PowerPoint Backgrounds in Photoshop
6 minutes read
Learn the best PPT slide size to create in Photoshop for full slide coverage. Also, learn how to make PPT slides backgrounds in this easy-to-follow tutorial.
So, what’s the right PowerPoint slide size for Photoshop? In this tutorial, we’ll explore PowerPoint slide dimensions, Photoshop PowerPoint template sizes, and much more. We’ll even create a PowerPoint slide size Photoshop background.
Microsoft PowerPoint is perfect for creating presentations, while Adobe Photoshop is the go-to choice for graphic design. Combining these powerful applications allows you to create stunning presentations with advanced graphics designed in Photoshop.
Setting Up Your Photoshop Document for PowerPoint
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to set a PPT slide size in Photoshop. This is crucial for designing supplemental graphics effectively. You’ll also discover some premium templates (from Envato Elements) that come with the PPT slide size preset for you.
Let’s delve deeper into how Photoshop and PowerPoint work together to help you create impressive PowerPoint backgrounds.
PowerPoint and Photoshop: Working in Harmony
Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft PowerPoint are both powerful applications when used independently. However, when used together, they can significantly enhance your presentations.
PowerPoint prioritizes ease of use, while Photoshop offers an extensive array of graphic design tools. The combination of these two applications enables you to incorporate high-quality graphics into your presentations.
Here are some questions you may encounter when working with both apps:
- What’s the size of a PowerPoint slide for Photoshop?
- What size is a Photoshop PowerPoint template?
- What’s the correct PowerPoint size for backgrounds?
- What are PowerPoint dimensions: pixels, inches?
- How do you set your Photoshop document to match your PowerPoint presentation?
- What PowerPoint size should I use? 16:9? 4:3?
These are some of the questions we will address in this tutorial. Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding PowerPoint Dimensions
So, what’s the deal with PPT slide size? Photoshop and PowerPoint have different approaches. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- As of 2023, default PowerPoint files use a 16:9 aspect ratio, known as “Widescreen.”
- These dimensions can be converted to pixels or other metrics in Photoshop.
- You can also choose a 4:3 ratio, called “Standard,” or even a Custom Slide size in PowerPoint.
This means there’s no single PowerPoint size; it depends on your needs.
Choosing and Checking Your PowerPoint Document Size
Setting the correct size for your PowerPoint slide in Photoshop is vital to avoid unnecessary redesigns. If you don’t have the correct PowerPoint slide size, Photoshop won’t accommodate your needs.
To view your PowerPoint document size, navigate to the Design tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon. Then click on the Slide Size drop-down and select Custom Slide Size.
In the pop-up window, you’ll find the default size displayed in inches. Adjust the Width and Height boxes to your desired dimensions.
The most important choice is between widescreen and standard. This selection affects the width-to-height ratio. Make sure to check your PPT slide size before beginning your work in Adobe Photoshop.
Converting PowerPoint Document Size: Inches to Pixels
To set your PPT slide size for Photoshop, you can either:
- Adjust your Photoshop preferences to use inches instead of pixels.
- Calculate your PowerPoint presentation’s size in pixels and input those dimensions.
For example, PowerPoint assumes a 96 dpi (dots per inch) screen resolution. To convert inches to pixels, use the following formula:
Width in inches x 96 dpi = Width in pixels
Here’s an example calculation:
13.333 inches wide x 96 dpi = 1280 pixels
Repeat the calculation for the height:
7.5 inches high x 96 dpi = 800 pixels
If your PowerPoint slide is already set up, knowing the pixel dimensions will help you create a corresponding document in Photoshop.
If you find calculations daunting, consider using an online tool like Ninjaunits to convert between inches and pixels.
Changing Photoshop’s Default Units
To streamline your workflow, you might want to set Photoshop to use inches instead of pixels. To do this, go to Preferences > Units & Rulers in Adobe Photoshop.
In the Preferences window, find the Units section and change the drop-down for Rulers from Pixels to Inches. Ensure to set the Screen Resolution to 96 pixels/inch to match PowerPoint’s defaults.
Now, all menus and dialogues in Photoshop will use inches as the default unit, making it easier to design PowerPoint backgrounds that are perfectly sized.
Setting PowerPoint Presentations to Pixel Size
You can also set your PowerPoint presentation to specific pixel dimensions, which can be useful when transitioning a Photoshop document to PowerPoint. To adjust the dimensions, return to the Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size menu in PowerPoint. Enter pixel dimensions directly in the Width and Height boxes, like “2560 px”.
Once you click outside the boxes, PowerPoint will automatically convert these measurements back to inches based on a 96 dpi assumption.
Creating PowerPoint Backgrounds in Photoshop
Now that you understand how to set the correct dimensions, it’s time to create your PowerPoint background in Photoshop. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a New Document
Open Photoshop and create a new document using the pixel dimensions you’ve calculated. You can do this by going to File > New. Open the Layers panel by selecting Window > Layers.
Step 2: Import a Graphic
Open your chosen graphic by going to File > Open and selecting the file from your computer. Use Select > All followed by Edit > Copy to copy the image. Go back to your new document and use Edit > Paste to insert the image onto a new layer.
Step 3: Position Your Image
If the pasted image isn’t properly positioned, go to Edit > Free Transform to adjust the size and placement. Use the Move tool to reposition the image as desired.
Step 4: Adjust Opacity
To ensure your background isn’t too overwhelming, you may want to reduce its opacity. Select the image layer, then adjust the Opacity Slider in the Layers panel to achieve a more subtle background effect.
Step 5: Save Your Work
When you’re satisfied with your design, go to File > Save As to export your finished background. It’s best to save it as a JPG file to ensure compatibility with PowerPoint.
Step 6: Insert the Background into PowerPoint
Finally, return to PowerPoint and drag-and-drop your JPG graphic onto the slide. Your graphic should fit perfectly within the dimensions you set earlier.
Finding Pre-Made PowerPoint Slides
If you’re pressed for time and need to create a presentation quickly, consider using Envato Elements, which offers an all-you-can-download service for creatives. This platform provides thousands of pre-built PowerPoint templates with the correct dimensions already set.
With these templates, you won’t have to worry about sizing issues. You’ll also gain access to Photoshop templates that are aligned with PowerPoint background dimensions.
For more PowerPoint template inspiration, check out these collections: