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How to Change a Google Slides Background

Customize a presentation background with images, themes, or templates

By Tricia Goss Tricia Goss Writer Pima College Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 24, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Change the Theme Import a New Theme Extra: Change the Layout Change the Background Color Change the Background Image You can customize the appearance of a Google Slides presentation by changing the theme, layout, or background image. The approach that you use will depend on whether you are using a computer or a mobile device. Google Slides is a full presentation builder. You can go beyond the capabilities of this article and collaborate with others, add images, or even add audio to your Google Slides presentation to create the exact presentation you need.

Change the Theme

In Google Slides, a theme is a collection of presets that includes colors, fonts, background, and layouts. You can select a new theme to modify the way your presentation looks. Open the presentation you want to customize. If you are using Google Slides on a computer, click Slide and then click Change Theme. On a mobile device, tap More on the top right and then tap Change Theme. Click the theme you want to use from the Themes pane that appears on the left. Click on different themes to see how they look. Close the Themes pane after you have applied the one you want to use.

Import a New Theme

If you want to apply a theme from another Google Slides presentation or a PowerPoint slideshow, you can import it into your current presentation. 'Importing themes' is only available in the desktop version of Google Slides. Open the presentation you want to customize. Click Slide and then click Change Theme. Click Import Theme in the bottom right corner of the Themes Pane. The Import Theme dialog box will open. Click the Presentations tab to import a theme from another Google Slides presentation you have used. Click the Upload to use the theme of a presentation on your computer. Drag the file to the box or click Select a File from Your Computer to browse for the file. Click Select to apply the theme.

Change the Layout

The layout of a presentation in Google Slides is the manner in which text and images are arranged on a slide. You can change the layout in Google Slides on a computer, an Android device, or an iOS device. Open the presentation you want to customize. If you are using Google Slides on a computer, click Slide and then point to Layout. On a mobile device, tap More on the top right and then tap Change Layout. Click or tap on the layout you want to use.

Change the Background Color

You can change the background color of a slide or an entire presentation. You can only change the background color of a slide or presentation using Google Slides on a computer. Open the presentation you want to customize. Click on the slide you want to change. Click Background or Change Background on the toolbar at the top of the slide. The Background dialog box will open. Click the Color drop-down arrow. Click the Gradient button if you want to apply a color gradient. Click on the color you want to use. Click Add to Theme if you want to apply the color to the entire presentation. Click Done to apply the color. Learn more about changing theme colors in Google Slides

Change the Background Image

You can change the background of a slide or an entire presentation using an image from your computer or from Google Drive. You can only change the background image of a slide or presentation using Google Slides on a computer. Open the presentation you want to customize. Select the slide you want to change. Click Background or Change Background on the toolbar at the top of the slide. The Background dialog box will open. Click the Choose Image button next to Image. The Insert Background Image dialog box will open. Click the Upload tab to browse for an image on your computer. Alternatively, you can drag an image into the dialog box to upload it. Click the Google Drive tab to find an image saved on your Google Drive account. You can also choose to take a snapshot, enter the URL of an image or search online for an image. Click on the image you want to use and then click Select. Click Add to Theme if you want to apply the color to the entire presentation. Click Done to apply the image. How to Make an Image Transparent in Google Slides Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change Theme Colors in Google Slides How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation How to Make a Timeline on Google Slides How to Wrap Text in Google Slides How to Add a Border in Google Slides How to Make an Image Transparent in Google Slides How to Link Slides in Google Slides How to Change a Google Docs Background to a Picture How to Put a Spreadsheet in Google Slides How to Group Objects in Google Slides How to Copy a PowerPoint Design Template to Another Presentation How to Make a Brochure in Microsoft Word How to Change Folder Color on Mac How to Change a Login Picture on Mac How to Use Google Slide Animations and Transitions 5 Best Sites for Free Microsoft PowerPoint Backgrounds Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies