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30+ Stylish PowerPoint Color Schemes 2024

Color is an element that can make or break a design, and that rule holds true for presentation design as well. Choosing the right PowerPoint color scheme is super important.

But there’s one extra thing to consider – where your presentation will be given. A PowerPoint presentation can look quite different on a computer or tablet versus on a projected screen.

When it comes to selecting a PowerPoint color scheme, this is an important consideration. We’ve rounded nearly stylish PowerPoint color schemes as inspiration. While darker color schemes might look great close-up on screens, opt for lighter backgrounds (for enhanced readability) for projected presentations.

Note: The last color in each scheme is for the slide background.

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1. Blue, Gray Green & Orange

With a bright overall scheme that’s easy on the eyes, this color scheme can help you create a modern PowerPoint presentation that’s readable and friendly. You can even tweak the colors somewhat to better work with your brand, if necessary.

The best thing about this color palette is that it lends itself to plenty of different presentation styles and applications.

2. Violet Gradient

Using the first two colors noted above, you can create a dark-to-light monotone gradient that can make for a modern PowerPoint design style.

Take this concept and expand it to any other colors you like for your spin on this modern color scheme.

3. Mint and Orange

On paper, these colors don’t seem to blend all that well, but with the right application min and orange on a black background can work.

Use a pair of colors like this for presentations where you are trying to make a bold statement or impact. This concept is often great for trendy topics or ideas that are a little unconventional.

4. Bright Blue and Light

The brighter, the better! Bright blue color schemes are a major trend in PowerPoint design … and for good reason. The color combination creates a bright, light feel with easy readability. Those are two things that pretty much everyone wants in a presentation template design.

The other thing that’s great about a color scheme like this – which focuses on one color – is that it matches practically everything else in the design with ease. It’s great for image-heavy presentations or those where text elements are a key focal point.

5. Teal and Lime

Two colors that you might not expect to see paired create a classy combo that’s interesting and engaging. Both teal and lime are considered “new neutrals” and work with a variety of colors easily. (What’s somewhat unexpected is putting them together.)

What’s great about this PowerPoint color scheme is that the extra interest from the hues can help generate extra attention for slides. The template in the example also mixes and matches teal and green primary color blocks to keep it interesting from slide to slide.

6. Colorful Gradients

Gradients are a color trend that just keeps reinventing and resurfacing. In the latest iteration, gradients are bright with a lot of color. Designers are working across the color wheel for gradients that have more of a rainbow effect throughout the design, even if individual gradients are more subtle.

What you are likely to see is a variety of different gradients throughout a project with different colors, but maybe a dominant color to carry the theme. Use this for presentation designs that are meant to be more fun, lighter, and highly engaging.

7. Light Blue Minimal

This color scheme with light blue and a minimal aesthetic is super trendy and so easy to read. You can add a lot of style with a black-and-white style for images or a deep blue accent for header text.

While a pale blue is ideal here, you could also consider experimenting with other pastels and the same overall theme for a modern presentation design.

8. Bright with Dark Background

The combination of bright colors on a dark background can be fun and quite different from the traditional PowerPoint color schemes that are often on white or light backgrounds. This design style for a presentation is bold and engaging but can be a challenge if you aren’t comfortable with that much color.

When you use a style like this, it is important to think about the presentation environment to ensure that everything will look as intended. A design like this, for example, can work well on screens, but not as well on a projector or in a large room.

9. Navy and Orange

The navy and orange color combination is stylish and classic for presentation design. To add a fresh touch consider some of the effects such as the template above, with color blocking and overlays to add extra interest.

What makes this color combination pop is the element of contrast between a dark and a bright pair. The navy here is almost a neutral hue and works with almost any other design element.

10. Dark and Light Green

A modern take on a monotone color scheme involves using two similar colors that aren’t exactly tints and tones of one another. This pairing of dark green and light (almost minty) green does precisely that.

What’s nice about this color scheme is that the colors can be used almost interchangeably as primary elements or accents. It provides a lot of flexibility in the presentation design.

11. Bright Crystal Blue

Blue presentation color schemes will always be in style. The only thing that changes is the variance of the hue. This pair of blues – a bright crystal blue with a darker teal – works in almost the same way as the pair of greens above.

What’s nice about this color palette though is that the dark color is the accent here. That’s a modern twist on color design for presentations.

12. Blue and Yellow

Blue and yellow are classic pairings and can make for a striking presentation color combination. With a bright white background, these hues stand out in a major way.

What works here is the element of contrast. A darker blue with a brighter yellow creates an almost yin and yang effect with color. The only real caution is to take care with yellow on a white or light background with fonts or other light elements.

Teal is a personality-packed color choice. If you are looking for a bold statement with a PowerPoint template, start here.

While the above color scheme also includes a hint of yellow for accents, the teal color option is strong enough to stand alone. You could consider a tint or tone for a mono-look. It also pairs amazingly well with black-and-white images.

Teal is a fun color option that will provide a lot of practical use with your slide deck.

14. Bright Coral

This color scheme is one of those that you will either love or hate. The bright coral color is powerful and generates an immediate reaction.

It’s also quite trendy and will stand out from many of the other more bland PowerPoint colors that you may encounter. This is a great option for a startup that wants to present with a bang or a brand that has a similar color in its palette. It may not work so well for more traditional brands or those that are more conservative with their slide designs.

15. Dark Mode Colors

A dark mode color scheme might be the biggest trend in all of design right now, and that also applies to presentation design.

This purple and emerald color paired with black with white text looks amazing. It is sleek, modern, and has high visual appeal without having to use a lot of images.

This works best for digital presentations when you don’t have concerns about room lighting to worry about.

If you aren’t ready to jump into dark mode on your own, the Harber template above is a great start with nice color, gradients, and interesting shapes throughout the slide types.

16. Navy and Lime

A navy and lime combination is a modern take on colorful neutrals that are anything but boring.

These colors have a nice balance with a white or light background and are fairly easy to use. With so many brands already using blue in their base color palette, this is an option that works and is an extension of existing elements for many brands. (Use your blue and add the lime to it.)

Also, with this color combination, the idea of a minimal overall slide structure is nice so that the power of the colors and impact comes through. They work beside images in full color or black and white.

17. Modern Blue

When you aren’t planning to use brand colors – or maybe as a startup or independent contractor so you don’t have them yet – a modern color combination can add the right flair to a PowerPoint presentation.

The bright grayish-blue in the Lekro PowerPoint template – you can find it here – adds the right amount of color without overwhelming the content. Plus, subtle orange accents help guide the eye throughout this PowerPoint color scheme. https://elements.envato.com/lekro-powerpoint-presentation-67YW3M

18. Blackish and Yellow

While at first pass, black and yellow might seem like a harsh color combination, it can set the tone for a project that should emanate strength. This PowerPoint color scheme softens the harshness of the duo with a blackish color, that’s grayer and has a softer feel.

Pair this combo on a light background or with black and white images for a stylish, mod look.

19. Orange and White

A bright color can soften the harshness of a stark PowerPoint design. Especially when used for larger portions of the content area, such as background swatches or to help accent particular elements.

The Sprint template makes great use of color with a simple palette – orange and white with black text – but has slide ideas that incorporate the color throughout for something with a more “designed” look to it. (And if you aren’t a fan of the orange, change the color for use with this template to keep the modern feel.)

Purple presentations are in. The color, which was once avoided by many in design projects, has flourished with recent color trends.

Because more funky, bright colors are popular, a presentation with a purple focus can be acceptable for a variety of uses. The use in Batagor template has a modern design with a deep header in the featured color, which works best with images that aren’t incredibly bold in terms of color.

21. Blue-Green Gradients

Another trending item in color is the use of gradients. This trend can be applied to PowerPOint presentations as well.

Use a blue-to-green gradient for a soft and harmonious color scheme that won’t get in the way of content. Use each hue alone for accents and informational divots throughout the presentation design.

22. Black and White

Minimalism is a design trend that never goes away. A black-and-white (or gray) presentation screams class and sophistication.

It can also be easy to work with when you don’t want the color to get in the way of your message. And if a design can stand alone without color, you know it works.

23. Reds and Black

If you are designing a presentation for viewing on screens, such as desktops or tablets, a dark background with bright color accents and white text can work well. (This combination gets a lot trickier on projector displays.)

While reverse text and red aren’t always recommended, you can see from the Nova template that they can be a stunning combination. But note, this modern color scheme is best for specific content and audiences.

24. Blue and Pink

This color scheme is a spin on Pantone’s colors of the year from 2016. https://designshack.net/articles/graphics/how-to-use-the-pantone-color-of-the-year-in-design-projects/ The brighter, bolder versions of rose quartz and serenity and fun and sophisticated.

The unexpected combo sets the tone with a strong, trustworthy blue and adds softness with the paler pink. The colors work equally well with white or darker backgrounds.

25. Blue and Green

Blue and green accents can help a black or white background come to life in a presentation template. The colors here can work with either background style, based on how you plan to display your presentation.

What’s nice about these colors is that they are pretty neutral – since both are found in nature – and can be used with ease for design or text elements in a PowerPoint color scheme.

26. Beige and Gray

If you are looking for a softer color palette, consider beige and gray. These hues can work well on screens or projected, making them a versatile option.

The nice thing about such a neutral palette is that it gives content plenty of room, so that will be the true focus of the presentation.

27. Tints and Tones

While the purplish blue-gray in the Business PowerPoint Presentation template is stunning, it represents a greater trend in presentation design. Pick a color – maybe your dominant brand color – and use tints and tones for the presentation color scheme.

By mixing the color with white or black and gray, you’ll end up with a stunning set of color variations that match your messaging.

28. Bold Rainbow

While most of the color schemes featured here only include a color or two, bright color schemes with wider color variations are trending.

This distinct “rainbow style” can be somewhat difficult to use without rules for each color. Proceed with caution.

29. Bright Neutrals

Lime green is the brightest “neutral” you might ever use. A fun palette that’s versatile can be a solid foundation for a color palette.

It works exceptionally well in the Rouka PowerPoint template thanks to a pairing with a subtle gray background. Using a light, but not white, background can be great for screens and projected presentations because it takes away some of the harshness of a white background. The subtle coloring is easier on the eyes for reading and viewing.

30. Rich Browns

Browns aren’t often what comes to mind when thinking of building a color scheme, but rich browns can be a modern option.

Pair a neutral beige-brown with a darker color for an interesting contrast that works with almost any style of content.

31. Mint Green

Go super trendy with a modern and streamlined palette of mint green and gray on white. While this combination can have a minimal feel, it also adds a touch of funkiness to the design.

Add another hint of color – think orange – for extra accents.

32. Dark Gray and Blue

It doesn’t get more classy than a combination of grays and blues. This new take on a classic color scheme adds another brighter blue as well to pick up on modern trends.

Just be careful with text using a dark background such as this one. White is probably your best option for typography (and look for a font with thicker strokes!)

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The Power of Color: How to Apply Color Theory in Your Presentations

Stop putting your audience to sleep with boring presentations learn how to apply color theory for a more impactful and engaging design..

In the digital age , presentation skills are more important than ever . With countless slideshows, webinars, and virtual meetings happening every day, it’s easy for your message to get lost in the noise. That’s where color theory comes in.

Color theory is the science and art of using color to create a harmonious and impactful visual experience . By understanding how colors interact and how they affect our mood and perception, you can take your presentations from boring to brilliant.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of color theory and how you can apply it to your presentations to create a lasting impression on your audience. We’ll cover everything from color psychology to color combinations and show you how to use them to create compelling and effective presentations.

First, we’ll dive into the psychology of color . Did you know that different colors can elicit different emotional responses from your audience? For example, red is often associated with passion and energy, while blue is often associated with calmness and trustworthiness. By understanding the psychological impact of colors, you can use them strategically to enhance your message and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Next, we’ll explore color combinations . Choosing the right colors can make or break your presentation. We’ll teach you the basics of color harmonies and show you how to create eye-catching color schemes that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective at conveying your message.

We’ll also cover practical tips on how to use color in your presentations , such as how to choose the right font color, how to use color to highlight important information, and how to avoid common mistakes that can detract from your message.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of color theory and how to apply it to your presentations . You’ll be able to create stunning visuals that capture your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression. So, whether you’re a seasoned presenter or a beginner just starting out, this article is for you. Get ready to take your presentations from boring to brilliant with the power of color theory.

Psychology of Color

Color has a powerful impact on our emotions and perception. Understanding the psychology of color can help you use it to your advantage in your presentations, making them more engaging, memorable, and effective.

Let’s start with red. Red is a high-energy color that is often associated with passion, excitement, and urgency. It can stimulate the senses and increase heart rate and blood pressure. That’s why you’ll often see it used in advertising and marketing to grab people’s attention and create a sense of urgency. However, too much red can be overwhelming and even aggressive, so use it sparingly and strategically.

These are just a few examples of how color can affect our emotions and perception . By understanding the psychology of color, you can use it to your advantage in your presentations, creating a visual experience that not only looks great but also resonates with your audience on a deeper level and create the mood and atmosphere you want. So, choose your colors wisely and get ready to make an impact with the power of color psychology. Remember to balance colors appropriately and use them strategically to enhance your message and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Color Combinations

Choosing the right color scheme for your presentation can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to creating a cohesive and impactful visual experience for your audience. Here are some tips on how to explore color combinations and choose the right colors for your presentation.

Start with a color wheel

A color wheel is a great tool for exploring color combinations. It shows the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors and can help you create complementary, analogous, or triadic color schemes. Play around with different combinations to see what works best for your message and brand.

Consider your brand

If you have an established brand, you may want to use your brand colors in your presentation to reinforce brand recognition. If not, consider the values and message of your presentation and choose colors that reflect those. For example, if your presentation is about nature, you may want to use green and earth tones.

Think about the mood

Different colors evoke different emotions and moods. Consider the mood you want to create in your presentation and choose colors that reflect that. For example, if you want to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, you may want to use light blues or soft pastels.

Use contrast

Contrast can make your presentation more visually interesting and help important information stand out. Choose colors that contrast well with each other, such as black and white or red and green. But be careful not to use too many contrasting colors, as it can be overwhelming for your audience.

Keep it simple

Too many colors can be distracting and take away from your message. Stick to a few main colors and use them consistently throughout your presentation. This will create a more cohesive and professional look.

Consider accessibility

It’s important to choose colors that are accessible to all individuals, including those with color blindness. Avoid using color alone to convey important information and use high-contrast color combinations to make it easier for everyone to read and understand.

Test it out

Before your presentation, test out your color scheme on different devices and screens to ensure it looks good in all environments. You can also ask a few colleagues or friends for their feedback on the color scheme and adjust as needed.

In summary, exploring color combinations and choosing the right colors for your presentation takes some thought and consideration. Use a color wheel, consider your brand and the mood you want to create, use contrast, keep it simple, consider accessibility, and test it out. By following these tips, you can create a visually appealing and effective presentation that connects with your audience on a deeper level.

How to Choose the Right Color s for Presentations

Using color effectively in your presentations is an important part of creating a visually engaging and impactful experience for your audience. Here are some practical tips on how to use color in your presentations.

Choose the right font color

Font color is crucial for readability, so it’s important to choose a color that contrasts well with your background. For example, black or dark gray text works well on a light background, while white or light text is better on a dark background. Avoid using light-colored text on a light background or dark-colored text on a dark background, as it can be difficult to read.

Use color to highlight important information

Color can draw attention to important information and help it stand out from the rest of the content. Use a contrasting color to highlight key points, such as statistics or quotes. But be careful not to overdo it, as too much color can be overwhelming and detract from your message.

Create a consistent color scheme

A consistent color scheme can make your presentation look more polished and professional. Choose a few main colors and use them consistently throughout your presentation. This includes font color, background color, and accent colors. Use shades of the same color to create depth and interest.

Avoid common color mistakes

There are a few common mistakes that can detract from your message. For example, using too many bright or clashing colors can be distracting, while using too many pastel or muted colors can be boring. Avoid using neon colors, as they can be difficult to read and can give your presentation an unprofessional look.

Consider cultural differences

Different cultures can associate different meanings with colors. For example, in Western cultures, white is often associated with purity and innocence, while in some Asian cultures, it’s associated with mourning. Be mindful of the cultural context of your audience and choose colors that are appropriate.

Use color in charts and graphs

Charts and graphs can be made more visually appealing and easier to understand by using color to differentiate data sets. Use consistent colors throughout the chart or graph to create a clear visual hierarchy.

In summary, using color effectively in your presentations requires some thought and consideration. Choose the right font color, use color to highlight important information, create a consistent color scheme, avoid common color mistakes, consider cultural differences, and use color in charts and graphs. By following these practical tips, you can create a visually engaging and impactful presentation that resonates with your audience.

Tips and Tricks: How to Make Your Presentation Look Professional

Applying the theory of color to your presentations can take your design game to the next level. Here are some tips on how to apply color theory effectively in your presentations , along with some modern design tips to enhance your visuals .

Understand the basics of color theory

Understanding color theory is essential to using color effectively in your presentations. It’s important to understand the different color schemes, such as complementary, analogous, and monochromatic, and how they can be used to create visual interest and harmony. Additionally, knowing the emotions and associations that are commonly associated with certain colors can help you create a mood or convey a message.

Choose a color palette

Once you have a basic understanding of color theory, it’s time to choose a color palette for your presentation. You can choose a color palette based on your brand colors, the theme of your presentation, or the emotions you want to evoke. Stick to a limited color palette to keep your design cohesive and avoid overwhelming your audience.

Create visual interest with contrast

Contrast is important for creating visual interest and directing the viewer’s attention. Use contrasting colors to create a hierarchy of information and draw attention to important elements. This can include using a bright color for headings or important text, or using a contrasting color for buttons or calls to action.

Use color blocking

Color blocking is a modern design trend that involves using large areas of color to create a bold and impactful design. Use color blocking to create a strong visual hierarchy and make important information stand out. For example, you can use a bright color for the background of a slide and use a contrasting color for the text.

Consider typography

Typography is an important part of design, and it’s essential to consider the relationship between your font and your color palette. Choose fonts that complement your color palette and create a harmonious design. Use a bold font for headings and a more subtle font for body text. You can use a free tool like Google Fonts to search for the right font.

Add texture

Texture can add depth and interest to your design, and it can be achieved through the use of patterns or images. Use texture sparingly, as too much can be overwhelming. Consider using texture to add visual interest to backgrounds or to create contrast between different elements. Also, you can use our free backgrounds to enhance your slides.

In conclusion, applying the theory of color to your presentations requires a basic understanding of color theory, the ability to choose a color palette, creating contrast, using color blocking, considering typography, and adding texture. By following these tips, you can create a visually engaging and modern design that effectively communicates your message to your audience.

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How to Choose the Best Colors for Your Presentations

Choosing colors for your slides is one of the most crucial decisions to make even before starting to work on your Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation. Basically, colors can help you communicate your message more effectively, and they can evoke many different feelings or emotions on your audience. Keep reading to find out how to choose the best colors for your presentation.

Color Psychology

Color temperature, neutral colors, some tips on how to combine colors for your presentation.

It is quite important to know how your audience perceives colors and how these are related to the topic you are talking about. For example, red can convey a sense of danger, but also love, depending on the context. These are some common connotations that colors have on humans:

• Red : Evokes passion and strength. It’s an energetic and intense color that represents power and determination. It’s usually present on brands related to beverages, gaming and the automotive industry.
• Blue : Conveys a sense of security, confidence, responsibility and calmness. It is the most representative color in the healthcare and finance industries.
• Yellow : This is the color of light. It is a stimulating color that conveys energy, awakes awareness and inspires creativity. You will surely find yellow in the food industry.
• Green : Undeniably, the color of nature, life and peace. This color conveys a sense of growth, balance and stability like no other. It is quite popular among big companies, especially in the energy and tech industries.
• White : It is considered the color of purity and innocence. When it comes to evoking simplicity, optimism and integrity, white is second to none. You will find it for sure in the healthcare industry, and it is making its way in the fashion industry too.
• Black : Even though black is associated with seriousness, it can also convey elegance and courage. Fashion brands and luxury products make good use this color.

Take note of these hints and try to choose the color that best suits your message. For example, in this template we used bright and vibrant colors, since it is an education-themed presentation intended for a very young audience:

Click here to download this template

Colors can be grouped based on their temperature , which can be determined by comparing any given color in the visible spectrum with the light that a black body would emit when heated at a specified temperature. So, according to their temperature, there are two groups of colors: 

• Warm colors: These range from red and orange to yellow. If you click on the footer below, you will be able to download one of our templates containing a palette full of warm colors:

• Cool colors: These range from green and blue to violet. Again, click on the footer below to download a template that contains cool colors:

Mainly, warm colors convey energy and optimism—it is like giving a warm reception to your audience. On the other hand, cool colors are associated with serenity and confidence, just what you need to have a peaceful time.

White, black and all shades of gray are not considered neither warm nor cool. In fact, we could say colors such as creme, beige, brown and others with a high amount of gray are also neutral.  These colors do not influence others and can actually be combined with almost any color. As for their meaning, elegance and solemnity are pretty much guaranteed, as well as harmony.  When combining neutral colors, oftentimes a bright color is used as a contrast to highlight certain elements and bring them to the front. Click on the footer below to see an example of a presentation with neutral colors: 

To achieve a nice color harmony and make the most of it, it is best if you take into account the color wheel, as well as the concepts of hue, saturation and brightness. 

• Hue is basically what differentiates a color from any other. Thanks to the hue, you can visually tell apart red from blue, for example.
• Brightness defines how light or dark a hue is, and measures its capacity to reflect white light.
• Saturation refers to how pure a hue is. A saturated color appears more vivid, whereas a desaturated color looks duller.

With this information, you can make several different combinations: 

• Monochromatic Color Scheme: These contain different shades of a single color. Click on the footer to see one of our monochromatic templates based on red.

• Complementary Color Scheme: These are composed of a pair of opposing colors on the color wheel. If you click on the footer below, you will be able to download a presentation template with this scheme.

Analogous Color Scheme: This scheme includes colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Click on the footer to see an example of this scheme applied to a presentation: 

Triadic Color Scheme: This uses three colors equally spaced on the color wheel. Click on the footer to download a presentation that makes use of the triadic color scheme.

In order to get the best combination, you will need to consider how many colors you will use in each slide and how you will manage the contrast between them. These should also be suitable for your intended message or your brand.   Finally, try not to overuse very intense colors—use them only for emphasis. Keep everything consistent by applying the same color to each instance of an element within your presentation (for example, use the same color in all the titles). Include illustrations or pictures that work well with the chosen palette. If you need to apply filters to the pictures, you can refer to our “ How to Apply Filters to the Pictures in Google Slides ” tutorial, or its PowerPoint equivalent. Some of our templates include color variants, making it so much easier for you to adapt them to your topic and/or brand. Just click one of the options that you will find below “Themes” on the right side of the screen. 

Selecting color variants

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The Psychology of Color in PowerPoint Presentations

• April 12, 2013
• Kevin Lerner

Discover how the colors you choose for your PowerPoint presentations can guide the emotional response of your audience.

What are the best colors for a powerpoint presentation it all depends on who your audience is and what you want them to feel.

When used correctly, color can help audience members sort out the various elements of a slide. But its power goes beyond mere clarification. To some extent the colors you choose for your visuals guide the emotional response of your audience.

Blue: The most popular background color for presentation slides

Blue is one of the most common background colors. It’s calming and conservative, which is why it’s very popular with business presenters, as well as for for trainers. Studies have shown that blue has the power to slow our breathing and pulse rates. Dark blue backgrounds with light text are great for conservative corporate no-nonsense presentations. Lighter blue- more common in re cent times- work well in relaxed environments with the lights on, and help promote interaction.

Examples of BLUE in Presentations

• Quest Diagnostics: A serious company with a seriously navy blue background. The subtle angled lines promote a feeling a movement and technology. Blue complements the Green of Quest’s logo, and the white title bar provides a clean but stark contrast to the body.
• This blue template for waste management firm Republic Services provides a conservative backdrop for the financials and white bullet points. The yellow titles stand out, as does the orange, red and blue themed imagery at the bottom, not to mention the company’s logo.
• This slide for Dr. Soram Khalsa’ Complementrix Vitamin system features a template with a dark blue with angled lines. And the inner portion of the template featured a light blue-hue burst of a sun-ray to convey bright life and energy.
• This slide for Lender Direct featured an image of a file folder, edited in Photoshop, with a 80 % transparency set against a light blue background. The light blue graphic helped to convey a sense of openeness , and professionalism, while maintaining the company’s blue brand.

Green: Stimulates interaction and puts people at ease

Green stimulates interaction. It’s a friendly color that’s great for warmth and emotion. Green is commonly used in PowerPoint presentations for trainers, educators, and others whose presentations are intended to generate discussion. It’s also a great color for environmental and earth-oriented discussions.

Examples of Green in Presentations

• This slide for Hills Pet Nutrition features a modern green background with textured lines promoting a warm, but contemporary feeling. Great for their topic on pet affection.
• Money is green and so is this presentation for Presidio Finance. The white text contrasts nicely with the forest green finance images, helping to project a no-nonsense image of success and accomplishment.
• In this slide for TD Waterhouse, we created top title bar in dark green, integrating smoothly with their lime green logo. The green-hued process chart on the slide image stands out comfortably against the textured grey background.
• The flowing green arcs at the bottom and green title text helps substantiate this slides message of health and vitality. Executive Success Team’s green logo and brand also promotes a relaxed and comfortable feeling, just like Mona Vie.

Red: Handle with Care in Presentations!

Red is one of the most influential colors in your software palette — but it also carries negative cultural attachments, so use it carefully. Red is also a great color for conveying passion. Or talking about the competition. Do not use Red in financial information or tables and charts.

Examples of RED in Presentations

• The rich red of Oracle is maintained in this template, featuring red title text in an inset red rectangle and a red bottom bar of binary numbers for a look of blazing edge technology
• Trace Security uses a similar red title bar element, tying in to their black and red logo and brand.
• Red and black are also colors for Sales Training Consultants, and in this slide, we used a flat beige background, with a title bar in bright red together with red bullets and a red target graphic.
• The body pages of the Grenada presentation feature Red, but in an inset border. Text is inversed in white, as is the main body area. The key states in this map are highlighted in red.

Purple: Mystical and Emotional color in presentations and design

Purple is often associated with royalty and wealth. Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality. Purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial. Nearly all the clients who come to me with presentations featuring purple or lavender are women. It’s a feminine color and it’s a good color for emotional or spiritual presentations.

Examples of Purple in Presentations

• Crosley & Company’s branding is maintained with a dominant dark purple background, and orange titles.
• A soft lavender background option gives these two medical doctors a chance to add some warmth for their mostly women audiences.

Yellow, Orange, & Gold: Attention-getting colors of affluence and prestige

Yellow can create feelings of frustration and anger. While it is considered a cheerful color, people are more likely to lose their tempers in yellow rooms and babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms.

Since yellow is the most visible color, it is also the most attention-getting color. Yellow can be used in small amount to draw notice, such as key words, or highlights but not in backgrounds. Rather than using flat yellow as a background color, consider a more “golden” or orange color. Simply adding texture to a yellow background or superimposing a photo (in Photoshop) with low transparency, can add more richness to the yellow background image.

Examples of Yellow / Gold in Presentations

• This flat yellow slide is for Web-Reach, an internet consulting firm in Miami. Even though their message was to compete with the Yellow Pages phone book, their yellow background was flat and uninspired.
• With a simple fix in Photoshop, yellow became Gold, and the same slide became more robust. We added a red bar to the top, and a grey arc to the left. Same information, just a textured golden hue helped deliver elegance and style.
• A golden textured earth background helped this slide convey the message of international elegance. The green money background blends with the gold, and the black text brings a nonsense message to the page.
• A golden textured background for Fountainhead Consulting with elements of yellow, blue, red, and grey.

Black: A strong and definite color that’s often overlooked!

Don’t forget your basic black. Often overlooked, black is a background color with useful psychological undertones. Its neutrality makes it a good backdrop for financial information. Black connotes finality and also works well as a transitional color which is why the fade to black transition is powerful, as it gives the impression of starting fresh.

Examples of Black in Presentations

• It’s a matter of black and white for this construction company. It’s intro slides were pure white text on a black background, emphasizing the company’s core beliefs. After the 3 b&w slides, the room lit-up with a series of dynamic colorful slides as the speakers enlightened the audience.
• Over 10 years old, this slide from Ryder transportation remains one of the strongest visuals. Set against a flat black background, the company’s grey logomark conveys a true sense of stability and no-nonsense action. The monotone building blocks tell a strong story.

White: Pure, Fresh and Clean. But a little boring.

White is also a calm and neutral color for presentations. It’s terrific for conveying a fresh start such as a fade to white. It represents purity or innocence. Good for positive information where you want the focus purely on the message, and not competing with a brand image. It’s clean/open and inviting and can create a sense of space or add highlights. But it can also be perceived as cheap, flat (it’s the default color for PowerPoint slides) and harsh on the eyes. Consider grey as a better background color.

Examples of White in Presentations

• To help to maintain a clean and open look this consumer collaborative called on us to integrate their brand colors set against a plain white background. The blue and orange bars provided a conservative frame, while the arcs provided a contemporary look of flow and motion.
• This slide for a large architecture and construction firm featured a flat white background offset by a colorful series of modern buildings and logos.

Grey and Silver: A conservative color; Good when Black or White won’t work.

According to psychologists, grey is often thought of as a negative color. It can be the color of evasion and non-commitment since it is neither black nor white. Some say that Grey is the color of independence and self-reliance. A few years ago, silver was the most popular color for cars. And in the presentation world, this calm color is making a comeback. Grey (or “Silver”) is a softer background than the harsh default color of white, and works well on almost all presentations. A dark grey background with light text…or light grey background with dark text…you can’t go wrong!

Examples of Grey in Presentations

• Farmers Insurance’s silver background integrates subtle ray of light elements to help add depth and texture to this slide. The red, blue, and black stock images blend comfortably with the rest of the page. And the white border around the letters add a level of modernism and clarity.
• The stainless steel background of this slide helps promote a modern contemporary look, helping to link the 4 brands together.
• A clean flowing blue arc with a non-obtrusive silver background help make this slide for Margie Seyfer appear fun but conservative
• Interim Healthcare’s brand is maintained, but a muted image in silver help add depth and dimension to the slide’s message, while supporting its key points.

We perceive dark colors as being “heavier” than light ones, so graphic elements that are arranged from darkest to lightest are the easiest for the eyes to scan. On charts, it’s best to arrange colors from dark to light.

Remember that most eyes aren’t perfect. Because color perception deficiencies are common, certain color combinations — including red/green, brown/green, blue/black and blue/purple — should be avoided.

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How to Choose the Best Presentation Color Palettes & Combinations 2024

When you open your favorite presentation software, you've got a ton of choices to make. That includes choosing the best presentation colors. What are the best presentation color palette options, and why?

Whether you use Keynote, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, this tutorial is sure to benefit you. You'll see the best presentation color palettes for every occasion. You'll also see templates that include the best color palette presentation designs. Let's get colorful!

Color Theory: What You Need to Know

To speak the language of color, it helps to know the terminology you'll encounter while putting together your palette. Let's look at some standard color terms and how to consider them as you create your presentation.

1. Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors

It might be a bit of review from your grade school days, but to understand color, let's start by reviewing these three key terms:

• Primary colors  include red, yellow, and blue.
• Secondary colors  are made by mixing equal combinations of primary colors in equal amounts, creating orange, green, and violet.
• Tertiary colors  are also a mix of colors, but not in equal amounts. For example, yellow-orange is a mix of yellow and orange. That means it would contain effectively two parts red, and one part yellow.

Also, use the color wheel to help understand how colors fit together. Colors directly across from each other on the wheel can be paired to create schemes called  complementary color combinations. That's one example of a principle that helps you create the best presentation color combinations.

2. Tints, Tones, and Hues

While the color wheel shows each of the colors at their "pure" form, we know that there are many other versions of a color. This comes down to aspects like tints, tones, and hues.

Tints  of color are created by adding white to the original color.  Tones  go hand-in-hand with color because they're created by adding grey to the original color. I like to think of tint as how much of the base color is truly represented.

According to Color Wheel Artist , the term "hue" is sometimes misunderstood and used interchangeably with "color." You might hear even a skilled artist refer to a blue hue in place of saying that an object is blue.

So, what's hue? The hue is a specific color's  origin.  For example, navy is a color with a hue of blue. Chartreuse is a color with a hue of green. This differentiation is helpful while creating presentations.

All these factors influence a color's usability within a presentation. Each color is usable in a presentation, but not in every part of a presentation. Read on to find out more.

How to Experiment With Color Palettes of Your Own

Are you searching for the best presentation colors to use in your next project? Don't make your decision lightly. Color choice is one of the simplest, yet most crucial design decisions that you can make.

Your decision centers around a critical question: what's the best presentation color palette? There's no single answer. You want to find colors that help your content stand out. 

This can involve matching slide design elements with your brand's custom colors. Or you might want to include text that mirrors colorful tones found in an image. Either way, you'll need visual tools to do it. That's where Adobe Color comes in.

Use Adobe Color to Create the Best Presentation Color Palettes

Adobe Color is a browser-based visual dashboard that lets you experiment with color. In seconds, create color palettes that help your slides shine.

The web app itself features a color wheel and five easy-to-edit panes. These allow you to build out custom schemes. 

Custom color palettes may be nearly identical in shade, or perhaps totally different. All they need is the ability to work well together visually. Adobe Color lets you explore different styles. Look at monochromatic, triad, complementary color combinations, and more. Those options are found on the Color Harmony menu on the left side of Adobe Color.

Imagine for a moment that you want your best presentation color palette to be all one color. In that case, use  monochromatic color tones . In other words, you feature the same color in many shades. With Adobe Color, build out five shades side-by-side in the color-chooser.

Plus, click and drag within the color wheel to highlight a given section. Down below, you'll see each color block update. It's a great way to see the best background color for presentation use instantly.

For a more exact approach, drag the sliders to change up RGB color mode elements. These help you dial in custom tones and gain the ultimate in creative control.

Your color palette presentation theme might revolve around your branding. In other words, your organization may have a specific set of colors that it always uses on slides. 

Adobe Color is ready to accommodate this. Just below each color swatch, input a color hex code. That's the best way to ensure an exact color match.

You can also explore other color modes like CMYK, making it easy to adapt Adobe Color to your project needs. There are even options built in to extract colors right out of image uploads. Transform these into custom palettes, making precise color matches a breeze. 

When you jump over to your favorite presentation app, use the color chooser along with the hex codes to use the colors you selected in the tool. It differs by the app, but they all support using hex codes.

