backgrounds and is easy to customize, featuring over 100 icons and a helpful guide.

6. Fast Food PowerPoint Presentation Template

Despite its name, this versatile template suits a variety of presentation themes with three background choices: cream, white, and black.

7. Clouds PowerPoint Template

Featuring attractive background images and animations, this template is perfect for presentations on corporate vision or future plans.

8. Bubbles PowerPoint Template

This animated template features an attractive abstract background image, complete with a help file for easy setup.

Sites Offering Free PowerPoint Backgrounds

If premium templates are beyond your budget, there are several great resources for free PowerPoint backgrounds. Here’s a list of sites where you can download free PPT background templates:

1. Microsoft Office - A reliable source for free PowerPoint backgrounds and templates.

2. Presentation Magazine - Offers free PPT background templates with matching color themes.

3. Free PPT Backgrounds - A variety of free PowerPoint background templates available for download.

4. ALLPPT.com - Download free PowerPoint templates, including background images.

5. PowerPoint Styles - Free templates and backgrounds compatible with multiple presentation platforms.

6. SlideHunter - Find free presentation slides for various uses.

7. Educational Technology Clearing House - A resource for technology integration in education.

8. PPTBackgroundTemplates - Browse free background templates to find what you need.

9. Free PPT Backgrounds - Offers a selection of abstract backgrounds and textures.

10. INDEZINE - Features a good selection of abstract and themed background patterns.

11. PPT Backgrounds - A diverse selection of free PowerPoint backgrounds available for download.