- Ruth Kogan
- May 6
- 7 min read
Slideshow presentations are one of the most versatile tools used across industries. From presenting a bold marketing pitch to crafting an unforgettable wedding recap, slideshows transform simple ideas into powerful visual experiences. Whether you're a business professional looking to nail your next meeting or a creator assembling your portfolio, creating a polished slideshow no longer requires advanced design skills.
Creating an impactful slideshow is simple with clear planning, thoughtful design, and the right tools. This article will take you through the process step by step, helping you bring your ideas to life in an engaging and professional way.
New to design? Discover what is graphic design and some basic design principles to help you get started.
What is a slideshow?
A slideshow is a sequence of slides, usually presented digitally, that combines visual elements like images, text, animations, and sometimes music to communicate a specific idea or tell a story.
Slideshows are valuable because they simplify complex ideas into digestible, visually appealing content. A well-designed slideshow draws viewers in, organizes content effectively, and leaves a lasting impression.
Whether used for education, marketing strategies, major events, or team collaborations, slideshows seamlessly bridge storytelling and information sharing.
How to make a slideshow in 10 steps
01. Identify the goal of your slideshow
Before you start designing, clarify your slideshow’s purpose. Are you educating, persuading, entertaining, or summarizing? Knowing this helps determine the tone, structure, and content. For example, a business pitch may require concise slides that communicate ROI, while a personal photo slideshow may benefit from narrative-driven imagery.
Think about your audience. What do they already know, or what do they need to learn? Your audience’s expectations will dictate how complex or straightforward your slideshow should be.
02. Select a design platform
The right platform can simplify the design process by giving you powerful tools to create something professional, even if you’re not a seasoned designer. Platforms like Wixel are designed for people across skill levels and provide intuitive templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and AI-driven tools to make designing feel effortless.
When selecting your platform, look for features like custom templates, font libraries, and the ability to sync with your branding. This will save time and ensure your digital design stays visually cohesive.
Transform your ideas into stunning visuals with our AI image generator. Whether it's for a project, your business or just for fun—simply describe your vision and let AI turn it into an eye-catching image in seconds.
03. Create a slide outline
A strong slideshow starts with a clear structure. Outline the flow of your presentation before you begin designing. Break down the major points or sections you need to cover, and assign a slide (or series of slides) to each.
Think about storytelling. For example, start with an introductory slide that hooks your audience, move into the body slides where you build your case or expand on your ideas, and finish with a conclusion that reinforces your key message. Organizing your content first will help you maintain a logical flow and avoid cluttering slides with unnecessary information.
04. Pick a relevant or branded color scheme
Color has a profound effect on how your audience perceives your slideshow. Use your brand colors if you’re representing an organization or pick a palette that aligns with your subject matter.
For instance:
Marketing pitch? Use bold, energetic hues.
Professional presentation? Neutral tones like navy, gray, or charcoal convey authority.
Personal slideshow? Choose warm tones for a welcoming feel.
When in doubt, aim for a balance. Incorporate base colors, accents, and neutrals to create a cohesive and polished palette. Understanding color theory can help you select three or four complementary colors to maintain a consistent look. Platforms like Wixel have color palette generators, making it easy to achieve a professional finish.
05. Craft a hierarchy with your fonts
Typography is more than just picking a pretty font. It’s about using text styles and sizes strategically to highlight your key messages.
Start with one font for your headings, one for your body text, and possibly a third for accents. Contrast is crucial—use large, bold fonts for headings and smaller, minimal styles for body text. This guides the viewer’s eyes and emphasizes what’s most important.
Avoid cluttering slides with walls of text. Instead, prioritize short, impactful statements or bullet points and ensure they’re easy to read at a glance against your background design colors.
Learn more about what is typography and how it can enhance your slide show.
06. Use icons to visualize concepts and grab attention
Icons are an effective way to help communicate concepts clearly without relying entirely on text. They add visual interest while keeping your slides clean and focused.
