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Gradients can be a tricky thing. If done right, they can make your slides look artistic and professional. If messed up, they can cause a disaster (read Death by PowerPoint).
We know plain white color can become a bit too boring. Solid colors are a safe bet. Rich, warm colors like orange can make your slides a visual treat or cool colors like blue can give a professional and soothing touch. But if you want to try something new this time and treat your slides the way photographer plays with shades and lights to click the perfect portrait, then gradient style is the one for you.
But hold your horses, guys! You don’t want to overdo it and end up winning an award for designing “the ugliest slide ever”.
You want to be the one that creates a nice gradient background like this:
And not an ugly gradient like this:
Ewwww, right! You don’t want to be this culprit. That’s why we have handpicked some cool gradient styles for you. We’ll also show you how you can recreate the same gradient backgrounds in PowerPoint.
7 Awesome Gradient Effects for Your Slides
Gradient #1- Ocean Blue Effect (Radial)
Blue is the favorite choice for many business presentations. Try a different blue this time- basically blues since we are talking about gradients over here. The gradient background below gives a sense of mystery and innovation.
Check out the slide below now- When you choose a contrasting color like white and yellow (or any soft color) for your content, it shines and grabs audience attention. The slide looks professionally designed and forces the audience to notice your slides and read your content.
So, how do you create this background effect yourself? Follow these simple steps in PowerPoint:
- Right click on the blank slide and click Format Background
- The Format Background window opens on the right
- Click Gradient Fill
- Choose the Type as Radial from the drop-down (see screenshot below)
- Choose the Direction as From Center from the drop-down (see screenshot below)
We now need to replace the default colors with the deep blue colors. Getting an exact match as the color we used might be a little time consuming. PowerPoint 2013 users are lucky- all they need to do is copy our gradient image and insert it in the PowerPoint slide. Next, pick the Eyedropper tool and extract the color. Here is the breakdown of the steps:
- Keep 2 Gradient Stops- one in the start and one in the end
- Click the Color drop down. From the Theme Colors window, pick the Eyedropper tool (see screenshot below).
- Click on the image to extract that color and apply to your slide
- Use the light blue color for the first stop and dark blue for the last (see screenshot below)
That’s it! You will get the exact same gradient effect.
PowerPoint 2010 users have to make one more effort- you’ll have to manually enter the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values that we have provided below to get the exact color. Follow these steps:
- Click Gradient Fill and keep 2 gradient stops- one in the beginning and one in the end
- Click the More Colors option in the Color drop down (see the screenshot below)
- Go to the Custom tab and enter the following code (see the screenshot above)-
- First Gradient Stop- Color Blue (Red-39, Green-145, Blue-197). Click OK.
- Second Gradient Stop- Color Dark Blue (Red-9, Green-28, Blue 60). Click OK.
You can click the Apply to All button at the bottom of the Format Background window to apply the gradient background to all your slides.
Gradient Effect #2- Dark Teal and Blue Color Combination
Teal is the trending color in presentation design and others. A solid Teal color alone makes the design stand out. But you can also combine it with another color to create a vivid look. Check out the gradient below- dark teal and blue create a rich, seamless look that can be the perfect background for your title slide, if not all slides. The opening slide has to be a stunner and you can guarantee yourself that with this rich gradient.
Now see how this background transforms ordinary, dull content into an eye-opener and a powerful statement. Also see how the content has been distributed across the slide below- with the image covering one half of the gradient and your title and subtitle the other half.
