How To Make Google Slides Look Good [Complete Guide]

Making your presentation in Google Slides is pretty easy, but making them look good is another matter. You’re in the right place if you’ve ever struggled with boring presentations.

In this guide, we will show you how to make Google Slides look good using various tips, techniques, and design principles to help elevate your presentations’ visual appeal. This includes:

  • Choosing the right themes and color schemes
  • Effectively using fonts
  • Using images and other visual elements.

Read on to learn how to make your Google Slides aesthetic.

Tips And Tricks To Make Google Slides Look Good

Here are a few tried and tested tips on how to make a good Google Slides presentation:

Have a Theme for Your Slides

How to make Google Slides look good—theme slide

 

Themes are a basic component in Google Slides that ensure your presentation is visually consistent throughout. They create a uniform and harmonious design for your presentations by setting a consistent set of colors, fonts, and layouts. This consistency lends a professional and polished appearance.

Color palettes, typefaces, and slide layouts are carefully chosen to make the themes aesthetically appealing. They provide a consistent and appealing design that improves the overall appearance of your presentation.

Using a pre-designed theme or a template is one approach to quickly apply the same design components to several presentations. Google Slides has some themes that you can use, but you can also find more themes and templates online with a quick search. You can even find themes for specific purposes, like templates for teachers.

In short, using themes is one way to make aesthetic Google Slides, as they all suit one color scheme or represent an idea.

Different Themes templates in Google Slides

 

You can also create your own theme by adding background color, images, and shapes to your slide, then right-clicking on them and choosing “Add to theme.”

Adding a personalized theme in Google Slides

 

Here are some tips for using themes in Google Slides to make your presentations look good:

  • Choose a theme that aligns with the tone and purpose of your presentation.
  • Ensure that the theme provides a consistent set of colors, fonts, and layouts across all slides.
  • Select a theme that offers a visually appealing color scheme and font combination. Aim for a harmonious blend of colors that are pleasing to the eye and legible.
  • Utilize the built-in slide layouts provided by the theme. These layouts offer pre-designed arrangements of placeholders for text, images, and other content.

You can play around with the layouts, but here are a few ideas on how to make a single Google Slide look good with minimal effort.

Personalizing a Google Slide to make it more visually appealing

 

You should maintain consistency in design elements across all slides. This includes fonts, font sizes, colors, and alignment. Consistency ensures a cohesive and professional look that makes your presentation visually appealing and easy to follow.

How To Make Google Slides Look Good With Color Schemes

The color scheme in your presentation is probably the first thing your audience will see, so it’s one of the most critical ways to decorate Google Slides.

In Google Slides, there are many color options, one of which includes gradients. The gradient option is available for almost all the elements, including the background and shapes.

Color option—gradient

 

Here, you can customize your gradients to make Google Slides look more aesthetically appealing.

If you want to add gradient color to text, however, one cool trick is to use Word Art instead of normal text.

To use Word Art:

  1. Go to “Insert > “Word Art.”
Insert Word Art in Google Slides

 

  1. Type the Text.
Opened text box in Google Slides

 

Once you’ve created your text with Word Art, you can then add a gradient color to it.

Example text with added gradient color

 

You can also create your own custom gradient color by picking the colors you want for each side of the gradient.

Customizing options for gradient color.

 

Here are some tips for choosing a color scheme in Google Slides:

Select a Color Scheme That Complements Your Content and Evokes the Right Mood

Use color theory principles, such as complementary colors, to create harmonious combinations.

Understand the psychological influence of different colors and utilize them to express emotions or messages on purpose:

  • Warm colors — such as red or orange — might express energy or urgency
  • Cool colors — such as blue or green — can represent relaxation or trust

Use Color to Make Sections Stand Out

Use color strategically to highlight important elements, such as headings, key data, or call-to-action buttons.

You can also make elements stand out by using contrasting colors or vibrant shades contrasting with the overall color scheme. This helps guide the audience’s attention to the most critical information.

You should assign specific colors to certain elements or categories throughout your presentation. For example, use consistent colors for different sections, data categories, or team members.

Be Mindful of Contrast

Check that the text and background colors have enough contrast for reading. The most readable combination is dark text on a light backdrop or vice versa. Avoid selecting colors that mix together and make the writing difficult to read.

You could consider using one color for headers, another for subheadings, and a separate color for each data series in charts.

Colors should be used efficiently in charts and graphs to make data more visually appealing and intelligible. Assign various colors to different data sets to allow for easy separation.

Text and Fonts

Another important element in your Slides that can improve their appearance is the text. As much as the text carries the information in your presentation, it also plays a role in making your slides look cool. The text placement, size, and more determine this.

The font is also vital to your presentation’s overall aesthetic. Using fonts effectively in your Google Slides presentation can greatly enhance its visual appeal. For example, if you’re trying to figure out how to make cute Google Slides or how to make pretty Google Slides, you probably want to use a softer or bubbly font style.

Example text box with different texts

 

Here are some tips on how to make a Google Slide presentation look good using text and font:

Select Fonts That Are Clear, Legible, and Easy to Read

Avoid overly decorative or ornate fonts that may hinder readability, especially when projected on a larger screen. Stick to fonts that are widely available and compatible across devices to ensure consistency.

Use Different Font Sizes, Weights, and Styles to Establish a Visual Hierarchy

Important headings should stand out and be more prominent while supporting text should be smaller or less emphasized. This helps guide the audience’s attention and improves readability.

Choose Font Pairings That Complement Each Other and Create Visual Harmony

Select a combination of fonts that have contrasting styles to create visual interest. Experiment with different combinations and consider using online resources or font pairing tools for inspiration.

Related: If you’re looking to upgrade your Google Slides presentations, then check out Canva’s templates, fonts, and designs.

Avoid Using Too Many Different Fonts in a Single Presentation

Stick to a maximum of two to three fonts to maintain consistency and prevent visual clutter. Using too many fonts can make the presentation appear disjointed and unprofessional.

Use Fonts That Align With Their Branding Guidelines

Consistency in font choices helps reinforce the organization’s visual identity. If no specific guidelines exist, choose fonts that reflect the tone and style of your content.

Be Mindful of Using Font Effects, Such as Shadows, Outlines, or Gradients

While they can add visual interest, excessive use of fonts may distract from the content and make the text harder to read.

Pay Attention to Text Alignment and Spacing

Align text consistently across slides to create a clean and organized look. Leave enough white space around text elements to improve legibility and avoid a cramped appearance.

Use Transitions and Animations

Transitions and animations on a Google Slide

 

One awesome thing about slide presentations is that you can also add animations and transitions. This lets you make your slides more interactive and appealing overall.

Here are some tips on how to make your Google Slides look cool using transitions and animations:

Opt For Subtle and Smooth Transitions Between Slides

Avoid flashy or distracting effects that may overshadow your content. The goal is to provide a seamless flow between slides without detracting from the message.

Use Transitions to Create a Visual Connection Between the Current and the Next Slide

For example, a simple fade or slide transition can provide a smooth transition and maintain the audience’s attention.

Adjust the Timing and Duration of Transitions Appropriately

Ensure transitions are neither too fast nor too slow. Aim for a natural pace that allows the audience to comfortably follow the progression of your slides. You should adjust the timing if your audience changes. For example, if you’re a teacher, some classes may need more time than others.

Utilize Animations to Highlight Specific Elements Within a Slide

By selectively animating text, images, or charts, you can emphasize key points or reveal information in a controlled manner. However, avoid excessive animation that may appear gimmicky or distracting.

Apply Entrance and Exit Effects

Use these effects sparingly and purposefully to draw attention to important elements or facilitate the flow of information.

Maintain Consistency

Choose a specific transition style or animation effect and stick with it to create a cohesive and professional look. Inconsistent or random effects can be visually jarring.

Align Transitions and Animations With the Content and Narrative Flow of Your Presentation

Use them to support your message, add emphasis, or reveal information at the appropriate moments. Avoid using them solely for decorative purposes.

Using Images and Videos

Images and videos on a Google slide

 

Google Slides also lets you add images and videos to your slides. Using images strategically in your Google Slides presentation can greatly enhance its visual appeal and engage your audience.

Here is how to make Google Slides look better with images and videos:

  • Choose images that are relevant to your content and visually appealing.
  • Use high-quality images that are clear, crisp, and well-composed.
  • Avoid low-resolution or pixelated images that can detract from the overall look of your presentation.
  • Select images that provide visual support to your message and help convey your ideas.
  • Use images that evoke emotions, illustrate concepts, or provide real-life examples. Let them enhance understanding and engage your audience.
  • Strike a balance between text and images on your slides. Avoid overcrowding the slide with too much text or overwhelming visuals.
  • Use images as slide backgrounds for a visually impactful effect.
  • Choose relevant images for your topic and ensure that the text remains legible.
  • Adjust transparency or apply overlays if needed to maintain readability.
  • Experiment with image formatting options available in Google Slides, such as cropping, resizing, adjusting brightness/contrast, or applying filters.

Use Infographics

Infographics on a Google Slide

 

Using infographics in your Google Slides presentation can add visual appeal and effectively communicate complex information. You can use the drawing feature in Google Slides to make attractive and informative infographics.

Here are some tips on how to use infographics to make your Google Slides look good:

  • Choose the sorts of infographics that best depict the facts or information you wish to portray. Bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, timelines, flowcharts, maps, and diagrams are examples of common infographic types.
  • Keep your infographics clean and basic.
  • Concentrate on giving the most important material or information without overwhelming your audience. To successfully convey the concept, use limited language, succinct labeling, and clear graphics.
  • Use colors, typefaces, and visual styles complimenting your presentation’s topic or visual identity.
  • Adjust the colors, typefaces, and layout components accordingly to reflect the style of your presentation and guarantee cohesion. Customize the infographics to match the other slides and design components.
  • Highlight the most significant facts or data. To focus attention on the main information, use visual signals such as color, size, or location.
  • Make sure your infographics are simple to read and understand. Use readable typefaces, proper font sizes, and labels that are easy to read.
  • Avoid cramming the infographic with too many data points or features, which might make it unclear or crowded.
  • Include icons and images to improve the aesthetic appeal and convey the message. Icons can represent many data categories or elements, whereas pictures can provide context or graphically express concepts.

How Can Poor Design Affect A Presentation

If you haven’t learned how to decorate Google Slides, poor design can have a significant negative impact on your presentation. Here are some ways in which poor design can affect a presentation:

Lack of clarity

Poor design decisions make it harder for the audience to grasp the presentation’s information. Cluttered or crowded presentations, imprecise typefaces, and insufficient color contrast can cause a lack of clarity.

Visual distractions

Distracting features like excessive animations, unnecessary visuals, or uneven formatting can divert the audience’s attention from the core message when a presentation is badly prepared. It may make it difficult for them to concentrate on the main topics being given.

Unprofessional Presentation

A poorly constructed presentation might give the appearance of being unprofessional. The presenter’s credibility will suffer if the slides are disorganized, disorganized, or aesthetically unpleasant.

Poor Readability

Fonts, sizes, and colors that are difficult to read might make it difficult for the audience to understand the information quickly. Small fonts, poor contrast, or too ornamental typefaces can strain the eyes and make it difficult to follow along.

Poor Structure and Navigation

A presentation with a chaotic structure or confusing navigation might give the audience a disconnected experience. The message may be missed, or the audience may get distracted if it is difficult to follow the flow or discover particular information inside the presentation.

Lack of visual appeal

A visually appealing design can increase the audience’s engagement and retention of information. A presentation with a dull or unappealing design, on the other hand, may fail to catch attention and make the material less remembered.

Quick Design Trends to Make Google Slides Look Good

To make your Google Slides presentation look good and stay up-to-date with design trends, consider incorporating the following quick design tips:

  1. Use plenty of white space, clean lines, and basic graphics to embrace minimalist design. Avoid cramming presentations with too much text or elements.
  2. Make your writing stand out, and use a strong and dramatic typeface. To add visual interest, experiment with different font combinations and sizes.
  3. Attract attention by using bold and eye-catching color palettes. To ensure readability, use contrasting colors for text and backgrounds.
  4. Use custom images, icons, and pictures to make your presentation stand out. You may make them yourself or get them from respected design sites.
  5. Incorporate charts, graphs, and infographics to make your data visually appealing and easily understood. Choose chart designs that are current and aesthetically attractive.
  6. Integrate geometric forms and patterns into your presentations for visual appeal and structure. They can be used as backdrops or to frame articles.
  7. Improve the flow of your presentation with smooth and subtle slide transitions. Avoid using too many or distracting animations.
  8. Use imagery that is real and relatable to your audience. Include high-quality images that elicit the feelings and notions you wish to portray.
  9. Use a consistent collection of icons throughout the presentation. This helps to develop consistent visual language and improves the professional appearance of your slides.
  10. Make your presentation more interesting and interactive by including movies, audio samples, or GIFs. Make sure that your multimedia features complement rather than distract from your content.

Bottom Line

The goal is to keep your audience’s attention and comprehension in mind as you achieve a balance between looks and practicality.

In this article, we’ve helped you break down how to make your Google Slides look good. You can produce visually attractive presentations that effectively express your message and captivate your audience by implementing these tips and taking the time to build your Google Slides thoughtfully.

If you found this guide on how to make Google Slides look good, you’ll love our ready-to-use excellent-looking premium templates. Remember to use the code SSP to save 50% at checkout.

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Chris Daniel

Chris Daniel

Chris is a spreadsheet expert and content writer. He has a double Bachelor's Degree in Teaching and has been working in the education industry for over 11 years. His experience makes him adept at breaking down complex topics so that everyone is able to understand.
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