themes
Custom Themes and Keynote '09
January 11, 2009 Filed in: Technical
Tips & Tricks
If you picked up a copy of iWork ’09, you might have noticed
the attractive new theme chooser. You might have
also noticed that custom themes and third-party
themes look pretty bad in it. It’s not unusable,
but if you’re as big a perfectionist as I am,
the visual disparity can become grating.
Keynote’s new themes have beautiful large preview images, and you can see sample slides from the theme by mousing over the theme images.
Your custom themes will look pixelated in the new theme chooser and will contain no sample slides.
Fortunately, the fix is an easy one.
First, open a new presentation in the theme you want to convert. (For this example, I’m using the 1024x768 variation of Keynote Pro’s Barcelona theme.) Then make seven slides. If you want to follow the same pattern as Apple, they should be:
Here are examples of what I’m talking about:
Then choose “Save Theme…” from the file menu. Name it, and you’re done. That’s all there is to it. I was surprised at how simple this process is, but it can be time consuming if you have several third-party or custom themes in Keynote. Remember to back up the themes you are replacing. I’m keeping mine in a folder called Legacy Themes for safe keeping.
There are several new features in iWork ’09, and I hope to get a chance to write about some of the more prominent improvements in the coming days. In the meantime, if you have a Mac, I strongly suggest you go try out the demo. I’m not much for outright product endorsements, but I enjoy being productive with the iWork applications. You might as well.
Keynote’s new themes have beautiful large preview images, and you can see sample slides from the theme by mousing over the theme images.
Your custom themes will look pixelated in the new theme chooser and will contain no sample slides.
Fortunately, the fix is an easy one.
First, open a new presentation in the theme you want to convert. (For this example, I’m using the 1024x768 variation of Keynote Pro’s Barcelona theme.) Then make seven slides. If you want to follow the same pattern as Apple, they should be:
- Title - Center (with optional image)
- Photo - Horizontal
- Photo - Vertical
- Title & Bullets
- Blank with a table
- Blank with a bar graph
- Blank with a pie chart
Here are examples of what I’m talking about:
Then choose “Save Theme…” from the file menu. Name it, and you’re done. That’s all there is to it. I was surprised at how simple this process is, but it can be time consuming if you have several third-party or custom themes in Keynote. Remember to back up the themes you are replacing. I’m keeping mine in a folder called Legacy Themes for safe keeping.
There are several new features in iWork ’09, and I hope to get a chance to write about some of the more prominent improvements in the coming days. In the meantime, if you have a Mac, I strongly suggest you go try out the demo. I’m not much for outright product endorsements, but I enjoy being productive with the iWork applications. You might as well.
Tricks and Theme Links
July 08, 2008 Filed in: Links | Apps and
Tools
iPresentee: Keynote Motion Themes 2.0
I'm not a fan of motion themes for general presentations, but they can be good for special projects. All of these themes are $10 each, or you can buy them as a pack for $25.
eventDV.net: TUTORIAL | Cut Lines: Using Apple Keynote as a Motion Graphics Tool
Have you ever wondered if you could use Keynote to create DVD navigation menus? Me neither, but here's how, proving yet again how versatile a tool Keynote can be!
via KeynoteUser
I'm not a fan of motion themes for general presentations, but they can be good for special projects. All of these themes are $10 each, or you can buy them as a pack for $25.
eventDV.net: TUTORIAL | Cut Lines: Using Apple Keynote as a Motion Graphics Tool
Have you ever wondered if you could use Keynote to create DVD navigation menus? Me neither, but here's how, proving yet again how versatile a tool Keynote can be!
via KeynoteUser
On Moving Backgrounds
January 03, 2007 Filed in: General Tips
In early December, Keynote theme developer Jumsoft released a pachage of
themes called Keynote Themes FX. Each of the
three themes in the package uses a looping video
as the background, creating a dynamic rather
than static backdrop for your slides. The result
is pretty unique, and, as far as I know, Keynote
is the only is the only slide presentation
software that can do something like this without
additional plugins or enhancements.
You can see the themes in action right here. Go ahead. I'll still be here when you get back.
The question is whether or not moving backgrounds enhance a presentation. They certainly add a certain "wow" effect, and it would come to me as no surprise if a future version of Keynote had a couple of built-in themes that featured moving backgrounds. However, fluid backgrounds will probably provide more distractions than enhancements to your slides.
Back in this post, I recommended using backgrounds that are simple and don't distract from your content. Animations will attract the eyes of your audience and draw their attention away from the content you want them to focus on. Perhaps there are occasions where an animates slide background will create the greatest effect – all "rules" are made to be broken after all. In general though, my recommendation would be to stick with simple, static backgrounds that get out of the way and allow content to be king.
Disclosure: I own a lot of Jumsoft themes.
You can see the themes in action right here. Go ahead. I'll still be here when you get back.
The question is whether or not moving backgrounds enhance a presentation. They certainly add a certain "wow" effect, and it would come to me as no surprise if a future version of Keynote had a couple of built-in themes that featured moving backgrounds. However, fluid backgrounds will probably provide more distractions than enhancements to your slides.
