PowerPoint Placeholders Explained

Have you ever seen placeholders in PowerPoint and wondered how to use them?

Placeholders help you easily add to your slide while keeping your slide design intact.

Sometimes, the placeholders have prompts such as “Click to insert picture” or “Click to add text.” These prompts let you know what that placeholder is for. This article covers what a placeholder is in PowerPoint, how to use a placeholder, and some PowerPoint FAQs.

What Is a Placeholder in PowerPoint?

A placeholder in PowerPoint is a pre-formatted container where you can insert text, graphics, or video. These containers simplify the slide formatting process. Many premium templates come with placeholders already included, with picture placeholders being a common feature.

How to Use a Placeholder in PowerPoint

In this tutorial, we’ll be using PowerPoint version 16.69.1 on macOS. If you have a different operating system or a different version of the software, your results may differ.

Here’s how to use a placeholder in PowerPoint:

1. Choose a Template

In this tutorial, we’ll be using the Makeit PowerPoint template, which features over 150 slides and five color schemes. This template includes infographics, illustrations, and graphics, along with picture placeholders that allow you to easily drag and drop your chosen image.

2. Open Microsoft PowerPoint

On slide two of the Makeit PowerPoint template, you’ll see two different placeholders—one for images and one for text. The image placeholder will display the words “click icon to add picture,” while the text placeholder will contain placeholder text.

3. Add a New Blank Slide

To insert your own placeholders, start by adding a new slide. Click on the New Slide button in the toolbar. This action will duplicate the previous slide. If the duplicate contains an unwanted placeholder, simply select it and press Delete on your keyboard.

4. Change the Slide Layout

To modify the placeholder layout on a slide, click the Layout button in the toolbar. A menu will appear, allowing you to select your desired layout.

Customizing Placeholders

Now, let’s revisit slide two of the Makeit template to customize our presentation using the placeholders:

1. Add Text

To replace the placeholder text, highlight the existing text and press Delete. Click inside the box to activate a blinking cursor, and you can begin typing your own content.

2. Add an Image

You can add an image to the placeholder using two methods:

Method 1: Insert an Image
Click on the Insert Picture from File icon. This will open a file finder; locate your image and double-click it to insert it into the placeholder.

Method 2: Use the Insert Tab

Click on the Insert tab, then select the Pictures button. A menu will appear with options based on the location of your image file. Once you find your image, double-click it to place it into the picture placeholder.

3. Resize a Placeholder

To resize a placeholder, click and drag the white boxes around the image or text. Depending on which box you drag, the placeholder will adjust accordingly.

4. Rotate a Placeholder

At the top of the box surrounding your text or image, you’ll see a circular handle with a circular arrow. Click and drag this handle to rotate the placeholder in the direction you move your mouse.