Create Stunning Documents in PowerPoint: Unlocking New Possibilities

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Rethinking PowerPoint—From Slides to Stunning Documents

PowerPoint: most of us think of it as a tool for presentations. But what if it could do so much more? In his inspiring session at Present to Succeed 2021, Tom Howell reveals how PowerPoint can be a secret weapon for creating professional print designs, layouts, and branded documents—no InDesign required. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or just someone who wants to make beautiful documents fast, Tom’s approach will change the way you see this familiar software.

Beyond Slides: Why PowerPoint for Document Design?

Tom opens by challenging the “slides-only” mindset. He demonstrates that PowerPoint’s flexibility, accessibility, and robust design features make it a powerful platform for all kinds of documents—reports, brochures, handouts, and more. The best part? You don’t need to learn a new, complex tool. 

Building a Solid Foundation: Grids, Guides & Margins

Professional design starts with structure. Tom shows how to set up grids, guides, and margins in PowerPoint, ensuring your layouts are clean, balanced, and visually appealing. These simple tools help you achieve the kind of polish usually reserved for expensive design software. 

The Art of Choosing Fonts, Colors & Imagery

Fonts and colors aren’t just decoration—they’re essential to brand identity and readability. Tom shares practical tips for picking typefaces and palettes that work together, plus advice on sourcing and using images that elevate your documents. 

Creating Visual Hierarchy & Pro-Level Layouts

How do you guide your reader’s eye and make information easy to digest? Tom explains the principles of visual hierarchy—using size, weight, and spacing to emphasize what matters. He demonstrates how to build layouts that look professional and communicate clearly, even if you’re not a trained designer. 

Exporting, Printing & Sharing with Confidence

Once your document is ready, PowerPoint makes it easy to export, print, and share. Tom covers best practices for getting your work out into the world—whether you need a crisp PDF for print or a digital file for sharing online. 

Hidden Features: Time-Saving Power Tips

Tom wraps up with a look at PowerPoint’s hidden gems—features that can save you hours and help you work smarter. From advanced alignment tools to quick formatting tricks, these tips are game-changers for anyone working under tight deadlines. 

Q&A: Expert Advice for Every Designer 

In the session’s final moments, Tom answers audience questions and offers pro advice for tackling common design challenges in PowerPoint. His message: with the right approach, anyone can create stunning documents—no matter their background.

PowerPoint as Your Design All

You don’t need expensive software or years of training to create beautiful, effective documents. As Tom Howell shows, PowerPoint is more than enough. By mastering a few key techniques, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities—right from your desktop.

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Join the Conversation

Have you used PowerPoint for more than just slides? Share your tips or questions in the comments below!