How to Create a Custom Theme in PowerPoint (Full Tutorial)

How to Create a Custom Theme in PowerPoint - Beginner to Advanced

Creating a custom theme in PowerPoint is a simple way to design professional presentations. I use custom themes, so I don’t have to format each slide again and again. Today, in this discussion, I’ll show you how I do so. So, let’s start with a quick overview of the custom theme.

What is a Custom Theme in PowerPoint?

A custom theme in PowerPoint is a combination of:

Colors

Fonts

Background styles

Layout settings

These you can apply to all slides in a presentation. Instead of formatting each slide manually, you build a theme once and reuse it across multiple presentations.

Next, let me explain the reasons why making a custom theme is the best thing is MS PowerPoint.

Also read: Convert Canva Presentations to PowerPoint

Why Make a Custom Theme in PPT

Users create custom themes for several practical reasons:

Maintain brand consistency with company colors and fonts

Reduce repetitive formatting work

Make slides look professional

Ensure uniform layouts across presentations

Custom themes are especially useful when you’re working on business decks or marketing presentations.

How to Create a Custom Theme in PowerPoint?

Below are the step-by-step instructions I follow to make a custom theme in PPT:

#Step 1. Open a New Presentation

Open Microsoft PowerPoint

Click on Blank Presentation

Make sure I’m on the Home tab

#Step 2. Open Slide Master View

Now, use the Slide Master.

Go to the View tab

Click Slide Master

#Step 3. Customize Theme Colors

Here’s how to set custom colors:

Select the top master slide

Click Colors from the Slide Master toolbar

Choose Customize Colors

Set colors for:

Text/Background

Accent colors

Hyperlink colors

Click Save

#Step 4. Set Custom Fonts

To change the fonts:

Click on Fonts

Select Customize Fonts

Choose:

One font for Headings

One font for Body text

Save the font set with a custom name

#Step 5. Design Background Styles

Now customize the background:

Right-click the master slide

Select Format Background

Choose:

Solid fill

Gradient fill

Picture or texture

Adjust transparency and effects

#Step 6. Customize Slide Layouts

Click each layout under the Slide Master

Adjust placeholder positions

Resize title and content boxes

Add logos or watermarks

#Step 7. Save the Custom Theme

Once you finish the design:

Click Themes

Choose Save Current Theme

Give your theme a name

Click Save

PowerPoint stores the theme and lets you reuse it in future presentations.

Related guide: How to Add a YouTube Video to PowerPoint

How to Apply the Custom Theme to a Presentation?→

After learning how to create a custom theme in PowerPoint, it’s time to learn how to apply it:

Open a new or existing PowerPoint file

Go to the Design tab

Click Browse for Themes

Select your saved theme

Now, your entire presentation updates instantly with the custom design.

How to Create a Custom Theme in PowerPoint Using a Cutting-edge Solution→

If you’re looking for an automated solution that can create a theme and apply it automatically, you can try MagicSlides AI Presentation Maker for free. This AI-based tool helps me generate ready-made slides from simple text prompts.

With this, you can:

Instantly create slides from topics or documents

Apply modern slide layouts automatically

Numerous customizable options, i.e., colors, fonts, and themes

Offers several template options for professional or educational use

Export the presentation directly to PowerPoint format

It reduces the effort of designing slides from scratch. So, sign in now for free, and follow the steps to create a customized PPT:

Enter a topic or paste content in the prompt box.

Choose a theme or style according to your presentation’s purpose.

Generate the slides, and the tool will create a complete deck within seconds.

Download the PPT file and open it in PowerPoint.

Done! Your PPT is created within seconds with your customizable templates and designs.

Best Practices to Follow While Creating Custom PowerPoint Themes→

When designing a custom theme, always keep these points in mind for an effortless process:

Avoid using too many bright colors

Use readable font sizes

Keep enough white space

Maintain a strong contrast between text and background

These small practices help you to create an engaging presentation.

Additional resource: How to use AI to generate images?→

Author’s Verdict

I always recommend learning how to create a custom theme in PowerPoint because it saves time and improves presentation quality. A well-designed custom theme makes presentations more professional and impactful.

I personally recommend opting for MagicSlides AI to make a customizable presentation without any manual intervention within seconds.