How to Choose the Best Presentation Color Palette

So far, you've seen tools and ideas for generating color palettes. You might still be wondering, "Which of these is an effective color scheme?"

Here's the thing: there's no singular option for the best presentation color palette. Every color you can imagine has its place in the world of presentations. The truth is that selecting the best color palette presentation option is all about the content and environment.

I've put together a simple three-pillar approach to selecting the best presentation color palette. Let's dive in:

1. Consider the Content (and the Audience)

The most essential part of creating the best presentation colors is considering the content and the audience. You wouldn't use bright yellow and purple shades to announce layoffs. You also wouldn't use a black and white scheme to announce good news.

So, what colors  should  you choose?

• For more serious presentations, a  monochromatic  color scheme works well. It tends to be less distracting from content and works well in business and corporate environments.
• If your favorite color is highly saturated and a bright hue, try to avoid using it as a background. It's harder to read text with an oversaturated background.
• Complementary color schemes  are right for a wide variety of presentations and are a good go-to move when you aren't sure what to use.

Remember: there are no colors that are off-limits for a presentation . Instead, it's all about matching your selections to the content so that it  supports  your presentation.

2. Remember Readability

Above all, selecting colors is an exercise in complementing your content.

Have you ever seen a slide that was hard to read? Often, it's because there's not enough contrast between the content and the background. Too often, I've seen rookie presenters use light blue text on a medium blue background, for example.

Here are some tips for maintaining readability in the world of color:

• Use the light / dark  rule .   If you're using light-colored text, put it on a dark background. If you're using dark text, put it on a light-colored background. This is the essence of contrast.
• Avoid heavily saturated colors for backgrounds . It's okay to break this rule occasionally, but it's better to use backgrounds with lower saturation. Don't use neon green, use mostly grey backgrounds with a  hint of green.
• Avoid color patterns . Stay away from complex colored backgrounds like gradients and distracting patterns so that your text has no shapes to compete with.  

Feel free to use the colors you love. Just make sure that you don't sacrifice readability while you're building your presentation.

3. Don't Forget: Accessibility Matters

The best presentation colors are the options that every audience member can enjoy. But not everyone perceives color in the same way. 

According to data from Iris , over 300 million people are color blind. That means that colorful presentations might be harder to read, thanks to a lack of contrast. You should always assume that your audience might include a colorblind person.

Luckily, some tools make it easy to check for readability by simulating color blindness. Check out our fully-featured guide to ensure accessibility when you're creating a PowerPoint presentation:

The Top Download Source for the Best Presentation Colors (With Unlimited Downloads)

Are you searching for ideas for the best presentation color palette? Here's the thing: talented designers have already done it for you. With the help of pre-built color palette presentation templates , you never have to wonder, "which of these is an effective color scheme?" on your own. 

Meet Envato Elements. It's the all-you-can-download library for creatives. There are so many assets included in one convenient package, including templates with the best color palette presentation options.

Here are three outstanding options from Elements, each with top color palette presentation options. You'll notice that there are options for the best presentation color palettes for all the top apps:

1. Colorful - Keynote Template

If you're a color lover like me, then this presentation template for Apple Keynote is an excellent fit for you. It's a great reminder that even the most colorful options can serve as the best background color for presentations with a bit of planning. Use any of the 32 punchy color palette presentation slides.

2.  ERA - Property & Developer PowerPoint Template

For a set of complementary color combinations, this template might be the right choice for you. While it's marketed as a real estate focused set of slides, I can imagine it working for so many purposes. Blocky designs with large photo placeholders work nicely with a combination of the best presentation colors.

3.  Vlavor - Pastel Creative Keynote

Pastel colors are the bright colors that seem indicative of optimism and new beginnings. This template for Keynote is an excellent example of using bright colors that match upbeat content. Use the slides with equally colorful content for an unforgettable presentation.

If you're passionate about selecting the best presentation colors and color combinations, then I can't recommend using a template enough. Envato Elements maximizes your value with the best background colors for presentations built-in.

Download Pay-As-You-Go Templates With the Best Presentation Colors

While Envato Elements is an all-you-can-download selection of templates with complementary color combinations, you might not need  everything. 

In that case, it helps to have another option for a marketplace with top color palette presentation options. Thanks to Envato Market, you've got that choice.

On Envato Market, the templates are just as impressive. They include the best presentation colors so that your audience always notices the content. The templates make you a confident presenter. That's sure to help you succeed.

Make Color Palette Presentation Choices Confidently Now

Now that you've read this tutorial, you're sure to know how to use the best presentation color palettes for your next presentation. No matter what colors you love, it's possible to use them somewhere in a presentation.

Don't forget that the best presentation color palettes are included in templates with pre-built design templates from Envato Elements. You can also grab the best background colors for presentations in templates from Envato Market.

Design with color confidently today. Life's too short to use greyscale!

Intro to Color Psychology: Presenting Your Work in the Best Possible Hue

“Many people think that color is just a matter of how things look and is often dismissed as being purely cosmetic. However, the truth is that color is light—it’s the source of life itself; there is nowhere that color does not exist and our instinctive, unconscious response to it is a vital element in our survival.” — Angela Wright, Color Psychology Expert

Let's get right to it: Color psychology, simply put, is the study of how specific hues affect human behavior or mood.

When color is transmitted from the eye to the brain, the brain discharges a hormone that impacts one’s emotions, mental clarity, and energy levels. Both negative and positive psychological effects of colors have been analyzed in humans based on the combinations in which they were presented with. 

You may not think about it, color psychology is a part of your daily life. It’s why you chose to paint your bedroom a soothing shade of blue, the majority of the clothing in your closet is black, and you typically opt for candy that is red. Artists, designers, retailers, and brands use color psychology to entice customers, so the same concept should be embraced if you want to capture an audience with your presentation. In fact, studies indicate that people decide whether or not they like an object within 90 seconds, and 62-90% of their decision is based on color.

An Introduction to Color Psychology

Color in ancient times.

Color psychology is not a modern-day concept to help businesses make more money. It actually dates back to the Egyptians who studied the effect of color and mood for holistic purposes—yellow purified the body and calms frazzled nerves, blue soothed pain, purple helped with skin conditions, and so on. But it was Sir Isaac Newton who discovered how the color spectrum is organized in the late 1660’s. Later on down the road when modern psychology came into the picture, color took on a new meaning. 

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung dedicated much of his practice researching the meaning of color, which eventually led him to develop the concept of art therapy. Often quoted for saying, “colors are the mother tongue of the subconscious,” Jung believed that expressing one’s feelings through colors and imagery could help patients recover from a traumatic or stressful experience. 

Today, one of the most prominent experts in the field of color psychology is Angela Wright, who is known for creating “the Colour Affects System,” an academically approved method that made it possible for color psychology to be used objectively, rationally, and accurately. While Wright’s hypothesis challenges the idea that color choice is subjective, she explains, “When the study of color harmony is combined with the science of psychology, reactions can be predicted with startling accuracy.”

Color Psychology And Your Presentation

When creating a presentation, the visual aspect is just as critical as the information you’re placing on each slide. Even the most compelling, grammatically correct content can be muddled if it’s not appealing to the eye. But we’re not talking about making the mistake of using tasteless graphics or a mix of dizzy fonts (that’s a whole other conversation), rather the importance of choosing the correct colors.

This is where color psychology meets presentation design.

Now that you have a better understanding about what color psychology actually is, let’s explore some "best practices" in action so you can better understand why certain combinations work and why others don't. Since Beautiful.ai is a software tool that designs your presentation for you in real-time, let's take a look at how color plays out in marketing materials, specifically presentations.

Below, we'll take a closer look at which primary and main colors are best suited for your presentation—and which you should reserve for your wardrobe. Remember, just because you’re partial to certain hues doesn’t mean they are they best choices.

Positive aspects: Courage, excitement leadership, love, confidence, strength, warmth, energy, willpower, stimulation, masculinity

Negative aspects: Defiance, aggression, danger, rage, malice, visual impact, strain

When used correctly, red can easily get those you are presenting to excited about your idea—it can also prompt them to make quick decisions. As it’s an attention grabber, reserve red for those specific phrases or points you want people to remember. Just keep in mind that it’s best to use red in moderation so that you don’t come across as aggressive or authoritative and/or turn off a potential client.

Positive aspects: Confidence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm

Negative aspects: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness

Many brands choose to use blue because it gives the consumer a sense of loyalty and trust. It’s also a great color choice for imparting a sense of calm and safety, so a new hire company orientation is just one of many examples where this hue could be effective. Keep in mind that it’s not a good choice if you’re presenting something related to food, as blue tends to impart an unappetizing feeling—it’s why many dieticians suggest eating off of blue plates so that you eat less. ‍

Positive aspects: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity

Negative aspects: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety

Yellow stands out from the crowd because it’s the most intense color of the visible spectrum, thus making it the most noticeable to the human eye. It’s a great attention-grabber as long as it’s not overused as it come off as harsh. Not to mention, it’s also the most exhausting to the eye because of the immense amount of light that’s reflected. In terms of a presentation, use yellow in small doses to draw attention to important facts, data, dates, etc. Consider the shade of yellow based on what message you’re trying to convey. For example: cream yellow encourages new ideas, pale yellow lacks confidence, golden yellow symbolizes curiosity, citrine yellow represents deception and emotional instability, dark yellow draws cynicism, and bright yellow clears the mind. 

Positive aspects: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace

Negative aspects: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervations

Green is the color of life. It symbolizes harmony, stability, and balance as it’s the center of the spectrum. As people are drawn to balance, it’s a good color choice for a presentation. Green also stimulates interaction, so it’s great for a presentation where you want to encourage participation—it’s precisely why many trainers use it. As it’s a hue that is prevalent in nature, it can also signify the environment, growth, renewal, and health. Watch which shade you’re using as extremely light greens can come across as bland and boring.

Positive aspects: Spiritual awareness, bravery, inspiration, loyalty, dignity, wisdom, containment, vision, luxury, authenticity, truth, quality

Negative aspects: Introversion, decadence, suppression, inferiority

Violet—or purple, as it is more commonly called—is the shortest wavelength (around 380 nanometers), so visually, it has the power to encourage creativity, calm nerves, and uplift. It’s great for any presentation where you are trying to convey exclusivity, luxury, and class. Even though these are all good reasons to choose such as hue, there are actually few brands that use violet—but the ones that do are biggies. It’s quite possible the reason it’s not overused is because it's the shortest wavelength, it can be difficult for people to read.

Positive aspects: Physical comfort, food, warmth, security, sensuality, passion, abundance, fun

Negative aspects: Deprivation, frustration, flamboyance, frivolity, immaturity

If one of your goals is to get people to accept or try something new, incorporate orange into your presentation. This vibrant hue is often associated with creativity and enthusiasm, perfect for getting your team amped. Just be careful not to overdo orange as it can suggest flightiness and lack of cerebral principals. 

Positive aspects: Physical tranquillity, nurture, warmth, femininity, love, sexuality

Negative aspects: Emotional claustrophobia, emasculation, physical weakness

Since pink is a tint of red, it affects one physically—but in a soothing, not stimulating manner. A representation of femininity, pink is often used in cosmetic, beauty, fashion, and confection industries to convey a message. The rosy hue is also associated with hope and compassion, which is why it’s a go-to color for many charities. Keep in mind that if you’re presenting to both men and women, you may want to tone down the pink a bit as it can come across as emasculating. 

Positive aspects: Psychologically neutral

Negative aspects: Lack of confidence, dampness, depression, hibernation, lack of energy

Grey is the only color in the spectrum that has forthright psychological attributes. In other words, it’s completely neutral. When used alone, grey can conjure up feelings of depression and introversion, but when used in combination with other colors (like vibrant red, yellow, and orange), it can make a presentation pop. In fact, grey (or silver as it’s commonly called) is a softer background color than white and it fitting for almost any presentation. Opt for a dark grey background with light text, or the reversal for reading ease. 

Positive aspects: Sophistication, glamour, security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance

Negative aspects: Oppression, coldness, menace, fear, heaviness

As black is a color that has an absence of light, making it impossible for wavelengths to be reflected, it’s regarded as a menacing hue—so it’s no surprise why some people are afraid of the dark. But since we’re talking about presentations versus haunted houses and childhood memories, it can be an effective color, too. Basic black can be great for a “fade to black” transition in a presentation because it evokes a feeling of starting fresh. It also illustrates sophistication and works well when paired with white to get a point across. ‍

Positive aspects: Hygiene, sterility, clarity, purity, cleanness, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency

Negative aspects: Sterility, coldness, barriers, unfriendliness, elitism

While black absorbs, white reflects—which can be completely straining to the eyes. When used correctly (with a balance of other colors, for example), white is a good color choice for presenting a positive message that’s not competing with the image of the brand. While it’s clean and pure, it can also be perceived as dull and cheap—this is why grey is often used as an alternative background color.  

Positive aspects: Seriousness, warmth, nature, earthiness, reliability, support

Negative aspects: Lack of humour, heaviness, lack of sophistication

Brown embodies the same solemnity as black, but in a warmer and more subdued way. As it’s a color associated with nature and the earth, brown is a good choice if you’re giving a presentation where you want to convey a message of honesty, stability, healing, and home. It also stimulates the appetite, so keep that in mind if you’re giving a food-related presentation. ‍

In Conclusion

When creating a presentation for your company, it’s important to consider both brand identity and color psychology. While you want to stay true to company identity, don’t disregard the power of color with regard to human emotions—both physically and mentally. In order to determine color choice, ask yourself some important questions: What’s the goal of the presentation? What message am I trying to convey? Who is my audience? How can I use colors that work harmoniously with my brand? Don’t make the mistake of choosing hues simply because you like them. The most successful brand presentations are strategic ones. 

Rebecca Taras

Rebecca is a Paris-based editor and writer specializing in current events, health and travel.

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How to choose the best presentation color schemes & combinations

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When designing a presentation, or even just experimenting with design, you'd be surprised at the different color combinations you can create. Choosing a color scheme is tricky, but understanding the basics of color theory allows… ... read more When designing a presentation, or even just experimenting with design, you'd be surprised at the different color combinations you can create. Choosing a color scheme is tricky, but understanding the basics of color theory allows you to develop the perfect color palette for your presentation. close

Selecting a color scheme that stirs the desired reaction in your audience is a tricky and challenging process. Unfortunately, picking out an appropriate color scheme isn’t as simple as putting together the colors you like. The color choices used in a PowerPoint presentation reflect the character and personality of your business. When the color wheel offers itself to your imagination, how do you know how to use it correctly?

We cannot underestimate the power of color. It’s a language of its own, influencing emotions and setting the mood for your presentation before you even begin to speak. Presentation slides can convey a relaxed, professional, or confident persona based on the color scheme alone.

What do colors mean?

Starting off with the tough question: what is color?

All that color comes down to is perception. When an object reflects light, it reflects different combinations of wavelengths that our brains interpret as color. And once we begin to understand color theory, we start to have a better understanding of how we perceive colors.

What is color theory?

Color theory offers a foundation for understanding the rules around color and color schemes. It is a basic guideline for mixing colors and analyzes the visual effects of how colors mix or contrast with each other.

Once you understand the logic of color, you can create and use color palettes more effectively and confidently.

Primary colors

Primary colors are colors that cannot be created by mixing colors and they are yellow, red, and blue. When it comes to creating a color palette, the primary colors anchor the color scheme. Meaning that using any one or any combination of the primary colors will place limits on your color scheme when you decide to select other colors.

Secondary colors

The secondary colors are created by mixing the purest form of any two primary colors. The three secondary colors are orange, purple, and green.

Tertiary colors

Tertiary colors take things a step further. They are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color, making them a mix of several colors. But unlike secondary colors, they are not mixed in equal amounts.

For example, red-purple, or magenta, is a mix of red and purple, meaning it is two parts red and one part blue.

The six tertiary colors are red-purple (magenta), red-orange (vermillion), blue-purple (violet), blue-green (teal), yellow-orange (amber), and yellow-green (chartreuse).

The color theory wheel

What are the additive and subtractive color theories?

The additive and subtractive color models are systems of color reproduction related to how the eye receives light to produce colors.

The additive colors are red, green, and blue, or RGB. The RGB color models are for electronic screens like computers or TVs. It begins with black and then adds red, green, and blue light to convey a spectrum of colors. When more colors are added, the result is lighter and closer to white. With the three colors combined in equal amounts, you get white light.

Meanwhile, the subtractive color model applies to any color typically seen on a physical surface, namely paper. In this model, you subtract colors to get closer to white. The subtractive colors are cyan, magenta, yellow, and key/black (CYMK), and these are usually the colors listed on printer cartridges. When these colors are printed, they absorb the light and appear black.

How to combine colors?

Using the color wheel, we can experiment with color combinations to create original and effective color schemes. There are seven major color schemes in graphic design that designers regularly use and return to.

Warm colors

If you draw a line through the color wheel, it cleanly separates the warm and cool colors. The warm colors are reds, yellows, and oranges, and they are hues associated with energy, brightness, and action.

Cool colors

Cool colors are blues, greens, and purples, and they often connote feelings of peace, calm, and serenity.

Complementary colors

A complementary color scheme comes from combining colors that stand directly opposite each other on the color wheel (such as purple and green, orange and blue) and their respective tints.

Since this color scheme offers a strong contrast, it’s best to use one color as a dominant color and use the second color as an accent in designs. Use contrast to highlight important points in your presentation.

