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To create a reusable presentation template in desktop PowerPoint, set the slide size, edit the slide master and its layouts, then save the presentation as a PowerPoint Template (.potx). The result can provide consistent styling and ready-made structures for future decks. PowerPoint for the web cannot create templates, so use desktop PowerPoint for this workflow.
Theme or template: which do you need?
A theme is a coordinated set of colors, fonts, and visual effects. A template includes a theme, but also supplies layouts and placeholders that guide users on what content belongs on each slide. Microsoft Support describes the template-building process as modifying “a slide master and a set of slide layouts.”
- Choose a theme if you only need to reuse visual styling.
- Choose a template if you also want reusable slide structures, placeholders, and prompts for future content.
Create a PowerPoint template in the desktop app
These steps follow Microsoft’s Windows instructions for PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 and PowerPoint 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024. Menu names can differ by platform or version; use the equivalent desktop controls if your interface differs.
- Start a blank presentation. Go to File > New > Blank Presentation.
- Set the slide size before designing. If your template must use particular dimensions or orientation, go to Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size and set them now. This helps avoid having to adjust the design after people begin using the template.
- Open the master view. Go to View > Slide Master. The top thumbnail is the slide master; the layouts associated with it appear below.
- Design elements shared across the deck on the master. Add or adjust recurring elements such as the background, logo placement, or shared design treatment. Changes to the master provide a consistent foundation for slides using its layouts.
- Customize layouts for recurring slide types. Select individual layouts below the master and arrange or remove placeholders to suit uses such as a title slide, section divider, or content slide. Keep content that should change from deck to deck in placeholders, so users can replace it rather than having to edit fixed design elements.
- Save as a template. Choose File > Save As—or Save a Copy in Microsoft 365—and select PowerPoint Template as the file type. Give the file a name and save it. PowerPoint typically selects the Custom Office Templates folder.
- Create a new deck from it. In PowerPoint, go to File > New, then select Personal or the custom template location and choose your template.
What to put on the master and layouts
Use the master for design elements that should remain consistent throughout the presentation. Use layouts to define the structure of slides that serve different purposes. Placeholders are important because they show where future users should add content while keeping that content editable.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Logitech Wireless Presenter R400 USB A PowerPoint Clicker with Laser
- Presenter mode, built-in Class 2 red laser pointer for presentations, intuitive touch-keys for easy slideshow control. AAA batteries required (best with Polaroid AAA batteries)
- Bright red laser light - Easy to see against most backgrounds, works as a pointer clicker for presentation and clicker for powerpoint presentations
- Up to 50-foot wireless range for freedom to move around the room
- There's no software to install. Just plug the receiver into a USB port to begin. This power point clicker wireless solution makes presentations easy, and you can store the receiver in the presentation remote after use.
- 2.4GHz RF wireless technology, built-in docking bay stores receiver for easy pack up and portability; works well as a presenter clicker wireless or computer clicker for presentations.
- Master: shared visual elements and the overall design foundation.
- Layouts: the arrangements and placeholders for specific slide types.
- Placeholders: editable areas for titles, text, or other content that will vary between presentations.
PowerPoint desktop versus Google Slides
Microsoft’s documented .potx creation workflow uses desktop PowerPoint; Microsoft says PowerPoint for the web cannot create a template. Google Slides has its own theme, background, and layout features, and Google’s help also points users to templates. Those capabilities do not establish the same step-by-step process for saving a personal presentation as a reusable, organization-wide template. If you need that publishing workflow in Google Slides, consult Google’s current guidance for your account and organization rather than assuming PowerPoint’s steps apply.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Sale
Logitech Wireless Presenter R800 PowerPoint Clicker with Green Laser
- The brilliant green laser pointer is powerful and easy to see, even on LCD and plasma displays and in brightly lit rooms.
- The LCD display with timer lets you manage your time with silent, vibrating alerts and controls that are easy to set and adjust–-you’ll focus on your presentation, not the clock.
- With a range of up to 100 feet (30 meters), you can enjoy the freedom to move around the room and mingle with your audience for greater impact. A reception-level indicator ensures you don’t wander too far.
- The intuitive slideshow controls help you navigate through your presentation with confidence. Buttons are easy to find by touch. The smooth contours feel great in your hand. You’ll be in control from the first slide to the last.
- A storable plug-and-play wireless receiver makes it simple to get started—just plug the receiver into a USB port and use it right away. There’s no software to install. When you’re through, the receiver stores inside the presenter to make packing up easy.