Here’s how to create this gradient effect for your presentation slide:
- Type- Linear
- Direction- Linear Diagonal Top Left to Bottom Right
- Angle- 45 degrees
- First Gradient Stop- Color Dark Teal (R-1, G-170, B-147), Position 0
- Second Gradient Stop- Color Dark Teal (R-1, G-170, B-147), Position 42, Transparency 10%
- Third Gradient Stop- Color Blue (R-41, G-167, B-251), Position 100
Variation of this gradient- Light blue and Light Green
Another aesthetic gradient background can be created by choosing the lighter versions of the above gradient colors. Have a look:
Create professional, artistic slides with this background. Both these colors have a calming effect on the viewer and lend sophistication to your slides:
Apply the following under Gradient Fill:
- Type- Linear
- Direction- Linear Right
- Gradient Stop 1- Light Blue (R-128, G-180, B-244), Position 0
- Gradient Stop 2- Light Green (R-201, G-247, B-239), Position 43%
- Gradient Stop 3- Aqua (R-197, G-245, B-239), Position 100%
Gradient #3- Nude Colors
Want to make your slides look earthy, clean and sophisticated? Go nude! We mean your slides of course. Let different shades of skin color make your slide more human and sensual. It is the best gradient style if you wish to create picture quotes for social media.
We tried out the monochromatic color scheme for this slide and it looked awesome (check the slide below). We picked the gradient color, went to More Colors and picked different shades of the tan to create an elegant look. You can insert a picture with a transparent background and add your content to create professional portfolio-like slides.
It’s very simple to create this gradient:
- Type- Radial
- Direction- From Bottom Right Corner
- Gradient Stop 1- Color Tan (R-225, G-210, B-203), Position 0
- Gradient Stop 2- Color Tan (R-214, G-189, B-182), Position- 40
- Gradient Stop 3- Color Tan (R-209, G-180, B-172), Position- 66
- Gradient Stop 4- Color Coral (R-171, G-144, B-143), Position- 91
Gradient #4- Blank + 10% Color
Allright, when you will look at the gradient below, you might wonder what is great about it. There is hardly any use of colors. That is exactly the purpose of this gradient- keep the background colors as close to zero as possible (but not plain boring white). Why? So that you can play with colors in the foreground. That’s right. When you wish to use bright colors in your content, shapes, visuals, etc. it’s best to use this gradient. It’s there and yet not there.
Now, look how awesome the contrast looks when this minimalist gradient is contrasted with bright, colorful objects in the foreground:
Breathtaking, right? But does the gradient background contribute much? It definitely enhances the look of your slide. It appears more natural as lights and shadows play their part. You can replace the grey with any of your corporate colors and use this gradient as a template to bring consistency in your presentation slides. Here’s how you create this simple background:
- Type- Linear
- Direction- Linear Right
- First Gradient Stop- Color White, Position 0
- Second Gradient Stop- Color White, Position 83%
- Third Gradient Stop- Color Light Grey (R-231, G-230, B-230)
Gradient #5- The Shine Effect (Rectangular)
Want to create an aspirational slide that motivates audience to reach higher in their personal and professional lives? Then the gradient that you see below is the one for you. Light piercing from one corner of the slide can be used for a revelation or simply a dramatic effect.
The teal color has been used again (we are biased towards this color) but you can use any color of your choice. Remember the psychology of colors when choosing a one for your slides.
You can use this gradient either for title slide alone or apply to all slides. Ensure there is a strong contrast between the background and foreground. Check out the corporate ladder slide below:
Follow these steps to create this background effect:
- Type- Rectangular
- Direction- From Top Right Corner
- Gradient Stop 1- Color White, Position 0
- Gradient Stop 2- Color Teal (R-110, G-224, B-219), Position 30%
- Gradient Stop 3- Color Teal (R-27, G-191, B-183), Position 100%
Let us make a variation of the same slide with light colors in the background and bright colors for the ladder in the foreground. Tell us which slide would you prefer to see- the one above or the one below (the gradient effect is the same; only the direction and colors have been changed- direction being top left corner and grey instead of teal):
How do you decide whether to have a light gradient background or a bright one? Well, this one golden tip by Garr Reynolds will help you- Use a dark background with light text if you are presenting in a dark room. Vice versa, use a white background with dark text if you plan to keep most of the lights on.
Gradient 6- Forest Green
Designing a presentation on any aspect of environment? Then this gradient is the one for you. It is the perfect background to evoke suspense. Since dark green also represents greed, ambition and wealth, it adds meaning to environment conservation slides. The gradient below is a mixture of this dark green and light green which symbolises growth, harmony and renewal.
