How to Get Designer on PowerPoint 2016

PowerPoint 2016 is a powerful tool that can be enhanced with a feature called "Designer" (also known as PowerPoint Designer or Design Ideas). This feature helps users create aesthetically pleasing slides by automatically generating design suggestions based on the content of your slides. Here's a comprehensive guide to enable and use the Designer feature effectively in PowerPoint 2016.

1. Understanding PowerPoint Designer

PowerPoint Designer is an intelligent design tool embedded in PowerPoint 2016 that provides design suggestions to enhance the visual appeal of your presentations. It helps users quickly generate professional-looking slides by offering layout and design ideas based on the content you input.

2. Checking System Requirements

Before you start, ensure that your system meets the requirements for PowerPoint Designer:

• Office 365 Subscription: PowerPoint Designer is a feature available with Office 365 subscriptions. Ensure you have an active subscription, as Designer might not be available in standalone versions of Office 2016.
• Internet Connection: Designer requires an internet connection to access design templates and suggestions from Microsoft's cloud-based service.
• Updates: Make sure your Office 2016 is updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility with Designer.

3. Enabling PowerPoint Designer

To use PowerPoint Designer, you need to enable it from within PowerPoint. Follow these steps:

1. Open PowerPoint 2016: Launch PowerPoint on your computer.
2. Go to Options: Click on "File" in the top menu, then select "Options."
3. Select General: In the PowerPoint Options window, select the "General" tab.
4. Enable Designer: Scroll down to the "PowerPoint Designer" section and ensure the "Automatically show me design ideas" option is checked. This setting allows Designer to automatically provide design suggestions.

4. Using PowerPoint Designer

Once Designer is enabled, follow these steps to use it effectively:

1. Create a New Slide: Start by creating a new slide or opening an existing presentation where you want to apply design ideas.
2. Add Content: Insert content into your slide, such as text, images, or charts. Designer generates suggestions based on the content you input.
3. Access Design Ideas: Click on the "Design" tab in the Ribbon. You will see a "Design Ideas" button on the right side of the Ribbon. Click this button to view design suggestions.
4. Choose a Design: Browse through the design ideas provided by Designer. Click on a design to apply it to your slide. Designer will automatically adjust the layout and formatting based on the chosen design.
5. Customize Design: After applying a design, you can further customize it by adjusting colors, fonts, and layout options to better fit your presentation's theme.

5. Tips for Effective Use of Designer

• Content Quality: Ensure your content is clear and well-organized. Designer works best with structured content, so avoid cluttered slides.
• Visual Consistency: Use high-quality images and consistent fonts to improve the overall design suggestions provided by Designer.
• Experiment: Don't hesitate to try different design ideas to find the best fit for your presentation. Designer offers multiple options, so explore and select the one that enhances your message.

6. Troubleshooting Designer Issues

If you encounter issues with PowerPoint Designer, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as Designer requires online access to provide suggestions.
• Update Office: Make sure your Office 2016 is up-to-date. Check for updates by going to "File" > "Account" > "Update Options."
• Restart PowerPoint: Sometimes, restarting PowerPoint can resolve temporary issues with Designer.
• Verify Subscription: Confirm that your Office 365 subscription is active and properly linked to your Microsoft account.

7. Alternatives to Designer

If PowerPoint Designer is not available or does not meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Custom Templates: Create or download custom PowerPoint templates that align with your presentation goals.
• Third-Party Tools: Use third-party design tools or services to create slide designs and import them into PowerPoint.

8. Conclusion

PowerPoint Designer in PowerPoint 2016 is a valuable tool for creating visually appealing presentations quickly. By enabling and effectively using Designer, you can enhance your slides with professional designs and focus more on your content. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to make the most of PowerPoint Designer and create impactful presentations.