Back in this post, I recommended using backgrounds that are simple and don't distract from your content. Animations will attract the eyes of your audience and draw their attention away from the content you want them to focus on. Perhaps there are occasions where an animates slide background will create the greatest effect – all "rules" are made to be broken after all. In general though, my recommendation would be to stick with simple, static backgrounds that get out of the way and allow content to be king.
Disclosure: I own a lot of Jumsoft themes.
Choosing Backgrounds & Themes
October 28, 2006 Filed in: General Tips
One of the tougher questions I get when helping
someone assemble a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation
is this: "Which background (or theme) should I use?"
Every presentation is different, and, as such, each has a unique style and feel. The backgrounds you choose should be appropriate for that feel and act as a suitable backdrop for your content. Okay, that's a vague answer – here are some guidelines I like to follow.
x
Remember, first and foremost, your slides are there to reinforce your material. A distracting background will not help with that goal.
x
The first slide was created using a standard PowerPoint template. The second started as a blank slide, and I chose elements that seemed to best reinforce my message. (By the way, all of those points on the first slide are included on the second, but they are revealed with built images rather than text.) Does the second slide take more time and effort to create than the first? Yes, but the results are worth it.
x
As the slides move away from the theme of creation, I abandon the star-field that acts as a backdrop to the previous slide and replace it with a grassy field. Other slides will have other backdrops. Yes, in many of my presentations, the backdrop remains consistent, but it does not have to be that way. In fact, sometimes it is appropriate to change backgrounds as the content in your slides evolves from premise to conclusion or through different sections.
x
Sometimes you may want to create a frame for your material, which will cut down a little on space, but you don't want a slide that is completely restrictive in its proportions. I've seen slides like this first example a few times, and they are never effective visual communication. Constricting backgrounds only lead to cluttered slides.
It's almost become a mantra here to say that your slides should be uniquely you, and the theme or backdrop you choose for your slides is part of that process. If you can avoid some common pitfalls many stumble into when choosing backgrounds for your slides, your audience will notice at some level. It may be subtle, but it goes a long way toward making your presentation as effective as it can be.
Every presentation is different, and, as such, each has a unique style and feel. The backgrounds you choose should be appropriate for that feel and act as a suitable backdrop for your content. Okay, that's a vague answer – here are some guidelines I like to follow.
Avoid Distracting Backgrounds
The background should not be so colorful or busy that it distracts from the material you are presenting. You want your audience to focus on content – not the cool image that serves as the backdrop. Compare these two approaches:
x
Remember, first and foremost, your slides are there to reinforce your material. A distracting background will not help with that goal.
Don't Be a Cookie
Some themes (especially those in PowerPoint) are just plain overused. Try to avoid backgrounds that look stale and stereotypical. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: don't let PowerPoint tell you how your slides should look. You take charge of the appearance of your slides. Sometimes, this means you should build your slides from scratch, and this includes picking your own background.
x
The first slide was created using a standard PowerPoint template. The second started as a blank slide, and I chose elements that seemed to best reinforce my message. (By the way, all of those points on the first slide are included on the second, but they are revealed with built images rather than text.) Does the second slide take more time and effort to create than the first? Yes, but the results are worth it.
It's Okay to Change
You don't have to keep the exact same background behind every single slide. Again, here is an example from some slides I'm working on regarding Christianity and environmental responsibility.
x
As the slides move away from the theme of creation, I abandon the star-field that acts as a backdrop to the previous slide and replace it with a grassy field. Other slides will have other backdrops. Yes, in many of my presentations, the backdrop remains consistent, but it does not have to be that way. In fact, sometimes it is appropriate to change backgrounds as the content in your slides evolves from premise to conclusion or through different sections.
Give Yourself Room
I bend this guideline from time to time, but I've seen space on slides misused often enough to mention it: Don't create a slide that constrains your space. In Keynote, for example, most default themes give you an 800x600 or 1024x768 canvass. Don't use a layout that restricts this space.
x
Sometimes you may want to create a frame for your material, which will cut down a little on space, but you don't want a slide that is completely restrictive in its proportions. I've seen slides like this first example a few times, and they are never effective visual communication. Constricting backgrounds only lead to cluttered slides.
My Picks + Conclusion
In closing, here are some Keynote themes I tend to build my presentations around. I find they make good themes in and of themselves while also lending themselves to flexibility and customization.
It's almost become a mantra here to say that your slides should be uniquely you, and the theme or backdrop you choose for your slides is part of that process. If you can avoid some common pitfalls many stumble into when choosing backgrounds for your slides, your audience will notice at some level. It may be subtle, but it goes a long way toward making your presentation as effective as it can be.
The Sermon Presentation
July 22, 2006 Filed in: General Tips
I'm sure many of you attend congregations with slide
presentation abilities, and, along with these
capabilities, you probably have slides running
through the preacher's sermon. The sermon
presentation can be a very different beast from a
professional presentation, but some of the same
principles apply. Here are some things to think about
if you are planning a presentation to go with a
sermon.
