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81 Impressive Free Presentation Backgrounds for Outstanding Presentations

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By Lyudmil Enchev

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5 years ago

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Update: May 19, 2022

A collection of free presentation backgrounds for any topic.

Nowadays, presentations need to look modern and eye-catchy in order to keep the audience’s attention from beginning to end. Believe it or not, the visual factor plays a huge role in engaging your viewers. In this collection of free presentation backgrounds , we’ve gathered high-quality graphics – ready to import into your PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote presentations and resize according to your needs.

In this article you will find: Free Business Presentation Backgrounds Free Minimalist & Geometric Presentation Backgrounds Colorful Gradients & Artistic Free Presentation Backgrounds Free Technology Presentation Backgrounds Free Liquid Presentation Backgrounds Free Cute Presentation Backgrounds Free Vintage Presentation Backgrounds Free Paper Presentation Backgrounds Free Holiday Presentation Backgrounds Bonus Backgrounds

Do you want to check out The Best Presentation Software Options on The Market ?

Free Business Presentation Backgrounds

Business presentation backgrounds are slightly different than other types of backgrounds. Unlike more casual presentations, business presentations usually consist of a business-related stock photo – office space, formally dressed people, whiteboards, etc. Take a look at the backgrounds we’ve collected for your company presentation:

1. Blurred Office Interior Background

Blurred light photographs are great for business presentations where they can fit in any slide.

2. Light Corporate Interior Background

This blurred hallway interior image can ideally match a professional presentation.

3. Person Writing on Laptop Background

Workstation backgrounds complete your idea if they don’t distract. In this case, the person working on a laptop is positioned in the corner of the frame.

4. Modern Business Building Background

This background might be an amazing first slide. But even if used somewhere else, it will still do a great job, unless used in all slides.

5. Business Handshake Network Creation Background

An amazing background for corporate presentations that is perfect for teamwork, business communication, partners, or proposals slides.

6. Businessman in Office Modern Skyscraper Landscape Background

This background, although made as a photograph, can actually help you achieve the formal vibe you are looking for.

Free Minimalist & Geometric Presentation Backgrounds

Suitable for literally any kind of presentation, these minimalist presentation background designs come with attractive geometric shapes and pleasant color combinations. The graphics are highly modern right now, so your presentation will certainly impress with good taste and professionalism. The resources are also available in fully editable and resizable vector file formats.

7. Modern Geometric Background

Shapes are very pleasant for the eye. This background uses very “soft” colors, making it quite feminine and good-looking.

8. Black and White Geometry Background

Playing with black and white backgrounds is the best way to proceed if you want to accent the text. This one looks stylish and modern, and it will add a premium feel to your slides.

9. Simple Dark Geometry Background

Using two dominant colors in one background is a great combination. It shows great power and even a bit of provocation.

10. Fresh Squares and Circles Background

Utilizing different shapes and a few variants of blue is a good mix. A non-intrusive design for presentations.

11. Abstract Blue Lines Background

This abstract blue lines background fits the standard business practices of non-aggressive design.

12. Colorful Memphis Style Background

This Memphis-style background shines with its combination of minimalistic design combined with shapes all around the place.

13. Cool Modern Colors Background

If you had to pick one image to explain the term “technology”, that would probably be it.

14. Trendy Outline Shapes Background

A casual style background with simple shapes with playful colors plus trendy black strokes.

15. Neon Modern Shapes Background

Abstract geometry definitely has its place under the sun and is becoming a hot trend – your younger audience will love it!

16. Colorful Geometry Shapes Background

This colorful background is an amazing option for presentation design that aims to get more creative.

17. Modern Lines and Dots Background

This background with blue/purple colors and linear shapes is perfect for more creative presentations.

18. Minimalist Shapes Background with Pastel Gradients

The minimalist signature is easily recognizable and the use of pastel gradients “softens” the shapes.

19. Simplistic White-Grey Background

Light, neutral background with dots and lines that can be used in any presentation.

20. 4 Simple Style Backgrounds

Four simple backgrounds can be used for any purpose. You will find an orange, purple, red, and cyan background for your presentations.

21. Seamless Patterns Mega Bundle with 15 Free Geometric Pattern Backgrounds

A huge pattern designs bundle with over 1000 premium. Still, you have 15 free seamless patterns that you can use as backgrounds to lit up your presentations.

Colorful Gradients & Artistic Free Presentation Backgrounds

The delicate play with colors is very important when it comes to presentation background – it should be easy on the eyes and feel… right. This collection is everything you need if you are looking for a vibrant, colorful background for your presentation. Free gradient presentation backgrounds, watercolor backgrounds, and more artistic suggestions for your colorful slides.

22. Blue Tone Gradient Background

Gradient backgrounds make flat colors look more vibrant. The blue tones are quite relaxing and trustworthy.

23. 4 Artistic Texture Backgrounds

Textures can be attention-grabbing. Picking such background can create a more professional feeling.

24. Nice Warm Colors Gradient Background

Warm colors are typically better for cheerful presentations, as they “uplift” the mood.

25. Cool Cold Colors Gradient Background

If you have to come up with a presentation related to a marine topic, that’s your perfect choice.

26. Modern Blue Gradient Background

Blue and purple are two solid colors. Using this background gradient is perfect for business presentations.

27. Energetic Orange Gradient Background

A clean background with a vivid orange color gradient. Perfect for different energetic presentations.

28. Colorful Rainbow Gradient Background

Using a rainbow gradient is an amazing option for presentations dedicated to kids, or teenage audience.

29. Elegant Blury Bokeh Background

Stolen from photographers, the “bokeh” effect background makes presentations stand out.

You may also be interested in The Best Color Combinations to Try Now

Free Technology Presentation Backgrounds

Presentation background designs suitable for technology and business presentations. These backgrounds look high-tech and modern but still won’t steal away the attention of the viewer. Available in vector file formats which makes them fully editable and resizeable depending on your presentation style and dimensions.

30. Modern Technology Background

This high-tech background design is perfect for innovation and digital presentations.

31. Abstract Modern Tech Background

Abstract design with modern simple squares – an amazing option for high-tech presentations.

32. Abstract Futuristic Background with Honeycomb

This abstract and futuristic dark background is perfectly suitable for technical presentations.

33. Futuristic Technology Interface Background

Great technology background with minimalist, clean design that will fit any high-tech presentation.

Free Liquid Presentation Backgrounds

A selection of free presentation backgrounds with liquids and bubbles. Flat or 3D, these backgrounds are super immersive and certainly impressive. They will be the perfect addition to a wide array of presentation topics. You can get them completely for free as fully editable and resizable vector file formats .

34. Blue Liquid Background

The combination of dark blue and light blue is an amazing option for a presentation. An amazing option, especially for financial services.

35. Yellow Liquid Background

These cheeky shapes and colors are an amazing way to present something that can be qualified as everything but boring. Great for uprising sales, or summer theme for example.

36. Purple Liquid Background

Purple is a royal color and combined with a liquid design background it becomes even better for a modern-day classy presentation.

37. Monochrome Liquid Background

A perfect blend between using 3D forms and gradient colors. The blur effect and reflections are also attributed to the exquisite look of this background.

38. Modern Blue-Green Liquid Background

It’s an interesting, yet impressive background design. You can definitely stand out with this modern, blue-green liquid background.

39. Watercolor Background with White Blue and Purple

This background, in particular, doesn’t have a practical use in business presentations but it fits perfectly in artistic ones.

40. Liquid Shapes Monochrome Background

You’ll rarely come across a better realistic 3D background for medical presentations.

41. Modern Dark Liquid Background

Compared to a couple of the previous backgrounds, this dark liquid background is pretty standard and it can fit multiple presentation themes.

Free Cute Presentation Backgrounds

Cute backgrounds are often used for educational projects  – especially when presenting in front of kids. Smile-bringing designs will always win you emotional points, and it’s always a good idea to have a themed background or two just in case.

42. Cute Animal Background

In this background, you can find cute 2D animals all around the frame. At the same time, the central part is filled with white space, so you can add text there.

43. Colorful Pastel Color Pattern Background

These beautiful rounded shapes add the feeling of watercolor art and we can definitely catch the pattern design.

44. Space Rocket Child Background

If you’re about to teach a science class – that might be perfect. Well, unless you have university students.

45. Blue Pastel Sky and Clouds Background

It’s a simple blue background with white clouds. It can be used as a theme for a whole educational presentation.

46. Cute Doodle Frame Background

This beautiful cute doodles frame is also matched with a rainbow border vector and free text space in the center.

47. Green Park Illustration Landscape Background

There is nothing more suitable for educational presentation than a simple landscape illustration with trees, clouds and sun.

Free Vintage Presentation Backgrounds

Retro and vintage looks are quite modern right now, so no wonder people are choosing vintage looks for their presentations, as well. In this selection of free presentation backgrounds, you will find ornamental backgrounds, grudge backgrounds, worn-out materials, old paper effects, antique looks, damasks, etc. All are free to download in vector file formats – fully editable and scalable.

48. Ornamental Vintage Floral Background

Vintage backgrounds, especially floral are a very strong point if you’re coming with flower-related topics.

49. Vintage Frame Background

Frames are typically used in photography, so go for it if you have lots of pictures in your presentations.

