Presentation Tools

Stand out with our collection of presentation tools, including Google Forms headers, PowerPoint and Google Slides templates and Zoom backgrounds. These resources are designed to help you create materials that maintain consistency with the NDSU brand.

Google Forms Header

NDSU offers a header image for use on your Google Forms. To download, click on the image to enlarge, right-click (or Control-click) on the image and select "Save Image As..." You can then upload the image to your Google Form.

PowerPoint and Google Slides Templates

NDSU PowerPoint and Google Slides templates are designed to help you create professional presentations while maintaining a consistent NDSU brand.

PowerPoint templates

Available as downloadable files

Google Slides templates

Available as an editable copy in your Google Drive

PowerPoint Templates

PowerPoint templates are provided as .potx files in a 16:9 ratio. When opening a downloaded template, PowerPoint automatically creates a new, untitled presentation using the university’s approved design elements. See the instructions section for how to use the template, save your presentation and preserve the original template for future use.

PowerPoint Template Instructions

After downloading a PowerPoint template, follow these steps to ensure it displays correctly and follows university guidelines.

The templates use three free Google Fonts: Young Serif, Antonio and Montserrat. If you do not already have these fonts, consider installing them. (The alternative is to accept Powerpoint's default fonts.)

Font installation instructions:

Visit Google Fonts for each of the following fonts:
For each font:
- Click the Get Font button in the top right corner.
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Double-click each .ttf file and select Install (Windows) or Install Font (Mac).
If fonts appear incorrect, restart PowerPoint. If you are still having issues, double-check that all three fonts are installed.

To start using a template, open the downloaded .potx file.
Save a new copy as a .pptx file before editing so the original template remains unchanged for future use.
To find your slide options, go to Slides in the toolbar and select New Slide or Layout to view the available layouts.

Do not move or modify the logo or other placed graphics.
Maintain the layout and type sizes provided in the templates whenever possible.
Stick to the preset color palette for accessibility and visual consistency.
Use high-resolution photos that appear clear and sharp at their displayed size.
Use only photos you have permission to use (NDSU-owned or properly licensed).
Use animation effects sparingly, as they can be distracting.

Use short, clear titles that fit within placeholders.
Avoid stretching or distorting images when resizing.
Keep slides uncluttered — avoid overcrowding with extra text or graphics.
Do a final check in Slide Show mode to ensure everything appears correctly.
Are PowerPoint’s Design Suggestions getting in the way? Turn them off to keep your slides on brand and prevent PowerPoint from automatically applying its own styles.
- Open PowerPoint.
- Go to the Design tab and click Design Ideas so it is not highlighted, or
- Go to File → Options → General (Windows) or PowerPoint → Preferences → General (Mac).
- Under PowerPoint Designer, uncheck:
  - “Automatically show me design ideas.”
  - “Automatically show me suggestions when I create a new presentation.”
- Click OK to save your settings.

Google Slides Templates

Google Slides templates allow you to create a copy in your Google Drive. Click the link for the template you'd like to use, and you will be prompted to Make a copy. See the instructions section for more details. Access to these templates is restricted to users with NDSU credentials.

Template 1

Copy Template 1 file

Template 2

Copy Template 2 file

Template 3

Copy Template 3 file

Google Slides Template Instructions

After making a copy of a Google Slides template, follow these steps to ensure it displays correctly and follows university guidelines.

The templates use three free Google Fonts: Young Serif, Antonio and Montserrat. If you do not already have these fonts, consider installing them.

Font installation instructions:

Visit Google Fonts for each of the following fonts:
For each font:
- Click the Get Font button in the top right corner.
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Double-click each .ttf file and select Install (Windows) or Install Font (Mac).
If you are having issues, double-check that all three fonts are installed and restart your web browser.

Click the link provided with the template you choose. Google will prompt you to Make a copy, which creates a duplicate of the template in your Google Drive.
Click the blue Make a copy button. Once the template has been copied, it will automatically open in Google Slides, where you can start editing or download it if needed.
Choose from the available slide options on the left sidebar as you create your presentation.
Note: Access to these templates is restricted to users with NDSU credentials. If you aren't already signed in to your NDSU account, Google may prompt you to sign in before you can make a copy.

Do not move or modify the logo or other placed graphics.
Maintain the layout and type sizes provided in the templates whenever possible.
Stick to the preset color palette for accessibility and visual consistency.
Use high-resolution photos that appear clear and sharp at their displayed size.
Use only photos you have permission to use (NDSU-owned or properly licensed).
Use animation effects sparingly, as they can be distracting.

Use short, clear titles that fit within placeholders.
Avoid stretching or distorting images when resizing.
Keep slides uncluttered — avoid overcrowding with extra text or graphics.
Do a final check in Slide Show mode to ensure everything appears correctly.

Zoom Background Graphics

NDSU offers these images for use on your Zoom video conferences. To download, click on the image to enlarge, right-click and select "Save picture as..." to save to your desktop.

Follow these steps when you open Zoom:

Click on your initials in the top right hand corner and click on settings.
Click “Virtual Background” on the left hand side.
Click the plus sign above the pre-generated images in Zoom, and select add image.
Find your saved image, select it and hit open.

This will allow you to preview the new background. If it appears to be reversed, deselect the box that says “Mirror my video.”