We used this gradient to create a slide on deforestation. You can use it as background for a presentation on green cover, green energy, biodiversity or in a creative way such as a presentation on the greed for wealth.
Follow these steps to create this gradient background:
- Type- Radial
- Direction- From Center
- Gradient Stop 1- Light Green (R-67, G-104, B-28), Position 0, Brightness minus 54%
- Gradient Stop 2- Dark Green (R-37, G-45, B-31), Position 35%
- Gradient Stop 3- Dark Green (R-37, G-45, B-31), Position 100%
Gradient #7- Blood Red
If you have already gone through our previous post on colors, you would know that red is the color of energy, passion and excitement. Dark red carries both positive and negative connotations. Negatively, it indicates danger, malice and wrath. So, how you combine different shades and tints of red will depend on the theme of your presentation and the feeling you wish to evoke in the audience. The gradient below combines different shades of dark red to represent sin and danger:
This gradient is the apt one for a slide on sins of customer service or any other wrong practices that you wish to highlight. The background adds meaning to your content and reinforces the message that certain behaviors are dangerous and are to be avoided at all costs!
Create this background in 2 minutes by following these steps:
- Type- Radial
- Direction- From Bottom Left Corner
- Gradient Stop 1- Dark Red (R-134, G-0, B-0), Position- 0, Brightness minus 30%
- Gradient Stop 2- Dark Red (R-72, G-0, B-0), Position- 45%
Hundreds of gradients can be created using different colors, directions, transparencies, etc. So, for the brevity of this post, we have shared just 7 gradient backgrounds that are sure to lend sophistication to your slides.
And hey, gradient backgrounds is just one awesome background option for your slides. There can be many more which we will share in another post. Which gradient did you like the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
P.S. Here's a pre-populated tweet to help you share the post with your followers!
UPDATE:
After receiving many requests from our users to download these slides, we have uploaded the presentation to Dropbox. You can download it for free and use the backgrounds to create awesome slides. Click the link below to get these ready-made gradients:
Download Gradient Backgrounds Now
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Related posts:
110 thoughts on “7 Awesome Gradient Backgrounds for Your Slides and How to Create Them”
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Can you download these gradients as slides?
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Hi Louise, since these slides are not available as downloadable products, we will send the same to you on your email address. Thereafter, you can pick up any gradient slide, right click, Format Background and click Apply to All to save time. Thank you for showing interest in our designs. :)
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I would also like to receive the slides if possible.
The tips and tricks you send a phenomenal!
Thanka for all that you do!-
Hi Monica, super glad you like our work. We have sent you the copy as you requested. :)
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Hello slideteam! This is definitely a refreshing way to inject life in a presentation (especially intense ones.. content-wise). Would it be possible to get a copy of the slides as well?
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Hi Jen, sure! True, a nice background can infuse life into a dull slide. Glad you liked them. :)
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Love these gradient backgrounds. Could you send them to my email address as well? Thanks.
Keep up the good work Slideteam ;)-
Sure Tobias, we'll send them to your email address. Glad you liked them. :)
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Can I ask for the slides as well?
I love all of the tips and tricks you share!
Thanks!-
Sent! It is our pleasure. :)
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Love these backgrounds. I am just practising them, however love to create my own text with it. Please can you send the slides, much appreciated. Thank you
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Sure Nancy, we are sending them right away. Hope you are able to create awesome slides with these backgrounds. :)
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Could you send them to my email address as well? Thanks.
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Sure Dawn, it is on your way! :)
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Really liked the slides! Some of them (like the forest green at the end) I didn't think I liked until I saw how you used it with the text. What a tremendously greater impact than plain old bullets!
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Yes Kit, surely small tweaks like the background and distribution of content can transform the look of a slide. Bullet points is pure laziness. Glad you liked the slides, including green one! :)
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I think that I am #inspired! Thanks for sharing and I saw 2 examples that I am going to re-create for a presentation that I am developing this week. Very timely information.
