PowerPoint Tips Blog

Create cool, Zen-style PowerPoint backgrounds with Background Styles

PowerPoint 2007 introduced background styles, which are solid or subtle gradient backgrounds based on some of the colors in your theme colors. They can create a cool, Zen-style look. You can use them alone, or in conjunction with your theme.

Use background styles on their own

Open PowerPoint 2007 or 2010 and you’ll see [...]

Ppted.com & EllenFinkelstein.com partner to offer 3 products in 1

Ppted.com and I have partnered to offer a great joint product that contains:

Green PowerPoint template package Summer PowerPoint template package 101 Advanced Techniques Every PowerPoint User Should Know ebook About the template packages

The two template packages include several images (not just one, like most templates) and each image includes multiple layouts, [...]

How to get a designer look with abstract images to create backgrounds for slides and shapes

You can use abstract images to create interesting, textured backgrounds for slides or shapes. For example, Nancy Duarte’s signature slide uses a textured image background. You can see an example here. (If you have PowerPoint 2010, you have this presentation. Choose File> New> Sample Templates> 5 Rules.)

Here’s an example, using abstract images as [...]

Free PowerPoint backgrounds and how to make your own

For several years, I created backgrounds and offered them as free downloads. Now, my emphasis is on training people to present more effectively, but the page with the backgrounds is still on my website. It’s hidden, because there aren’t any links to it, so I’m going to share the secret with you.

Also, I [...]

Transparency gradients-an update

I’m working on my upcoming webinar, High-Impact Slide Design for Non-Designers, and one technique that I’m covering is transparency gradients. I’m explaining how to use them for a simple bottom bar on a slide and also how to create belly bands. (What, you don’t know what belly bands are?)

I realized that my tip [...]

Create a radial gradient background with a highlight effect

Even top designers who disavow backgrounds sometimes use gradient backgrounds. As an example, see the link at the end to the “Create a timeline agenda in PresentationZen style” which was done by Garr Reynolds. If you look at the embedded presentation’s slides 7-12, you’ll see a slight gradient.

A radial gradient background with a [...]

10 steps to create a better PowerPoint template

PowerPoint’s default blank template is annoying! It really needs work. And with more and more people using white backgrounds, you’re probably using the blank template more often. Here’s what to do to make a better template.

Here are the steps:

Open a new presentation file, which uses the default blank template. In 2007, it’s [...]

May, 2009 PowerPoint 2007 Theme – dun-aqua

By request, I’m offering my first PowerPoint 2007 theme. It’s the same look as last month’s background, but it’s a THMX file. There are also custom theme colors, fonts, and effects.

To find out where to save it, open PowerPoint 2007, click the Design tab, and click the More button at the right of [...]

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You'll find free tips, techniques, articles, and tutorials here, all designed to help you succeed when you present. This blog gives you knowledge. I'm passionate about turning Death by PowerPoint into Life by PowerPoint. Discover books and courses to help you become an outstanding presenter. Find out more about training, consulting, webinars and coaching on presentation skills and PowerPoint.

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