i want to see themes I can download and apply to a powerpoint presentation.

Cameron Deacoff 0 Reputation points
2026-09-06T00:34:52.9833333+00:00

I have microsoft copilot build a powerpoint presentation for me but I don't like the theme it applied. I have tried most of the other themes already available to me through my organization but I don't like them any better. my organization prevents me from enabling content updates, so I need to find another theme independently, save it to my computer, and directly upload it into my file. The files I want should be either thmx or one of the following file types: POT, POTX, POTM.

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For business | Windows
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-06T00:35:07.2366667+00:00

    PowerPoint supports these relevant file types for themes and templates:

    • .thmx = theme file
    • .potx / .potm / .pot = template files

    A theme contains coordinated colors, fonts, and effects. A template includes a theme and can also include layouts and placeholder content.

    For PowerPoint on Windows, a practical way to use a downloaded template is:

    1. Save the downloaded .potx file to: C:\Users\<UserName>\Documents\Custom Office Templates\
    2. In PowerPoint, select File > New.
    3. Select Personal or Custom.
    4. Open the template to create a new presentation with that design.

    If the downloaded file is already a .potx template and the goal is to work on it in PowerPoint for the web, PowerPoint for the web cannot open .potx directly. In desktop PowerPoint, open it and use File > Save As to save it as PowerPoint Presentation (.pptx), then open that .pptx file in PowerPoint for the web.

    If the goal is to save a presentation’s current design for reuse:

    • To save it as a template (.potx): File > Save As > choose PowerPoint Template.
    • To save it as a theme (.thmx) in PowerPoint 2013: View > Slide Master > Themes > Save Current Theme.

    PowerPoint for the web also provides built-in templates through File > New > Browse templates.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Hani-Ng 1,130 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-06T01:14:59.4233333+00:00

    Hi Cameron Deacoff

    You can refer to AI's recommendations first, as it already explains the supported file types and how to apply them in PowerPoint.

    One additional point that if you want a more dramatic visual change than what you're seeing with the available themes, consider downloading a PowerPoint template (.potx) instead of only a .thmx theme file. Templates can include custom slide masters, layouts, backgrounds, and design elements, whereas themes primarily affect colors, fonts, and effects. As a result, a template often provides a more noticeable redesign of the presentation.

    If applying a new theme does not sufficiently change the appearance of the deck, you can start with a new presentation based on the downloaded template and then import your existing slides using Use Destination Theme. This allows the slides to better adopt the new template's design.

    Also, for security reasons, it's generally recommended to use .potx files from reputable sources and only use .potm files if you trust the publisher, since macro-enabled templates may contain VBA macros.

    I hope this information helps and if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask via comment section.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.