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That's great to hear Career Evolve. We are glad we could be of help! :)
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Hi Team,
These slides are truely awesome.
Can you please send them to me.
Many thanks,
Jsh.-
Hey Josh, yes we will send them to you. Glad you liked them. :)
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Hi Team,
These gradient backgrounds are great.
Appreciate if you could send them to me. Thanks!-
Hi June, yes we are sending them to you as well. Glad you liked them, thanks. :)
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Nice job! Please send the gradient backgrounds to me as well.
Thanks, rob-
Surely, Rob. We have updated the post to include the download link. But will also send you a copy. :)
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Amazing. Absolutely professional one. If possible please share with me also in the mentioned email id
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Thanks Arvind. No problems, we'll send the same. We have also updated the post with the download link. :)
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I would also love a copy if you'd be willing to send!
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Of course we'd be willing to, Melissa. It's already on your way! :)
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Can u send me the slides, love it do much
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Sent Susan, we are happy you liked them that much! :)
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Very nice. I'd love to have the slides as well. Thanks!
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Hi Maryana, we have sent you the slides as requested. :)
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This is great - can we also get the slides...thanks
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Sure Angela, we'll send you right away. You can also download it from the blog post as we have updated it to include the download link. :)
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Just love the tutorial. Can you send me the slides as well.
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Hi Senta, we have sent you the copy of the slides. You can anytime download from the post itself too, we have updated it to include the download link. :)
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very nice and attractive tutorial, i'd love to have the eslides. thanks in advance
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Sure, we'll send a copy to you as well. :)
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loved the article and the slides, can i get a copy of these brilliant slides too?
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Hi Annamma, we have sent you the same. Glad you loved them. :)
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Hello~ may I have a copy of these wonderful slides as well? I am helping my colleague to enhance her presentation and these would serve as great foundation for her. Much appreciated for your share in advance! Thank you!
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Hey Kogepan, we have sent you a copy. Hope they serve your colleague well in creating awesome presentations! :)
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Love the gradient options. Are these available in slide format?
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Yes Cindy we will send you a copy of the same. :)
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Dear Team, thank you for keep sharing with us these gorgeous inspirations. I always learn something new from You. I was wondering whether it is possible to send me a copy of these in slide format, as well?
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That's great to hear Monika. Yes, will send a copy of the slides to you as well. :)
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That's all amazing stuff!!!
can you please provide me Gradient#5??-
Yes Muhammad, we will send you a copy of all gradients including Gradient #5. Glad you liked them! :)
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look forward to receiving all your tips. May I also have a copy of the slides? Thanks so much
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Hi Patty, sending you a copy of the slides. Hope they help you create awesome presentations! :)
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These slides look cool!!! Can you pls send the slides by email?
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Thank you. Yes sure!
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hi - from bored to excited. Pls send me copy of slides?
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Hi Simon, sure check your inbox! :)
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Hello Team!
Wondering if these are still available. If yes, please send me a copy of these in slide format.-
Yes Girish, we will send you a copy of the same. :)
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I had been a subscriber last year. Can you avail the new slides format, all of them are just what I need in my forthcoming in-company training.
Thank you,
Abraham-
Hi Abraham, sure. We will send you a copy of these slides. :)
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Hi, I know you must be fed of these requests, but I would be happy to have them as well.
[email protected]-
Hi Jabeen, no we are happy to receive every comment. Yes, we will send you a copy right away. :)
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Hi Team,
These slides are brilliant.
Can you please send them to me.
Many thanks,
A.-
Yes Ayman, we will send them to you. Glad you liked them. :)
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Awesome ppt!! Can I have a copy of the slides too??
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Sure Siddharth! We'll send right away. :)
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Really loved it, please send over to me as well
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Sure Syed, glad you loved the designs. :)
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Hi, can you send me these brilliant slides? Thanks a lot.
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Sure Roger! :)
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I have a subscription to your site for work, although I am reading the blog from home. I love the tutorials and tips - really informative, well written and usable. Absolutely top class, you should be very proud.