Rank #4
Wireless Presenter, Hyperlink Volume Control Presentation Clicker RF 2.4GHz USB PowerPoint Clicker Presentation Remote Control Pointer Slide Advancer (Black)
- 【PLUG & PLAY】 The clicker pointer for presentations is easy to use, just plug the usb receiver and it is ready to go, no need to download any software. (The USB fits into the bottom of the clicker. )
- 【PRESENTATION CLICKER FEATURE】Presentation remote supports various functions:Page Forward/ Backward, Volume Control, Hyperlink, Switch Windows, Full/Black Screen.It is an efficient presentation tool for daily presentations
- 【BRIGHT RED POINTER & 100FT LONG WIRELESS RANGE】 Powerpoint presentation clicker with bright red light that is easy to see against most backgrounds ((Not Recommended for LCD/LED/TV Screens);Wireless range of powerpoint presenter up to 100 foot, free to move around even in a large room
- 【WITH SUPERIOR DETAILS】 ①One-piece magnetic usb storage, not easy to lose the usb ②Soft and rubber buttons ③Compact design & Space save and comfortable grip ④ Bumped-buttons design for easy slideshow control.⑤Operated by 1xAAA battery(Not included), with energy-saving auto-sleep function, one battery can be used for weeks
Rank #3
Sale
Presentation Clicker for PowerPoint, Wireless Presenter Remote with Laser
- Presentation Clicker with Laser Pointer: PowerPoint clicker controls range:98FT/30M, laser pointer range: 328FT/100M. Clicker for laptop presentations allows you to circulate through the room instead of being tied by the laptop and projector screen to make emphasis on important points
- Ergonomic Design: Wireless presentation clicker for PowerPoint presentations has an ergonomic design that makes you soft touch and comfortable to grip, and presentation pointers' buttons are big enough that you won't accidentally click the wrong one
- Plug and Play: No installation needed, no assembly or hard instructions to follow. Just plug and play. You simply plug the USB receiver into your computer and start using the laser pointer for presentations. The USB dongle slips into a slot on the PPT remote control handle when not in use
- Widely Compatible: Wireless presenter with laser pointer works with desktop and laptop computers. Presentation remote supports systems: Windows 2003, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS, Linux. Wireless presenter remote supports softwares: Google Slides, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint/PPT, etc
- Long Battery Life: Presenter remote just uses two AAA batteries(included), which is convenient because then you don't have to buy odd size batteries. Power point remote clicker is sturdy enough to throw in a briefcase or bag. Tips: Slide clicker has an on/off switch on the side to save the battery when not in use
Rank #2
Presentation Clicker with USB-A & USB-C Receiver, 2.4GHz Wireless Presenter Remote with Volume Control & Red Light Pointer, Clicker for PowerPoint Slides Slide Advancer for Mac Computer, Plug & Play
- 【USB-A & USB-C Built-in Receiver – One for All Devices】No more dongles or adapter hunting. This presentation clicker features a receiver with both USB-A and USB-C connectors built right in. Whether you have a new Mac with Type C ports or an old PC with USB A, it works instantly – just plug and present. Perfect for presentation clicker usb c users.
- 【Plug & Play – No Software, No Setup】Simply plug the 2.4GHz receiver into your computer’s USB port and you're ready. This clicker for powerpoint presentations requires no driver or software installation. It works seamlessly with Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and supports PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, and Prezi. Ideal as a computer clicker for presentations.
- 【Bright Red Light Pointer + Long Wireless Range】The bright red light pointer helps you highlight key content on any slide – visible even in large conference halls (pointer distance up to 100M). With a wireless control range of up to 100ft (30M) , this wireless presenter lets you walk freely and interact with your audience. A true slide advancer for dynamic talks.
- 【Full Function Control & Ergonomic Comfort】This powerpoint clicker gives you complete command: Page Up/Down, Full Screen / Black Screen, Volume Increase/Decrease, and Switch Windows. The ergonomic body with soft touch oil coating and contoured keys fits naturally in your hand – your show stays smooth even in a dark room. Also works as a pointer clicker for presentation.
- 【Low Power Consumption & Magnetic Receiver Storage】 Powered by 2x AAA batteries (not included), this presenter clicker wireless features intelligent low power consumption with auto sleep technology – 30+ days standby time on a single set of batteries. A magnetic slot at the bottom securely holds the receiver – never lose your USB A & USB C receiver again. Ideal for wireless presentation clicker users who value energy efficiency.
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