Great PPT Slide Layouts in Microsoft PowerPoint

Learn how to edit a PowerPoint template by changing a PowerPoint slide layout in this tutorial, as well as how to make your own slide layouts quickly using templates.

PowerPoint is an industry standard for creating presentations for good reason: it’s got enough tools to easily create professional presentations using effective PowerPoint layouts.

PowerPoint tools help create presentations without having to reinvent the wheel with each presentation you make. Tools like themes, animations, and slide layout PowerPoint speed up the process of building presentations.

In this tutorial, I will teach you how to use and create PowerPoint layouts. You can think of a slide layout as a one-click starting point for making your presentation.

What Is a PowerPoint Slide Layout?

Let’s define a slide layout, specifically in PowerPoint, and explore what makes them so useful:

PowerPoint layouts are the combination and arrangement of objects on a slide. You can select a layout in a PowerPoint presentation and start adding your own content to build out a slide.

PowerPoint themes include multiple slide layouts. In the screenshot below, you see a variety of slide layouts to choose from that are included with the Simplicity PowerPoint theme, available on GraphicRiver.

A slide layout in a PowerPoint presentation can be as simple as a title centered on a slide. It can also contain complex combinations of text boxes, images, and graphics. Using a number of slide layouts can add variety to your PowerPoint presentations.

5 Popular Types of PowerPoint Slide Layouts

In this section, I’ll sample some PowerPoint slide layouts available on Envato Elements. Elements is an all-you-can-download service that includes thousands of custom PowerPoint templates—each of which includes unique layouts.

Here are five PowerPoint layouts that you’ll see in many custom templates from Envato Elements. Let’s explore them and consider how you might use them in your next presentation.

1. The Timeline Layout in PowerPoint Presentation

A timeline layout is an excellent example of a PowerPoint layout that isn’t built-in. Many premium templates include timelines as a custom PowerPoint layout option.

Timelines can be used to tell stories and link events together in chronological order. They are one of the best ways to chain together events and convey a cohesive narrative.

2. The “Colorful Content” Slide

Minimalism and simple slides are trending in 2024. However, incorporating the occasional bright, colorful slide can help break the rhythm and make a key slide stand out.

In the example above, you can see a slide layout that’s common in many modern presentation templates—a simple combination of blocks that serve as a backdrop for your content.

3. The Device Mockup Layout

Want to showcase something in a real-world setting? A device mockup layout in a PowerPoint presentation is a perfect way to illustrate an app or service.

These layouts can take many forms, but the example above effectively combines a device mockup with supporting points to bring an app or service to life.

4. The “Chart and Facts” Layout

Charts and graphs can usually stand alone, but presenting them alongside key talking points enhances their impact. That’s why a “chart and facts” PowerPoint custom layout is one of my favorite ways to accomplish both on the same slide.

5. The “People Grid” Layout

Many presentations benefit from showcasing your team. This could include business-centric presentations or classroom presentations that highlight everyone who contributed.

There are various PowerPoint layouts for this purpose, but the example above is common across many templates. It combines shapes and image placeholders to display contributors effectively.

How to Quickly Make Slide Layouts in PowerPoint

In this screencast, I’ll teach you how to choose from different layouts in PowerPoint. Then, you’ll learn how to create your own slide layouts, helping you save and reuse your most common slide designs.

Read on for written, illustrated instructions for mastering PowerPoint slide layouts.

How to Change PowerPoint Layouts

To change your PowerPoint layout, ensure that you’re working in the Home tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon.

Choose the Layout dropdown. PowerPoint will show a menu with thumbnails for each of the different layouts packaged with the theme:

To change a layout, simply click one of those thumbnails to apply a selected layout. The slide view in the main workspace will switch to the chosen PowerPoint layout.

When you select a new slide layout, PowerPoint will insert placeholders on the slide—empty boxes where you can insert your content. Depending on the slide layout, these placeholders might expect you to insert header text, bullet points, images, videos, and more.

Each slide layout for PPT is different. They can include placeholders for images, text boxes for your content, or even video boxes. Slide layouts can also feature background colors or images specific to each slide.