50. Damask Pattern Vintage Background

Damask pattern is a specific vintage style which will not only look good, but also grab attention by being unique.

51. Grunge Texture Background

This grunge background focuses on the main picture, so it’s great for quizzes or presentations where there is one central topic.

52. Retro Grunge Texture Background

If you have a presentation related to Ancient times (especially Egypt), that’s your background.

53. Vintage Shapes Pattern Background

These vintage shapes are quite peculiar but you can use them for boring topics to give “life”.

54. Grunge Hearts Background

Another cool background design is the grunge hearts. It can be used for many presentations.

55. Old Paper Antique Texture Background

Old Paper can perfectly fit any slide related to the Middle centuries.

56. Blue Grunge Background

Another amazing grunge background that can be the greatest companion of any history-related presentation.

57. Vintage Paper Retro Background

Vintage paper can be an amazing background for any presentation for hand-made products.

Free Paper Presentation Backgrounds

Paper and cardboard textures give presentations a homey and hand-made feel. In this selection of free presentation backgrounds, you will see different paper textures. Adaptable for any presentation theme, these designs can be downloaded in vector file formats and edited in vector-based software.

58. White Paper Texture Background

Paper texture can be great for teachers who want a neutral background.

59. Package Paper Background

Package paper is great for presentations related to delivery services.

60. Simple White Paper Background

A simple white paper background that can fit any need.

61. Brown Paper Background

Another great background for delivery services presentations.

62. Paper Note Memphis Style Background

The combination of blank space and surrounding in Memphis Style makes this colorful background perfect to give a modern look to your presentation.

Free Holiday Presentation Backgrounds

Holiday backgrounds should not be used every day but they can be powerful triggers. Holiday presentations spark emotions which can be a good way to convey your message during festive periods. Let’s see some of the best free holiday backgrounds you can use for the occasion.

63. Christmas Decoration Photo Background

A marvelous Christmas concept background where you can add text on the left part of the slide and the Christmas elements are on the right.

64. White Simple Christmas Background

If you’re into texture and white backgrounds, this free Christmas photo is for you.

65. Cartoon Snowy Christmas Vector Background

This free vector background gives you the chance to edit details or add some more Christmas decorations.

66. Cute Christmas Background with Illustrations

The Christmas decorations are placed at the top and bottom of the background, so you have free space right in the middle.

67. Halloween Spider Web Background

A great combination of orange (the color associated with Hallowen) and spider web makes this vector background very straight to the point.

68. Flat Hallowen Vector Background With House

A flat illustration background with Halloween’s color palette and some standard “scary” motives.

69. Easter Egg Photo Frame Background

You can easily “catch” the Easter topic with the dyed eggs and the basket. The M&Ms are also an original idea to add flat shapes.

70. Watercolor Light Easter Vector Background

Watercolor Easter backgrounds look natural and beautiful. They can be a great addition to any Easter-related presentation.

71. Beautiful Landscape Thanksgiving Autumn Illustration Background

This illustration has the color palette of autumn which is also associated with Thanksgiving day.

72. Hand Drawn Thanksgiving Illustration Background

In the hand drawn thanksgiving illustration we can find the typical colors of autumn, plus the pumpkin and, of course, the Thanksgiving turkey.

73. Watercolor Thanksgiving Background

Watercolor art is very distinctive and for the “Thanksgiving” topic, it can create some beautiful results.

74. Thanksgiving Decoration Photo Background

The combination of a white background with green and brown leaves, plus pines and pumpkins enriches the image and adds contrast.

Bonus Presentation Backgrounds

A collection of high-resolution photos that impress with super high quality. These images show attention to detail but are still humble enough to keep the audience focused on your content. Attribution for using these images is not required, although it’s appreciated.

75. Clean Package Boxes Background

It’s a lovely background that is good for Christmas topics or any gift-related presentations.

76. Elegant Decoration Background Image

If you’re looking for a background for your wedding agency, you’re in the right place.

77. Pencils and Office Items Background

The elements in the background suggest you it is a perfect match for teachers and lecturers.

78. Simple Clean Background with a Book

Books are symbol of liberty and education. The background is great for science presentations.

79. Bridge Landscape Photography Background

Golden Gate bridge stands tall. So is the background which can be used for all kinds of presentations.

80. Sunset Background Image

Sunsets are proven to be stress-relieving, making this background suitable for meditation business presentations.

81. Monochrome Landscape Background

Skyscrapers, shady pinks, and overall – the perfect cosmetics presentation.

That’s it!

We hope this collection of free presentation backgrounds was useful to you. We hope it helps you make your next presentation super impressive and successful. If you’d like to see even more freebies, go ahead and have a look at these awesome suggestions:

• 39 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation
• The Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Download in 2022
• How to Start and End a Presentation: 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention

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Lyudmil Enchev

Lyudmil is an avid movie fan which influences his passion for video editing. You will often see him making animations and video tutorials for GraphicMama. Lyudmil is also passionate for photography, video making, and writing scripts.

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Blog Graphic Design 15 Presentation Background Examples & Templates to Keep Your Audience Awake

15 Presentation Background Examples & Templates to Keep Your Audience Awake

Written by: Ryan McCready Jul 07, 2023

Backgrounds are the foundation for creating an engaging presentation .

A great background can elevate your visual content and help it reach millions of people. But a bad background will make the whole project fall apart.

This is especially true when it comes to presentation backgrounds.

Most of the time, the reader is only going to see the background image once. But with presentations, it’s a whole different story.

Depending on how long your presentation is, that background could be seen 25, 50 or even 100 times!

In fact, according to a recent presentation design statistics study we did, the majority of keynote speakers said their biggest challenge was formatting their slides to keep readers engaged.

So you need to pick something that won’t distract or bore your audience.

Sometimes that’s a very tricky line to walk, but fear not–I have a ton of experience picking the perfect presentation background!

I’ve rounded up 15 great presentation templates to help you pick the ideal background for your presentation. Keep reading to learn how you can pick the perfect background and ace your next presentation!

1. Open Computer Screen Presentation Background

I’m a huge fan of using mockups in my content and design work. If you check out Venngage’s  Gallery , you will see that it’s full of professional poster and flyer mockups.

These mockups are extremely useful because you can instantly place the reader in your shoes. Readers will see a computer screen,  flyer  or another object like it’s sitting right in front of them.

This presentation background example is a simple mockup that almost anyone can use. It would work perfectly as a business background for many purposes beyond presentations too. Check out how the designer used it in the title slide below:

CREATE THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE

With an image frame, you can make the computer screen show whatever you want, even the background image:

Learn how to customize this presentation template :

Creating an effective business presentation involves careful planning, organization and effective communication. Save yourself the time and hassle by customizing one of our professionally designed business presentation templates .

2. Zen Garden Presentation Background Image

Plants have been very popular for the past couple of years. If you have ever been in a new trendy restaurant, you definitely know what I’m talking about.

This simple background has the same feel as one of those hip establishments.

This background also embodies the colorful minimalism trend that is blowing up this year. In this case, a simple colorful subject dominates the graphic, but it still feels very light and airy.

And best of all, you can easily use a few different plant background images throughout the presentation. Take a look at how the designer used similar images to create a consistent design:

3. Simple Dot Pattern Background Image

Sometimes you want a presentation background that gives your slides a little bit of texture, without being distracting. I believe that this presentation background embodies that idea pretty well.

It is just interesting enough to catch your eye, but not pull your attention away from what the presenter is talking about.

As you can see in the presentation example below, each slide feels like it has real depth as well. Almost like the icons and information are jumping off the page:

4. Crumpled Paper Presentation Background Image

Realistic flat images always make superb background images, in my opinion. I like to use them when I want to create a minimalist graphic or add something extra to a slide.  

The flat textures and patterns on this simple background are extremely flexible as well!

Like a blank canvas, you can create almost any kind of presentation on top of this background image. It can be used to improve an art lecture, a business meeting or a recycling presentation:

With a simple color filter you can make the background image match your company branding as well:

Check out our presentation design guide . It includes a ton more presentation design hacks like this one.

5. Colorful Circles Presentation Background Image

Looking for a way to add a little color to your presentation? This background may be perfect for you!

It has a ton of white space for you to add content or headers to the slide. And the colorful circles make the presentation seem fun and light.

I would recommend using this background for a presentation that you want to keep casual and fun.

For example, the designers used this background as a title and conclusion slide for a social media presentation:

Remember to pick a color palette that reflects the mood of your presentation.

6. Bold Red Arrow Presentation Background

I would recommend finding a background before you start designing your presentation. This way you can create the slides around the background image.

With the right background image, you can give your slides structure and direction. Or at least improve the layout of your presentation .

Check out how the designers used this background image to improve the slides. The arrow of the background image perfectly fits the topic of the presentation.

And because it’s used on the title slide, it will put the audience in the right headspace from the beginning.

7. Split Slide Presentation Background Example 

This example is one presentation background that everyone has probably used a few times. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was part of the first presentation software ever.

It may be extremely simple, but it’s just as effective all these years later. That’s because you can use this on any presentation topic or in any industry. Get your message across in a simple but powerful way with these simple presentations templates .