Split complementary colors

A split complementary color scheme features a selected base color and the two colors that neighbor that base color’s complement. The result is a versatile and nuanced color palette that is more diverse than a complementary color scheme while still maintaining a healthy and interesting contrast.

Although this color scheme is easy to achieve, it can be tricky to maintain. A split complementary scheme offers more color combinations, but it takes a bit of experimenting to find a good balance.

Triads and tetradic color combinations

A triadic color combination creates a balanced contrast by featuring three colors at an equal distance from each other on the color wheel, forming a triangle. However, it can feel overwhelming when the colors selected are bold. This can be handled by choosing one color to be the dominant one and using the others sparingly or by selecting a softer tint.

A tetradic color scheme is achieved by drawing a rectangle on the color wheel, resulting in a vibrant color scheme.

Analogous colors

Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel and together create a soothing color scheme. When using analogous colors like red, yellow, and orange together, it’s best to have one color dominate, the second color support, and a third color accent.

Monochromatic colors

With a monochromatic color scheme, you choose one color and support it with its varying shades and tints. The result is a calm and consistent feel that looks polished and professional. This type of color scheme is easy to use since you only need to select one color and then use black, white, or grey to change it. 

How to choose a color scheme?

These formulas for putting together color combinations are easy to pick up with enough practice. Yet, the challenge lies in the other factors you must consider when choosing colors for your color palette, which affect the impact and effectiveness of your color scheme.

Consider the user experience

When creating a presentation, consider the audience and the purpose. For example, using a monochromatic color palette is appropriate for a professional presentation , while complementary palettes are versatile for different types of occasions.

But also remember the details; for example, a bright background could be distracting and make it hard to read the text.

Set a mood for your color scheme

What is the mood you want to convey? If you want an energetic presentation, you’re better off using brighter colors like reds and yellows. While shades of blue are great for creating a peaceful and serene mood. Or you could tone down the clutter by creating negative space in black or white.

Working with high contrast

Be clever with your use of contrast. If you’re using a dark background, use light text that your audience can read, and vice versa. It’s important to use high contrast in more professional presentations to draw the audience’s attention to the contents. Draw attention to your important points with accent colors.

Follow the 60-30-10 rule

Originally an interior design rule, the 60-30-10 principle has proved to be a great tip for graphic design . It adheres to a balance of 60% of the main color (for backgrounds), 30% of the secondary color (filling in shapes or images), and 10% for the accent colors in outlines and text.

Refer to your color wheel

Use the color wheel to your advantage. Refer to it constantly to select color combinations of different color schemes. Sometimes, a color scheme that may look good in theory might not work with your presentation. It takes several tests to find a scheme that resonates with your personality and serves your presentation.

Draft multiple designs

As with any creative endeavor, there is no way to find out how your ideas will work without drafting and experimenting. In your quest of finding the appropriate color scheme, you need to create multiple drafts with your palette suggestions and see which works best. It’s good to step away from your work and sleep on it to refresh your perspective.

Keep it simple

Don’t overthink it. Keep your color scheme simple. A monochromatic palette is a great starting point for beginners since you’d only be working with one color. For more advanced users, try not to work with more than four colors; anchor your design in one dominant color and use the others for support.

Avoid unnecessary usage of color

Exercise restraint. Not every instance will need an explosion of color. For example, in a chart with only two variables, heights, and length suffice as differentiating factors. But when a third or fourth variable is introduced, then the color becomes necessary to emphasize or highlight differences.

Be consistent with color across charts

When using multiple charts and graphs, make sure to be consistent throughout the presentation when referring to the same groups. It keeps the document neat and organized and helps the reader follow along.

Leverage the meaningfulness of color

Different colors hold different meanings and symbolism. If you’re using color in graphs to represent certain groups, then keep in mind the colors they are typically associated with to make it easier for a reader to follow.

A general rule to follow is avoiding high color brightness and saturation or at least keeping them to highlight a particular element. 

Attend to color blindness

Be inclusive of those with color blindness. The most common form of color blindness causes those afflicted to confuse red and green, and less commonly the confusion between yellow and blue. So use variety in the lightness and saturation to differentiate between colors rather than relying only on hue.

Sites like Coblis have color blindness simulators to help you get an idea of how your visuals will look and if there are potential ambiguities.

Types of color palettes

When it comes to data visualization, color is a necessary component in visual aids such as charts and elements. Misusing color could be distracting or confusing, but using color productively helps you tell the story you want to tell. Depending on the data you want to convey, there are different types of color palettes to consider.

Qualitative palette

A qualitative palette is used when the information presented deals with categorical variables such as age groups, countries, race, etc. In a qualitative palette, a distinct color is assigned to each variable or group.

A qualitative palette relies on the colors to differentiate between several variables, so try to limit the palette to no more than ten colors. Any more would create confusion in distinguishing between groups. Play around with hues, lightness, and saturation to create distinctiveness between colors.

It’s also important to maintain overall cohesion to not create unintentional bias by highlighting certain variables more than others.

Sequential palette

A sequential palette is used when the variables are numeric and typically portrayed sequentially. Often in a sequential palette, the lightness or hues are the distinguishing factors between variables.

The use of lightness is the most recognizable form of a sequential palette, which is why a single hue could be used. Low values are connoted with lighter colors, while darker colors are used for higher values. Otherwise, it is recommended to use two adjacent colors from a warm or cool palette.

Diverging palette

A diverging palette is applied when numeric variables have a central value (like zero). It’s useful to think of a diverging palette as two sequential palettes meeting at a middle point. The two sides are assigned two distinctive colors, and as with sequential palettes, lightness is used to portray distance from the central value.

Discrete vs. continuous palette

Sequential and diverging color palettes interact with data values with either discrete colors akin to a numerical value or through a continuous fading function between the variable and color.

Often, the process of creating color palettes follows the first method of using discrete or distinct colors, even though it would make sense to use a continuous color function to communicate the relationship between values.

However, people distinguish details such as length or position more quickly than they do color differences. So discrete palettes highlight patterns in the data, and we can set a clearer range within a discrete palette. While on a continuous palette, data would be pushed into a narrower range.

How to create a color scheme for your presentation

With the variety of color schemes and color palettes possible, where do you even begin creating your own? There are many variables involved in building a color scheme for your presentation, so start at the root and select colors appropriate for your goal. You can also reach out to our team for their presentation design (and palette-making) expertise.

Our presentation design services

Pick your colors

Building a color scheme begins with selecting colors that fit your purpose and mood. The process of picking colors is simplified once you can select a base color to build on.

The dominant color

Visual language is very effective in creating a subconscious connection and resonating with your audience. So begin by selecting a dominant color that encapsulates your beliefs and best represents your topic and niche to create the base for your color palette.

The secondary color

A secondary color supports your scheme’s dominant color and makes it stand out more.

The accent color

Accent colors are used to contrast and emphasize points in a presentation. Complementary colors make for perfect accent colors as they offer a bold contrast that attracts the eye. Accent colors are meant to be used sparingly to not overwhelm the viewer.

Keep colors in balance

Maintain a balance with your color palette and diversify the use of colors in highlighting text or brightening slides. Apply the 60-30-10 rule to your dominant, secondary, and accent colors.

Use the theme color palette

When creating your presentation, take advantage of the theme palette feature in PowerPoint and Google Slides. This tool allows you easy access to your color palette and lets you quickly change the colors of text and elements in your presentation at once without having to do them individually.

Use the tools at your disposal

There are several tools available for building a color scheme and using color palettes in presentation and design software. Use them to create a cohesive and engaging color scheme to be used in your presentations.

Tools and resources for using colors

By now, you should have a pretty good idea of color theory and how to build a color scheme. However, that shouldn’t discourage you from using tools and resources that help you speed up the process of selecting the perfect color scheme for your presentation.

Data Color Picker

Data Color Picker is a great tool for generating color schemes for sequential and diverging palettes. Often, some hues are left out between the two endpoints of a sequential palette, but Data Color Picker has a default tab for palettes that is perfect for generating multi-hued palettes.

Chroma.js Color Palette Helper

This tool has detailed options for crafting a color palette, with options for the type of palette desired (sequential, diverging), correcting lightness, and a color blindness simulator. These features of the chroma.js Color Palette Helper allow for more refined and cohesive palettes.

Color Thief

Since there aren’t many tools for creating qualitative palettes, you could extract potential color palettes from images with colors that resemble your intended mood. Color Thief is a tool that lets you generate a color palette from your own uploaded pictures. Although you would need to tweak your options to create an appropriate palette, Color Thief is a great starting point.

Viz Palette

Similar to Coblis, Viz Palette is a color palette tool that allows you to see how your palettes are perceived by individuals with different color perception deficiencies and color contexts. Furthermore, you can alter the color palette instantly in the tool.

Adobe Color

Adobe Color is a free Adobe tool for building color palettes based on different schemes and combinations. Moreover, it offers premade color schemes to play around with, use in your presentation, and even save if you’re an Adobe user.

Illustrator Color Guide

In the Illustrator Color Guide, you could generate a 5-color scheme along with its tints and shades based on the one color you select. And with preset modes, you could select the type of color scheme you want to create. You can save your color palettes to return to them in future presentations.

Preset Color Guides

Chances are, you’re familiar with Microsoft Office products. Well, did you know that all of the Office softwares have preset color schemes that you can use for your projects? In PowerPoint, you can find the color schemes in the Colors menu in the Slide Master view. You could select an option or customize your own.

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10 Color Palettes to Nail Your Next Presentation

Bring your a-game to your next pitch meeting with these sure-to-dazzle color palettes..

Color is a powerful design tool. The right scheme can energize and motivate, soothe and inspire. With that in mind, we’ve put together a batch of ten eye-catching color palettes, each intended to have a different psychological effect on your presentation audience.

Perhaps you’re a young startup and need to excite potential investors , or maybe you want to ensure that viewers remain focused on important data. Whatever the style of presentation or pitch, you’ll find a color palette that suits your presentation needs in the list below.

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Simply take a note of the HEX codes in these inspiring color palettes, and apply your swatches to backgrounds , typography , or sales presentation templates for your next PowerPoint presentation or Google Slides pitch.

Now, let’s get started! It’s time to nail that pitch.

License this image via Pikoso.kz .

What Are the Best Colors for Presentations?

The best colors to use in PowerPoint , Google Slides, and other presentation software can vary widely depending on your audience, brand, and what you’re trying to achieve with the presentation.

A pitch for a new client might require exciting, inspiring color choices that help your audience to feel energized , while a data-heavy presentation to long-standing investors might require a more stable and reassuring color scheme.

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Below, you’ll find 10 color palettes for presentations that tap into the power of color psychology , helping you to choose colors that will always work in your favor.

These stylish color palettes can work for a variety of presentation purposes, like corporate reports, brand launches , and Q1 forecasts.

Scroll down to find the perfect presentation palette to help you bring the power of color to your next pitch.

1. The Perfect Color Palette to Energize Your Audience

Orange has been proven to promote energy and appetite in viewers, so it’s the perfect color choice for presentations that need to have an upbeat feel.

To keep your audience engaged throughout a long presentation, it helps to balance orange’s energy with the soothing, expansive mood of violet blue .

Blue-sky thinking is blue for good reason—this is a color that provokes inspiration and openness to new ideas.

To keep your energized palette crisp and clean, turn to ice white and pitch black to ensure your text remains crisp and legible. 

2. The Best Color Palette to Calm and Reassure the Room

Sometimes, it’s more important to calm and reassure your audience than to energize or surprise them. Presentations focused on mental well being , health , or wellness wouldn’t benefit from a neon palette , for example.

Instead, bring a zen mood to the boardroom with this palette of soothing hues. Spring green , mulberry purple, terracotta, and blue gray have a grounding effect and mimic the soothing colors found in nature to create an ultra-relaxing effect. 

3. The Perfect Color Palette to Boost Confidence

Red is traditionally the color of confidence, proven to make viewers feel stronger and more self-assured in its presence. However, pure red can be overtly aggressive, and the forceful effect of the color can be heightened on bright screens. Much better to temper red’s aggression with softer red orange , fuchsia , and shell pink .

This is still a highly confident palette with its graduation of warm hues, and its assertion is even stronger when paired with mysterious and authoritative plum purple .

4. The Best Color Palette to Appeal to Corporate Businesses

This color scheme gives a nod to the traditional palettes of the financial and legal world. Bottle green and cognac brown are teamed with dark racing-green and old gold for an established and luxurious effect.

Corporate presentations can be difficult to enliven, as they require a degree of formality and convention. However, this palette steps away from oft-used navy blue toward something more interesting.

Evocative of leather and velvet, this is a cocooning and moneyed palette that will help corporate clients feel like you understand their formal world. 

License this image via AlonaPhoto .

5. The Best Palette to Look Cool and On-Trend

Many startups, entrepreneurs, and young brands want to appeal to Gen Z audiences , and they need to have a cool color palette to match.

Whether you’re presenting a new product launch or looking to entice an on-the-pulse angel investor, this violet and neon palette will cement your cool credentials.

Look to urban colors, such as neons and grays, to create presentation slides with an ultra-cool mood.

This urban-inspired presentation palette combines deep and inky violet with acid lime yellow for a high-contrast effect, while concrete gray and moody black provide a neutral offset.

6. The Perfect Color Palette to Look Innovative

Young companies or startups pitching for their first round of investments need a palette that will communicate a spirit of innovation and fresh thinking. A perfect color palette for tech businesses or science startups, this palette has a futuristic, forward-looking mood.

Purple is the most intellectual and mysterious of all colors, making it a good fit for businesses offering something a little different from the norm, especially in the tech sector .

Neon pink is an unexpected choice for work presentations, but here it’s the perfect companion to purple and violet blue, bringing energy and a youthful mood. 

7. The Best Color Palette to Appear High-End

Elevate your high-end presentations with this luxurious color scheme that borrows from vintage color schemes of the 1930s and 1940s.

If you’re pitching for a high-end brand or simply want to bring an elegant mood to your presentation slides, this claret and copper scheme will help your PowerPoint templates feel opulent and expensive.

Dark brick red and olive green are traditional establishment colors that give a nod to beautiful brick architecture and vintage uniforms.

This affluent color palette would also be a good fit for the hospitality, travel, or luxury goods sectors. Team with metallic backgrounds and crisp white text for simple luxury.

8. The Best Color Palette to Improve Focus

If you have vitally important data or a specific message you want your viewers to remember, consider this presentation palette of focus-promoting colors that will prevent your audience from mid-pitch window gazing.

Blue and green are the two colors most associated with improving focus and concentration, with blue promoting expansive thinking and green providing a harmonic, nature-inspired mood.

In this business color palette, rich teal combines both of these hues for a serious focus hit. Earthy burnt orange prevents teal from feeling lethargic, while giving the palette a grounded edge that feels serious and cerebral. 

9. The Best Color Palette to Promote Sustainability

As sustainability is a central concern for many businesses today, it might be in your interest to give your presentations an environmental edge.

While businesses are often advised to avoid greenwashing , for the purpose of presentations, green is still the most reliable color for communicating environmentally-themed messages. It helps to immediately situate your audience within an eco-friendly mindset .

Whether you want to discuss how your company can become more eco-friendly or promote a sustainable product to a potential buyer, this fresh and verdant palette will give your slides a nature-inspired mood.

Emerald green , sage, and deep bottle green are made crisp and contemporary when teamed with chalk white.

10. The Perfect Color Palette to Boost Creativity

We could all do with a little more creativity in our working day, and you can turn to selective color choices to boost your weekly brainstorming session.

For presentations that need to appear creative or boost the creative potential of your audience, bright colors are stimulating, expressive, and promote a sense of childlike play and experimentation.

This is a colorful pick-me-up scheme for work-weary souls—a perfect presentation color palette for team-building days, ideation sessions, or for subjects that are more outside-the-box than usual.

Orange and pink perk up the palette with warm tones , while viridian green and azure blue bring a fresh, tropical feel to this fun, creative color palette.

License this cover image via VISTA by Westend61 .

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By Matt Moran January 3, 2024

22 Best PowerPoint Color Schemes to Make Your Presentation Stand Out in 2024

There’s nothing worse than an amateur PowerPoint presentation. If you’re going into a business meeting or sales pitch, your presentation slides should look as professional as you do. That’s why choosing the right color scheme is so important.

In this post, we’ll be sharing a roundup of 22 of the best PowerPoint color schemes you can use to make your presentation look the part. 

All the color schemes on this list have been incorporated into templates created by professional designers, so they’re super-stylish and guaranteed to make your slides stand out.

Whether you’re an educator looking for a color scheme that will keep your students engaged, or a business professional who wants to make an impact in your next meeting, you’re sure to find something suitable below.

Tips for Choosing the Best PowerPoint Color Schemes

Before we jump into the roundup, let’s talk about how to choose the right color scheme for your needs. Here are a few things to bear in mind when you’re comparing your options.

1. Use High Contrast Colors

When it comes to color, contrast is the number one most important consideration. Text, icons, and other important graphics on your slides need to be highly readable, so you need to make sure to use high contrast colors for these elements. 

In other words, use a color with a significantly different tone/brightness from your background. Certain colors are inherently lighter/darker than others. For example, blue is much darker than yellow. As such, these colors tend to pair well together.

I’d also recommend never combining warm and cold colors, like bright red on bright blue or vice versa. This is because human eyes have trouble distinguishing interactions between the different wavelengths, which causes eye fatigue.

