Locating Background and Color Scheme of a Slide: Where to Find Them?

When creating a presentation, one of the key elements that can significantly impact its overall look and feel is the background and color scheme used in each slide. The background and color scheme set the tone for the presentation, establish a visual hierarchy, and enhance the overall design aesthetics. In this article, we will explore where to locate the background and color scheme settings in popular presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote. We will also discuss the significance of choosing the right background and color scheme for your presentation, along with some tips and best practices for creating visually appealing slides.

Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, customizing the background and color scheme of your slides is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to access and modify these settings:

Background:

1. Design Tab: Click on the “Design” tab located at the top of the PowerPoint window.
2. Background Styles: Under the “Background” group, you will find various pre-designed background styles to choose from. Click on the dropdown arrow next to “Background Styles” to select a background for your slides.

Color Scheme:

1. Design Tab: Similarly, in the “Design” tab, you will find the “Variants” group.
2. Colors: Click on the dropdown arrow next to “Colors” to choose from a range of color schemes available in PowerPoint. You can also create a custom color scheme by selecting “Customize Colors.”

Google Slides

Google Slides offers a user-friendly interface for customizing backgrounds and color schemes in your presentations. Here is how you can access these settings:

Background:

1. Slide Background: Click on the slide where you want to change the background.
2. Background Options: Go to the “Slide” menu and select “Change background.” Here, you can choose a solid color, gradient, image, or even apply a theme to the background.

Color Scheme:

1. Theme Colors: In Google Slides, themes play a crucial role in defining the color scheme of your presentation.
2. Slide Themes: Under the “Slide” menu, click on “Change Theme.” You can browse through various pre-designed themes that come with predefined color schemes.

Keynote

Keynote, Apple’s presentation software, provides a seamless experience for designing and customizing slides. To adjust the background and color scheme in Keynote, follow these steps:

Background:

1. Format Panel: Click on the “Format” panel on the right side of the Keynote window.
2. Background Styles: Under the “Background” tab, you can choose to apply a solid color, gradient fill, image, or even a pattern to the slide background.

Color Scheme:

1. Themes: Keynote offers a range of themes that include predefined color schemes.
2. Theme Options: Click on the “Document” tab and select “Change Theme.” You can explore different themes and their corresponding color palettes.

Significance of Background and Color Scheme

The background and color scheme of your slides are crucial for multiple reasons:

• Visual Appeal: A well-chosen background and color scheme can enhance the visual appeal of your presentation, making it more engaging for the audience.
• Brand Consistency: Using your brand colors or a consistent color palette throughout the presentation helps reinforce brand identity.
• Readability: The right color contrast between text and background is essential for ensuring readability and accessibility.
• Emotional Impact: Colors have psychological associations, and selecting the appropriate color scheme can evoke certain emotions or convey specific messages.

Tips for Choosing Background and Color Scheme

When selecting a background and color scheme for your presentation, consider the following tips:

• Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for readability.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent color scheme throughout the presentation for a cohesive look.
• Minimalism: Avoid cluttered backgrounds that can distract from the content.
• Brand Colors: If applicable, incorporate your brand colors to maintain brand consistency.
• Audience Consideration: Think about your audience and choose colors that resonate with them or convey the right tone for the topic.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I create a custom color scheme in PowerPoint?

2. Yes, in PowerPoint, you can customize your color scheme by selecting “Customize Colors” under the “Colors” dropdown in the “Design” tab.

3. Are there predefined color schemes available in Google Slides?

4. Google Slides offers predefined color schemes through its themes. You can choose a theme that aligns with your color preferences.

5. Can I use images as slide backgrounds in Keynote?

6. Yes, in Keynote, you can set images as slide backgrounds by selecting the image option under the “Background” tab in the “Format” panel.

7. How can I ensure text readability on a dark background?

8. For text on a dark background, use light-colored text to ensure readability. Additionally, consider using bold fonts or adding a slight shadow to enhance visibility.

9. Is it possible to change the background of individual slides in PowerPoint?

10. Yes, in PowerPoint, you can change the background of individual slides by selecting the slide and applying a specific background style or color scheme.

In conclusion, the background and color scheme of your presentation play a significant role in shaping its overall visual impact. By utilizing the settings and options within PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote, you can effectively craft visually appealing slides that resonate with your audience and convey your message effectively. Remember to consider factors such as contrast, consistency, and brand identity when choosing your background and color scheme to create a professional and engaging presentation.