To add or apply a layout template to a slide in PowerPoint, you simply select the desired layout from the available options.
Applying an Existing Slide Layout
Adding a layout template in PowerPoint typically refers to applying one of the pre-designed slide layouts to your current slide. These layouts are the building blocks for structuring your content effectively. They define where text, images, and other elements will appear on the slide.
Here are the simple steps to apply an existing layout:
- On the PowerPoint ribbon, navigate to the Home tab.
- In the Slides group, click the Layout button. This will open a gallery of available slide layouts.
- Select the layout that you want from the gallery.
The selected layout will instantly be applied to your current slide, changing its structure and formatting according to the chosen design.
What a Slide Layout Includes
Slide layouts are more than just blank structures; they contain specific elements and formatting to help you build your presentation quickly and consistently.
According to the definition, layouts include:
- Placeholders: These are containers on the slide designed to hold specific types of content. Examples include placeholders for:
- Text (like titles, body text, lists)
- Videos
- Pictures
- Charts
- Shapes
- Clip art
- A background
- And more.
- Formatting: Layouts also define the visual appearance of these placeholders and the slide itself, such as:
- Theme colors
- Fonts (for text placeholders)
- Effects (applied to shapes or other elements)
By applying a layout, you leverage the pre-defined structure and design elements provided by your presentation's theme or template.
For example, choosing a "Title and Content" layout provides placeholders specifically formatted for a title at the top and a main content area below, ready for you to add bullet points, a chart, or an image. Choosing a "Two Content" layout provides space for a title and two side-by-side content areas, ideal for comparisons.
Using the appropriate layout for each slide helps ensure your presentation has a professional and consistent look.
