Tips for creating guides in PowerPoint

Improve slide consistency and design using a square grid

Some grid-like eye candy. Photorealistic image of a desert landscape with three-dimensional grid filled with random elements. AI image created in Microsoft Designer and edited in Adobe Photoshop.

Why is it important to use a grid system?

Most great designs are based on an underlying grid. Popular rules of thumb include the rule of thirds and what is known as the “golden ratio.”

Fun visual example of the “golden ratio” or “divine ratio” using AI images created with Microsoft Designer

Having a defined grid for your slides is advantageous for many reasons:

• Helps make your slides more consistent, and reduces the jarring effect that can often happen when content elements aren’t aligned from one slide to another. Using a grid will make your designs look more professional and act as a foundation to help you visually organize slide elements.
• A well-designed grid will save you time when designing your slides, especially when integrated into the template and master layouts.
• Improves comprehension and helps your audience easily follow the flow of your presentation. With predictable patterns and a clear hierarchy, they don’t have to guess where to look next or identify which element is most important.