How to Select a Great PowerPoint Background

Two Parts:Considering Background TypesTrying Backgrounds Out

In Microsoft PowerPoint, there are endless ways of customising slides. Creating a background is a really powerful way of enhancing your presentation. To create a great background, you need one that isn't too bland for the content or too over-powering of the content. You want to strike a balance which complements the content on the slide without making it hard to read the text. Start with step 1, below, for some useful tips on how to choose the best background for your presentation.

Part 1
Considering Background Types

  1. Image titled Selecting a Great PowerPoint Background Step 1
    Consider a light background. This can be anything from the standard white background, to a pastel-like shade that is very light in colour.
    • Its main benefits are that text and images will pop off the slide and show really well. However in some cases (for example the plain white background) this may come off as a little bland or repetitive for the presentation.
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  2. Image titled Selecting a Great PowerPoint Background Step 2
    Try out medium backgrounds. A medium background will usually allow either white or black text to be readable.
    • It won't have the dramatic impact of a dark or light background but will show well when used properly.
      Image titled Medium background
  3. Image titled Selecting a Great PowerPoint Background Step 3
    Look at dark options. A dark background conveys a rich feeling to your audience. It's not used that often, so it is a great choice if you want to stand out from most other presentations out there.
    • However if not used correctly your presentation may look fine on your computer, but may be difficult for others to read from far away while you are presenting.
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  4. Image titled Picture background
    Avoid patterns, most of the time. A texture, pattern, or picture background is generally the least used of background types. It is generally distracting to the content, unless to serve as an overwhelming Title page, or a very subtle background picture.

Part 2
Trying Backgrounds Out

  1. 1
    Apply a background to one slide. Once you think you have a good idea of whether you want to use a light, medium, or dark background, try it out. Apply the background, make your slideshow fullscreen, and step back. Can you still read the text? Is the color overwhelming? What impression does it leave you with?
  2. 2
    Ask for a second opinion. You've probably been staring at the same presentation for several hours by now, so ask someone else what they think of your choice. Show them two options and see which they prefer.
  3. 3
    Use a built-in template or theme. If you're not sure what backgrounds to use or what colors complement one another, keep it simple: go with one of PowerPoint's built-in templates, and you won't have to worry about much else. They all look professional and generally provide for easy readability.


  • Light - Medium backgrounds are usually the best for professional presentations. If in doubt, stick to a plain white background with an image, logo, or border to break up the monotony of text.
  • Medium - Dark Background are not often used if professional settings due to their tendency to be a bit hard to read on text. They are also much more distracting to the eye than lighter backgrounds.
  • Texture,pattern, picture, and collage backgrounds are best saved for title pages or creative presentations (for example, an art class); a background of this type would probably never be used in a professional setting where attention to information is crucial.


  • If in doubt, stick to white.
  • Always test colour combinations of text and background; never rush it or think because you can still read it on the screen others may be able to read from the back of the room.
  • Avoid red or blue text unless you have the right background; text in these colors is hard to read on most coloured backgrounds.
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Article Info

Categories: PowerPoint Presentations