When you’re ready to create a new PowerPoint presentation there are two ways you can get started.

To start a new presentation, click the File tab in PowerPoint then select New.

From the New tab in backstage view, you have two choices.

1) Start with a Blank Presentation

A blank presentation is a quick and easy way to start a new slide deck.

A blank presentation contains very little formatting. You start with the default fonts, a white background and dark text, along with a standard set of slide layouts.

A blank presentation is your best bet if you want to concentrate on creating slides and adding content without thinking about the appearance of your slides. When you start with a blank presentation, you’ll focus on your content initially and customize the appearance of your presentation later.

2) Start a New Presentation with a Template

PowerPoint comes with dozens of templates you can use for creating a new presentation. Some of the templates are stored locally on your computer, while others are available for download.

PowerPoint templates often contain sample content, customized slide layouts, colours, fonts, effects, and background styles.

Templates offer an easy way to create a professional looking presentation while adding content as you go. The sample content can be useful, if you need help figuring out what goes where, however, you need to be comfortable editing each slide.