Applying Themes Colours and Fonts

Create a consistent visual identity with themes, variants, readable colour and dependable fonts.

What you will learn

• Apply and customise a theme
• Use colour with sufficient contrast
• Choose and apply readable fonts consistently

Before you begin

Use a practice presentation and non-sensitive sample information. PowerPoint versions can place commands differently, so use the ribbon search box when a named command is not immediately visible. Save before making major changes.

Use themes consistently

A theme coordinates fonts, colours, backgrounds and effects. Apply one theme to the whole presentation, then use a variant if a modest change is needed.

Avoid manually decorating every slide. Consistency makes the presentation easier to follow and simpler to revise.

Choose colour carefully

Text must contrast strongly with its background. Do not communicate meaning through colour alone; add labels, shapes or patterns where needed.

Use a restrained palette and reserve the strongest accent for important information. Check slides on the display or projector when possible.

Choose dependable type

Use clear fonts and a size that can be read from the back of the room. Limit font families and keep the same role for each style.

Use Slide Master or theme fonts for presentation-wide changes. Avoid stretching text boxes until the type becomes too small.

Guided practice

1. Apply a theme to the practice presentation.
2. Select a variant and check every slide.
3. Confirm body text is readable and colour contrast is strong.

Knowledge check

1. What does a theme control?
2. Why should colour not carry meaning alone?
3. Where should presentation-wide font changes be made?

Completion standard

Continue when you can complete the guided practice and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.