Solid Color
Clean and distraction-free. Let your content take center stage.
Data-heavy slides, text content, formal presentations
Backgrounds
Set the Stage for Your Content
The backdrop sets the stage for your content. Choose backgrounds that enhance readability and reinforce your visual identity without competing for attention.
Background-Specific Tips
Solid Color
- -Use your brand's primary or secondary color for consistency
- -Dark backgrounds work well for projection; light backgrounds for screen sharing
- -Ensure sufficient contrast with your text color
Subtle Gradient
- -Keep gradients subtle-dramatic color shifts distract from content
- -Use analogous colors (neighboring on the color wheel) for harmony
- -Position the lighter area where your main content sits
Geometric Pattern
- -Keep patterns low-opacity so they don't overwhelm content
- -Align pattern elements with your grid for visual harmony
- -Use consistent pattern styles throughout the deck
Photography
- -Use high-resolution images (at least 1920x1080)
- -Add a dark overlay to ensure text readability
- -Choose images that support, not distract from, your message
Abstract Shapes
- -Position shapes in corners or edges, not behind key content
- -Use shapes in your brand colors for cohesion
- -Less is more-one or two shapes per slide maximum
Minimal Texture
- -Keep texture very subtle-it should be felt, not seen
- -Paper textures work well for editorial or creative content
- -Test on different screens to ensure texture renders properly
Background Best Practices
1
Accessibility First
Ensure 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background for readability.
2
Purposeful Imagery
Use imagery that supports your message, never as decoration alone.
3
Test Your Slides
Consider how backgrounds will appear on different projectors and screens.
4
Content Priority
Less is more-busy backgrounds distract from your content.