Think of a slide layout in PowerPoint as a blueprint for a slide. Different blueprints help you build various styles of slides. Specific slides might skip image placeholders or use all text, so choose the layout that helps you present your content efficiently.

How to Create Custom Slide Layouts

So far, we’ve explored layouts that are built into a PowerPoint theme. What if you want to create your own slide layouts with custom combinations of elements? The theme you’re using may not include the PowerPoint layout you envision. In PowerPoint, you can create custom slide layouts and use them repeatedly.

If you find yourself creating the same arrangement of objects on a PowerPoint slide multiple times, it’s a good idea to create your own layout. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Navigate to Slide Master View

Enter Slide Master View to create your own PowerPoint custom layout. Click on the View tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon and choose Slide Master from the Master Views section.

Slide Master View is a feature to edit your slide templates. You can edit or insert new layouts in this view. The screenshot below shows one of the slide layouts built into the theme. Notice the placeholder boxes for adding your own content.

When you work in Slide Master view, you aren’t modifying the presentation file—you’re adding layouts to the presentation theme itself.

2. Insert a Slide Layout

Now that we’ve entered Slide Master view, we can add and edit slide layouts. Create your own PowerPoint slide layout if your theme lacks the necessary structure.

To add a new slide layout, find the Insert Layout button on the ribbon and click it. PowerPoint will add a new thumbnail representing a new PowerPoint layout.

This slide layout for PPT serves as your blank canvas to design your custom layout. The elements you add will show up whenever you use this custom slide layout.

3. Add Placeholders for Your Slide

Placeholders are the objects you can add to a slide layout. When you select a slide layout in PowerPoint, you’ll see boxes filled with your content.

To add placeholders, click on Insert Placeholder on the ribbon while in Slide Master view. Choose from one of the options to add a box.

Adding a placeholder to a slide layout in PowerPoint will create a box on the slide for content. When you use that slide layout in the future, these placeholder boxes will appear, allowing you to add content to them.

A PowerPoint layout is simply a set of placeholders that you can reuse, so avoid adding specific content like slide titles or bullet points in this view. The goal is to create reusable slide designs that are flexible. In the screenshot below, I’ve added a couple of placeholders (“Content” and a “Picture” placeholder) to the layout.

Slide Master View also lets you change font sizes and colors. These changes will be included as part of the new Slide Layout, appearing whenever you use it.

4. Use the PowerPoint Slide Layout

Now, let’s exit Slide Master view and return to Normal view, the standard presentation-building view in PowerPoint. Click on View and select Normal to leave Slide Master view.

Once you’re back in Normal View, return to the Home tab on the ribbon and open the Layout dropdown. You’ll see the new layout that we just created. Click on it to apply it to the active slide.

PowerPoint will change the current slide to the custom layout you selected, allowing you to start adding content to the placeholder boxes you created in Slide Master view. You can return to the Layout menu anytime you want to use your custom slide layout.

5 Top PowerPoint Presentation Slide Layout Design Tips for 2024

What elements contribute to a great PowerPoint layout? We’ve all experienced presentations with crowded, confusing slides.

Not all slide layouts in PowerPoint are created equally. Here are my top tips for creating outstanding slide layouts:

• Above all, limit the number of items included on a slide layout. Focus on a few key bullet points or media to maintain readability.
• Consider font sizes when adding text boxes; use larger sizes for header text and smaller sizes for other content.
• Avoid filling the entire slide with placeholders; leave white space between elements to ensure the slides flow naturally.

With that in mind, here are five quick tips to help you design a standout presentation:

1. Stand Out With Custom Illustrations

Custom illustrations can make your presentation visually engaging and help you stand out from your peers. The Lionhead PPT template from Envato Elements does a fantastic job of using illustrations and making the entire presentation appear more colorful.

2. Go Easy on Transitions and Animations

Transitions and animations can enhance your presentation, but excessive use can make it appear unprofessional. Reserve transitions and animations for slides that introduce the next point in your presentation.

3. Use Contrasting Colors

Elevate your presentation by using two contrasting colors. This approach leaves a bold impression on your audience. A template like Conference, which incorporates contrasting colors, is a great option.