This ease of use and flexibility will help you create a killer presentation in no time. Take a look at how it was used throughout the slides below:

8. Subtle White Grid Presentation Background

Like the white paper example above, this image will give your presentation background a lot of subtle depth. It’s engaging enough to grab someone’s attention, but not enough to distract from the written content.

I really like how the texture differs from one square to the next. It makes the whole image a lot more interesting to the eye.

Plus the white color palette will make it easy to place text, graphs or charts directly on top of it. This will ensure that your presentation isn’t cluttered or messy. Take a look at how it’s used in the presentation example below:

9. Purple Gradient Presentation Background Image 

If you haven’t heard, gradients are super popular and will be for the next few years. No, we haven’t gone back in time to the 1990’s — gradients are really back.

Gradients make great background images because they are unique and futuristic. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this background is perfect! Plus these color transitions look spectacular on HD screens and social media.

As you can see below, the white text and icons really jump off the page when placed on top of a gradient:

And you can make a gradient out of literally any combination of colors that you want:

10. Flat Typographic Background Image

Typography is a key part of effective design.

I really like this background image because it will add a lot of character to a slide or presentation. The subtle shadows and highlights actually make this black and white photo seem colorful as well.

A background image like this is very versatile because you can use a few different color palettes with it. Not many colors are going to clash with that monochrome photo.

And if you use a vivid color palette, which is very trendy this year, the colors will very eye-catching. Take a look at how great the different palettes look below:

11. Checkerboard Texture Presentation Background

If you are tired of using a flat background image, but not ready for something too flashy, this background texture is perfect for you!

As you can see, it uses the classic checkerboard pattern to break up the background layer. However, because the pattern is also flat, it won’t distract from your presentation content.

I would recommend using this pattern to add a clear visual break between sections, kinda like they did in the slides below:

Presentation slides play a crucial role in creating an engaging presentation. Browse our selection of engaging presentation templates to enhance your message and make it easier for your audience to understand and remember key points.

12. Geometric Pattern Presentation Background Image

This is one of the most interesting background images in the entire roundup, in my opinion. The bold colors and creative patterns will make the whole presentation feel extra exciting.

Another great feature of this background is that it can be used with a ton of different palettes. Go ahead, pick a color from the geometric pattern, and then use it throughout your slides.

13. Flat Creative Presentation Background Image Example 

Set the tone for your creative presentation from the start with this trendy background image. If you weren’t aware, succulents and plants are very trendy this year in creative circles.

The open section at the top of this background is the perfect spot to add a header or title as well. Check out how they used it in the title slide below:

Plus the bold colors of this image help you pick the color palettes of the other slides:

For more captivating presentation ideas , check out our selection of creative presentation templates .

14. Arrows Everywhere Subtle Background Texture 

A simple background like this can add some serious depth to your presentation. Or blog post.

With a myriad of textures, directions and sizes, the triangles will effortlessly draw the eye. I would recommend using this background in a tech and marketing presentation.

Also, you should try to stick to a geometric or minimalist theme for your slide. In the example below, they choose to use other simple shapes and it blends together extremely well:

15. City Skyline Background Image Example

Finding a subtle background image is hard, especially if you want to use a stock photo . A lot of the time they divert attention from the content on the screen.

Or, even worse, they don’t match your presentation’s color palette and theme. This city background is ideal because it has such a neutral color palette. Take a look at how well it matches the other slides below:

You can also use a color filter to make it a little less distracting and match your presentation theme:

City landscapes can be versatile and work well with a variety of presentation topics, especially with business presentations. Have a presentation coming up? Check out our gallery of pitch deck templates to deliver the perfect presentation.

Create an engaging presentation

Now that you made it to the end of our presentation background roundup, I would recommend checking out our collection of simple backgrounds :

35+ Simple Background Images, Templates & Design Tips

And if you want to learn more about using stock photos , read this first:

10 Simple Ways to Incorporate Stock Photos Into Your Designs

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50 Best Presentation Background Templates & Examples in 2024

Written by: Orana Velarde

Looking for the best presentation backgrounds to make your slides look professional and engaging?

When making presentations, one of the most important goals is to keep your audience engaged. The way you design your slides should pique their curiosity.

Make a great first impression by choosing creative background images. Your content deserves to look beautiful and there’s no better way than with a great-looking backdrop.

We’ve put together an extensive collection of beautiful presentation background templates that you can edit and download. Most of these are available inside the Visme editor.

Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit presentation templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

1 Pattern Background With a Color Overlay

There are lots of photographable objects and sections of architecture that can resemble patterns. For example, concrete slabs with holes, corrugated iron, or paneling. Add a strong color overlay with a little transparency and you’ve got a versatile presentation background.

2 Minimal Background With an Object

Bright and strong color backgrounds look better with a contrasting object placed on them. Try and use an image with an object that makes sense with the content. The object will be very prominent so try covering it up on some slides to cut through the repetition.

3 White Background With a Black Detail

White or light-colored backgrounds with a bit of texture will always be a clean and elegant option for a presentation background. Choose an image that has a small black detail and let it tell a story on its own. Subtle but interesting focal points are memorable.

4 Fullscreen Cityscape Background

Use a high-quality image of a city skyline with some sky for a visual that expands towards the horizon. Perfect for a business profile of a company based in a busy city. Better if you use a photo of the actual city where the company is located. Overlay semi-transparent boxes for the content.

5 Brick Wall Texture Background

An image that could look imposing or strong can be turned into a subtle background. Use a transparency effect and overlay a color that matches the content’s color theme. A brick wall works great with this technique.

6 Color-Coordinated Background

Color coordinate the content according to the background photo or vice versa. Preferably, use a photo that has some empty space where you can overlay content. Also, make sure the photograph matches the topic of your presentation.

7 Paint on Canvas Background

A detailed photo of paint on canvas can give your presentation an artistic feel without defining it as an “art presentation.” Use contrasting colors for the content and create a visually rich design.

8 Minimal Landscape Background

Landscape photos of dunes with a cloudless gradient sky work great as a presentation background. It is simple, clean, and not visually overwhelming. Works great for any type of presentation.

9 Macro Photography Background

A dark and moody background works great with a bright color theme. Try macro photos of charcoal, dark metals, black sand, etc. The best contrasting colors for the content are oranges, yellows, and teal. Neon colors will also look amazing.

10 Artistic Marbled Background

Marble presentation backgrounds have been a favorite for a while. But why not shake it up and use a colored marble effect instead of the classic grey. Slides can also have the texture as a shape with a clean background for some interesting contrast.

11 Light Background With a Creative Border

Use a photograph of a light surface that includes a creative border for added visual attention. The border can be made of literally anything. Better to choose a border that matches what your content is about.

12 Monotone Detail Background

Monotone presentation backgrounds can be subtle or eye-catching. Choose one with an empty area where to overlay titles and other content. Use a contrasting color design, so if the photo is light and subtle use strong colors. If the background has a darker monotone, use bright colors for the content.

13 Clouds in the Sky Background

Clouds can give a feeling of peace if they are wispy and soft. For another visual effect, use chunky cotton style clouds or even a storm cluster. Give your presentation some personality with a sky full of clouds.

14 Moon Phases With a Black Background

Try a moon phase photo on a stark black background for an interesting design. Space-related presentation backgrounds are always visually appealing and interesting. They might not be suitable for some topics but will look great on science-related presentations.

15 Architecture Presentation Background

The beauty of architecture is that it can be photographed in a way which turns it into something else. A photo of a futuristic building against the sky will make a great background for many types of presentations. Like other presentation background ideas, try using one which has plenty of empty space to place content over.

16 Moving City Lights Background

City lights with a moved camera effect can look really interesting as a presentation background. From artistic circular movements to time-lapse traffic shots, there are different styles. Use this background for any presentation which needs to be a bit disruptive.

17 Leafy Background Image

Leafy, edge-to-edge shots are great for any type of presentation that needs some peaceful and inspiring scenery. It will keep your audience’s attention because it doesn’t distract. You can choose up-close shots of vegetation or drone shots of forest tops--both will make for a great presentation background.

18 Neon Lights Background

Use a dark background with a bright, shiny neon word or illustration for a fun and eye-catching design. Best to use a photo that has the neon only in a section of the photo so that you can put the content in the empty areas. There are lots of photographs of quotes in neon which you can use as a presentation background.

19 Vintage Item Background

Similar to the idea of a light background with a focal point, you can do the same but with a vintage object instead. Old computers, dial-up phones, vintage furniture, anything is possible really. Try and use a photo with enough empty space to put the content over.

20 White Brick Wall Background

A white brick wall can work for any type of presentation. It’s subtle, clean, non-distracting and looks great with content of any color. For a more creative approach, make your content look like it’s hanging on the wall, as a poster or corkboard. This style of background gives way to a lot of imagination.

21 Colorful Graffiti Background

Presentations about fashion or creative marketing can benefit from a background as busy as colored smoke and graffiti. It might not work for all slides as a full-screen image, but it’s perfect for title images and transitions.

22 Two-Tone Background Image

A photograph of something that isn’t immediately recognizable can be used as a texture background. For example, this two-tone photo of a concrete pool edge makes for a really interesting visual. The title can be laid over the water and a visual graph on the concrete.