For example, use a checklist icon to represent tasks, a globe icon for global reach, or a lightbulb for an idea. Just be consistent in style—stick to outline or filled icons throughout your slideshow for a cohesive design. Libraries in platforms like Wixel often offer categorized icons to help you find exactly what you need.
07. Add high-quality images
The right images can elevate your slideshow from good to great. Use visuals that support your overall message, from product photos to high-quality stock images.
Learn how to edit photos to make your visuals even more impactful.
When choosing images, prioritize quality and relevance. Blurry or generic pictures can do more harm than good. For best results, consider using a mix of wide landscape shots and close-up details to create variety across slides.
To create uniformity, incorporate photo filters to match your color scheme or edit images to remove unnecessary backgrounds.
08. Write clear and compelling copy
Your copy is just as important as your visuals. Once the design elements are in place, start layering in your text. Keep your messaging concise—each slide should convey a single idea or takeaway.
Use active, direct language and focus on your audience’s interests. For example, rather than saying, “We guarantee quality service,” a more engaging alternative would be, “Save time with our expert-curated solutions.”
Pair each piece of text with supporting visuals or icons to keep your audience engaged and avoid any sense of monotony.
09. Add music (optional)
Adding music can transform your slideshow into an engaging sensory experience—but only if it suits your purpose. For example, background music can elevate a wedding slideshow, while upbeat instrumental tracks might energize a sales presentation. However, avoid it for professional contexts unless your audience seeks multimedia presentations.
Keep in mind that music should be subtle enough to enhance, not distract. Make sure to adjust the volume to a comfortable level, allowing your voice and visuals to take center stage if you’re presenting live. Always use royalty-free tracks.
10. Set transitions and timings
Transitions can make your slideshow feel seamless, but they should be used sparingly to maintain focus on your content. Select simple, consistent transitions—a fade or wipe is often more effective than over-the-top animations.
For auto-playing slideshows, adjust timings to allow viewers enough time to absorb each slide. You can test multiple presentations to find a rhythm that feels natural.
Additional design projects to explore:
How to make a banner that communicates your message perfectly
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How to make a gift card for any occasion
How to make an infographic that captivates and informs your audience
How to make invitations that set the tone for your big event
How to make labels that are functional and beautiful
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How to make a poster for impactful displays
How to make a YouTube banner that captures your channel's personality
How to make YouTube thumbnail that boost clicks and viewer engagement
Tips for distributing your slideshow
Once your slideshow is complete, it’s time to share it with the world. Here are a few tips for successful distribution:
Save your slideshow as a PDF if you want to ensure formatting stays intact across different devices.
Convert your presentation into video format to upload and share on social media or websites.
Share directly from the platform if you designed using an online tool like Wixel.
Email or distribute physical copies of your presentation at events, conferences, or meetings.
Make your slideshow interactive by including clickable links or embedded videos.
Types of slideshows
There’s no one-size-fits-all slideshow—the type you create depends on your goals. Here are popular slideshow types for inspiration.
Informational
Informational slideshows share details, educate, or break down topics. Examples include:
Business proposals
Educational presentations
Reports with data visualizations
Narrative
Narrative slideshows tell a story and often use a chronological structure. Ensure your slideshow aligns with the purpose, placing the audience first.
Some common ones include:
Wedding or birthday slideshows
Company origin stories
Impactful fundraising recaps
Promotional
Promotional slideshows aim to market, promote, or sell. Think:
Product launches
Service demonstrations
Customer success stories
Creative
Creative slideshows, used by designers or content creators, focus on visual appeal. Examples include:
Graphic design portfolios
Artwork displays
Mood boards
How to make a slideshow FAQ
How long should my slideshow be?
The length depends on your audience and purpose. Professional presentations typically range from 10–20 slides, while narrative slideshows can have more if they rely heavily on visuals.