2. Consider Color Associations (Psychology)

People have certain subconscious associations with different colors. For example, people associate blue with trust, calmness, and reliability, which makes it a safe choice for business presentations. 

Green is associated with nature, peace, and organic products, which might make it a good choice if you’re working on a sales pitch for an eco-friendly product. 

Black evokes sophistication, seriousness, evil, and mystery, so it can work just as well for spooky Halloween lesson PowerPoints as for high-end fashion brand presentations.

Try to choose a color scheme that fits the kind of associations you want to make. If you’re working on a brand PowerPoint presentation, a safe bet is to stick with your brand colors.

3. Always Use Gradients

In nature, colors rarely appear in solid blocks – they transition gradually from one hue to the next and blend into each other.  

Because we’re used to seeing colors naturally act this way, you should try to do the same in your PowerPoint presentations by blending colors into each other using gradients. Blocks of solid color can look amateurish. 

The good news is that all the templates on this list are designed by professionals who understand this and therefore use natural color gradients to create a professional look.

4. Choose the Right Color Scheme for Your Screen Type

Finally, don’t forget to consider the screen you plan on showcasing your PowerPoint presentation on. Darker color schemes will look good on close-up screens like tablets and desktops. However, lighter colors work better for projections as they tend to be more readable. 

In particular, never use red text if you’re projecting your presentation onto an external screen, as if any kind of unwanted ambient light/glare hits the screen, the color will wash out. In fact, it’s best to avoid any brightly colored text if you’re using a projector.

22 Best PowerPoint Color Schemes

Alright, let’s jump into the list. Below, we’ve listed our top 22 favorite PowerPoint templates with awesome color schemes.

1. Shades of Grey and Yellow – Our Top Pick

If you’re looking for a darker color scheme to use for a business presentation, you can’t go wrong with the Hornette template. Darker shades of grey and black strike a serious tone that befits a corporate environment, which is offset by bold yellow highlights. 

We like how the high contrast between the darker shades and the bold yellow can be used to direct the readers’ gaze to the most important elements on the page and make key messages stand out. 

The template itself includes 50 slides, including a gallery and portfolio slide, and features creative layouts and useful graphics. All graphics can be resized and edited.

2. Teal and White

Teal is a color that blends blue’s dependability with green’s optimism and healing properties. The result is a calming, balanced color that’s packed with personality. 

This multipurpose PowerPoint template uses teal alongside plenty of whitespaces and is perfect for business and personal presentations. All elements are fully editable, and if teal and white isn’t your style, you can pick another of the 5 included premade color schemes included. 

3. Shades of Black

Dark themes are very on-trend right now. If you want to add a touch of sophistication to your presentation or strike a serious tone, you can’t go wrong with this Halbert PowerPoint template. 

The all-black color scheme looks slick and elegant, and the white text is highly readable. This template works best when you don’t have to worry about room lighting, and might be a good fit for fashion presentations.

4. Color Fun

If you want something a little more upbeat, try this Color Fun PowerPoint template. It uses a wide color palette, which can help provide enough variety to better organize the different sections and elements on your slides. 

It’s bright, upbeat, and sets a positive tone – without being too overwhelming. The designer has toned down the colors just enough that they’re not distracting and won’t cause eye fatigue.

5. Monochromatic Blue

This Tortoise PPT template uses a mix of light and darker blues to create a stylish, professional look. The download includes 150 slides in total, split into 5 colors (30 slides per variation). All graphics included are fully editable and resizable in PowerPoint. 

6. Minimalist Light Colors

Bold and bright colors can work well but sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple. This clean and modern PowerPoint presentation follows the principle of minimalism, with very light shades like beige and pale green. It comes in a 1920x1080p format and includes a bunch of awesome icons and graphic elements that are fully vector editable.

7. Orange Burst

Orange is the most vibrant color in the color spectrum. It’s full of energy and life, so it’s perfect when you want to really get your audience excited about the contents of your presentation. This PowerPoint template from aqrstudio uses orange gradients alongside circular icons and graphics.

8. Yellows and Whites

If you’re looking for a yellow template, check out Soaring by Jumsoft. It features an energetic, professional design and includes 20 master slides in the standard 4:3 side, as well as charts, diagrams, tables, and other awesome visual elements. You can choose the layout that’s most suitable for your content and customize more or less everything in MS PowerPoint.

Pastels are the color trend of the year. These lighter, softer shades of colors have been embraced by younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z and have rapidly become associated with self-care for their ‘calming effect’. If you want to incorporate them into your PowerPoint color scheme, check out this pastel template by UnicodeID.

10. Organic Greens

Working on a food-related presentation for a culinary business? Or perhaps you’re putting together a pitch deck on an environmental topic? Either way, this organic green PowerPoint template has the perfect color scheme for you. It’s ideal for health and nature-related slides.

11. Bold Red and Black

The NOVA PowerPoint template by Artmonk uses a stunning red-on-black color scheme. It’s a bold color combination that packs a punch, so it’s great for presentations in which you’re trying to break the mold and make a statement. It’ll look great on screens but might not show up well on projector displays due to the dark background.

12. Bright Multicolor

Here’s another awesome multi-colored palette that’s upbeat and fun. Wide color palettes like this are great for large slide decks as they give you a lot of options to choose from. I can see this one working really well for creative agencies and personal portfolios. 

13. Lime and Dark Blue

Blue and yellow is a classic combination. This lime and dark blue template offers a new twist on that classic combo to make it a little more exciting. If you already use dark blue as part of your brand color palette, this is a great template to use.

14. Pretty Pink

The Pretty Pink color scheme is perfect for creating feminine and youthful PowerPoint presentations. This would be perfect for female-oriented business products, or presentations about beauty, pop culture, and more.

Teal is the perfect color scheme for exuding wealth and intelligence. In color psychology, green connotes wealth and money, whilst blue evokes intelligence. Teal is the perfect blend of the two colors, which makes it a great choice for financial presentations and documentation.

16. Dark with Splashes of Color

If you want a luxurious and ultra-modern color scheme, Black with splashes of color is just the ticket. The black creates a sleek and professional feel, whilst the bold and colorful highlights make the key information in your presentation pop.  

Coral is a bold and vivid color scheme perfect for making an impact on your presentations. This PowerPoint template utilizes coral as the background of each slide which helps the text and other visuals to really stand out.

18. Classic Blue and White

If you’re looking for a clean, modern, and professional color scheme for your PowerPoint presentations, you can’t go wrong with classic blue. The color scheme evokes professionalism and technological prowess and is perfect for tech businesses and startups. The Contact PowerPoint from Envato Elements is a great example of how this color scheme can be used.

19. Pinks and Purples

Pinks and Purples is a vibrant and feminine color scheme that would work perfectly for beauty brands and retail stores. The colors are bold and inviting and have a luxurious feel. This Beauty Care template from Envato Elements utilizes this color scheme as well as unique shapes to make for a visually interesting presentation.

20. Winter Watercolors

Winter Watercolors is a great color scheme for festive presentations. The muted, blue, and green cold tones are easy on the eye and evoke a homily feeling. This would be perfect for creating slideshows for Christmas parties or other winter-themed events.

21. Coral Highlights

Unlike the last coral color scheme we looked at, which used a coral background with white text, this template uses mostly white slide backgrounds. Coral is used much more sparingly to highlight key elements on the slide. This gives the PowerPoint a more relaxed and feminine touch.

22. Primary Colors

This Primary Colors color scheme is perfect for adding a vibrant touch to your presentations. This color scheme is a modern take on the classic colors of red, yellow and blue, and would be perfect for creating fun and engaging business presentations.

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What Colors To Choose For Your Presentation?

Colors are not only a matter of personal taste. They convey feelings, influence people’s mood, and even carry specific meanings. That is why you should leave nothing to chance when choosing the colors of your PowerPoint presentation. However, you don’t need to be an expert in graphic design or color psychology to select accurately the shades of your backgrounds and fonts. In this article, you will find a series of tips to help you pick the right color scheme. Get ready to come through your presentation with flying colors!

1. Choose the right color to convey the right feeling

Psychologists have taught us that colors can influence people’s perceptions and even trigger emotions. That is the reason why they have become such important elements in branding and marketing. The same goes for your visual aids: your audience will not have the same emotional response if you use a bright red background or a light blue one. Once you have identified the feelings at the core of your message, you will be able to choose the colors that can transmit them. Let’s have a look at the most common colors and discover the feelings and connotations they communicate.

RED – A powerful color to use with moderation

In the Western world, red is associated with love, passion, strength, and energy. It is a great color to put emphasis on a specific feature but can be tiring throughout a whole presentation since it raises the heart and respiration rates. Remember red is also the color of anger and danger. In conclusion, use red with care, only if you have a specific goal, for example, if your topic is food and you want to increase your audience’s appetite!

BLUE – The safe choice

More than one-third of people consider blue their favorite color, so grab this opportunity!  The most popular color has a calming effect and suggests peace, sincerity, confidence, and security. It is therefore a great option as a background, especially used in the finance, business, computing, communication, and healthcare areas.

GREEN – A color with harmonizing effect, perfect for nature-related presentations

The third and last of the primary colors can have a positive impact on your public since it represents life, nature, and peace. Moreover, it conveys feelings of balance and growth. Green is also believed to increase interaction, so if you want to set a mood that leads to dialogue, go green!

YELLOW – Feed your presentation with positive vibes

Let there be light! If you want to be sure to capture everybody’s attention, yellow is the stimulating color you need. It inspires happiness, optimism, and creativity. Nevertheless, try to use a soft shade of yellow in your background, since a bright yellow can be perceived as unsettling.

ORANGE – Show your creative side

Why not try the color of innovation and creativity? If you want to convince your audience to try something new, orange will do the trick: it is the hue of extroversion and confidence.

PURPLE – Great for luxury topics

Even though purple is an intense color that can surprise your audience, the right shade of purple can transmit creativity, wisdom or even mystery. This color can also give a sense wealth and luxury. It is a good choice if you want your background to be original.

BROWN – A warm and earthy color

This color is generally associated with the Earth and more specifically wood. A light brown color with a discreet wood texture could be a great option if your presentation includes environmental elements. Besides, it suggests the idea of durability.

GRAY – A formal yet modern color option

Forget about the negative connotations of gray ! It might be considered as a conservative color, but it is definitely a popular one. It offers a softer alternative to the white backgrounds.

BLACK – A powerful color to be used sparingly

It is well-known that black never goes out of fashion. Even though it is not the most popular color for backgrounds, it can be used to suggest elegance, luxury, and seriousness. It may not be ideal for a whole presentation, but black slides can easily be used to indicate a transition or make a powerful statement.

WHITE – The simple color option, when your message is King (as it always should)

The classic white background works ideally to evoke purity or simplicity. However, some people deem it as unoriginal. It is also tiring for the eyes when projected on a screen, therefore a light grey background is often considered a better option. Nonetheless, it helps get your message across clearly and simply.

2. Combine your colors attractively to please the eye

Some colors simply don’t match! Be careful when you associate the font color and the background one! For instance, blue and green are red’s worst friends. Two colors too close together on the spectrum, such as black and brown or red and orange, will make your presentation unattractive and hard to read. On the other hand, the right combination could convey the perfect message: dark blue and golden symbolize refinement while dark blue and white refer to the ocean and suggest tranquility.

You can obviously choose a basic color scheme: one hue for your background and another for your font. You can nonetheless try more complex combinations with 3 or more colors. In this case, check that the palette you use is pleasant to the eye and that it evokes the emotions you want to transmit.

A great example of color matching can be the 2021 Pantone colors the year : Illuminating yellow and Ultimate gray. The first is bright and vivid, the second firm and reliable; together, they represent strength and optimism.

3. Improve your readability with the right contrast

Establishing the right contrast between your background shade and your font color is essential. The basic rule is a light font over a dark background or a dark font over a light background. A high contrast means an optimal readability, and thus a high level of impact on your audience. To avoid having the same level of saturation in both colors, try to choose different hues and tones. For example, the pastel shade of a color will create a better visual impression when combined with the pure hue of another color.

One last piece of advice: if possible, always try to visualize your presentation on the screen where it will be projected, in order to check the final visual impression. Now you have another string to your bow: you are ready to consciously choose the right colors for your PowerPoint presentation!

We hope you like these tips. Your feedback is very important to us. Tell us what is (are) the color(s) you love to use in your presentations.

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How to choose the best presentation colors

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Kelly Morr July 05, 2016

It’s no secret that humans are drawn to visual stimuli, but many underestimate how colors affect our emotions and responses to information. Our color associations are not merely preferences, they’re also influenced by culture and evolution. For instance, it’s thought that humans have an aversion to brown because of its associations with rotting produce. However, the color red captures our attention because it’s a universal sign of heightened emotion. Presentations that are not only visual but also thoughtful when it comes to color, have a better chance of effectively communicating their message. That’s why in this article, we’ll share some of our top tips for putting together a powerful presentation color palette.

Presentation colors: Setting the mood

To choose your presentation colors, start by determining what mood you’re trying to set. Is the message supposed to be exciting? Perhaps it’s intended to keep people calm during a time of high tension, or maybe it’s full of important information that will require your audience to stay alert and attentive throughout. In any case, try using the guide below to help you select the right starting point for your presentation colors.

A dash of color theory

Once you’ve used mood to determine your base color, you can move on to choosing the rest of your presentation colors. At 99designs , we use a color wheel and a bit of color theory to help us out. Consider one of the following themes:

Monochromatic : one color in multiple shades or hues.

A monochromatic theme will give your presentation a feeling of harmony and be visually pleasing to almost everyone. If this were a food, it would be spaghetti with meatballs: it’s a classic and when done right it can be amazing, but even if not done right it’s pretty hard to offend anyone or make it terrible.

Analogous : two colors right next to each other on the color wheel, you’ll want to pick different shades or hues of these colors, as well, for contrast.  

This approach adds a nice level of variety but is still fairly safe. This is good for helping people pay attention and take in complicated topics without overwhelming them. If this were a food it would be enchiladas: it has a little spice, but it’s still a pretty safe thing to serve at a dinner party.

Complementary : two colors across from each other on the color wheel, again, with a couple shades/hues of each.

This will get attention! When we see complementary colors next to each other, it overloads our brains. This sort of scheme is best used when you definitely want to make a splash. If this type of theme were a food it would be screaming hot chili: some people are going to love it, but it may be too spicy for others.

Triadic : three colors equally spaced around the color wheel, with small variations in the shade of two colors.

This is a color scheme for advanced color users. When done right, it can guide where people look, creating balanced and visually compelling presentations, but it’s also really easy to mess up. Triadic themes are chocolate souffle : gourmet, delicious, will win you praise from almost anyone, but are super hard to make a right. One tip to keep in mind is to give each of your presentation colors a purpose. For example, one color should be more muted to ground viewers and the other two should be intentionally used as accents.

Tips for choosing the best presentation colors

Choosing the right presentation colors is crucial because they can significantly impact the audience’s perception and understanding of the content. Here are a few tips to help you select the best colors for presentations:

Think about what colors mean

Different colors can make people feel different ways. For example, blue is often seen as trustworthy, and red can grab attention. Choose presentation colors that match what you’re trying to say. If your theme is more on the formal side, blues and greens are great. For something that needs to pack a punch, you might want to go with reds and oranges.

Know your audience

People from different places or backgrounds might see colors differently. And it’s not just about culture; age and gender can play a role too. Younger folks might like bright, bold colors, while a more mature audience might prefer something less flashy.

Simplicity is key

Stick to a few presentation colors so you don’t overwhelm your audience. A good starting point is one main color for the background, another for your text, and maybe one or two extras to highlight important points. This makes sure your audience knows where to look.

Make sure it’s easy to read

You’ll want to pick presentation colors that stand out against each other so everyone can read your text easily. A dark background with light text or the other way around usually works best. 

Test it out

Colors can look different depending on where you’re presenting or what device you’re using. Always check how your presentation colors look in the room you’ll be in or on the device you’ll use. This way, you can make sure everything looks just right, no matter where you are.

Brand alignment

When picking colors for your presentation, it’s key to match them with your or your company’s brand. This consistency helps people recognize the brand and keeps things looking sharp. If you’re presenting on behalf of a company, starting with the brand’s colors is a smart move.

Trend awareness

Staying up to date with current color trends can give your presentation a modern and relevant vibe. But remember, it’s crucial that these trendy colors fit well with what you’re trying to say and don’t shift focus away from your main points.

Be aware of accessibility needs

Make sure to consider how accessible your color choices are for people with color vision differences. It’s important to steer clear of color pairs like red-green or blue-purple that might be hard for someone with color blindness to tell apart. 

Feedback loop

It’s a smart move to get some outside opinions on your choice of presentation colors. Chatting with colleagues or friends can shine a light on aspects you might not have considered. They might see things differently, which can really help you fine-tune how your presentation comes across.

Keeping these points in mind can help you choose the right presentation colors, making it clear, engaging, and accessible to your audience.

How do colors work? 

Colors carry distinct meanings, allowing you to shape audience perception in your presentation. Understanding these meanings helps in choosing the right presentation color palette to achieve the intended impact on your audience.