23 Water Texture Background

Water photography is serene, calm, and neutral. You can use a photo of moving water, a wave, a splash, or a river flowing over rocks. A watery presentation background will give your presentation a sense of flow and continuity. You can even use the water to give the content direction like a leading line.

24 Colorful Bokeh Background

Bokeh is a photography technique which turns regular lights into shiny orbs. With an easy trick, the bokeh can be turned into different shapes like hearts or diamonds. You can use close up bokeh or a more expansive design with tiny bokeh.

25 Industrial Presentation Background

Industrial photography can be quite versatile as a presentation background. From metalworks to machinery details, choose an interesting industrial detail and add a bit of transparency. Select a color theme that will match your content and will create balance instead of competing with it.

26 Wood Paneling Background

Wood paneling is not a new idea for a presentation background, but using a two-tone design can be quite interesting for lots of types of presentations. It can be in bright colors like pink or green, and on a different note it can also be in gray tones for a more subtle background.

27 Black and White Background

This technique for a presentation background leans on the elegant side. A stark black background will always look great with light-colored content on top. An added delicate visual in a light color will give the entire thing a calm and elegant feel.

28 Snowy Mountain Background

A mountain range image is perfect for a travel-related blog or a camping gear startup, or maybe just for a sales update that wants to look better than the one next door. Snowy peaks are subliminally inspirational and dreamy, they make the viewer simply feel good about life. If the angle is more like a bird’s eye view then it can make the audience feel like they are flying.

29 Sand Dunes Background

Sandy dunes are a great way to add some serenity to your presentation. Choose one without rocks for a totally calming visual. Natural sands come in lots of different tonalities so choose the one that matches your content best. From white Caribbean sands to orange Saharan sands to black volcanic sands.

30 Light Watercolor Background

Watercolor backgrounds are light and airy and should not compete with the content at all. The idea behind this type of presentation background is to let your viewers relax and ease into the content. Select colors that are calm and light, you can use up to three colors that don’t clash with each other or the content.

31 Fun Illustration Background

Colorful and bubbly presentation backgrounds are trending right now. Not only for presentations but also for web and print design. It’s fun, it’s happy and will make your viewers feel good. Keep the content in the empty areas and use the different elements of the illustration for decoration on the rest of the slides.

32 Sunburst Illustration Background

A sunburst illustration behind the content can really call attention to a specific area of a presentation slide. It can be bright and colorful like a sunset, or subtle like a sunrise. The sunrays can be realistic or more like comic book style.

33 Colorful Paper Background

Cut paper background designs can be used in many different ways. As a frame, on half the slide, three sides of the slide or on an edge of the content. You can use different colors, a monotone theme or different paper textures. Color-coordinate the paper with the content for a unified design.

34 Subtle Arrow Background

Subtle illustrative presentation backgrounds are great because they can be used on every slide without them being overwhelming. A monotone, subtle white arrow background looks great behind any type of content, no matter the topic. The direction of the arrows can be upwards, downwards or any side as long as it looks good.

35 Futuristic Presentation Background

Futuristic backgrounds can be of different styles: electronic, cosmic, or virtual reality. They might not work for any type of presentation but they will look great for a topic that matches a futuristic theme. School science projects or gaming pitch presentations could look great with a background like this.

36 Leafy Plant Background

Leaves or plant details over a pink or pastel wall are cool, clean and modern. This presentation background is perfect for feminine fashion ideas or a visual slide deck for a lifestyle blog post. What’s so great about this design is that there is always plenty of space for the content.

37 Geometric Dots Background

Expansive designs like a geometrically scattered dot spread look great on any type of presentation. The colors can be in any combination, according to the style of the content or the color theme of the brand. Dots and circles are innately calming, and can easily be used on every single slide.

38 Mandala Pattern Background

Keeping things calm in a presentation background is easy with a neutral mandala design in soft tones like gray or other light colors. Use this style for presentations with an important inspirational message or educational and wellness content. Add a color overlay if you want to add some visual importance to the background.

39 Abstract Shapes Background

Abstract illustration backgrounds are best used when they are noticeable but not overpowering. There needs to be a balance in the style of illustration for it to match the content that will be placed on top. Try using monotone designs, or sticking to a particular shape.

40 Illustrated Clouds Background

Fun and quirky presentation backgrounds are great for pitching a new kid’s fashion line or decor brand. Cute, bouncy clouds over a violet sky will give your slides a lovely, calming feeling. Use contrasting colors for the content so that it doesn’t get lost in the clouds.

41 Colorful Dots Background

Dotted seamless patterns are nice and simple as a presentation background. They can be perfectly aligned and all the same size or a more scattered variation with dots of different sizes. The colors can be chosen to match the content or as a complement.

42 Electric Rain Background

Dark presentation backgrounds with bright details come in different styles, but this specific visual which looks like electric rain is very unique. It will look really interesting in a presentation about technology, artificial intelligence and science.

43 Artistic Feathers Background

Feminine, whimsical and subdued, this style of background can be a good complement to a presentation about a women’s fashion label, a wellness studio or other creative pursuits. The soft quality of feathers and transparent leaves won’t compete with content and will give the audience a relaxed and happy feel.

44 Dusty Blackboard Background

A dusty blackboard is easily the most versatile presentation background ever. Pretty much any content can be laid on top and it will look great. The obvious use for a blackboard is an educational topic but that doesn’t need to limit your imagination at all. Blackboards are also used in bars and bistros to display the menus. Don’t be afraid to break the mold.

45 Swirling Smoke Background

Disruptive backgrounds like colorful swirly smoke can work well for presentations that want to make an impact. A strong, colorful background like this will make slides memorable and stand out from the rest. The colors can be chosen to match the brand or the theme of the content.

46 Diagonal Lines Background

Lines will always be an elegant choice for a background design. Giving it an uneven diagonal aspect can add just enough personality for it be impactful without overshadowing the content. Choose colors that complement the palette of your content and use the empty areas for overlaying graphs and information.

47 Scattered Pixels Background

Colorful backgrounds are common in presentation slides. A pixel style scattered dots design is visually appealing and fun to look at. It’s almost hypnotic, the way the dots scatter across the dark backdrop. The content on top would need to be framed so that it doesn’t get lost between the dots.

48 Gradient Waves Background

Gradient waves are subtle and beautiful and can impart some peace to any presentation. It will keep your audience in tranquil concentration as long as the color gradient follows a subtle palette. The waves can be small or large, stormy or calm, round or peaky.

49 Geometric Polygons Background

A bright and geometric polygonal design works well in any color palette. The idea is to have a dark area and a light area, so the gradient moves along the polygons across the board. The content can go on any section of the background, dark or light, depending on how the content is colored. The combination should have contrast and visual impact.

50 Electric Circuits Background

Electric and technologically inspired backgrounds look great on presentations in the scientific and futuristic fields. It can be an illustrative electric circuit or the inside of a computer, as long as the design is bright and shiny, it will not disappoint. Use colorful frames to place the content on top so that it stands out and complements.

Get Your Presentation Design to the Next Level

If you're looking to create beautiful presentations in minutes, there's no better tool for you than Visme's presentation maker .

Unlike PowerPoint and other presentation tools, Visme lets you create professional presentations online in your browser, without the need to download any software.

You can also access millions of background images, icons, shapes, illustrations, animations, special effects, music tracks and more right from inside the editor.

Sign up for a free Visme account today to create your presentation!

Any particular presentation background you'd like to see added to the Visme editor? If so, just drop us a line in the comments section below and we'll pass it along to our team.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below, we have answered some some commonly asked questions about presentation backgrounds and presentation design in general.

Q1. What is a presentation background?

Backgrounds are the foundation upon which you lay the visual elements of your presentation slides. Presentation backgrounds can be solid colors, textures and patterns, gradients and even photos with effects and overlays on top.

A good presentation background can make your slides look more engaging, attractive and easy-to-read. A bad presentation background, however, can easily ruin the impact of your presentation.

Q2. How do you make a background for a presentation?

You can make a background for your presentation using a solid color, gradient, texture, pattern or image. Enhance your background by adding shapes and color overlays on top.

In Visme, you can add any type of background to your presentation using the built-in image library that offers millions of photos, patterns and textures. You can also choose to keep a solid color or gradient background for your presentation.

Q3. What background is best for a PowerPoint presentation?

A blue background is most commonly used in presentation slides.

According to color psychology, blue exudes feelings of trust, calm and professionalism. It also helps create contrast between the elements on top of the background, which makes blue backgrounds a popular choice among business presenters and trainers.

Q4. What is the best color for a presentation?

The best color for a presentation depends on your presentation topic, your audience and the nature of your content. For backgrounds, most presenters and trainers recommend using blue or white.

Q5. What makes a powerful presentation?

A powerful presentation is memorable and engaging. It also motivates the audience to take action based on the message of your presentation.

You can make your presentation powerful by adopting techniques like eye contact, storytelling, movement, using visual aids, animated slides and more.

Q6. Which background color is best for the eyes?

Black text on a white background is best for the eyes as it forms good contrast between the text and the background color. Another reason is that the color white reflects every wavelength in the spectrum.

Q7. What color attracts the human eye most?

Green is one of the most eye-catching colors. Studies have shown that the human eye is most sensitive to light at the wavelength of bright green. Yellow is also an attractive color for the human eye, which is why it's used widely for road signs all over the world.

