Applying Scrapbook Backdrops in PowerPoint

The tutorial shows you how you can use all the free backdrops that you can download from this site.

All the backdrops on this site are square since they have been created to simulate the conventional scrapbooks -- we'll therefore need to start with a square PowerPoint presentation that also has the right resolution. And even if you don't understand terms like resolution and dpi -- no worries, just follow these steps (we've made everything drop dead simple for you!):

Note: If you want to learn more about resolution, dpi, Slide Masters, and Slide Layouts -- do get a copy of my book: Cutting Edge PowerPoint 2007 For Dummies.

1. Create a square PowerPoint presentation with the correct page size using instructions found in the tutorial here...
   
   
2. Change the compression settings using instructions provided here...
   
   
3. Once the size and compression settings are changed, select the View tab on the Ribbon, and choose Slide Master, as shown in Figure 1.
   
   
   Figure 1: Slide Master in the View tab.
   
   
4. This opens the Slide Master view inside PowerPoint, as you can see in Figure 2.
   
   
   Figure 2: Page Setup
   
   
5. Now right click on the slide, which opens a context menu as shown in Figure 3.
   
   
   Figure 3: Format Background
   
   Choose Format Background from the context menu.
   
   
6. This opens the Format Background dialog box (see Figure 4). Choose the Picture or texture fill option and click the File button.
   
   
   Figure 4: Format Background
   
   This brings up the Insert Picture window, choose the backdrop you downoaded from this site -- click Insert to get back to the Format Background dialog box.
   
   Click Apply to All to get back to the Slide Master.
   
   
7. This will apply the background to the Slide Masters (and the Slide Layouts) as shown in Figure 5.
   
   
   Figure 5 : Applied backdrop
   
   Now click the Close Master View button to return to the normal view.
   
   
8. Save your presentation!