4. Make Use of the Slide Master

Utilize a slide master to create consistency in your presentation design. You can set default colors and font sizes, making it easy to update the entire presentation in one go.

5. Get Creative With Slide Layouts

Your slides don’t have to be purely image-based or text-based. Experiment with image and text placement to create unique and attractive slides. Alternatively, consider using a template like Rockstar, which offers various slide layouts and types.

5 Top Premium PowerPoint Slide Design Templates From Envato Elements - For 2024

Envato Elements is one of the best sources for premium PowerPoint slide design templates. These templates feature modern and professional designs, along with plenty of features to elevate your presentation:

1. Casual PowerPoint Template

The Casual PowerPoint template is ideal for fashion or eCommerce presentations. It includes 32 slides based on master slides and offers drag-and-drop image placeholders for easy editing.

2. Guava PowerPoint Template

The Guava template showcases a minimalistic and clean design. It contains over 50 unique slides and editable vector shapes, allowing easy insertion of your own photos thanks to image placeholders. The template also includes PPTX files and documentation.

3. Simple Slide Layout in PowerPoint Template

The Simple Presentation PowerPoint template features a multipurpose design suitable for any presentation type. It includes both light and dark versions with drag-and-drop image placeholders, making it easy to customize.

4. Boris PowerPoint Template

The Boris template boasts a clean and minimal design, consisting of 30 slides based on master slides. It also offers 5 premade color schemes and picture placeholders, designed in widescreen resolution.

5. Classics PowerPoint Template

The Classics template is perfect for elegant presentations. It features over 150 unique slides and 5 premade color schemes, with easy customization thanks to image placeholders and master slides.

Common PowerPoint Questions Answered (FAQ)

If you’re considering using PowerPoint for your next presentation, you may have questions about this powerful program. Here are some of the most common inquiries about PowerPoint along with answers:

1. Is It Easy to Change Templates in PowerPoint?

PowerPoint comes with built-in slide templates, but you can easily change them for professionally designed templates. We’ve got a tutorial that walks you through the entire process.

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  How to Quickly Change PowerPoint Templates (Download & Import) 2024

  Andrew Childress 16 Jun 2023

2. What Are the Best Dimensions for My Presentation?

This answer can be tricky and depends on where and how you plan on presenting your slides. We’ve got a tutorial that will help you design your presentation to ensure it looks great no matter where it’s displayed.

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  What Are the Right Dimensions (Size) for Your PowerPoint PPT Slides? (+ Video)

  Andrew Childress 21 Sep 2023

3. Can I Edit Master Slides in PowerPoint?

Yes, it’s quite easy to do. Editing the master slides helps maintain consistency and allows you to use your favorite fonts, colors, and other styles.

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  How to Use and Edit PowerPoint PPT Master Slides

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4. Can I Learn PowerPoint Quickly?

PowerPoint is packed with features that might seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are tips and tricks you can use to quickly get up to speed with PowerPoint and create presentations in no time.

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  How to Learn PowerPoint Quickly (Complete 2024 Beginner’s Guide + Video)

  Andrew Childress 12 Sep 2023

5. How Can PowerPoint Help Make Better Presentations?

PowerPoint offers many features that assist in creating great presentations, including built-in layouts, rearranging slides, and master slides. You can learn more in our guide about key Microsoft PowerPoint features.

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  20 Key Microsoft PowerPoint Features (to Make Better Presentations) + Video

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Build Your Best Slide Layout in PowerPoint With Helpful Tutorials and Templates

In this post, we explored a crucial aspect of Microsoft’s presentation app: PowerPoint layouts. A layout for PPT serves as a blueprint to set up the elements for your slides. PowerPoint has built-in layout options that are user-friendly and serve as excellent starting points for your slides.

However, custom slides from Envato Elements or GraphicRiver offer limitless layout options that can help you build your best presentations ever. Jump to those links to design your presentation with custom PowerPoint layouts.

Editorial Note: The tutorial was originally published in July 2017 and has been comprehensively revised to include new information—with special assistance from Andrew Childress and Brenda Barron.