Q8. What is the best presentation software?

Visme is the best presentation software for both beginners and experts.

With Visme, you can create a professional and polished presentation in minutes using dozens of templates, built-in graphics, free images, animations, interactivity and other features.

Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

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The free PowerPoint themes (for free download) can be a big helper for presenters, entrepreneurs, educators, or business enthusiasts who require making presentation projects and want to save time. Download free PowerPoint themes with a variety of backgrounds, and impress your audience with creative designs.

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How-To Geek

How to change the background in microsoft powerpoint.

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6 ways new outlook for windows helps me save time, it's time to let us resell digital games, quick links, change the background for select slides in powerpoint, add a background for all slides in powerpoint.

In your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, you can change your slides' background to a picture , solid color fill, gradient fill, texture fill, and even pattern fill. You can apply a custom background to all or select slides in your presentation. Here's how.

Related: How to Use an Image as the Background in PowerPoint

To use a custom background only for select slides, first, open your presentation with the Microsoft PowerPoint app.

When PowerPoint launches, in the ribbon at the top , click the "View" tab.

On the "View" tab, in the far left corner, click "Normal" to view your presentation in a normal mode.

From the slides list to the left of your screen, select the slides in which you want to use a custom background. To select multiple slides, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while clicking slides.

Once your slides are selected, in PowerPoint's ribbon at the top, click the "Design" tab.

On the "Design" tab, from the "Customize" section, select "Format Background."

To the right of PowerPoint's interface, you will see a "Format Background" pane. Here, in the "Fill" section, you will select a custom background for your slides.

Your options are:

• Solid Fill : To apply a single solid color fill to your slides, choose this option.
• Gradient Fill : To use a gradient color fill, select this option.
• Picture or Texture Fill : If you'd like to use an image or texture as your slides' background, click this option. You can then select an image by clicking "Insert" or choose a texture by clicking "Texture."
• Pattern Fill : To use one of PowerPoint's several textures as your background, select this option.

Your changes will reflect on your slides in real-time. When you have finished configuring your custom background, close the "Format Background" pane by clicking "X" in the pane's top-right corner.

And that's it. Don't forget to save your presentation to keep your changes.

In a similar way, you can also change the background in Google Slides .

Related: How to Change the Background in Google Slides

You can configure a single custom background and apply it to all the slides in your current presentation. This saves you a lot of time as you do not have to manually edit each slide's background.

To do so, open your presentation with Microsoft PowerPoint. In the app's ribbon at the top, click the "Design" tab.

On the "Design" tab, in the "Customize" section, click "Format Background."

On the right of your screen, a "Format Background" pane will open. In this pane, using the "Fill" section, you will specify a background for all your slides.

The options you can choose from are:

• Solid Fill : Use this option to apply a solid color fill to all your slides.
• Gradient Fill : Select this option to apply a gradient color fill to all your slides.
• Picture or Texture Fill : To use an image or a texture as the background, click this option. You can then click "Insert" to add a picture to use as your background, or click "Texture" to use a texture as your slides' background.
• Pattern Fill : Click this option to view various patterns that you can use as the background for your presentation.

Once you have configured your background, apply it to all your slides by clicking "Apply to All" at the bottom of the "Format Background" pane.

And instantly, all the slides in your presentation will start using the newly specified background. Happy presenting!

If you often use a specific style for your presentations, it is worth creating a custom PowerPoint template to then base all your presentations on it.

Related: How to Create a Custom Template in PowerPoint

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint

How To Create The Best PowerPoint Presentation Background

There’s no getting around this – your PowerPoint presentation background matters. A lot of factors go into what makes a particular design stand out, but one of the most overlooked factors is PPT slide background design.

PowerPoint’s default background color is white. If you’re in a hurry and you need to put a presentation up fast, then white will normally suffice. But, if you want to impress your audience, you have to think outside the box.

If you’re interested to know how your PowerPoint presentation background can impact your overall presentation, then you need to read this entire article. It will only take up a few minutes of your time, but by the end of this article you’ll know the importance of using a great PowerPoint slide background!

4 Reasons Why Your PowerPoint Slide Background Design Matters

Humans are visual creatures. We have the gift of sight that allows us to appreciate the infinite variations and combinations of color, texture, style, and design all around us.

Our eyes are automatically drawn to beautiful imagery. Our eyes linger on colorful and beautiful scenes on photos, videos, canvases, and many other different places, including PowerPoint slides.

Think about it – will you pay more attention to an outdated and lousy-looking slideshow or a well-designed one? I bet you’d pick the latter. Your eyes just automatically gravitate to the attractive-looking slideshow.

Without further ado, here are five of the biggest reasons why your PPT slide background design matters:

1. The best PowerPoint presentation background makes your slide elements come alive

To make the most of your PowerPoint slide design, you can use a combination of many different kinds of elements. You can insert text, images, icons, vector images, video, audio, shapes, charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams.

Take note, however, that just because you can insert many different kinds of elements into your slide doesn’t mean you should use these all at once, in a single slide! That would be chaos, pure and simple.

For maximum audience impact, you’d want to use a few elements only on each slide. Make sure there’s plenty of white space, and don’t forget to use a good combination of colors that actually complement, not clash, with each other.

Here’s a sample slide which uses plenty of white space, good typography, excellent color combination, and a nice background that is related to the presentation’s subject (football).

Just by looking at the background (the striped green football field), football fans will immediately recognize what the subject is all about. Since the subject is football, the dark colors in the background’s edges further help to emphasize the masculinity of this sport.

Now imagine if this slide had a plain light or dark-colored background. It probably won’t have the same effect as the current background does.

2. The best PPT slides use backgrounds that add texture to the presentation

One of the least thought about aspects of presentation design is the PowerPoint backdrop. Think about all the PowerPoint presentations you’ve done in your life. Did you bother changing the background in any of those presentations? Or were you happy with the default white background?

Now, please don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a white background. However, if you’ve got the time to spare, don’t settle for the default white when you know your slides can look much better with a different background.

To create truly beautiful PowerPoint slides, you’d need to think about adding some texture to your background. It’s easier to add or create texture when you’re physically holding something. When designing PowerPoint slides, it’s a different story. You’re basically creating a physical illusion for your audience.

For instance, if you use a background image of an expensive and plush looking carpet in your slides, then it’s easier for your audience to imagine the feel of that carpet.

If you want to create the illusion of wetness, then you can use an image of raindrops on a glass window, or the surface of a wet umbrella, or something of that nature. Take a look at this image below:

Wouldn’t you say that when you looked at the image, you ‘felt’ the rain touching your skin? If you used this image as a background on slides that talk about something that’s related to rain or the weather in general, then your audience will find your slides much more relevant and interesting.

Or how about this slide?

There’s a pale pink overlay on top of the brick wall in the slide’s background. I think the background adds a nice texture to the slide, and you can also see how all the elements (fonts, icons, colors) complement and match each other.

3. A good PowerPoint slide background makes your slide look so much more interesting

Imagine if you had to sit through an hour-long PowerPoint presentation and all the slides had nothing but a plain white background on it. No variety, no design, no background. Just that awful default background for an entire hour.

Let’s say this is slide #1 out of 50, and all the slides had the same background:

You’d probably feel physically sick after the first 5 minutes knowing you have another 55 minutes worth of slides to sit through!

If you were the presenter, would you subject your audience to such horror? I sure hope not!

Now, what if you used a different color every 2 or 3 slides? Would that make your presentation appear better? Maybe. Maybe not. But it would sure add some variety to your presentation.

Going back to our example, what if you added a nice background image to slide #1 and it looked something like this?

I think you’ll agree with me when I say this looks much better than the one with the plain white background. The best thing is it will only take you a minute or two to find a good image, and set it as your slide’s background!

Nowadays, with multiple sources of design inspiration which you can easily Google online, poor design skills can get you in real trouble.

Your audience can easily take a video of your disastrous presentation and upload it to social media where you will forever be branded as the world’s worst PowerPoint designer ( this is an exaggeration of course, but with today’s Internet, anything’s possible! ).

You don’t even need design skills to make cool PowerPoint designs. Simply look for inspiration on graphic design websites and then have the initiative to come up with your own design.

The best PowerPoint slides all follow the best practices in graphic design – and that includes using good presentation backgrounds.

4. A nice background for PowerPoint helps lead your audience’s eyes to your subject

When creating PowerPoint presentations, it’s important to pay attention to your content, or the message you want to convey to your audience. It’s also a must that you think about how you’re going to present your points in a clear and succinct manner. You don’t want your audience to tune you out while you deliver your presentation!

One way to tie all these elements together – your message and your audience’s attention – is by leading your audience’s eyes to your subject with the help of a nice background for PowerPoint.

There’s a lot of factors that come into play to lead your audience’s eyes to your subject. You’ll have to consider first what your slide’s main subject is and then look for a suitable background image or create one from scratch. You can use your background’s colors, compositions, shapes, etc. to catch your audience’s attention.

Also, don’t forget that the background should be just that – a background. It’s not meant to superimpose on the foreground. Rather, it’s supposed to enhance the foreground or the subject in your slide.

Remember this point when you get confused about choosing the best background for your PowerPoint presentation. If you’ve got a very colorful image as your background, you can add a color overlay to mute the colors, while still making sure it’s visible.

Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about overlays. I’ll show you how to use overlays later in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions About PowerPoint Presentation Backgrounds

Now that you know why a good PowerPoint presentation background is necessary for your presentation to be a smashing success, it’s time to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about presentation backgrounds.

Question #1. How to add a background in PowerPoint?

Adding a custom background in PowerPoint is a fairly simple process. There are two ways to go about adding a background to your slides:

• Method 1 – the right-click option . To access this option, click on the slide you want to format the background on. Then right-click on the slide itself. The Format Background option will be the last option (see screenshot):

• Method 2 – the Design tab option . To access this option, go to the Design tab on the ribbon. On the far right side, you will see the Format Background option. Clicking it will open the Format Background pane on the right side of your screen.

The format background PowerPoint options allow you to choose from a number of different elements which you can use as background. Scroll down to Question #3 for more details on the different background options you can use in PowerPoint.

Question #2. How to change the background in PowerPoint?

Changing your PowerPoint custom background works pretty much like adding a background. You can change your background anytime by accessing the Format Background menu options. From there you can change to solid fill, gradient fill, picture or texture fill, and pattern fill.

If you’re using video as your slide background, you will need to delete the video first, and then access the Format Background options to change the background.

Question #3. What are the different types of elements you can use as background in PowerPoint?

There are 4 main elements you can use as a PowerPoint background: color, pattern, image, and video. I’ll describe each element in more detail below:

Color Background

When using color as your background, you can choose to use either a solid or gradient color. Solid is simply using a single color as the background for your whole slide. Gradient, on the other hand, is using a combination of different colors to create a gradual blend or mix of colors.

Here’s how you use a color background on PowerPoint:

• Right-click on the slide and choose Format Background . The Format Background pane will appear on the screen.
• In the Fill section, select Solid Fill (see box 1). The settings for this option are right below (see box 2). You can choose your color and the transparency level .

• If you want to use a Gradient fill, then see the next screenshot:

As you can see, you have more options with Gradient Fill . In addition to choosing the ‘base’ colors for the Gradient Stops , you can choose the gradient type, the direction and angle of the gradient, the position, transparency, and brightness. You’re also free to add or delete any of the preset gradient stops.

Pattern Background

Pattern backgrounds add texture to your slides. In PowerPoint, there are many different patterns to choose from. You can even play around with the foreground and background colors you want to use for each pattern.

Here’s how you use a pattern background in PowerPoint:

After choosing Pattern Fill , select the pattern you want to use. Once you’ve chosen your desired pattern, choose the foreground and background colors. That’s it!

Image Background

You can make cool PowerPoint designs just by selecting an awesome image as your presentation slide’s background. Of course, a professional presentation background means using strictly subject-relevant images.

Just because you like an image doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for your presentation. Remember to consider who your audience is when choosing images.

Using ‘offensive’ background images can dock points off your presentation, leaving you with an unhappy audience.

So, here’s how you use an image as a background in PowerPoint:

There’s quite a number of options when setting an image as background. You can choose to use a file from your computer, clipboard, or online. You can set the transparency, the position, etc.

Play around with the different settings until you find the most suitable appearance for your background image.

Video Background

Using video as a background may seem like an advanced technique that can’t be done on PowerPoint, but trust me it’s really quite simple to do this.

Video backgrounds look nice on its own so you’d have to be really careful not to make your slide look messy and chaotic.

For best results, it’s best to use simple text or shapes on top of your video. But then again, the final output will depend on what your presentation aims to achieve.

Here’s how you use video as background in PowerPoint:

• Go to Insert > Video . You can use a video from your PC or from an online source. Note that if you’re going to be using an online video, you’d need to have to access to it when you play your presentation. Otherwise, your video background won’t work. See screenshot below.

• Once you’ve chosen your video, you can resize it to fit the slide or you can reposition it to show only a particular section in the video. To do the latter, you can unlock the aspect ratio in the Format Video settings (click on the video to access the Format Video pane).
• If you want to insert some text or shapes on top of the video, go to the Insert tab and select the element you want to insert.
• To make sure your video stays in the background, click on the video. The Video Tools tab will then appear on the ribbon. Click on Format and hit Send Backward .

For royalty-free videos, you can visit any of these sites: Pixabay, Videvo , Videezy , and Pexels.

Question #4. What is the best PowerPoint background size?

Your PowerPoint background size will be the same size as your PowerPoint slide. So, whether you’re using standard (4:3 aspect ratio), widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) or custom slide sizes, your background size will be exactly the same size as well.

For instance, if you’re using a 16:9 image as your background, and your slides are standard 4:3, PowerPoint will resize your image to fit the 4:3 slide.

If you’re not sure what your slide sizes are, you can go to Design > Slide Size as you can see in the image below:

Question #5: How to create the best background for PowerPoint presentation

The most creative PowerPoint slides and the best designer slides have something in common – awesome backgrounds! Of course, backgrounds are just one element in the whole presentation. But with a combination of the right background and foreground elements, the chances of visually delighting your audience are much higher.

Creating the best background for PowerPoint is a subjective endeavor. What may fall in your ‘best’ category may be mediocre for someone else. Likewise, what may look lacking to you may be impressive to another person. At the end of the day, however, you’re presenting in front of an audience, so it’s their opinion that really matters the most.

Think about your presentation topic and who your target audience is. Then work on your presentation slides with your audience in mind. There are plenty of PowerPoint presentation design tips on the Internet and you’ll find many slide design ideas to inspire you.

8 Highly Actionable Tips To Help You Make Cool PowerPoint Presentation Backgrounds

Here are a few PowerPoint slide background ideas to help get your creative juices flowing:

1. Add Shape and Color Overlays to Background Image

When using image backgrounds, you can add a shape overlay to make the background even more interesting or to make the foreground look sharper.

To do this, go to Insert > Shapes .

For this method, I’d normally select a rectangle shape and cover the entire slide. Click on the shape itself so that the Format Shape pane will appear on the screen. I personally find that adding a gradient fill makes the background look better.

Here’s a before and after picture:

You can see just how much better the second image looks after I added an overlay. The word HELLO stands out and provides a nice contrast to the dark background. It’s really a simple trick that you can do in just a few minutes.

2. Use Trendy Geometric Polygon Backgrounds

Geometric polygon backgrounds look great on PowerPoint especially if you pair it with the right kind of font and the right graphics. It also adds texture to your slides and makes your slide look colorful and interesting.

To use geometric backgrounds, you can either download from any royalty-free photo sites, or generate your own. If you want a unique background for your slides, you can visit Trianglify Background Generator .

Here’s what it looks like:

To use this nifty free online tool, simply choose the settings for your background. In the Render Options section, you can specify the Width, Height, Cell Size, Cell Padding, and Bleed. For the color scheme, you can choose from the Palette List .

When you’re happy with how your geometric polygon image looks like, download it and then save it to your computer. You can then use the image as your PowerPoint slide background. You will be able to edit it using the Format Background options.

3. Use Artistic Effects in Format Background Pane

The Format Background menu in PowerPoint gives you plenty of options to customize your background according to your design preferences. For even better control, you can use Artistic Effects to make your background look better.

To access Artistic Effects , click on the background image to open the Format Background menu. Click on the second, pentagon-shaped icon.

You can choose from different artistic effects by clicking on the drop-down menu. You can also change the transparency and the intensity of your chosen effect.

Hover your mouse pointer over the different artistic effects to know what each effect is called. Here’s an example:

Clicking on an effect will lead to individual effect settings. Play around with the options until you find the best background for your slide.

Here’s what my slide background looks like when I chose the Blur effect and set the radius to 54%.

4. Mix up the background colors

You can use a two or three-color theme for your entire presentation. You can use any combination of colors, however, for best results, you may want to check out Adobe’s Color Wheel website.

Feel free to experiment and play around with the settings to find the best color combination for your slide backgrounds. Or you can explore other people’s color themes to give you a head start. It’s a free service, so check it out if you want to use different color combinations.

Another option would be to combine different gradient colors for your background. If you want ideas, you can visit UIGradients and use the suggested combinations to produce great background color gradients for your PowerPoint presentation!

For simplicity’s sake, however, black and white makes a great combo. For example, you can choose to use a black background for your title slides, and then use white for your content slides, or vice versa. Sometimes, there’s no need to complicate things, and simple does the job just fine.

Alternatively, you can also use a different background color for each theme or idea. For example, if you’ve got a presentation on cars, then you can use a red background color for cars made in the 1990s, a blue background for those made in the 2000s, and so on.

Mixing different background colors and/or overlays will definitely help spice up your presentation and avoid boring your audience to sleep.

5. Use Your Company Colors In Your Presentation Background

If your company uses a set of colors for branding purposes, make sure you put it to good use. Using company colors will help your brand especially if your company uses a specific color palette not commonly used in your industry. This not only helps you save time on looking for appropriate colors, but you also get to help your company build your brand.

Also, you don’t necessarily have to put your company’s logo front and center in in all your slide’s backgrounds. A small logo in a slide corner will normally suffice in most company presentations so as not to distract from the presentation at hand.

If your company spends a huge amount of money on advertising and branding activities, then do your part and use your company’s colors and logo in your PowerPoint presentation.

