How to Choose the Right Images for Your Presentation

Do you want to add images to your PowerPoint presentation but don’t know what makes a good image? Here are specific tips for choosing photos and graphics to make sure that your presentation looks good.

This image is of workplace graphics from Envato Elements.

The images and graphics you add to your presentation are important. Good images can help get your message across. Bad images do the opposite.

In this tutorial, we’ll look at tips for choosing images for a PowerPoint presentation. We’ll also look at some images and graphics that you might want to use in your next presentation.

Jump to content in this section:

What Makes a Good Presentation Image?

If you want to add an image to your PowerPoint presentation, then you should know how to do it and make it look good. This tutorial will help with the technical aspects of adding images to PowerPoint:

How to Work With Images in PowerPoint (Complete PPT Picture Guide)
Andrew Childress
31 Oct 2022

But even if you know how to add an image to your presentation, how do you know if the image you've got in mind is a good one? Here are some tips on choosing effective images for your presentation:

1. Be Consistent

When choosing your presentation images, choose an image that's consistent with the message of your presentation and with your organization's brand.

If you add an image that doesn’t match your message or theme, it can look bad. It could even confuse the audience.

2. High-Quality

High-quality images for presentations are important because if the image is blurry, it can look unprofessional. Envato Elements has thousands of high-quality stock images.

3. File Size

When looking for pictures for presentations, look at the image file size.

Remember, the bigger the image file, the longer it'll take to load, which means it can take your presentation longer to load. You also want to look at the image size.

The image should be big enough that a person standing in the back of the room can see it.

4. Keep It Simple

Another tip for an image in a PowerPoint presentation is to keep it simple. Pick graphics and photos that are neat and simple.

simple action photo — This simple photo of an athlete in action is quite effective.

When choosing an image, choose a simple but powerful image. Using a simple image is the best way to get your message across quickly and clearly.

5. Natural Images

When choosing a presentation image, look for a natural image. If you use an image that is obviously staged, it can look cheesy. Stick to real-life scenarios or images.

6. Images That Are Focused

The best pictures for a PPT presentation are images that focus on one area. If there are too many details, it could confuse the audience. You want the image to have a key message that it's focused on, and your image should reflect that.

7. Photos That Tell a Story

Choose presentation images that tell a story. Images are meant to help further the message. So, look for an image that illustrates the concept you're trying to get across.

Sadness and Disappointment at Work — This photo image could easily illustrate a discussion about disappointment or even stress.

You don’t want the images to cause a distraction. So avoid images where the story isn't clear.

8. Connect It to Your Message

Finally, check these three items when choosing an image or graphic:

Images for presentations should first support your message of the content.
It should add aesthetic value to your slide.
Your image should always be relevant to the message and theme of the slide.

25+ Images and Graphics From Envato Elements

Are you looking for some inspiration to help you choose a graphic illustration or photo? Here are over 25 effective presentation images and graphics to get you started on your search for the right images for your next PowerPoint presentation:

1. Fashion

Fashion is constantly changing it's a great topic to discuss. — Fashion is constantly changing. It's a great topic to discuss.

This image can be used to discuss anything fashion-related. For example, you could use this picture to discuss fast fashion or sustainable fashion.

2. Warehouse Clipart

Graphics like this can be used to discuss processes of a product. — Graphics like this can be used to discuss the process of making a product.

This graphic can be used on your slide when you discuss factories, product processes, or more. It shows boxed goods in a warehouse and the goods being loaded in a truck.

3. Color Theory

Color theory is important when discussing anything relating to color.

You can use this image to discuss a large variety of topics. One topic you could discuss in your presentation using this image is color theory.

4. Influencer

Influencer marketing is a popular form of martketing. — Influencer marketing is a popular form of marketing.

This image features an influencer talking about makeup. This is another image that can be used with a variety of topics, such as influencer marketing, influencers, and makeup.

Social media is a popular presentation topic.

Images like this can be used for many different topics. Since there are many different social media symbols in this picture, you could talk about one of the social media platforms separately. Or you could talk about them as a whole.

6. Outdoor Adventure Patterns

Graphic backgrounds like this can add fun and whimsy to your presentation slide.

The Outdoor Adventure Patterns are great to use as backgrounds. They look like the graphics of a video game with a nature theme, so if you want to add some fun to your presentation, try these.