• Red: Signals urgency and excitement. It’s powerful for grabbing attention and can evoke strong emotions like passion and danger.
• Blue: Conveys trust and calm. It’s preferred for its soothing effect and is often used in corporate and healthcare settings to inspire confidence.
• Yellow: Associated with happiness and energy. Its brightness catches the eye quickly, making it effective for highlighting important points.
• Green: Represents growth and harmony. It’s easy on the eyes and used to denote eco-friendly concepts or financial themes.
• Orange : Suggests creativity and enthusiasm. It’s less aggressive than red but still effective in drawing attention and showing warmth.
• Purple: Implies luxury and wisdom. It’s used to create a sense of mystery or to appeal to the imagination.
• Black: Denotes sophistication and elegance. It’s powerful for conveying seriousness and can make other colors stand out when used as a background.
• White: Symbolizes purity and simplicity. It’s great for creating contrast and making content appear cleaner and more accessible.
• Pink: Evokes femininity and romance. It’s softer than red and can attract attention with its nurturing and calming qualities.
• Gray: Represents neutrality and balance. It’s versatile, often used as a background to help other colors pop or to convey a sense of sophistication without overwhelming.

What colors attract people’s attention?

When selecting colors for presentations, our primary goal is to capture the audience’s attention. This requires a thoughtful selection of colors that complement each other well. Here are several attention-grabbing color combinations designed to catch the eye, tailored to suit many themes and styles:

• Red and white: This mix is great for when you want to get people excited or to act on something, like in a sales pitch or a pep talk. It’s clear and direct.
• Navy blue and gold: Perfect presentation colors for serious business talks, financial updates, or anything where you want to look sharp and trustworthy. The use of a blue color theme keeps things looking professional.
• Yellow and gray: This combination is perfect for sparking creativity or presenting something new, like a startup idea or a design project. It’s bright and keeps things interesting.
• Turquoise and coral: This one’s refreshing and works well for topics on health, wellness, or the environment. It feels fresh and easy on the eyes, great presentation colors for learning settings.
• Purple and lime green: If you’re aiming to stand out, especially with tech or futuristic themes, this is your go-to. These are colors that grab attention without being too much.
• Orange and teal: Ideal for talking about marketing, travel, or anything adventurous. It’s engaging and makes people want to listen, perfect for a younger or dynamic crowd.
• Black and electric blue: When you’re dealing with high-tech or luxury products, this beautiful color combination gives off a cutting-edge vibe. It’s sleek and makes a statement.

Each pair is picked to not just look good but to help convey your message effectively to your audience, depending on what you’re talking about.

Presentation colors: careful application is key

When you’ve got your palette together, remember to use it to direct attention rather than steal the show. For example, see how the monochromatic theme below was applied to the dinosaur illustration. From left to right, the first color was used for headlines, the second for body text, the third for background, and the fourth and fifth are accent colors.

Also, remember that accent colors should be used sparingly. Try using them to draw attention to the most important parts of your presentations, such as the 1-3 key takeaways you want people to remember.

If you’re interested in learning more about creating an effective presentation, read the following article on presentation design .

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Best PowerPoint Color Palettes and Color Themes for Presentations in 2024

This article is about PowerPoint color palettes and color themes. It is well known that a good color palette can completely change how your presentation looks. But if you’re someone who doesn’t have the time to pick out color palettes, and experiment, then don’t worry. This article will help you out. Here are some of our top picks of the best PowerPoint color themes that can transform your presentations from average to all the rage!

Psst… if you want the TLDR version of this article check out our Insta post (and follow us for more such posts):

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Also, check out PowerPoint background , animated PowerPoint background , and confetti animation PowerPoint for a visually impressive touch.

Table of contents

Dark background and light text​ – red and black, blue, yellow and white color theme​, blue and white color palette, dark duotone gradient and light color combination, orange and white color theme, black and green color palette, blue – green gradient color scheme.

Here are the color codes for you to copy and paste: #292929 , #E33737 and #CCCBCB and here’s what a template made with that color scheme looks like:

This PowerPoint color theme gives your presentation a very sleek and stylish look. If you design your slide well, you’ll have a beautiful presentation that is legible, engaging and impactful. Red and black go really well together, and combining them with grey or white, gives your slides a professional touch. Feel free to copy the color codes try them out on your slides. You can also speed up the process by simply downloading the above template and then customizing it to your needs, which barely takes a few minutes.

Why and when to use this color scheme?​

• Black and white is a sophisticated color combination but when combined with a contrasting and striking accent color, the overall deck will look sleek, stylish, and engaging.​
• The color red is chosen as the accent color here due to its effect of getting the audience excited about an idea. Moreover this color prompts the user to take quick actions, hence this color can be used to highlight areas which need to be quickly acted upon.​
• Use this accent color to call attention to specific phrases or points which require more focus.

Here are the color codes: #21325E , #F1D00A , and #F0F0F0 . This is what a PowerPoint presentation with that color scheme would look like:

This color scheme for PowerPoint gives your presentations a very refined, professional look. The combination of the three colors, navy blue, yellow, and white looks really good. This type of PowerPoint color palette is perfect for corporate presentations. Try it out today by using the color codes, or by using the PowerPoint template above.

Why and when to use this particular color scheme? ​

• For a lively presentation that also serves the purpose of being executive, a combination of navy blue, yellow and white colors work well.​
• The color yellow is an attention grabber and should be used in small doses to highlight important facts, dates, statistics, etc.​
• These decks will be useful in presenting business reports of start-up brands or other budding companies.

The color codes are #113F67 ​, #226597 ​, and #F3F9FB . Here’s what those colors would look like in a PowerPoint presentation.​

This is yet another PowerPoint color palette that’s perfect for professional presentations. Blue and white is a very common color pattern, often used in business presentations. It’s fairly simple to use, and can really beautify your presentation. Download the template above to get started.

Why and when to use this particular color scheme?

• One of the most commonly used color schemes in PowerPoint, especially by various business corporations for their presentations, this colour scheme is a no-nonsense choice and can be powerful when used effectively.
• According to color psychology, this blue exudes traits like loyalty and trust, hence this theme can be used while presenting company profiles or business plans.
• Tech businesses and start-up brands also go with templates with this chromatic pattern for their presentations.

The color codes are: #C00000 – #113F67 and #FFFFFF . Here’s what your presentation will look like with this color scheme:

This particular PowerPoint color palette gives your presentations a modern, even futuristic vibe, depending on how you use it. Personally I am not a fan of gradient colors, but if executed well like in this template above, it can look absolutely gorgeous. So if you’re interested in this color palette for your next presentation, download this template and customize it to your needs.

• Duotones gradient themes are in trend right now due to the modern vibe it gives off.
• Using gradients in PowerPoint backgrounds are more beneficial in accommodating contrasting hues without going over the top.
• These colors create a strong impression yet makes the overall presentation look legible and comprehensive. Balance the colors well while creating the deck without making the gradient overpowering for the eyes.

The color codes are #F96D00 , #F2F2F2 , and #222831 and here’s what a PowerPoint slide would look like with that color theme:

This beautiful PowerPoint color palette consists of a combination of orange, white and black. You can make some amazing slide designs with these colors, I mean just look at the slides above! Orange is a great color to use since it’s not a very common color you see in presentations. Your presentation will definitely stand out, and be engaging with this color scheme.

• Orange is deemed to be a color which stimulates our creative juices. To mellow down the bright hue, it is paired with white and black.
• If the end goal is to try something new or engage in creative activities, orange color focused template should be used for your presentation.
• Usually used in informal scenarios, this is apt for educational purposes mostly, or for group activities.

The color codes are #191A19 , #4E9F3D – #1E5128 , and #FFFFFF . Here’s a PowerPoint template with the color scheme:

This PowerPoint color palette is great for technology related presentations. It is already giving me low-key matrix vibes. You can also use this color scheme for finance related presentations.

• This color combination is mainly seen while presenting topics related to gaming, technology, and other futuristic elements. Alternatively, they are also useful in presenting finance reports when used in balance with white.
• Green encourages participation of audience when used with the right color pair. For interactive queries or sessions, use this color theme.

The color codes are #4F98CA – #50D890 , and #FFFFFF . Here’s what a PowerPoint presentation would look like with this color scheme:

Another color scheme for PowerPoint which is great for corporate and business related presentations. The colors are mild, and are pleasing to the eyes. It’s a great theme if you want a simple design for your presentation.

• Blue-Green gradient is another favorite theme among corporates and tech related brands while creating presentations.
• This color scheme is pleasant to the eyes, and is efficient in delivering calculated messages when combined with black color text.
• While being presented on a screen, these colors ensure that the audience doesn’t get lethargic, and makes it easier to process.

There you go, some of our top picks for the best PowerPoint color palette for your presentations! We hope this article was helpful, and you’re able to create stunning presentations with it. We’ll be updating this article with more color schemes, and templates, so make sure you bookmark this page and come back later! Until next time, cheers!

At SlideBazaar, we help you create engaging and memorable presentations. Choose from our collection of professional templates or opt for our custom design services for a personalized touch. Your presentations deserve to be elevated to new heights, and we’re here to help you achieve just that!

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The ultimate guide to contrast: What your presentation is missing

Phoebe Perelman

Got a big presentation coming up ? If you’ve ever taken Nancy Duarte’s highly-rated workshop Resonate ®, you’ll discover that the secret to a standout presentation or speech is creating tension in your content. She coined this as contrast , and officially, the structure to model your presentations is called a Presentation Sparkline™.

Contrast is your secret weapon for an unforgettable presentation. By weaving contrast into your:

• Slide design
• Narrative structure
• And vocal delivery

You can give presentations that grab attention and resonate deeply with your audience. Depending on your call to action , it can also make your presentation persuasive, getting your audience to do whatever it is you’re hoping they do. Let’s dive into why contrast is so powerful and how to use it effectively.

What is contrast?

Contrast is when you create an intentional rhythm in your presentation content. Largely unveiled in Nancy’s TED Talk , she goes into the secret structure that makes the best speeches great, and she identifies it as employing contrast in a speech or presentation.

It can be represented as ebbs and flows, highs and lows, arguments and counterarguments, solutions and problems. In a nutshell, contrast places opposing elements together to highlight their differences, making it a versatile tool beyond aesthetics alone.

A review of common presentations

Let’s talk about common presentations, and how they often don’t use contrast. You’ve seen these in the corporate world or a timeshare presentation. You’ll learn why they are unsuccessful at moving audiences to action or keeping them engaged.

The report presentation

Every presentation follows a “shape.” Let’s look at a report. Its presentation shape looks something like this:

The bottom line represents “what is,” and the top line represents “what could be.” In a typical report, you spend the majority of your time talking about the current status of things. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Then you might suggest a recommendation at the end that could change what the future looks like.

The problem with a report is that it’s boring, and usually, it takes time to “get to the point.” It doesn’t keep your audience engaged, and if you’re presenting to the C-suite , they are annoyed, unengaged, and ready to move on to their next meeting.

The sales pitch presentation

Now let’s look at a pitch. It could be a sales pitch or an investor pitch . Its presentation shape looks something like this:

In a typical pitch, you open with the status of things, then spend most of your time talking about how amazing the future will be once you adopt this new idea, product, or service.

The problem with a pitch  is that it sounds too good to be true. You spend the whole presentation talking about how your idea is the best thing since sliced bread. Your audience’s guard is up, they’re trying to find the loopholes or the problems (because you didn’t provide any) and they’re trying to figure out “your angle.”

Why should you use contrast?

Both types of these common presentations have failed at employing contrast. There’s not enough to keep your audience engaged or to build trust.

That’s why the best presentations employ contrast, and their shape looks something like this:

Here’s why contrast works:

1. Contrast captures attention

Our brains are wired to notice differences. In an over-stimulating world, we’re constantly filtering information and determining what’s meaningful and what’s not. Naturally, anything that stands out from — or contrasts — the status quo grabs our attention.

2. Contrast clarifies messages and guides the audience

Your presentation is taking your audience on a journey. You’re the storyteller, and your audience is the hero . When used strategically, contrast helps guide your audience through your presentation, clarifying the most important points, emphasizing your message, and making it easier to grasp.

3. Contrast engages emotions

Contrasting content (like addressing challenges and rewards or a personal story illustrating what’s possible despite hardship) can evoke strong emotions , making your presentation more engaging, authentic, and relatable.

Now that you know a bit about why contrast works, let’s cover how it works. Visual contrast is up first.

Visual contrast: Techniques and examples

Visual contrast entails using colors, sizes, shapes, and fonts to make specific elements and pieces of information stand out. Here are some ways to integrate contrast visually into your presentation slides:

1. Visual contrast technique: Color

High contrast colors.

Use colors that stand out against each other to highlight key points. Think black-and-white schemes or complementary colors.

Accent colors

Use a distinct color to emphasize critical elements like call-to-action buttons or important data points.

2. Visual contrast technique: Size and scale

Varying sizes.

Play with different sizes for text and images to create a visual hierarchy. Larger elements naturally draw the eye in first.

Proportional emphasis

Highlight significant data or quotes by enlarging them compared to other content.

3. Visual contrast technique: Font styles

Combine different fonts and styles (like bold and italics) to differentiate headings from body text or to emphasize key phrases/terms.

Disclaimer: While using a few different colors, sizes, and fonts is an effective use of contrast, it’s important to maintain a sense of overall consistency to avoid a chaotic or busy look. Something that you can learn more thoroughly in a slide design workshop like Slide:ology ® or Slide Design .

4. Visual contrast technique: Images and text

Alternating elements.

Balance text with impactful images, icons, or graphics. This adds visual interest and makes it easier for the audience to digest (compared to crowded, text-only slides). For example, infographics can help audience members process complex content.

Industry leaders like Apple are no strangers to using contrast in presentations. Apple’s product launches often consist of bold text on clean backgrounds and the strategic use of color to help emphasize their messages.

Example slide from an Apple product presentation displaying contrast.

Many TED Talk speakers also nail visual contrast. The speakers who use simple, clear slides with bold visuals and minimal text keep the focus on their spoken words and create a powerful visual and auditory experience.

Narrative contrast: Techniques and examples

Like visual contrast, narrative contrast involves juxtaposing dissimilar elements, but instead of visual elements, these include ideas, emotions, or scenarios. Let’s explore how you can integrate contrast into your presentation content.

• Current vs. future state : Contrast the current situation with the potential future state. This fluctuation between “what is” and “what could be” illustrates the existing gaps and the potential of your proposal (and it’s the crux of Nancy Duarte’s world-renowned Duarte Method™).
• Problem vs. solution : Oscillate back and forth between a problem or challenge the audience faces, and how your solution addresses each of their concerns.
• Stories vs. data : Balance qualitative content (stories, examples, and anecdotes) with quantitative content (hard data and metrics). This way, you’ll appeal to the audience’s minds and hearts.

Have you ever watched Dreamforce keynotes ? (We make their presentation visuals by the way.) They’re great examples of how corporate presenters can infuse narrative contrast. Salesforce speakers always address the current business landscape before conveying how their innovative products and solutions meet the moment, using a mix of customer testimonials, bold visuals, and clear data points to motivate the audience to listen and act.

Narrative contrast comes in many forms. Whatever type you choose, leverage it to build and release tension, ebbing and flowing back and forth between two opposing states.

Vocal contrast: Enhancing delivery

Now it’s time to cover how contrast impacts your presentation delivery . Here are some tips on how to incorporate vocal contrast to ensure your message is received effectively:

Contrast your pitch to keep the audience engaged

No one wants to listen to a robot: A monotonous voice will lose the audience’s attention. Fluctuating your vocal pitch keeps the audience engaged. Use a higher pitch to convey curiosity or to add some humor. Then use a lower your pitch during more serious moments or declarative statements. This is called vocal variety .

Contrast your pacing to help the audience grasp the message

In addition to changing your pitch to emphasize a point, you can also adjust your pace . Slow down to highlight an important point and give the audience time to absorb the information. Increase your pace to convey excitement, urgency, or overwhelm. In other words, use the speed of your speech to convey the emotion you want your audience to feel.

Contrast your volume to convey the tone

Use varying levels of volume to complement your message. Speaking louder can help you command the room, conveying confidence, authority, and energy. Lowering your volume, on the other hand, can create a sense of intimacy or warmth, drawing the audience in during more reflective or emotional moments. What type of tone (or tones) do you need to set, and when? Once identified, use your voice accordingly.

Pause to give the audience time to process:

White space is to slide design as pausing is to presentation delivery: Necessary for breathing room and audience comprehension. Pause after a significant point so the audience has a moment to process. There is no need to fill every second of space with your voice — embrace the pause so your message can sink in.

When I think about skilled speakers , Steve Jobs comes to mind. Jobs was an expert at using vocal contrast. He varied his pitch, tone, and pace to emphasize key points and take the audience on a journey, often using dramatic pauses to build anticipation before revealing new products .

Final tips for incorporating contrast

Here are a few final tidbits to keep in mind during your contrast-infusing endeavors.

1. Know your audience

Before you start thinking about contrast, analyze your audience . Consider their dreams, fears, and objections. Then, you’ll be in the right state of mind to identify the content that they need to hear.

For example, analytical audiences may prefer more data, while emotionally driven audiences may respond better to stories. Although it’s important to strike a balance, it’s also important to lean into what the audience needs most. Download our Audience Needs Map ™to help you get started!

2. Organize your narrative

Start with a clear understanding of your key messages and build around them. Then, identify all the potential forms of contrast in your story — the problems and solutions, the before’s and after’s, the metrics and the stories. Use the Presentation Sparkline ™ structure to fluctuate between what is and what could be throughout your entire presentation to maintain engagement.