6. Try Using White Fonts Over Images

I’m sure you’ve seen memes or photo quotes on social media with white text overlaid on an image. You’ve probably seen quotes like this on your social media timeline or news feed:

Now, this technique may not be appropriate in some presentations, especially for business-oriented presentations. However, if you’re presenting to a group of people who appreciates quotations and loves memes, then try to surprise them by using a few quotation slides in between your main content slides!

7. Use a Consistent Background Image for Related Topics

If your presentation consists of dozens of slides, you may need to spend plenty of time looking for a unique background image for each slide. To save time, you can use one background for related topics or themes in your presentation.

For example, you can use one background image for your introductory slides, another background image for your company background and history slides, another background image for your timeline and SWOT analysis slides, etc.

To spice things up, you can always add a colored overlay to make each slide background look different from each other.

8. Use Patterns and Textures in Your Background

You can use a combination of image, graphics, patterns, and textures in your presentation slide’s background. Take a look at this example where the main content is divided into two columns – the text description on the left and the supporting image on the right. Wouldn’t you say your eyes quickly settled on the image on the right?

Final Words

A lot of work goes into creative PowerPoint slides. Oftentimes, it’s the main content or the subject that gets the bulk of a PowerPoint designer’s attention. As you’ve learned in this article, however, slide backgrounds play an important, if underrated, role too. Apply the techniques I’ve shared with you to create beautiful PowerPoint slides that will captivate your audience for the entire duration of your presentation!

You might also find this interesting: How To Add Animations To PowerPoint

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Our 25 best presentation backgrounds that grab your attention

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Prezi March 26, 2019

A good background of your presentation sets the stage for the rest of the look and feel, so it’s important to choose wisely. For example, a simple design can elevate the look of your content, but too simple and it can appear unpolished. Meanwhile, a colorful background can provide the foundation for a balanced palette, but one color too many and you’ve got a chaotic mess. A strong contrast can help make a bold statement, but text can easily get lost if the contrast is too high.

The process is certainly delicate, but not impossible. It simply requires thinking a bit deeper about your choice and keeping a couple of tricks in mind. Below, we’ve put together a collection of some of our favorite backgrounds to use in Prezi presentations and a description of why they work. You can find all of the examples below within the Prezi platform.

Using lines and curves in backgrounds to structure your presentation

If you have a hidden line in a photo, you can structure your content so that it follows a particular flow. Keeping your text or topics along the line can also help prevent you from placing content over subjects within a background image (a common mistake that can make your visuals difficult to digest).

1. Iceland in presentation backgrounds

We like this photo of a lone figure in nature because the ice creates a natural direction for content and there’s plenty of room for placement.

2. Coffee mug presentation background

This coffee mug is a nice choice for presenters who don’t want to deliver their content in a specific order. Text or topics can be placed anywhere around the central image, and presenters have the option to use techniques like conversational presenting to share their message.

3. The road forward presentation picture

If your presentation is about a type of journey (whether that’s actual travel, the process of achieving something in your professional life, or something in between), this road-forward image is a great option. The metaphor can be communicated fairly quickly, and the road provides an actual line for your content.

Using negative space in presentation backgrounds

It’s easy to discount empty areas in photos, but when it comes to good backgrounds, negative space can be incredibly useful. Consider spicing up a sparse area with text, shapes, icons, logos, etc. when you want to make them pop.

If slides aren’t your cup of tea, or you’re simply in the mood to try something new, Prezi’s open canvas might be the right change of pace. Prezi users can easily design their presentation within negative spaces by placing topics or stacks of content in them, and navigate to each area as needed. Here’s an example from one of our Prezi Awards winners:

Negative space surrounding your subject or content can also provide a “safe area” in the event that your presentation is printed. Create physical takeaways for your presentation with the exact same content and you can be sure none of your important information will get lost in the margins.

4. Black and white turtle background

We like the recoloring of this image because the dark water provides a space that can make your message really stand out. Pair this image with a memorable statistic in a bold , white font, a heartstring-tugging quote, or whatever message is most important for the audience to remember.

5. Swimmers in presentation backgrounds

This photo makes a great background because it’s an even balance of subjects and empty space. The mid-action shot lends a sense of motion and excitement and would pair well with text or content of a similar sentiment placed on the right-hand side, or around the pier.

6. Snowy paddler background image

The negative space in this snowy paddler image is balanced around the subject, making it a great option if you want to include a few pieces of information in this section of the presentation but convey a sense of equal importance between them.

Using action and flow in presentation backgrounds

While background images are, obviously, in the background, they can actually help drive the presentation if used within platforms like Prezi. See how we take the same backgrounds from the negative space section and turn them into an essential part of the story.

In the swimmer’s photo, for example, our main subject is jumping from the pier. We can, therefore, create a content flow that starts at the pier and finishes in the water, roughly in the spot where he will land. Adding slightly opaque topics like the ones pictured here can help give context to your presentation flow, and retain the full image.

Meanwhile, our black and white turtle is swimming towards the surface of the ocean. We can indicate growth, a journey, or problem-solving by placing topics along the same trajectory.

Lastly, our lone paddler is all about choices. She can either go straight, veer to the left, or head to the shore on the right side. If the story you’re presenting is about a crossroads, or the intention is to present content in a different order each time, a structure that leaves your options open to fit the situation at hand is ideal (think a sales pitch or a project proposal).

Patterns and textures in presentation backgrounds

Sometimes a background with subjects or a metaphor isn’t the right approach to a presentation. In that case, patterns or textures are great for adding visual oomph to your message without getting too detailed. But not every pattern or texture is made equally. Some can be too distracting, or too bold to support your content. Make sure you’re thinking twice before you make your selection.  

Monochrome for good presentation backgrounds

A monochrome background can enhance the colors of your content– no matter what those colors are. The examples below also allow for a strong headline and multiple content flows, since they’re simple and straightforward.

7.  Woven wave presentation background

This woven wave is a great option if you want to give direction to your content but don’t want to include a metaphor of any kind. You can also choose from a wide variety of color palettes since just about everything stands out against black and white.

8. Painted wall presentation image

This painted wall gives you options. You can place your content in a line on the top or the bottom half; either would look natural to the eye. The two halves also suggest categories, should you decide to place your content on the top and the bottom.

9. Water ripple presentation background

Varying shades of the same blue make this watery monochrome background a great option for those looking to add movement or fluidity to their message in an elegant way.

Architectural makes good backgrounds

Architectural backgrounds in presentations are great for modern content. Their edginess or open-airiness is visually attractive, and they often consist of a flat pattern that can support many different content layouts.

10. Cityscape presentation image

Cityscape images make good presentation backgrounds because they give you the feeling of looking up. Try this background if the message you’re trying to communicate is forward-looking or about the promise of a brighter future.

11. Quilted metal background

This quilted pattern is great for when you want to share the information in your presentation in a non-linear order. Because it’s textured and yet flat, your content can live anywhere and be placed in whichever order you choose without being visually confusing.

12. High-rise presentation picture

This tall building naturally causes the eye to gravitate to the top of the image. Use this presentation background when you want to direct your audience’s eyes to a single area.

13. Shifted city background image

Everyone likes a good cityscape, but they can sometimes be so mesmerizing that they detract from the content. By using black and white and a trick of the lens, this photograph is perfect for those who want the scenery to make a subtle urban statement.

Bright colors make good presentation backgrounds

Sometimes you want good presentation backgrounds that offer visual appeal without being too visually appealing. Subtle textures like the options below can, while full of color, easily add depth to content and keep context intact when you’re zooming in and out. And, because they’re flat, you can build almost any kind of presentation on top of them.

14. Moody blue background image

We like this moody blue option because it’s simple, calming, and has enough variation in the hue to remain visually interesting. Try this type of background if your message is meant to be soothing.

15. Greenscape presentation background

This green option screams action, and much like a player’s handbook, or a score sheet, insinuates planning. Try this background if your presentation is about achieving a goal or strategizing a project. Think QBR, a sales kickoff, or even an all-hands company meeting.

16. Blue wave paint presentation background

If your presentation is about creativity, the blue-painted waves in this presentation could be a great option. There’s enough variety in the palette to make it exciting, but not so much that it would detract from your overall message. Content can also be placed in any order and look natural.

17. Bordered bricks presentation picture

The natural border this painted brick background provides can lend your presentation structure, especially if the content itself is meant to be unsystematic. Take this background for a spin if you’re going to try the conversational presenting method.

18. Red wave background

This closeup of a structure in Milan, Italy, is striking for obvious reasons. In a presentation background, its bold color palette can easily be used in combination with neutral content (think black and white) to make a chic statement.

19. Wooden geometry presentation image

The warmth of the wood and the various angles in this photo from Shanghai, China, make it a perfect background for a welcoming message. Try this option if you’re presenting something educational.

20. Blurry confetti presentation background

Blurred backgrounds are great for presentations because they allow the presenter to build content on top of an image that subliminally tells the eye not to focus on it. This blurred confetti background has color, texture, and emotion all wrapped up in one. Try it out if you’re presenting about something cheerful, or really want to get your audience pumped.

Simple presentation backgrounds

Sometimes you don’t need a subject in your background. Sometimes you don’t even need a pattern! In the cases when simple makes the most sense, here are a few recommendations.