7. Marketing

Marketing is important for every business.

If you’re talking about marketing in your presentation, then this image is a good option. This image features words that are typically associated with marketing.

8. Virtual Reality

VR glasses are a new technology that has become popular.

Virtual reality glasses are the latest technology. If you want to discuss the latest technology, there are many pictures on Elements that you can use!

9. AI

AI is a current technology that has taken over. — AI is a current technology that's trending.

Artificial Intelligence is another technology that's trending. This image is an interesting image to use in your presentation about AI.

10. Fitness

Exercising at work — Fitness is an important topic for many organizations.

Do you need to do a presentation on fitness or health? This graphic illustration of a person exercising in front of their workstation can help you make your point.

11. Virtual Events

Another topic is the future of virtual events. Virtual events allow people from all over the world to meet and have discussions using tools like Zoom.

12. Board Games

A presentation topic could be to discuss the graphic design of board games. Some games have intricate designs, and some have simple designs. Or you could use games as a metaphor for a business topic.

13. Exploring Cultures Through Food

Picture of food from several different cultures.

A fun presentation topic would be discussing discovering other cultures through food. You can talk about what makes each food unique and what meaning it holds.

14. Abstract Gradient Image

An abstract gradient image can be used as a slide background.

If you want to add pictures for a PPT presentation but don’t want them to distract from your text, an image like this one is a good choice. This image can be used as a background for your slide.

15. Nature Background

If you have a nature theme then a nature background image is a good option. — If you have a nature theme, then a nature background image is a good option.

This is another photo for PowerPoint presentations that can be used as a background. This image is great if you've got a nature-themed presentation or are discussing nature.

16. Work In Office

Office worker images can be used for many different purposes.

This presentation image that features office workers is great if you're talking about any professional work-related topic. You could even use this image to discuss work statistics.

17. Office Workers

This picture for presentations is a closer image of office workers at their desks. Use this image for any purpose that is relevant to your presentation topic.

18. Cloudy Sky

You can use a cloudy sky image as a peaceful background.

Cloudy sky images for PowerPoint presentations are good to use as backgrounds or break slides. Images like this one are calming and nice to look at.

19. Interior Design

You can use interior design images for many purposes.

Interior design presentation images have been recently trending. Use these images to discuss interior design or anything having to do with a home.

20. Salad Spread

Images like this are good if your discussing food related topics. — Images like this are good if you're discussing food-related topics.

This photo for PowerPoint presentations is great to use if you're going to be discussing healthy food in your presentation. If you’re opening a business with similar food, you can also use this image for that purpose.

24. Tea Background

If you want a cute background there are many graphic backgrounds you can use. — If you want a cute background, there are many graphic backgrounds you can use.

In the graphics section of Envato, there are many graphics that you can use as a background. This one is a cute teapot background that can add some fun to your slide.

25. Extinguished Fire Backgrounds

These backgrounds feature calm images with a dark theme. If you're looking for dark nature background graphics, these are a great option.

26. Confetti Style Patterns

The confetti background is another cute background that you can add to your presentation.

If you’re looking for another background, this one is one that can add whimsy to your background. It comes with twelve different confetti-style patterns.

Learn More About PowerPoint Presentations

To learn even more about improving your PowerPoint presentations, read these helpful tutorials:

Your Top Source for Premium Images (Unlimited Downloads)

Envato Elements is the best site for high-quality presentation images. What is Envato Elements? It’s a subscription service that gives you access to premium digital assets. These assets include resume templates, fonts, images, audio, etc. If that sounds useful, sign up for a subscription, and you get unlimited access to as many digital assets as possible.

Find Elements Images Now

If you like the sound of saving time and will use stock images or digital assets often, then take advantage of this deal and sign up today!

If you're in a creative field and are working on other projects, try using Envato AI Search to find the right images for your project. All you've got to do is put in the details of your project, and it'll tell you what digital assets you can use. Try it today!

Download a Premium PowerPoint Image for Your Presentation Today!

Now that you’ve read some tips on how to add images to your presentation and make it look professional.

If you want to save time, then try downloading a premium presentation template today. Envato Elements has premium templates, images, fonts, graphics, and more. Sign up for Envato Elements today!