Google Slides makes it easy to create a great-looking presentation. It's easy to learn how to make a Google Slides presentation. But, if you want your slide deck to stand out, you should learn how to make your slides look cool!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you 15 cool effects you can add to your Google Slides presentations. These are the secrets of how to highlight the top content. Learn how to make your slides look cool to bring emphasis.
I'll also show you some examples of awesome Google Slides effects templates. Each helps you make slides more memorable and more visually appealing. Let's learn more.
Jump to content in this section:
15 cool effects for better Google Slides presentations
Below, we’ll cover 15 cool and popular Google Slides tricks. Anyone can learn how to make a cute Google Slides design once they know the inside secrets.
In this section, we'll work with the Hasta Presentation theme. It's one of the top options for design on Envato, an all-you-can-download service for creatives. Think of pre-built templates as your shortcut to help you highlight your best content in Google Slides.
Now, let's check out these top Google Slides ideas! Follow these tips for how to make a good slideshow, and you're on your way.
1. Add zoom effects to emphasize content
When you’re presenting, it’s often useful to emphasize a specific piece of content. Or you may want to focus on only one part of a slide at once.
But doing this with zoom animations can get tricky. You might only succeed in distracting your audience and losing part of your message.
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix. It works whenever you’re using Slideshow Mode to share your cool slides in full-screen. To add emphasis, you can use your cursor to zoom in and out.
Using a touchpad? The process is just the same as zooming in on your smartphone. This way, you can dynamically present and steer the focus exactly where you want it.
Bringing focus to a specific part of a presentation is key in how to make cool slideshows. It draws the audience's focus to what matters most.
2. Animate objects
If you want to emphasize an object or image on your slide, add animations to that object. To add animations, start by clicking on the object you wish to animate.
Next, click on Insert and a menu drops down. From the menu, click on the Animations option. A sidebar appears where you can choose which animation you want.
3. Add music
If you want to add some soft music to your presentation, you can. In fact, this method of how to make Google Slides look good has nothing to do with visuals!
Once you’ve clicked on the Audio option, a window pops up. Search for the music file on your drive. Click on it and hit the Select button at the bottom of the window.
4. Use a professional Google Slides theme
Always use a professional Google Slide theme. A professional template will do wonders for your presentation design.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Variety of cool slide designs. Professionally designed templates offer cool slides to present information about your company. Cover your services, share important statistics, and more.
- Design elements. Awesome Google Slides themes have all the design elements in place. You just need to add your brand colors, fonts, and info. This will help you stay on brand, so your slides look cohesive.
- Extra design elements. Premium, cool themes for Google Slides have icons and elements to easily edit your presentation. Add a chart to show your company’s financial growth, or a map with your customers' global distribution.
There are free Google Slides templates out there, but most have limited features. Premium Google Slides templates are your best option.
5. Get creative with your text with fonts and drop shadows
You’ve probably heard that you should keep the text to a minimum. This helps keep your audience engaged. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative with your text.
First, consider changing the fonts used in your Google presentation.
To change the fonts, click on a text box you want to edit and highlight the text. Then, click on the font's name and click More fonts to see all the available Google Fonts. Clicking on a font's name adds it to your font list.
Now, make your text stand out more by adding a drop shadow effect for Google Slides. Follow the steps below to achieve this effect:
- Select the text where you want to apply the drop shadow effect.
- Click Format Options and check the box next to Drop Shadow.
- Adjust the settings for your drop shadow by dragging the slides for the transparency, blur, angle, and distance.
You can apply this effect to both images and text, so get creative.
6. Try neon text effects for striking titles
Neon lights: they’re built to grab attention. Why not use these same effects in your Google Slides work? With neon titles, you can craft headlines and titles that audiences simply can’t miss.
Find a cool slide where you want to place a neon title effect. Then, go to Insert > Word Art. In the dialogue box that pops up, type in your title text.
Press Enter when you’re finished. When you do, you’ll see the headline text appear on your slide. Now, let’s give it a neon effect.
To do this, with the Word Art text box selected, go to the Fill Color menu. From it, choose the Gradient tab. Check out the selection of 3D neon color gradient effects for text.
Select a shade that you like and click to apply it. That’s all it takes! In moments, you’ve added neon text titles of your own.
7. Make creative image shapes with shape masks
Another way to make your presentation stand out is to create a shape mask and give your image a different shape. Standard rectangular images can get boring rather quickly. Not to mention, everyone uses them.
To use shape masks, follow these instructions:
- Click on the image that you want to apply the shape mask to.
- Locate the crop tool on the toolbar. If the image is too big, adjust the size of your image first.
- Click the caret symbol next to the crop tool and select a shape from the dropdown. This adds a more sophisticated look and can make your photo appear more like a portrait.
