Adding Images and Backgrounds in Google Slides

Do you need to quickly add slide backgrounds for Google Slides? Or, do you want to know how to add a picture to Google Slides? Follow these easy steps.

Importance of Images in Presentations

Photos and graphics are an essential part of any presentation. They break up the text and add viewer interest. It may be a cliché, but the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” often holds true. A well-chosen image can convey a message more effectively than words alone.

This tutorial will guide you through the types of images you can use in Google Slides, teach you how to set an image as a background, and share techniques to make your images stand out.

Selecting the Right Image

Before adding pictures to your Google Slides presentation, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality image. A poor-quality image can detract from the overall impact of your presentation. Here are some tips for selecting a good image:

• Resolution: Choose high-resolution images to ensure clarity when projected.
• Size: Opt for images that are less than 50 MB to fit Google Slides’ limits.
• Aspect Ratio: Ensure that the image aspect ratio matches that of the slides.
• Clarity: Avoid blurry or out-of-focus images, as they can appear unprofessional.
• File Type: Use supported formats such as PNG, JPG, or GIF.
• Relevance: Make sure the image relates to your topic; for instance, avoid using clown images in a financial presentation.
• Licensing: Ensure the image is royalty-free or that you own the rights to it.

Inserting Pictures into Google Slides

Once you’ve selected the perfect image, follow these steps to insert it into your presentation:

1. Use a Template

We recommend using a premium template like the Magazine Google Slides template from Envato Elements, which includes twenty high-definition slides and icons for visual interest.

2. Download the Template

Download the desired template by clicking the red Download button (a subscription to Envato Elements may be required).

3. Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Drag your presentation file into Google Drive and double-click to open it in Google Slides. For more information on using Google Slides, refer to this tutorial:

• How to Use Google Slides in 2024 (Quick Start Guide)

4. Add Your Image

To insert an image, click on the Insert option in the top menu, then select Image. You will see six options for importing images:

1. Upload from computer (the default option).
2. Search the web to find images via Google.
3. Drive to insert images stored in your Google Drive.
4. Photos from your Google Photos account.
5. By URL to use an image from a specific website.
6. Camera to take a photo directly using your webcam.

Click on your preferred option to upload your image. For this tutorial, we will focus on the upload option.

5. Adjust Your Image

After adding your image, resize it by dragging the blue handles around it. To maintain the original proportions, drag from a corner handle while holding the Shift key. Position the image as needed on your slide.

Changing Your Slide Background

You can personalize the background of your slides in Google Slides by changing the background color or adding images.

To change the background, open the desired slide and click the Background option in the toolbar.

Changing Background Color

To change the background color, click the down arrow next to the Color option in the dialog box and choose your desired color. Click Done to apply the selection.

Adding an Image as a Background

To set an image as the background, return to the Background dialog box and click on Choose image. This opens the Insert Background Image box, which offers the same options for inserting images as previously mentioned.

Drag your image file into the box and click the yellow Done button to set it as your slide’s background.

Note: When using an image as a background, you won’t be able to resize or move it on the slide.

Undoing Background Changes

If you want to revert background changes, go to the Background dialog box and click Reset to theme. Click Done to return the slide to its default settings.

Transforming Imported Images

You can creatively transform images in Google Slides. Here are four techniques to enhance your images:

1. Make an image transparent.
2. Recolor the image.
3. Add an image mask with shapes.
4. Add borders to an image.

Making an Image Transparent

Select the image and click on Format, then Format Options. In the sidebar, expand the Adjustments section to find the transparency slider. Moving the slider to the right increases transparency, allowing you to see text beneath the image.

Changing an Image’s Colors

In the Format options sidebar, locate the Recolor option. Click the down arrow next to No Color to explore various recoloring options. Select a thumbnail to apply the desired color effect to your image.

Adding an Image Mask

To place an image inside a shape, select the image, click on the down arrow next to the Crop tool, and choose a shape from the sub-menu. Click the shape to apply it to your image.

Adding Borders to an Image

Select your image, then use the icons for Border color, Border weight, and Border dash to create an attractive border. Choose a color, set the thickness, and optionally apply a dashed pattern for additional visual appeal.

Conclusion

With the knowledge gained from this tutorial, you can effectively add pictures to Google Slides, transforming your presentation into a more engaging and visually appealing experience. By incorporating images, adjusting backgrounds, and utilizing creative transformations, your presentations will stand out.