Activating PowerPoint Designer in 2016: A Comprehensive Guide

PowerPoint Designer, a feature available in Microsoft Office 365 and PowerPoint 2016, helps users create visually appealing presentations effortlessly. This tool automatically suggests design ideas and layouts based on the content of the slides. Activating and utilizing PowerPoint Designer effectively can enhance the quality of presentations significantly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to activate and make the most of PowerPoint Designer in PowerPoint 2016.

1. Introduction to PowerPoint Designer
PowerPoint Designer, introduced in Office 365, is a feature designed to assist users in creating professional-looking presentations without needing extensive design skills. It provides layout suggestions, design ideas, and can automatically adjust the formatting of slides to enhance visual appeal.

2. Checking Compatibility and Requirements
Before activating PowerPoint Designer, ensure that your version of PowerPoint meets the necessary requirements. PowerPoint Designer is only available for Office 365 subscribers and some versions of Office 2016. If you're using Office 2016 without a subscription, you may need to upgrade to Office 365 to access this feature.

3. Activating PowerPoint Designer in PowerPoint 2016
3.1. Open PowerPoint
Launch PowerPoint 2016 from your desktop or start menu.

3.2. Access the PowerPoint Options
Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select “Options.”

3.3. Navigate to the General Settings
In the PowerPoint Options dialog box, go to the “General” section. Look for the “PowerPoint Designer” options.

3.4. Enable PowerPoint Designer
Ensure that the checkbox for “Automatically show me design ideas” is selected. This setting enables PowerPoint Designer to suggest design ideas as you work on your slides.

4. Using PowerPoint Designer Effectively
4.1. Creating a New Presentation
When you start a new presentation, PowerPoint Designer will automatically offer design suggestions based on the content of your slides.

4.2. Applying Design Ideas
As you add content to your slides, such as text, images, or charts, PowerPoint Designer will provide design ideas in the “Design Ideas” pane on the right side of the screen. Browse through the suggestions and select the one that best fits your presentation’s theme.

4.3. Customizing Designs
You can customize the suggested designs by changing colors, fonts, and layouts to better match your brand or personal preference. Click on the suggested design to apply it, and then use the “Design” tab to make further adjustments.

4.4. Updating Designs
If you make significant changes to your slides, PowerPoint Designer will update its suggestions. You can revisit the “Design Ideas” pane to explore new design options as your content evolves.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
5.1. PowerPoint Designer Not Appearing
If PowerPoint Designer does not appear, ensure that you are connected to the internet, as Designer requires an online connection to fetch design ideas. Additionally, verify that your Office 365 subscription is active.

5.2. Designer Suggestions Not Appearing
Sometimes, Designer might not offer suggestions for certain types of content or layouts. Ensure that your slides have sufficient content, such as text or images, to trigger Designer’s suggestions.

5.3. Updating Office 2016
Ensure that your Office 2016 installation is up to date. Microsoft frequently releases updates that might include improvements or bug fixes for PowerPoint Designer.

6. Advanced Tips for PowerPoint Designer
6.1. Leveraging SmartArt and Charts
Incorporate SmartArt and charts into your presentations to enhance the visual appeal. PowerPoint Designer can provide design ideas for these elements as well.

6.2. Integrating with Other Office 365 Tools
Utilize other Office 365 tools, such as Excel or Word, to integrate content seamlessly into your PowerPoint presentations. Designer can assist in formatting and styling content from these applications.

6.3. Exploring Third-Party Add-ins
Consider exploring third-party add-ins that complement PowerPoint Designer. These add-ins can offer additional design options and functionalities.

7. Conclusion
Activating and using PowerPoint Designer in PowerPoint 2016 can significantly streamline the presentation design process. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your presentations are visually appealing and professionally designed, even if you lack extensive design experience.

8. References
For further reading and resources on PowerPoint Designer, refer to the Microsoft Office support website and official documentation.