Apply this effect to make your cool slides more interesting. Or use them to make your portfolio pieces stand out.
8. Reflect the images
There's another cool feature that can be applied to both images and text. We’re talking about the ability to reflect images and text.
While you can apply this to text, it’s best to reserve this effect for images alone. Use it on a few images to make them stand out. This effect would work well for a cool slide with a single image, and it’s easy to do.
To apply the effect and reflect images and text, follow these steps:
- Decide which image you want to apply the reflect effect to. Then, click the image to select it.
- Click Format Options. Tick the box next to the Reflection option.
- Adjust the transparency, distance, and size using the sliders.
9. Add subtle transitions
Our next tip is to add subtle animations to individual slides. This can be done with slide transitions.
Transitions can help delay certain text on your slide. It's perfect when you've got a lot of information to share but don’t want your audience to lose interest.
To add or change existing slide animations, all you've got to do is follow the steps below:
- Click on the slide that you want to apply the transition to.
- Click the Transition option on the top toolbar.
- In the sidebar, add or change the transition options.
- Change the type of transition or adjust its speed.
- Adjust which objects are animated and define the animation trigger.
- Choose whether the transition should apply to all slides.
- Play it to see how it'll look. Then adjust as necessary.
You can animate both images and text.
10. Add a GIF
A GIF can add some visual interest to your slide. To add a GIF to your slide, click on Insert. When you click on Insert, a menu drops down.
Click on the Image option. Then click on the By URL option. If you've got a GIF on your computer, just drop it onto the slide.
11. Create infographics to illustrate ideas
Infographics combine information and graphics to help you illustrate data, ideas, and concepts.
Many premium templates have infographic layouts already built in. But you can also add infographics of your own to any slide. For a quick example, go to Insert > Diagram in Google Slides.
You'll see a list of options, spanning many categories of infographic. If you click on Hierarchy, for example, you'll see a dynamic chart appear on your slide! You can quickly add your own details and customize the colors, fonts, and more.
12. Embed a video
You can add a YouTube video right onto your slide. This saves you from exiting your presentation and finding the video.
To start, click Insert from the menu that drops down. Then select the Video option.
Next, a window pops up where you can search YouTube for the video you want. Click on the video and hit the Select button to add it.
13. Add voice dictation
If you have a computer microphone, you can use voice dictation. Start by making sure it's turned on.
Next, click on the Tools tab. From the menu that drops down, click on the Voice type speaker notes option.
When you click on this option, a speaker window appears. Click on the Microphone and begin speaking.
14. Use an image background
Image backgrounds are a great way to make Google Slides look cool. They replace the solid backdrops most audiences are used to seeing. You can use any photo as a slide background in Google Slides.
To do this, work on a slide where you want to add the image. Then, from the menu bar, click Background. On the Background menu, select Choose Image.
On the Upload tab, you can then browse to and select a photo. When you click Upload, you’ll see the image appear as your slide background!
15. Work with custom icons
To create awesome Google Slides themes, think differently. Custom icons and shapes are an ideal way to do it.
Why not use custom, unique icons that instantly stand out on the page? Google Slides includes many of these, found on the Insert > Shape menu.
If you want even more great icon options, Envato once again has you covered. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to thousands of custom icon sets. Download your favorites today and bring them to your next Google Slides presentation!
Learn about cool Google Slides effects for presentations (quickstart video)
Do you want to get a head start in learning how to make your Google Slides look cool? We've put together this short video to help give you a head start:
To learn even more about how to make a good slideshow, keep reading.
5 quick design trends to make Google Slides look good
Want to know how to make Google Slides look good? Using a premium template from Envato is the best way! Here are some presentation design trends to get you started:
1. Geometric shapes
Want a tip to help you make your slides look cool? Geometric shapes can add a lot of visual interest to your slide.
Some geometric designs even have 3D shapes and animation. They also work with any presentation topic. Think of it as a shortcut to make Google Slides look good.
2. Minimalism
Minimalism has been a trend for a long time, and it isn't going anywhere. Think about it: when you give your audience less to focus on, you'll get more attention on your key points. Minimalism is how to highlight in Google Slides your top content.
You can add information-rich QR Codes to your Google Slides to ensure only essential points get highlighted. All the detailed knowledge is shared through QR Codes. These can be generated using Uniqode's QR Code Generator.
3. Nature-themed
A nature-themed presentation doesn’t necessarily need plants and flowers. It can also mean a nature-inspired color scheme.
As you learn how to decorate Google Slides, borrow inspiration from the outdoors. You might be surprised that it's a common source of inspiration for cool Google Slides ideas.
A nature color scheme would have browns, greens, and other colors found in nature. This has become a trend because these colors can soothe the audience.