Do Follow the 10-20-30 Rule. If you don't know what I'm talking about: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font. If you are presenting a standard sermon, you should be able to fit everything in right around 10 slides. My longest slide presentation for a sermon comes in at 14 slides. My shortest has only six. Most sermons will break the twenty-minute mark, but you should definitely try to avoid breaking that thirty-minute mark. Finally, any text smaller than 30-points gets hard to read.
Do Use (Some) Built Text. Your average sermon will have numerous scripture references. Pick those scriptures most relevant to your point, and cite them on the slide. This can be helpful for those following along and for those taking notes. Have those scriptures appear as you get to them so the audience does not get ahead of you and disengage.
Do Use Images. I don't mean clip art here. Use quality images that reinforce your point, that create emotional impact associated with the topic.
x
The first slide uses clip art and a business theme. Number two uses a stock image and an organic theme.
Do Use Themes. Choose a nice background for your slides. Don't make it busy or the color too bold– a simple texture should do – and avoid "business" themes. Use a background that has a natural feel about it. Textured paper or light stone should do.
Don't Overuse Transitions. Stick mostly with simple fades and dissolves. Save big transitions for big points, such as your summation. Too much animation will distract the congregation, and the message will become secondary to the show.
Don't Write Out Scripture. This is an easy one to fall into. If you have some words you want to pull out of a scripture, build those words onto a slide as you get to them in your reading. Don't just paste the entire scripture up there and highlight the words.
x
The first has a lot of visual distractions. The second is much clearer on the main points.
I've seen preachers have three or more slides straight containing one long scripture reading. First, this practice creates walls of text that just get unreadable. Second, by the time you get through all the slides, the congregation has forgotten what was highlighted on the first slide. Build in the key words. Your point will be stronger for it.
Don't Use "Cool" Fonts. You want the congregation to be able to read the text you do put on your slides. Avoid neat-looking fonts that obscure legibility (and remember kids: 30-points or higher).
x
The first makes me want to get my eyes checked. The second is much clearer.
Finally, be prepared to slip your slides in amidst other slides the congregation may be using – for standard announcements, song service, etc. When I occasionally preached at a congregation that used slides like these (and I wanted to use Keynote for my slides), I would replicate the standard-use slides, so my computer could be used for the entire service. Otherwise, I would switch to PowerPoint for the day. If you do want to use different software than the congregation traditionally uses, make it seamless. Don't put someone in a situation where they have to try and switch computers mid-service.
Hopefully these tips help those of you that present slides along with your sermons. Remember, if you are taking the time to make slides, then it is worth doing those slides well. Churches deserve good presenters as well!
Do Follow the 10-20-30 Rule. If you don't know what I'm talking about: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font. If you are presenting a standard sermon, you should be able to fit everything in right around 10 slides. My longest slide presentation for a sermon comes in at 14 slides. My shortest has only six. Most sermons will break the twenty-minute mark, but you should definitely try to avoid breaking that thirty-minute mark. Finally, any text smaller than 30-points gets hard to read.
Do Use (Some) Built Text. Your average sermon will have numerous scripture references. Pick those scriptures most relevant to your point, and cite them on the slide. This can be helpful for those following along and for those taking notes. Have those scriptures appear as you get to them so the audience does not get ahead of you and disengage.
Do Use Images. I don't mean clip art here. Use quality images that reinforce your point, that create emotional impact associated with the topic.
x
The first slide uses clip art and a business theme. Number two uses a stock image and an organic theme.
Do Use Themes. Choose a nice background for your slides. Don't make it busy or the color too bold– a simple texture should do – and avoid "business" themes. Use a background that has a natural feel about it. Textured paper or light stone should do.
Don't Overuse Transitions. Stick mostly with simple fades and dissolves. Save big transitions for big points, such as your summation. Too much animation will distract the congregation, and the message will become secondary to the show.
Don't Write Out Scripture. This is an easy one to fall into. If you have some words you want to pull out of a scripture, build those words onto a slide as you get to them in your reading. Don't just paste the entire scripture up there and highlight the words.
x
The first has a lot of visual distractions. The second is much clearer on the main points.
I've seen preachers have three or more slides straight containing one long scripture reading. First, this practice creates walls of text that just get unreadable. Second, by the time you get through all the slides, the congregation has forgotten what was highlighted on the first slide. Build in the key words. Your point will be stronger for it.
Don't Use "Cool" Fonts. You want the congregation to be able to read the text you do put on your slides. Avoid neat-looking fonts that obscure legibility (and remember kids: 30-points or higher).
x
The first makes me want to get my eyes checked. The second is much clearer.
Finally, be prepared to slip your slides in amidst other slides the congregation may be using – for standard announcements, song service, etc. When I occasionally preached at a congregation that used slides like these (and I wanted to use Keynote for my slides), I would replicate the standard-use slides, so my computer could be used for the entire service. Otherwise, I would switch to PowerPoint for the day. If you do want to use different software than the congregation traditionally uses, make it seamless. Don't put someone in a situation where they have to try and switch computers mid-service.
Hopefully these tips help those of you that present slides along with your sermons. Remember, if you are taking the time to make slides, then it is worth doing those slides well. Churches deserve good presenters as well!