Create Custom Design Templates and Master Slides in PowerPoint 2003

From Wendy Russell, former About.com Guide

Related Articles:
• Slide Masters in PowerPoint 2010
• Slide Masters in PowerPoint 2007

Within PowerPoint, there are a number of Design Templates containing a variety of layouts, formatting, and colors to assist you in creating eye catching presentations. You may wish, however, to create your own template so that certain features, such as a preset background, your organization’s logo or company colors are always present whenever the template is opened. These templates are called Master Slides.

There are four different Master Slides -

• Slide Master - for all slides in the presentation other than the Title Master
• Title Slide Master - the master for the Title page only
• Notes Master - the master for creating the Notes pages
• Handout Master - the master for creating Handout pages

To Create a New Template

1. Select File > Open on the menu to open a blank presentation.
2. Select View > Master > Slide Master to open the Slide Master for editing.

To Change the Background

1. Select Format > Background to open the Background dialog box.
2. Choose your options from the dialog box.
3. Click the Apply button.