How to Change the Background Color or Image on Slides in PowerPoint

Most users have a favorite PowerPoint presentation design template. However, maybe the background for that favorite design doesn't print well, the color is too harsh, or using a picture or company colors in the background seems more desirable than the standard template. Make changes to the background once you have chosen a presentation design template. Apply a background change to a single slide for emphasis or make the change to all slides in a presentation.

Instructions

1. Open the PowerPoint file. Select the first slide where you want a new background.

2. Select "Format" and "Background."

3. Click on the color drop-down to select a new color. Select "More Colors," then select the desired color from the Standard tab or go to the Custom tab to enter the RGB code for the color you desire.

4. Click "OK." To place the background on a single slide, click "Apply." To place the background on all slides in the presentation, click "Apply to All."

5. Save the changes to your PowerPoint file by clicking on the Save button on toolbar.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to not only change the current slides, but any future slides, do the background changes from Master View instead of Normal View. The steps are the same.

• Light colors or no background is better for printed documents. Dark backgrounds are better suited to slide shows.