How to Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

In this tutorial, we’re going to show you how to make custom themes in PowerPoint 2016.


To get started, go to the View tab and click Slide Master.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

This will bring up the Slide Master view. If you want another Slide Master, simply click Insert Slide Master.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

This will add a rather blank Slide Master.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

If you change certain things such as the background on a slide other than the Slide Master, the other slides will not be affected.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

The result is shown below.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

And if elements of the Slide Master is changed, then all the slides under it will do accordingly.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

You can also change the Slide Size depending on the screen you’re presenting on.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

To insert various placeholders of media and such, click Insert Placeholder and choose the type you want.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

Then click and drag a selection to create the placeholder box.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

When you’re finished, save the theme somewhere.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

To get out of the Master View, click Close Master View under the Slide Master tab.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

You will now see the changes when you hit New Slide and choose a slide to insert.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016

We added a Media rectangle to the Slide Master, it is now shown below.

Make Custom Themes in PowerPoint 2016