How to Add Border in PPT - Quick & Easy Methods Explained
How to add border in PPT is one of the most common PowerPoint questions that users ask. Fortunately, it’s really easy once you know the right approach. Today, I’ll discuss with you how to do so using the most appropriate solutions step by step.
I’ll not waste time on an intro; let’s quickly start our knowledge session now!
Why Add Border in PowerPoint?
If you’re here, then you probably have reasons to add border in PPT presentations, like:
- Borders create clean visual boundaries.
- They help maintain uniformity across slides.
- A border subtly directs the audience’s focus.
- You can easily adjust thickness, style, and colour.
Some users add border in PowerPoint for different reasons, but the main goal remains the same, i.e making slides look visually appealing.
How to Add Border in PPT?
I explored many solutions online when I wanted to add an effective border to my PowerPoint slides. The ones that worked best for me, I’ll share next with a proper set of instructions:
#Method 1. Using a Shape
This is the simplest and most flexible way to add border in PowerPoint. I use this method most because it gives me full control over the colour and style of the border:
- Open the presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
- Click Shapes > choose the Rectangle shape.
- Draw the rectangle to cover the entire slide.
- Once the shape is selected, go to the Shape Format tab.
- Click on Shape Fill > No Fill.
- Then select Shape Outline and choose:
- A colour that complements your theme.
- Weight > to adjust border thickness.
- Dashes > if you prefer a dotted or dashed border.
- Adjust the rectangle size to fit the slide perfectly by using:
- Align > Align Center for perfect placement
- If needed, you can use the same border on every slide by:
- Then copy it to the Slide Master by going to the View > Slide Master.
Right-click the shape > Send to Back
Now, you have the quick answer to your query, i.e. how to add border in PPT. However, in the next sections, I’ll provide you with more advanced options.
#Method 2. Adding Border in PPT Via Slide Background
When designing a more creative presentation, sometimes users prefer using an image as a border. Below is the answer to the query:
- Download a border image in JPEG or PNG formats.
- For the same, you can use solutions like MagicSlides AI Image Generator and Downloader.
- In PowerPoint, right-click on the slide background and choose Format Background.
- Select Picture or Texture Fill > click Insert to upload the border image.
- Adjust the transparency if you want the content to pop more.
- Resize or crop the image to fit the slide layout.
To lock this image background for all the slides, you can use the Slide Master as I explained in the previous solution.
#Method 3. Add Border in PPT Around Text Boxes or Images
Sometimes, I don’t want a border around the whole slide, just around certain elements like a text box. In that case, I:
- Select the text box, image, or object.
- Go to Shape Format > Shape Outline.
- Choose your colour, weight, and style.
If it’s an image:
- Select the picture
- Then, Picture Format
- Afterwards, click Picture Border > choose your border colour and width.
With this solution, you can add shadow or glow effects to enhance the border’s visual impact.
When Having Too Many Slides - Use an Automated Solution Instead
Till now, one thing you’ll have understood is that adding borders manually is easy when working on a few slides. But what if you need to do so in multiple Microsoft PowerPoint slides? It becomes extremely time-consuming to apply a border to each one individually.
That’s why experts suggest opting for a hassle-free, cutting-edge solution like MagicSlides AI PPT Maker to automate your PowerPoint tasks effortlessly.
Why do I recommend this? It handles design, layouts, and even border consistency automatically, so you don’t need to change or add borders or designs manually.
Not only this, but with this you can:
- Automatically create professional presentations from text or topics.
- Add consistent borders and slide designs to all slides in just one click.
- Save time by letting AI handle repetitive formatting tasks like borders and themes.
- Still, if any doubts, 24/7 Support is also available.
See, this is the smartest, fastest way to create polished slides without the manual effort. So, try this now for free, and get the expected results in minutes.
Use Design Ideas or Templates with Built-In Borders→
If you don’t want to create a border manually, PowerPoint’s Design Ideas, available in Microsoft 365, can suggest templates. Here’s how:
- Open the Design tab.
- Click Design Ideas.
- Scroll through suggestions that include bordered layouts.
- Apply your preferred one and customise it as needed.
Author’s Verdict→
Personally, I found that knowing how to add border in PPT using a clean border helps me present content in a structured way. So, with my solutions and guidelines, as I shared in this discussion, you can also ensure the same.
People Also Ask→
Q1. How can I add borders to all slides at once?
To apply borders across all slides, use the Slide Master feature. For the same:
- Go to View.
- Then click Slide Master.
- Draw your border there.
- When everything is done, close the master view.
Now, check if every slide in that layout will automatically have the same border.
Q2. Can I add a border to just one specific slide?
Yes, insert a rectangle shape on that particular slide, remove the fill colour, and customise the border outline.
Q3. Why is my border not visible when I run the slideshow?
This usually happens if the border colour matches the background. You can fix it by choosing a contrasting colour.
Q4. Can I use templates that already include borders?
Yes, PowerPoint offers Design Ideas and templates with built-in borders.
Q5. How do I remove a border in PPT?
Click on the border shape and press Delete, or go to Shape Outline > No Outline to remove it instantly.
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About the author
Pratiksha Kanoja— Full Stack Developer.
Pratiksha Kanoja is a Full Stack Developer with 1.5 years of experience building end-to-end web applications. She specializes in modern JavaScript frameworks and has a keen eye for creating seamless user experiences. Her expertise spans both frontend and backend development, making her a versatile contributor to the MagicSlides platform.
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