21. Dark presentation background image

A dark presentation background is particularly good for stage presentations and bold content. Be sure to use bright text and images for optimal contrast.

22. Bright presentation backgrounds

When your content has a lot of colors, you can try using a neutral background with lots of texture like this one to give extra depth to your presentation.

23. Light blue background images

Light blues are cool and calming– perfect for low-key presentations. With this background, it’s best to put your text in the brightest areas of the gradient.

24. Deep blue background image

Deeper blues are great for professional topics, especially when you want to convey a serious mood.

25. Soft presentation backgrounds

Soft presentation backgrounds are very flexible because they don’t command attention. If you use one that transitions from one color to the next, like this one, try placing your main points on the top and secondary points on the bottom.

How to choose the right presentation background

Selecting the perfect presentation background is a critical step in creating a visually compelling and effective presentation. Here are some practical guidelines to help you make the right choice:

1. Define your presentation’s purpose and audience

Before you start browsing backgrounds for a presentation, take a moment to clarify the purpose of your presentation and understand your audience. Consider questions like:

• What is the main message or theme of your presentation?
• Who is your target audience, and what are their preferences and expectations?
• What emotions or reactions do you want to evoke in your audience?

By having a clear understanding of your presentation’s purpose and your audience’s needs, you’ll be better equipped to choose a background that aligns with your goals.

2. Consider the message you want to convey

Your presentation’s content should drive your background choice. Think about the message you want to convey and how the background can support or enhance that message. Here are a few examples:

If your presentation is about innovation and creativity, a background with vibrant colors or abstract patterns can convey a sense of dynamism.

For a more serious and professional topic, consider using a clean and minimalist background to maintain a professional appearance.

If you’re presenting data or statistics, a background with simple lines or grids can help organize your information effectively.

The following presentation clearly communicates what it’s going to be about with its background image:

3. Balance simplicity and visual appeal

As mentioned earlier, balance is key. Aim for a background that is visually appealing but not overly complex. Too much visual noise can distract your audience from your content. Simplicity can make your message stand out, so choose backgrounds that enhance, rather than overpower, your presentation.

4. Think about color psychology

Colors play a significant role in conveying emotions and messages. Different colors can evoke various feelings and responses from your audience. Consider the following associations when selecting colors for good backgrounds:

• Blue: Trust, professionalism, and calm.
• Red: Energy, passion, and excitement.
• Green: Growth, balance, and harmony.
• Yellow: Optimism, warmth, and positivity.

Choose colors that align with the mood and tone of your presentation. Keep in mind that text and other content on your slides should contrast well with the background color for readability.

The choice of bright yellow ties together with the optimistic and inspiring message of the presentation:

5. Test and iterate

Before finalizing your background choice, create a sample slide with your content to ensure that it looks visually appealing and is easy to read. Test it on various screens and consider how it will appear in different lighting conditions. If something doesn’t work, be willing to iterate and make adjustments until you find the perfect balance.

6. Maintain consistency

Consistency is key to a polished presentation. Once you’ve selected good backgrounds, use them consistently throughout your presentation. This helps maintain a cohesive visual identity and keeps the focus on your content rather than the background.

The colors and elements of the background image stay the same throughout the presentation, providing a coherent viewing experience:

7. Explore Prezi’s options for good backgrounds

If you’re using Prezi for your presentation, take advantage of its background features. Prezi offers a wide range of good backgrounds, including patterns, textures, and images. Use Prezi’s search tool to find good backgrounds that match your criteria, and don’t hesitate to explore different options to find the one that best suits your presentation.

Dos and don’ts of presentation backgrounds

When it comes to good backgrounds, there are certain dos and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure your visuals enhance rather than detract from your message. Here are some key guidelines:

• Consider the message: Think about the core message of your presentation. Does it require a specific mood, tone, or theme? Select a background that aligns with your message. For example, a serene nature background might be suitable for a presentation on mindfulness, while a dynamic cityscape could work well for a business strategy presentation.
• Balance simplicity: Simplicity can elevate the aesthetics of your presentation, but avoid extremes. Too simple, and it may appear unprofessional; too complex, and it can distract from your content. Strive for a balance that enhances your message without overwhelming your audience.
• Use negative space wisely: Negative space within a background can be a hidden gem. Utilize empty areas to add text, icons, or logos, making your content pop. This technique can help guide your audience’s attention to key points.
• Create a visual hierarchy: Arrange your content on the background strategically. Use the background’s elements, lines, or flow to guide the viewer’s eye to the most important information. Ensure a logical visual hierarchy.
• Test for clarity: Before finalizing your background, test it with sample content to ensure readability. Make sure your text contrasts well with the background color or pattern. Avoid backgrounds that make text hard to read.
• Overcrowd good backgrounds: Resist the temptation to clutter your background with too many elements. It can make your presentation look chaotic and difficult to follow. Keep it clean and organized.
• Distracting patterns: While patterns and textures can add visual appeal, be cautious not to choose backgrounds that are overly distracting. The background should complement, not compete with, your content.
• Inappropriate color schemes: Consider color psychology when selecting background colors. For instance, avoid overly bright or clashing colors that might create visual discomfort. Opt for colors that evoke the desired emotional response from your audience.
• Lack of consistency: Maintain consistency in your background design throughout your presentation. Abruptly changing good backgrounds can disrupt the flow and coherence of your message.

Selecting good backgrounds for your presentations is a nuanced process that requires thoughtful consideration. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure your background enhances your content, captures your audience’s attention, and helps convey your message effectively. Remember that a well-chosen background can set the stage for a successful presentation.

Learn more about the best presentation design practices by watching the following video:

How to find your perfect images for good backgrounds in Prezi

Adding a background image is a great way to set the look and feel of your presentation — and it’s super easy to do if you’re a Prezi user. You can select a background by using the “Background” sidebar from within the platform itself. From here, you can also change your background color. All of the images we shared in this post were found through this feature. 

Check out the process in the video below.

Adding a couple of keywords to your searches can help source images that are best suited to good backgrounds for your message. Our own designers often add “sparse” or “plain” to their queries in order to pull up options that have plenty of space for topics. You can also search for “texture” or “pattern” if you’d prefer something without a subject at all.

In addition to making background design easy, the search tool within Prezi will also source high-quality images and icons for you to use, so you can design your entire presentation from start to finish without ever leaving the platform.

Easily convert your PowerPoint to a Prezi

If you already have a presentation designed in PowerPoint, we make it easy to take Prezi for a test drive with PowerPoint converter. With Prezi, you can animate your existing set of PowerPoint slides. After importing and selecting which slides you want to keep, simply select your new background, layout, shapes, and colors.

If you’re new to the Prezi-verse, check out some of our favorite presentations on our gallery page . Prezi’s one-of-a-kind open canvas lets you organize and view your presentation as a whole.

Login to start designing your good backgrounds, or sign up for an account to get started.

Choosing the right presentation background may require some thoughtful consideration, but the effort pays off in creating a more engaging and impactful presentation. By aligning your background with your message and audience, you can set the stage for a successful presentation that captures your audience’s attention and effectively conveys your ideas.

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• Add pictures Video
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Add a background picture

You can add a background picture to each slide or use the same background picture across an entire presentation.

Select the slide you want to add a background picture to.

Select Design > Format Background . OR Right-click the margin of slide and select  Format Background . 

In the Format Background pane, select Picture or texture fill .

Select File .

In the Insert Picture dialog box, choose the picture you want to use and then select Insert .

Note:  PowerPoint resizes the image to fill the entire slide background. If an image has a different general shape than the slide it is placed on, outer portions of the picture may extend beyond the borders of the slide and not be visible on it.

Make adjustments to the background picture to make sure text is visible and it's positioned where you want.

Use Transparency to make the picture lighter.

Use the Offset settings to adjust the position of the picture.

Use Tile picture as texture to repeat the picture across the slide.

If you want the background picture on every slide, select Apply to All .

Remove a background picture

Select the slide with the background picture you want to remove.

Select Solid fill .

Select the arrow next to the Color button.

Select white.

If you want the background picture removed on every slide, select Apply to All .

Add a background picture (or watermark) to slides

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Nature Photography Workshop Held at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Professional wildlife photographer, Bob Herndon conducted the first Nature Photography Workshop at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. Beginning with a presentation in the classroom, Bob provided tips on specific elements in photography that help capture the best photos when working with wildlife. The rule of thirds, use of light, focus, composition, background, etc. were

 all discussed as components that can take a photograph to the next level. Specific tips for macrophotography, bird photography, and capturing a moving target were also explored. 

Bob additionally highlighted ethics involved with wildlife photography, emphasizing the importance of a "leave no trace" mindset. Remaining at a proper distance, refraining from touching/moving animals, and being careful not to disturb habitat were all suggested to keep impact at a minimum. Following the presentation and questions, participants were invited to apply their new skills on some familiar faces at the hatchery. Quadro, the black rate snake, Franklin & Shelley the box turtles, and Oddball the spotted turtle all proved worthy models for the photographers! Placed in the grass, the animals were allowed to explore their environment while the photographers practiced getting the perfect shots! The hatchery would like to thank Bob for leading the workshop and providing a fun, informative morning at the hatchery!

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