How to Change Shape Color in Google Slides

Google Slides is a versatile tool for creating presentations, and one of its standout features is the ability to customize shapes and graphics. Whether you're working on a school project or a business presentation, changing the color of shapes can make your slides more visually appealing and on-brand. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the shape color in Google Slides with ease.

Steps to Change Shape Color in Google Slides

1. Open Your Presentation

Begin by opening your Google Slides presentation. If you haven’t created one yet, you can start a new presentation by going to Google Slides.

2. Select the Shape

Navigate to the slide where your shape is located or insert a new shape. To insert a shape:

1. Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
2. Hover over "Shape" and select the type of shape you want (e.g., circle, square, arrow).
3. Click on the slide to place your shape.

3. Click on the Shape

Once the shape is placed or selected, click on it. You will notice blue handles around the shape, indicating it is selected.

4. Open the Color Menu

With the shape selected, look for the paint bucket icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen. This icon controls the "Fill Color" for the selected shape.

5. Choose a New Color

Click on the paint bucket icon, and a color menu will appear. Here, you can:

1. Choose a color from the preset options.
2. Select a custom color by clicking on the "Custom" option.
3. Apply a gradient if you want a color blend effect.

6. Adjust the Border Color (Optional)

If you want to change the border color of the shape:

1. Next to the paint bucket, you'll see the "Border Color" tool (indicated by a pencil icon).
2. Click the icon and choose a new border color or remove it entirely by selecting "Transparent."

7. Save and Preview

After selecting your colors, click outside the shape to preview the changes. Make sure your shape aligns with your overall slide design. You can always revisit the color options if needed.

Why Change Shape Colors?

Changing the color of shapes in Google Slides is a powerful way to make your presentations more engaging. It allows you to:

1. Highlight key points with vibrant colors.
2. Stay on-brand by using your company’s color scheme.
3. Improve visual hierarchy , guiding your audience's focus to the most important areas.

Best Practices for Choosing Shape Colors

1. Use contrasting colors : Make sure the shape stands out from the slide background.
2. Stick to a consistent palette : Don’t use too many different colors that may distract your audience.
3. Consider accessibility : Ensure your colors are legible for all viewers, including those with color blindness.

FAQ

Q1: Can I change the color of multiple shapes at once?
A: Yes, you can! Simply hold down the Shift key and click on each shape you want to select. Once all shapes are selected, follow the same steps to change the color.

Q2: Can I use a color not in the preset options?
A: Absolutely. Click on the "Custom" option in the color menu, where you can input any specific hex code or adjust the color sliders to find the perfect shade.

Q3: Can I revert back to the original color?
A: Yes, if you've made changes you want to undo, you can either manually reset the color through the fill color option or use the "Undo" button (Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command+Z on Mac) to revert the changes.

Q4: Can I add a gradient to a shape’s color?
A: Yes, Google Slides offers a gradient option in the color menu. Simply select "Gradient" under the fill color choices to apply a smooth color transition to your shape.