3. Design with accessibility in mind

Although you may want to introduce high-contrast colors to highlight important elements, use a consistent color scheme and don’t go overboard with the color wheel. Ensure text is legible against backgrounds by choosing colors with sufficient contrast and utilizing a color contrast checker to be safe. It’s always a good idea to brush up on accessibility best practices to ensure you’re using contrast accessibly.

4. Practice delivering

Like any skill, developing public speaking prowess and dynamic stage presence takes practice . Practice varying your pitch, pace, tone, and volume by reading children’s books, newspaper headlines, or using previous presentations. Find the most important word in a sentence and practice verbally punching it. Record yourself and listen back. Do it again. The more you practice, the more awareness you’ll build, and the more naturally vocal contrast will come.

If you really want to nail your delivery, hire a speaker coach or take our public speaking workshop, Captivate ™. Both are great resources to get you stage-ready if you have a high-stakes moment coming up!

Master contrast with Duarte

Incorporating visual, narrative, and vocal contrast into your business presentations can significantly enhance their impact.

Remember, a great presentation is not just about sharing information; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your audience. With the power of contrast, you can turn even the most complex topic into a captivating story, ensuring your message is not only heard but also remembered.

If you want to learn how to master contrast in your next presentation, train yourself and your team with our Resonate® workshop . You’ll get to work hands-on on a presentation or speech you’d like to deliver and come out with a well-structured presentation full of contrast.

Check out these related courses

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Overcome bad habits, conquer fears, and increase your confidence in any speaking setting. Discover your strengths and build on them to improve your delivery.

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Analyze your audience and organize your ideas into a story structure that will move them. Transform content into visual concepts and build a storyboard for your presentation.

Illuminate™

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Craft an effective communication strategy that sparks and sustains change with empathetic speeches, stories, ceremonies, and symbols that motivate and inspire teams.

Personalized help for speakers

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Craft a persuasive talk

Learn how the world’s greatest speakers use story to persuade. Develop a story structure that powerfully expresses your ideas, applying the principles of empathy, contrast, and variety.

Presentation Principles™

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From the “I have a dream” speech to Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch, many great talks have a common structure that helps their message resonate with listeners. Watch Nancy Duarte’s TEDx Talk that’s garnered over 3 million views.

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Get tips on how to determine your presentation format. This guide will help you consider audience size, presentation setting, and the delivery method that best suits your communication needs.

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We all know what it’s like to sit through a bad presentation … too long, too boring, indecipherable. The thing is, when we take the stage ourselves, many of us fall into the same presentation mistakes.

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Want to learn what are filler words and how to stop using them for good? Use these expert public speaking tips to nail your next board meeting, presentation or keynote and learn to embace the “pause for effect.”

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50 Gorgeous Color Schemes From Award-Winning Websites

Written by: Nayomi Chibana

Color is such a fundamental part of the way we perceive the world that we often take it for granted. Think about it: From the youthful and vivid orange on someone's attire to the gray and gloomy sky above us, colors have the power to mold our perceptions of others and even the circumstances we find ourselves in.

This is why one of the most powerful tools in a designer's arsenal is color. It can either make or break a design; it can be the determining factor in engaging viewers or sending them promptly on their way.

Unless you're a seasoned designer, it takes time and effort to find a color combination that works within your website's design principles , which is why the design team at Visme decided to provide our users with a handy list of beautiful color schemes from websites that have been recognized by  Awwwards , the most prestigious award for Web designers and developers.

After receiving plenty of positive feedback on our first color combination guide , we knew that our audience would appreciate another round of gorgeous palettes to choose from. For those looking to enhance their design skills even further, consider using color grading software to fine-tune the hues and tones of your images and videos.

You can easily apply these to any of your Visme projects by using the hex codes provided to the right of each image, as seen in the GIF above.

1 Metallic Chic

This website color palette is full of metallic touches over a blue-toned gradient creating a chic 3D setup for Shopify’s product updates. These colors evoke a calm setting that inspires curiosity in the viewer.

2 Deep Vintage Mood

The vintage color palette on the Prometheus website includes an earthy terracotta with a deep blue gradient and the sleek black of the car. The metallic touches add an air of futurism to the scene.

3 Cool and Collected

Deep teals and bright metallics create an innovative color palette that transitions from dark to light in an animated video. This screengrab captures the website’s color palette in all its glory. Visit the site for the full experience.

4 Earthy and Serene

Earthy sandy tones add a sense of stability and warmth to this site’s color scheme. The slate gray for the text creates contrast with the clay background and the touches of sky blue and fern green give pops of color.

5 Texture and Contrast

Brewdistrict 24

This website doesn’t have just one color scheme; it has four, and the visitor can pick between them with a button. Each color scheme showcases a type of beer and consists of a textured muted background and a bright color accent: raspberry and green, teal and pink, blue-gray and orange, and olive green and light orange.

6 Mechanical and Floaty

The almost black text over a light gray background gives this site a mellow tone that contrasts with the bright blue accents in the intro video and squiggles as you scroll. The shapes floating in the header are the same color as the text and background, creating visual balance.

7 Pixel Intensity

The first scene of this website’s video-based hero section starts with a powerful red and black figure over a bright red background. Over her eyes are pixels in tones between black and red, plus a few blue lights that give contrast. The text has a blue tone that matches the flickering blue lights at the top. Click on the site’s link to watch the full video effect.

8 Gradient Pop

C2 Montreal

This website’s color scheme is based on a series of gradient circles interlaced with each other. The overlay creates many colors, but the main hues are sky blue, salmon-pink and bright orange. There are two accent colors, black and neon green, that draw attention to important information like dates and calls to action.

9 Cosmic Artistry

Jeff Koons Moon Phases

The chosen color scheme makes a lot of sense for a website about a sculpture of moon phases. The combination of gray-washed white, space blue, slate gray and soft gradients in the text creates a true cosmic mood.

10 Vibrant but Calm

Loket Design

In this website, we see the brave choice of making all text muted red. Usually, red isn’t a very easy-to-read color, but in this case, it’s well-balanced with a creamy-gray background. The pink object in the center adds another layer of depth to the color palette

11 Lively and Inviting

Anton & Irene

This beautiful combination of candy pink, green-yellow, lavender gray and pastel brown is ideal for designs looking to project a vibrant and inviting image.

12  Striking and Simple

It's hard to look away when faced with a minimalist yet striking design such as this. The dark smoky black background coupled with a striking electric blue make this a winning color scheme, useful for a variety of projects.

13 Red and Lively

BrightMedia

Using the red Polish flag as a basis for its color scheme, this attractive website combines a dark scarlet red with dark pink over a light gray background. Its lively and creative and, at the same time, refined in its use of a minimalist color scheme with different shades of the same hue.

14 Artsy and Creative

Julie Flogeac

This colorful combination of goldenrod, vermillion, dark blue and Dutch white brings to life this artsy and creative design for an online archive of musical works.

15 Elegant Yet Approachable

This unique blend of skin tones and more elegant colors such as dark imperial blue and ruby makes this the ideal color scheme for designs with nuanced messages. Reserved yet approachable; sophisticated yet fun: These are the kinds of gray-area messages that are effectively sent with this eye-pleasing combination.

16 Sleek and Futuristic

This eye-catching blend of blue sapphire, gunmetal gray and platinum on the one hand and peach-orange and tan on the other make for a modern and sleek color scheme. Used here to project a futuristic image, the cool, metallic colors are effectively tempered by more human, earthy tones.

17 Innovative and Audacious

eDesign Interactive

This in-your-face combination of Portland Orange, vivid yellow and jade on a dark gray, almost black background screams for your attention. Daring and full of energy, this color combination is perfect if you're going for a contemporary and audacious look.

18  Texturized and Dynamic

Dark sienna, charcoal and a burst of pale red violet make this color scheme a must-have for those looking for an elegant, futuristic yet dynamic look and feel. This color combination is versatile enough it can be used in projects ranging from modern-looking corporate reports to magazines and editorial content in general.

19 Minimal Yet Warm

Eggshell white, dark vanilla and taupe gray with jelly bean red highlights come together in this minimalist yet warm and inviting site. The burst of energetic color throughout the design makes this site elegant and inviting at the same time.

20 Vivid and Sharp

Dark cerise, royal purple and dark slate blue are blended in this beautiful and engaging site. The deep cerise acts as an accent color over the dark purple background, leading the viewers' eyes to the navigation menu as soon as they arrive on the site.

21  Clean and Energetic

Change Digital

The shades of blue and violet in this site are especially pleasing to the eye and evoke both energy and peace at the same time. Blueberry and sky blue are artfully combined with amethyst to give life to a refreshing and eye-pleasing color combination suitable for any design which aims to incite positive emotions.

22 Corporate and Traditional

If you're looking for a more muted and corporate look, this color scheme brings together shades of green, blue and brown that convey both professionalism and reliability. Phthalo Green, dark slate gray and pewter blue are just some of the colors used here.

23 Blue and Refreshing

A range of blues, from a bright lapis lazuli blue to aqua blue, make this a reserved yet beautiful color scheme. It can be used in a variety of different visuals, from muted corporate projects to design-related ones, as in this case.

24 Clean and Modern

A beautiful myrtle green and keppel come together here with azureish white and plain white in a simple but effective combination.

25 Vibrant and Elegant

This bright and elegant color scheme brings together a very saturated light cold blue with other shades, such as dark slate blue and pale cornflower blue. This combination is elegantly complemented by a bright and vivid shade of pink.

26 Youthful and Fun

Five Hundred

This playful and colorful scheme combines several vibrant hues: bright turquoise, tangerine yellow, and dark orchid. One thing to note is that whether you design your website yourself or use website redesign services , having color palettes decided can help make the design process easier.

27 Gorgeous Contrast

Immersive Garden

This sleek and ultra-modern site boasts an elegant and eye-catching combination with effective contrast. The bright yellow-green combines well with the black and gray in the background.

28  Effective Accent Colors

This is another example of a site that effectively uses a bright accent color to delineate a path for the viewers' eyes. In this case, the bright yellow draws the eye first to the title, then the path up the mountain and finally to the call-to-action buttons at the bottom of the page.

29  Modernity in Full Bloom

Nurture Digital

This combination of ocean green, aquamarine and sea green perfectly communicates the concept of modernity and at the same time, life and fertility, which is totally in sync with some of the words in the site's central message: digital, nurture and bloom.

30 Close to Nature

This earthy combination of green with a range of blues, from pale cerulean to teal blue, is perfect for conservative designs intended to project an image of stability, reliability and abundance.

Incorporate your favorite colors into your designs

• Easily input hex codes into Visme’s color picker
• Change color themes with the click of a button
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31 Bright Pink and Pastels

Stinkdigital

This lively site brings together a bright raspberry pink with softer colors such as pastel blue and light pastel purple. The result is a wonderfully fresh and lighthearted color scheme.

32 Unique Combination

This unlikely blend of a range of dark pinks with a blues makes this a unique and engaging combination that can be used for a range of projects in different fields.

33 Striking Citrus Colors

Superhero Cheesecake

This fresh and citrusy blend of light greenish-yellows, lime green and black is a favorite among brands related to high-adrenaline sports and energy drinks.

34 Vivid Blues and Orange

The bright turquoise background and orange call-to-action button on this site may be a bit loud for some visitors, but the combination definitely conveys high-energy emotions, which go along with the image in the background.

35 Rose Red and Blueberry

Google Brand Studio

This range of pinks and reds with a bright blue call-to-action button creates plenty of visual interest and draws attention to itself immediately.

36 Audacious and Unique

This bold and unique combination of royal blue and gold, with vivid cyan highlights, captures the eye. Its unexpected and somewhat out-of-the-box thinking help make this website a winner.

37  Cheerful and Energetic

The cyan, blues and oranges on this page make this a particularly inviting and energetic design that can be applied to projects with an optimistic and uplifting message.

38 Snowy Yet Warm

Leavingstone

This wintery red and blue combination evokes both coolness and warmth at the same time, similar to images related to the winter holidays.

39 Rich and Colorful

This bright and rich color combination brings together a vivid yellow, blue and pink in this beautiful minimalist design, which can be used in lively yet professional projects.

40 Modern and Minimalist

This site pulls off an attractive design with just a few elements and a well-chosen color scheme. Turkish rose, middle green and yellow geometric shapes over a black and gray background are enough to catch the viewer's eye.

41 Intrepid and Fearless

Great Works Copenhagen

This effective color combination uses shades of blue and red to create a sense of boldness and ardent professionalism, ideal for designs looking to convey power and competence.

42 Flat Design Colors

Even if you're not familiar with the term flat design, you've probably seen it before: Websites with no drop shadows, no gradients, no bevels; in short, no three-dimensional elements.

While the site above adds a bit of a shadow effect to the boy on the right, it would technically qualify as flat design 2.0, which is nothing more than the addition of a few very subtle three-dimensional effects.

As seen here, flat design colors tend to be very bright and super saturated.

43 Eclectic and Peaceful

This unique combination of a coffee tone with sky blue and different shades of brown makes this a soothing and comforting color scheme: Something reminiscent of your favorite coffee house or lounge.

44 Classy and Traditional

This combination of cameo pink, UCLA blue and and granite gray brings to mind the kind of attire used by well-to-do, preppy college students. Although this makes sense considering the site's target audience, this scheme can also be used in any design looking for both seriousness and a bit of liveliness.

45 Accent Colors That Pop

stinkdigital

This Spotify site makes perfect use of a grape-colored accent against a very dark desaturated violet. This color scheme can be used for any design where you have a few elements or a central message you really want to pop.

Want to use these color schemes in your own visuals?

• Simply copy and paste the hex codes
• Use these colors in your presentations, printables, social graphics or any other visual content
• Apply professionally selected color schemes with one click

46 Corporate and Serious

Oxford blue with a few bright blue and red highlights make this a very traditional and corporate site. Blue and green, which convey professionalism and stability, are commonly used colors for corporate reports.

47 Glamorous and Fashion-Forward

This blend of gold, purple and black bring to mind words such as wealth and extravagance. Accordingly, this combination can be applied to designs related to fashion, luxury and high-end products.

48 Eye-Catching and Sleek

This beautiful combination of viridian green and telemagenta over a dark background creates heightened visual interest and draws the viewer in at first glance. Bold yet professional, this color combination, when used correctly, can even be applied to corporate designs.

49 Loud and In-Your-Face

Whereas the previous color scheme was eye-catching--but not too bright--this combination is purposely loud, to the point that it might repel some viewers. When looking to make a bold statement, though, this combination may work well when done right, as in this case.

50  Lively Yet Soothing

This relaxing yet cheerful combination of lemon, yellow, mint and dark cyan make this an ideal color scheme for any message looking to convey energy, optimism and, at the same time, harmony and growth.

FAQ on Website Color Schemes

Do you still have questions about website color schemes? These FAQs will help clear any doubts.

Q. What Color Scheme Should I Use for a Website?

The color scheme you choose for a website depends on various factors like brand identity, target audience and the emotions you want to evoke . However, a popular choice is to use a combination of three colors; two complementary and one accent.

The chosen colors must reflect brand personality while ensuring readability and visual appeal. It helps to start with a primary color from the brand palette and then select complementary or analogous colors to create a cohesive palette.

Get inspiration from guides like this one to choose your ideal website color combination.

Q. What Is the 3 Color Rule Website Design?

The three-color rule for website design states that the best color combination for websites consists of one main color, one complementary color and one accent color.

Typically, the primary color is a strong hue used in titles, big text and visual elements, the complementary color is the background, supporting visual elements or subtitles. Finally, the accent color stands out from the other two and is used for elements like buttons, links and captions.

Q. What Are the Best Colors for Technology Websites?

The best color combinations for websites in the technology industry include a mix of modern, sleek tones like blue, white, gray, black and silver. These colors convey professionalism, innovation and sense of trustworthiness. Additionally, incorporating pops of vibrant colors like red and orange sparingly can add visual interest and highlight key elements.

Q. How Many Colours Should a Website Have?

There’s no strict rule on the number of colors a website should have, but generally, it’s recommended to use a cohesive color palette consisting of around 3 to 5 colors.

A color palette with few tonalities ensures visual harmony and consistency throughout the website while allowing for variation and emphasis when needed.

Q. What Are the Calming Colors for Websites?

The best color combinations for websites that are calming include soft blues, greens and neutrals like light grays and beige.

These colors evoke feelings of tranquility, relaxation and balance, making them ideal for creating a calming browsing experience.

The best background color for websites that seek a calming effect are soft creamy grays and eggshell whites.

What is a Trustworthy Color Palette?

A trustworthy color palette often includes shades of blue, as it’s commonly associated with stability, reliability and professionalism.

Pairing blue with neutral tones like white, gray and beige can further enhance the sense of trustworthiness.

Additionally, incorporating accents of green or teal can evoke feelings of growth and harmony, reinforcing trust in the website and brand.

Q. What Is the Easiest Color to Read on a Website?

The most legible color on a website is black text on a white background. This high contrast combination ensures good readability for most people.

However, other combinations of dark text on a light background can also work well as long as there is sufficient contrast between the text and the background.

Create Beautifully Branded Content with Visme

Websites are the welcome mat to a brand’s existence on the web; they represent the brand identity and transmit its values and goals. But how can color be so important in that pursuit? It’s all about perception and color psychology . Colors transmit feelings, ideas and moods.

That said, the art and effort involved in choosing website color schemes isn’t lost on us; we know it’s tough. Hopefully, this collection of 50 website color palettes has inspired you to create a unique and perfect combination for your website and brand.

