The key to a captivating PowerPoint slide isn’t just about the content; the design also has to be on point. This includes adding a border to the slide. It enhances the slide structure, improves the visual appeal, and increases the audience’s attention.
Unfortunately, PowerPoint doesn’t have a built-in border button (many people are unaware of this). However, there are a few ways to go around it. In this guide, we will show you how to insert a border in PowerPoint using 4 easy, practical methods. Whether you prefer simple lines or decorative frames, you will find a method that works for you.
Method 1: How to Add a Border in PowerPoint Using Shapes
Using shapes is one of the quickest and most flexible ways to put borders in PPT. It works on any slide size and gives you full control. There are options to make several customizations, like the thickness of the border, the color, and when to use rounded or sharp corners.
A border thickness of 2–5 pt usually works well because it’s visible without feeling too heavy. When choosing a color, select the one that contrasts with your slide background, such as a black border on a light slide, to ensure it stands out.
💡 Here’s how to make a border in PowerPoint using shapes:
Step 1: Choose a Shape
Go to Insert > Shapes, and select the shape you want to use.
Step 2: Draw the Shape around the Slide
Drag the shape over the slide till it covers the edges.
Step 3: Remove the Fill Color
Click on the shape and go to Format > Shape Fill > No Fill.
Step 4: Customize the Border
Go to Shape Outline to select the border color and thickness (weight).
Method 2: How to Put a Border in PPT Using the Slide Master
Do you want to apply the same border to all your slides? Slide Master is the best way out. Instead of inserting a border on each slide individually, the Slide Master lets you apply it across every slide at once. It saves time and helps create presentations with consistency, ensuring that all the slides have the same border alignment.
This method is especially useful for business decks, academic lectures, templates, or large presentations with many slides.
💡 Here’s how to add PowerPoint borders using the Slide Master:
Step 1: Open Slide Master
Add as many new slides as you need. Then, go to View and click Slide Master.
Step 2: Select the Master Layout
Select the top slide, then insert a shape.
Step3: Customize the Border
Go to Format. Remove the fill color and customize the outline.
Step 4: Close Slide Master
Click Close Master View, and the border will be applied to the other slides.
Method 3: How to Add a Decorative PowerPoint Slide Border with Templates
Are you looking for a very quick way to add polished, decorative borders to your slides? What you need is a template with ready-made borders. It saves you from any manual design work.
AiPPT offers over 200,000 ready-made slide templates, featuring elegant frames, themed borders, and fully customized layouts. It is great for people who need stylish results quickly or lack design experience. There are options for different styles (minimalist, professional, cartoon, creative, etc.) and various scenarios (business, marketing, education, technology, etc.).
This tool also helps in turning rough ideas into proper slides. Just input the topic, prompt, document, or URL, and it will produce an award-winning presentation within seconds.
💡 Here’s how to add a PowerPoint slide border using AiPPT:
Step 1: Log in to AiPPT
Go to the website and sign in or sign up (if you don’t have an account). Then, click on From a Template.
Step 2: Choose a Template
Select the design you want and click Next.
Step 3: Create Your Slide Content
Choose an option to create your PPT content. You can enter the topic, import a document, or paste the URL.
Step 4: Generate PPT
It will create a detailed outline for your PPT. You can edit to make changes or click Generate PPT.
Step 5: Your Presentation is Ready
Click the Edit button to make changes or Download to save to your computer.
Method 4: How to Use Pictures as Borders for PPT Slides
If you want to add personality, branding, or visual flair to your slides, picture borders can help you achieve that look. This method is particularly useful when creating themed presentations like holiday events or storytelling slides, where a decorative frame enhances the whole concept.
When selecting a picture, make sure it has high resolution so it doesn’t look blurry when stretched. Also, the picture’s color must complement the rest of the slide design.
💡 Here’s how to add a border in PowerPoint using pictures:
Step 1: Download the Picture
Go to your browser and download the picture style you want to use.
Step 2: Insert a Picture
Go to Insert and click Pictures.
Step 3: Choose the Image
Go through your Downloads and select the image.
Step 4: Resize the Image
Stretch the picture so it forms a border-like frame.
Conclusion
Knowing how to insert borders in PowerPoint is a creative way to make your presentation look more professional and visually appealing. You have options of drawing a custom frame with Shapes, applying a consistent border across every slide using the Slide Master, or creating a themed-border design by using Pictures.
And if you want a polished border without any manual work, AiPPT offers over 200,000 templates with ready-made borders.
Learn More about PowerPoint Borders
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to insert border in PowerPoint. Read on to learn more.
1. How to customize PowerPoint borders?
You can easily customize the borders by adjusting the outline’s color, thickness, and style.
Here are the steps involved:
- Step1: Click the border, go to Format, and select Shape Outline.
- Step 2: Select a border color that complements the slide’s design.
- Step 3: Click Weight to change the border thickness (2-5 pt is usually visible enough).
- Step 4: Click Dashes to convert the border to stylish dashes or lines.
2. Can I apply a border to all my slides at once?
Yes, you can. Go to View and select Slide Master (it controls the design that appears on all the slides). Insert a border in the top slide, and when you’re done, click Close Master View. The border automatically gets applied to all the slides.
3. Can I change the color of PowerPoint borders?
Absolutely! PowerPoint lets you change the border color at any time. It’s part of the customization features.
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Click the border, go to Format, and select Shape Outline.
- Step 2: Choose a new color that fits your slide’s theme or contrasts well with the background.
- Step 3: Click the Eyedropper option to make a specific blend of color.