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Thank you so so much, Chryssa! Such words of inspiration keep us going. :)
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Good Morning! Could you please send me the slides?
Many thanks-
Tammie-
Good morning Tammie, sure we'll send them over! :)
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It is interesting. Request to send me the slides
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Sure Vishwanath! :)
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Hi there, I know its been awhile since this was published but I would love to have the slides as well! Thank you in advance!
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Sure, Cordelia! We'll send them over :)
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Beautiful! May I have these too?
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Sent! Glad you liked them.
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I'm not sure how I got added to your email list, but I'm sure glad I did! We aren't supposed to click on any links in emails unless we know the sender or get it approved from IT. Your slide teasers were so good on the emails you sent that I went through the proper channels to get Slide Team approved to click on! Kudos to your marketing team too. I made my own envelope slide thanks to your great instructions. Would love to have these background slides emailed to me as well. We use PowerPoint for every meeting we have here at our Cooperative. Thanks!
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We are so happy to hear that, Kim! Thank you for walking the extra mile to get that approved from your IT team. We'll keep sending you very useful presentation tips. Also sending you the background slides that you requested. :)
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May I have a copy of these slides as well.
Thank you very very much.-
Sure Andy, will send over a copy to you. Most welcome. :)
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I had received the slides, thank you very much for your generosity
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Hi there, I would sincerely appreciate if you could send me the slides too! Much thanks.
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Hi, we will surely send the the slides to you. :)
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Hi, in fact is awesom gradient background. Could you please send me to my email.
Thanks in advance-
Most welcome! We will surely send. :)
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Yes, will surely send. :)
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I really enjoyed reading this blog post. Thank you for sharing.
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Everyone wants to make their photos the most beautiful. Somebody wants to auto cut his image. Someone wants to change background of their photo or cut out image.
This blog is a solution for all such concerns. Thank you-
We are happy to hear that you liked the blog. Thanks for the appreciation :)
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Loved the design elements added to this blog. Thanks for sharing.
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We are glad to hear from you. Stay connected and do bookmark our site for more amazing content coming your way.
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This is a very helpful blog. I have bookmarked this site for more.
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Thanks for appreciating our efforts and writing to us. :)
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Absolutely loved the blog. Thanks for sharing such useful information.
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Thanks for writing to us. Keep reading our blogs for such amazing content.
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We are glad to hear from you. Stay connected and keep sharing your valuable thoughts with us. :)
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Thanks a lot for sharing this useful information.
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We are happy to know you liked our post :) Keep reading our blogs posts
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Glad you liked our post. Stay tuned for more such exciting content coming your way!
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Amazing work!!! What colors were used for the gradient at the top of https://www.slideteam.net/blog/5-awesome-gradient-backgrounds-for-your-slides-and-how-to-create-them in the top image with the wording, white to blue to black, I think?
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Thank you for your words of appreciation. Readers like you keep our teams motivated to continue creating valuable products and informative content. We update our blog library every day. Watch this space for more.
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I would like to have the gradients as slides. Please and thank you!
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Thank you for your comment and interest in our PPT templates. Our customer support team is available to assist you with issues you may have related to product or website usage. Please get in touch with them at [email protected] or call us at +1-408-659-4170., and they will be happy to help you. You can also contact our presentation service team with your requirements. They will be glad to help you with customized pitch decks. We hope this will encourage you to try our templates and see the benefits they can bring to your presentations.
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Could i get these as slides as well?
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Thank you for your comment and interest in our PPT templates. Our customer support team is available to assist you with issues you may have related to product or website usage. Please get in touch with them at [email protected] or call us at +1-408-659-4170., and they will be happy to help you. You can also contact our presentation service team with your requirements. They will be glad to help you with customized pitch decks. We hope this will encourage you to try our templates and see the benefits they can bring to your presentations.
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Nice; I like your explanation.
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Thank you for your kind words! For more such unique blogs and products, stay tuned.
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