4. Muted pastels
Muted pastels are part of the monochromatic color scheme trend. They add enough color, but don't overwhelm your slides. Cool Google Slides ideas often use pastel color schemes.
A muted pastel background won’t distract your audience from important information. For some, these colors can even be fun while also relaxing. Try these for a touch of whimsy and color without distraction.
5. Dark backgrounds
Dark backgrounds are a new trend that's become popular because of the dark mode in technology. Get inspired by those interfaces as you learn how to make your Google Slides look cool.
Dark backgrounds are often paired with neon elements because these stand out on the slide. This creative trend works with most presentation topics.
5 gorgeous Google Slides template examples
Now that you know where to find cool Google Slides templates, let’s look at a few examples. Below, you’ll find best-selling Google Slides templates from Envato:
1. Kintel: modern nature Google Slides template
The Kintel template has a modern, nature-oriented design. It's one of the most fun Google Slides themes too. The template was designed in full HD.
It comes with 75 unique slides with creative designs. The template also includes custom icons and vector shapes. Use them to spice up your presentation design.
2. Netto cool theme for Google Slides
Netto is a top choice if you need an architecture Google Slides presentation. The template has a clean and professional design.
Add images in seconds, thanks to image placeholders, and use the icons for extra visual appeal. The template is designed in full HD and includes 100 slides.
3. The Riffs: creative Google Slides presentation
Consider The Riffs if you need to create cool slideshows. This template is a perfect choice for designing a portfolio presentation. It’s suitable for designers, illustrators, and artists.
The template includes 150+ premade slides, five colorful and fun Google Slides themes, and image placeholders.
4. Fenera multipurpose Google Slides presentation
With Fenera, you’ll unlock incredible flexibility. The template has over 150 slides, spread across five awesome Google Slides themes. It includes sleek infographics and data visuals that are easy to edit.
Plus, the graphics are a breeze to adjust to fit your project needs. It’s how to highlight in Google Slides key details for your audience.
5. The Clean: Google Slides presentation
Clean is an elegant, minimal template for 2024. It includes over 20 slides in widescreen layouts. Think of this one if you need to highlight Google Slides ideas and topics.
Don't forget to make full use of the resizable graphics and stylish design features.
Common Google Slides questions answered (FAQ)
If you have a question about Google Slides, you're not the only one. Here are some common Google Slides questions and answers:
1. Can I use a PowerPoint presentation template in Google Slides?
You can convert a PowerPoint presentation to a Google Slides. First, add your presentation to Google Drive. Next, click on Open With Google Slides.
Now you can use your PowerPoint template in Google Slides. Find more information here:
2. How do I zoom in and out on Google Slides?
There's a Zoom button in the toolbar on Google Slides. It's a magnifying glass with a plus sign in it.
If you click on that button, then Google Slides will zoom in. If you select the arrow next to the button, then you'll have the option to zoom in or zoom out. Learn exactly what to do in this tutorial:
3. Can I add infographics to my slide?
If you want to know how to make Google Slides look good, add infographics. Try a premium template that already contains them.
For more information on how to add an infographic, read this helpful tutorial:
4. Can I add a map to my slide?
One way to make Google Slides look good is to add maps. This is especially helpful if you’re talking about different countries. A map helps people visualize the information you’re presenting.
There are premium templates on Envato that come with maps. For more information, read this article:
5. How do I show time passing in my presentation?
If you’re showing time passing or projecting when you think milestones will be completed for a project, a timeline is the best way. You can easily make a timeline to add to your Google Slides template. For a step-by-step tutorial, read this article:
.jpg)
.jpg)
Discover more Google Slides tricks and templates
Google Slides has many amazing features to help build beautiful and professional presentations. For more Google Slides-related tutorials and templates, check out the articles below.
![]()
![]()
![]()
How to Use Google Slides in 2024 (Quick Start Guide)![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
30+ Cool Google Slides Themes (With Aesthetic Slide Design Ideas for 2024)![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
How to Add Text & Bullet Points in Google Slides Presentations![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
25+ Simple Premium & Free Themes for Google Slides in 2024![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
How to Convert PowerPoint (PPT) to Google Slides Presentations on Import (+Video)![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
20 Google Slides Themes With Cool (Customizable) Background Template Designs 2024![]()
![]()
![]()
.jpg)
.jpg)
Always be sure to add cool effects to Google Slides presentations. It's really a great way to make them even more visually appealing. Get started today by finding a perfect template for Google Slides on Envato.
Enjoy unlimited downloads, all for one low monthly price. You'll access millions of design assets, like web mockups, social media templates, and more.
Take advantage of everything this marketplace has to offer. Then, start creating! You'll be amazed at what you can build in moments.