Once your website (and its color palette) is ready, use the Visme Brand Wizard to extract the colors, fonts and logos and get a full-set of beautifully branded templates. In less than a minute, you’ll have a complete collection of ready-to-use designs for both internal and external communications.

Get started with Visme today and take full advantage of how color can help grow your business through emotion and visual storytelling.

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About the Author

Nayomi Chibana is a journalist and writer for Visme’s Visual Learning Center. Besides researching trends in visual communication and next-generation storytelling, she’s passionate about data-driven content.

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Olympic Women's Golf Final Medalists, Results, Scores: Lydia Ko Wins Gold, U.S. Misses Podium

Jeff ritter | aug 10, 2024.

Lydia Ko is golden, and she made history for New Zealand along the way.

Ko, 27, entered the round tied for the lead and surged with three front-nine birdies to take the lead outright. But she made a double bogey on the 13th hole to drop from three shots ahead to one over Germany's Esther Henseleit, who finished off a 66 about an hour before Ko to post 8 under and apply pressure.

But Ko held on through Le Golf Nationals watery closing holes, avoiding trouble and make four consecutive pars to arrive at the par-5 closing hole with that one-shot lead. Ko laid up on the par 5, knocked a wedge to 6 feet and buried the biride putt to make it a two-shot victory.

Henseleit won silver. China's Xiyu Lin finished another shot back to take bronze.

With the win, Ko adds a gold medal to her silver from the Rio Olympics in 2016 and bronze from Tokyo in 2021. She's the only golfer with an Olympic medal of every color. The win also earned her enough career points to meet the LPGA's Hall of Fame criteria, locking up her spot among the game's all-time greats.

For the United States, defending gold medalist Nelly Korda finished 1 under par. Rose Zhang struggled while playing in the final group, shooting a 74 to miss a shot at bronze by three, and Lilia Vu finished 5 over for the event.

Here are the final results for the 2024 women's Olympic golf competition:

2024 Women's Olympic Golf Final Standings

GOLD: Lydia Ko, New Zealand

SILVER: Esther Henseleit, Germany (-8)

BRONZE: Xiyu Lin, China (-7)

T4: Bianca Pagdanganan, Miyu Yamashita, Amy Yang, Hannah Green (-6)

8: Wei-Ling Hsu (-5)

T9: Maja Stark, Ruoning Yin, Rose Zhang (-4)

T13: Albane Valenzuela, Dottie Ardina, Azahara Munoz, Brooke Henderson, Ashleigh Buhai (-3)

T18: Peiyun Chien, Celine Boutier, Atthaya Thitikul, Morgane Metraux (-2)

T22: Minjee Lee, Pia Babnik, Nelly Korda (-1)

T25: Jin Young Ko, Hyo Joo Kim (Even)

T27: Charley Hull, Linn Grant (+1)

T29: Aditi Ashok, Emma Spitz, Gabby Lopez, Celine Borge, Manon De Roey, Patty Tavatanakit (+2)

35: Alexandra Forsterling (+4)

T36: Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Georgia Hall, Lilia Vu (+5)

39: Stephanie Meadow (+6)

40: Shannon Tan (+7)

41: Klara Davidson Spilkova (+8)

T42: Perrine Delacour, Alena Sharp (+9)

T44: Emily Kristine Pedersen, Paula Reto, Anne van Dam (+11)

T47: Madelene Stavnar, Sarah Schober (+12)

T49: Carlota Ciganda, Ana Belac, Diksha Dagar (+13)

52: Ines Laklalech (+15)

53: Alessandra Fanali (+16)

54: Yuka Saso (+17)

T55: Sara Kouskova, Ashley Lau (+18)

57: Ursula Wikstrom (+19)

58: Maria Fassi (+21)

59: Leona Maguire (+23)

60: Noora Komulainen (WD)

JEFF RITTER

Jeff Ritter is the managing director of golf content for Sports Illustrated. He has more than 20 years experience in sports media and has covered more than 30 major championships. In 2020 he joined Morning Read to help spark its growth and eventual acquisition by SI in 2022. He helped launch Golf Magazine’s first original, weekly e-magazine and served as its top editor. He also launched Golf's “Films” division, the magazine’s first long-form video storytelling franchise, and his debut documentary received an Edward R. Murrow Award for sports reporting. Ritter has earned first-place awards for his work from the Society of American Travel Writers, the MIN Magazine Awards and the Golf Writers Association of America. He received a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and a master’s from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. A native Michigander, he remains a die-hard Wolverines fan and will defend Jim Harbaugh until the bitter end.

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Apple's iPhone 16 Launch Is Weeks Away and Here's Everything We Know So Far

We've rounded up the major rumors and leaks, from an action button to new cameras.

• More than a decade of journalism experience

Apple has big changes in store for the next iPhone, likely to be called the iPhone 16. 

The fall release for Apple's rumored iPhone 16 is likely just weeks away. And with the recent drops of the third public beta for iOS 18 and the developer beta for iOS 18.1, complete with  Apple Intelligence , the  next iPhone  has a lot to live up to.

But if rumors are any indicator the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro will each get a number of significant updates from a new power-efficient display and larger screens to better zoom lenses and the inclusion of an action button for all 2024 iPhone models. 

Read more: Best iPhone of 2024

The iPhone 16 series will be as much about revamped hardware as it is a platform for Apple's suite of new  AI-powered features . All this comes at a time when rival phone makers like Samsung and Google have phones full of AI and generative AI to make everything from writing messages and removing objects and people from photos super easy. That's not to say that the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will just be about AI and Apple Intelligence. Expect new colors, upgraded cameras and 

Here are the most credible rumors for the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 release date

Apple holds its annual iPhone event in September almost every year, so we'd expect the timeline to remain the same for the iPhone 16. The Cupertino company hasn't announced a date for this year's iPhone event. Historically depending when Labor Day falls, the event has been held on the Tuesday in the second week of September which would mean that the iPhone 16 event would be Sept. 10 this year. (The iPhone 15 event was held on Tuesday, Sept. 7.) There's only been two times where Apple held the event on a Wednesday, the most recent was the iPhone 14 event that was held on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

New iPhones typically get released shortly after the event, usually the Friday of the following week. That would mean the iPhone 16 would release on Friday Sept. 20. (For the iPhone 13, preorders began Sept. 17 and the phones went on sale Sept. 24.)

Again, all of this could change and we'll have to wait until Apple sends out the formal event invites to know for sure. Sometimes Apple will stagger release dates for specific models, especially when introducing a new design or size. So it's possible that the iPhone 16 lineup will have more than one release date.

iPhone 16 design

The rumors of larger screen sizes are piling in, at least for select iPhone 16 models. The latest is from Korean publication, the Elec, which published an April report saying select iPhone 16 models are poised to adopt an innovative screen technology, resulting in thinner bezels  or the frame around the phone's screen. This development could translate to a slightly larger screen area for some iPhone 16 models, although it's not clear which models. 

Apple has historically introduced display upgrades in its pro line of products, before sometimes trickling them down to lower-cost models afterwards. The report says display manufacturers have introduced a novel border reduction structure technology, enabling more compact control circuitry and ultimately leading to slimmer bezels.

The last iPhone Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus maybe be the last of Apple's larger regular iPhone. Apple is reportedly planning to cut the larger-screened flavor, Plus model, of its standard iPhone from its lineup next year and will instead introduce a new ultra-thin premium iPhone said to be called the  iPhone 17 Slim . That's according to reports from two analysts known for their Apple predictions:  TF International Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo  and Haitong International Securities' Jeff Pu (as  9to5Mac  reported). 

iPhone 16 colors

All the different colors for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has color predictions for the iPhone 16 lineup. In a  post on X  in May, he said that the blue color option of the iPhone 15 Pro would be discontinued and replaced with a new rose model, which would be available for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. He also predicted that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in white, replacing the yellow model.

Possible iPhone 16 series colors

iPhone 16 Pro screen size

Since 2022, the iPhone lineup has had a regular and Pro 6.1-inch models and Plus and Pro Max 6.7-inch versions

Speaking of screen sizes, Apple has maintained the two screen sizes for iPhone Pro models since 2020 when it launched the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max . However, that's rumored to change with the iPhone 16 Pro models, which might get bigger screens.

Display analyst Ross Young suggested earlier this year that the iPhone 16 Pro models will have larger screens, putting the sizes at 6.3 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. That rumor was later corroborated by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said the iPhone 16 Pro models could grow by "a couple tenths of an inch diagonally."

Read more : How the iPhone 16's Design May Change

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are believed to be sticking with the current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes . If the size increase is accurate, it would be yet another move from Apple to distinguish its Pro iPhone models from its regular ones.

iPhone 15 screen sizes

• iPhone 15: 6.1 inches
• iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7 inches
• iPhone 15 Pro: 6.1 inches
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.7 inches

Rumored iPhone 16 screen sizes

• iPhone 16: 6.1 inches
• iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches
• iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

Another change that could make its way to iPhone 16 displays is greater power efficiency. Samsung Display is apparently developing a new material set, dubbed M14, specifically for Apple, according to a  TheElec  report, which says the new technology should arrive on iPhones launching next year. M14 will replace the blue fluorescent technology that's used now with blue phosphorescence technology, creating an even more power-efficient screen than the current LTPO ones used on Pro models, the report says.

iPhone 16 will have more AI tricks

Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi introduced Apple's AI push as "Apple Intelligence" during WWDC 2024.

AI is perhaps the biggest tech buzzword this year, and Apple followed in the footsteps of rivals, Samsung and Google, which each trumpeted the new AI tips and tricks on their flagship phones. Apple Intelligence made its debut during the company's  Worldwide Developers Conference  in June.

It brings ChatGPT integration, tools for proofreading and rewriting text in a different tone,  new Siri features  for getting tech support and answering more personalized requests, and the ability to generate images and emojis, among other features. These new AI features are expected to ship on all the models of the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup with iOS 18 right out of the box.

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus get an action button

The action button on iPhone 15 Pro models can do more than just mute and unmute your phone.

In March, AppleInsider published a collection of photographs purportedly displaying 3D-printed dummy models of the rumored iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. The images revealed that the iPhone 16 may have a vertical camera stack as opposed to a diagonal one and an action button, similar the one on last year's iPhone 15 Pro.

iPhone 16 camera features

Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have 5x telephoto lenses next year. According to Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo , a tetraprism lens will make its way to both Pro models next year, as opposed to just the Pro Max model. Apple equipped the iPhone 15 Pro with a 12-megapixel 3x optical zoom, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 12-megapixel 5x optical zoom camera, which is the equivalent of 120mm lens on a full-frame camera. If this rumor is true, it could mark a breakthrough in design. When Apple launched the 15 Pro Max with its 5x telephoto lens, it cited the phone's bigger body as to why the Pro Max had it, but the Pro didn't.

Read more: iPhone 16 Camera: What Apple Could Change

According to a recent leak discovered by MacRumors , Apple might be exploring a novel approach to enhance photo quality. The rumor suggests that the company could add an anti-reflective technology to its camera manufacturing process. If successful, this could potentially eliminate unwanted artifacts like lens flare, resulting in more realistic photos. 

iPhone 16 processors: A18 chip for all

In a break with the past two years, all four iPhone 16 models will apparently get a next-generation Apple chipset, which will all receive A18 branding. According to a MacRumors report citing Jeff Pu, an executive analyst for Haitong International Securities, all four models will have an A18 series chip with Pro iPhone models getting an A18 Bionic Pro and base models getting a regular A18.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus currently have an A16 Bionic, which debuted on the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, while the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max run on the A17 Pro processor . Pu says the A18 chip will be manufactured with TSMC's cutting-edge 3-nanometer process.

Read more: Apple iPhone SE 4 Rumors: iPhone 14 Design, Face ID and More

Tim Cook unveiling the iPhone 13 in 2021.

Will the iPhone 16 be foldable?

Probably not. Virtually every major phone-maker -- from  Google  to  Oppo  to  OnePlus  and  Samsung  -- has launched several generations of bendable handsets, but Apple has been characteristically quiet about whether there will ever be a foldable iPhone. The latest rumors suggest Apple is working on a "clamshell" design iPhone, which could be ready as early as 2026 according to a  report  last Tuesday from The Information.

The new design will coincide with Apple's plans to also release newly improved camera technologies, including a variable aperture, the report added. It isn't clear what's kept Apple from releasing a folding iPhone in the past few years. The company has reportedly been working on folding iPhone designs since at least 2019

Read more:   iPhone 17 Slim: The Biggest Leaks About Apple's Rumored Super Thin Phone

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Usa 1-0 brazil: uswnt wins olympic gold medal 10 games into emma hayes’ tenure, the uswnt is back on the mountain top, winning their first gold medal since 2012. what will emma hayes do for an encore.

• Andy Edwards ,
• Andy Edwards

The USWNT are gold medalists for the fifth time after beating Brazil 1-0 in the women’s soccer final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday.

[ RE-WATCH: Stream USA vs BRAZIL in the women’s soccer gold-medal game ]

Emma Hayes is only 10 games into her tenure as head coach, yet she has already returned the USWNT to the mountain top of the international game, winning gold for the first time since 2012 and a major tournament for the first time since 2019.

Mallory Swansonn scored the game’s only goal just before the hour mark, when she raced in behind the Brazilian defense to catch up to Korbin Albert’s through ball. Swanson dribbled into the box, faced up to goalkeeper Lorena Leite, who had earlier denied Swanson of a similar chance, and fired inside the far post. Four goals in these Olympics for Swanson, who tore her patella tendon just weeks before last summer’s World Cup, though she misses out on the Golden Boot by one goal, to France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto.

Marta came off the bench right after Swanson’s goal, appearing in the final game of an iconic international career that began in 2002. This is Brazil’s third silver medal (2004, 2008) in women’s soccer, still yet to win the gold.

[ MORE: 2024 Paris Olympics soccer schedule & results ]

USWNT vs Brazil, Olympics gold-medal game final score: 1-0

Goalscorers: mallory swanson (58').

Adriana Leal timed her run to perfection and she even appeared put more than enough power on her header to beat Alyssa Naeher for an equalizer in the 94th minute, but Naeher was locked in, laser-focused, making the save from point-blank range.

ALYSSA. NAEHER. You are incredible. 🧤💯 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/WZTbPRK9mJ — On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) August 10, 2024

Just over a minute of regular time left for the USWNT to survive and hang on, as Martz hooks a left-footed free kick over the bar. There should be a good bit of stoppage time, though, so the job is nowhere near done. Update: minimum of 10 minutes of stoppage time!

30 minutes left to play, Brazil need Marta magic.

A LEGEND takes the pitch. Marta is on for Brazil and receives the captain's armband. 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/3tvQuMlvLI — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

Korbin Albert played the simple through ball that sprang Mallory Swanson, and then it was all about the finish. Cool as could be from Swanson, for her fourth goal at these Olympics (one behind Marie-Antoinette Katoto of France).

TEAM USA STRIKES FIRST—AND IT'S MALLORY SWANSON AGAIN! 1-0 IN THE GOLD MEDAL MATCH. #ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/rCEQNIbR68 — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

Absolute SCENES from all over the stadium as the crowd goes WILD for Mallory Swanson’s goal! 🇺🇸 #ParisOlympics 📺: NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/5QP70KWCCz — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

Half-hour stats update (USA-Brazil):

• Possession: 50-50
• On target: 2-2

It has been as even as the numbers would seem to indicate.

The game isn’t slowing down any just yet, but the USWNT are catching up to speed no anyway and probably should be 1-0 up right now. Mallory Swanson touched the ball around the last defender and raced into the penalty area, but her final touch before shooting carried her too far wide of goal. Goalkeeper Lorena Leite closed down Swanson’s angle and forced her to hit the shot right at her.

Ludmila was inches from scoring again, this time just failing to get on the end of a fantastic cross into the penalty area. Ludmila went full-stretch and only just grazed the skin of the ball, but the USA were caught out once again and they look a bit shell-shocked by the pace and intensity of this game so far. Once (if) the game slows down just a bit, they’ll settle in and take the pressure off with some prolonged possession.

It’s not often you see Naomi Girma flat out beaten one-on-one, but Ludmila da Silva did just that, dribbling by the USWNT’s best defender and thrashing a strike past Alyssa Naeher in the 16th minute. The offside flag went up as soon as the ball hit the net, though, and replay confirmed Ludmila had leaned just offside when she was played through. Bullet dodged for the USA.

It is very clear that Brazil want to play a fast, frantic game and stretch the USA as much as possible. They’re willing to give up chances at one end in order to get theirs at the other. Getting the first goal is even more important in this one.

USA in blue and red. Brazil in yellow and blue. An aesthetically pleasing clash of easily identifiable kits in the Parisian sunshine.

It looks like another capacity crowd at Parc des Princes, as both teams are out on the field and kickoff is just moments away. What a final this should be.

Last 6 meetings, dating back to 2017

• USA wins: 6, including Gold Cup final in March
• Brazil wins: 0

Marta starts on the bench in her final game for Brazil.

Lorena - Lauren, Tarciane, Thais, Yasmin - Yaya, Sampaio, Ludmila, Adriana, Portilho - Jjhennifer

One change to the lineup that beat Germany in the semifinals: defensive midfielder Korbin Albert replaces the more attacking Rose Lavelle.

Naeher - Fox, Davidson, Girma, Dunn - Coffey, Albert, Horan - Rodman, Swanson, Smith

Lining up for the Gold Medal Match in Paris, our XI 🇺🇸 #USWNT x @Visa — U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 10, 2024