Why Master Slides Are Holding You Back (And What to Do Instead)

If you’ve ever tried using master slides in Google Slides, you’ve probably run into their biggest limitation: they lock everything in place (unlike master slides in PowerPoint, which are way more flexible). You can set colors, fonts, and a logo in the corner, but that’s about it.

No flexibility with layouts, no unique data visualizations, no custom containers. If you’re building a high-stakes deck, whether for investors, internal stakeholders, or a keynote, this just doesn’t cut it.

A Better Way to Build Your Deck

Instead of rigid master slides, at our presentation design agency, we’re usually using a structured Google Slides deck template with a clear framework. Here’s why:

  • Faster, easier customization. Edit individual slides without breaking the entire deck.
  • Better collaboration. Each team member can work on their own copy without overriding key design elements.
  • More creative control. Use layouts, charts, and visuals that actually support your message.
  • Easier reuse. Pull slides into different decks without dealing with locked elements.
  • Quicker turnaround. No need to fight the template, just update what you need and go.

If you’re pitching investors, aligning teams, or explaining complex ideas, your slides should work for you, not slow you down. That’s what we help with, no matter what tool you use: PPT, Google Slides, Keynote or Figma.

For a real-world example, check out how we helped a cybersecurity client revamp their pitch deck to grab the attention of CTOs and CSOs right from the first slide in our case study.

Let’s talk.

We offer free 30-min consultation on the presentation design audit
and hiring the right visual 
comms professional, let’s talk!
Shedule a call
Shedule a call
"I understand" goes a step further into the cognitive dance of persuasion. It's where the audience begins to see the connections between the facts, to grasp the nuances of the problem and the elegance of the solution.
  • This is some text inside of a div block.
    lay out the facts clearly and compellingly. Use data to establish the ground reality, but remember that facts alone are like the individual strands of a tapestry—necessary but not complete.
    lay out the facts clearly and compellingly. Use data to establish the ground reality, but remember that facts alone are like the individual strands of a tapestry—necessary but not complete.
  • This is some text inside of a div block.
    lay out the facts clearly and compellingly. Use data to establish the ground reality, but remember that facts alone are like the individual strands of a tapestry—necessary but not complete.

We offer free 30-min consultation on the presentation design audit

and hiring the right visual 
comms professional, let’s talk!

Shedule a call

"I understand" goes a step further into the cognitive dance of persuasion. It's where the audience begins to see the connections between the facts, to grasp the nuances of the problem and the elegance of the solution.

  • - 1 -
    Consistency at Scale:

    Biotech Market Trends 2024: Tailoring Your Pitch Deck to Current Industry Dynamics.

  • - 2 -
    Efficiency and Speed:

    The traditional process of manually updating presentations is not only slow but also prone to bottlenecks, especially when dealing with large volumes of slides. Automation dramatically accelerates this process, enabling designers to apply changes across hundreds of slides in the time it would take to manually update a single one. This efficiency is a game-changer for agencies working under tight deadlines or managing multiple projects simultaneously.

  • - 3 -
    Enhanced Creativity:

    With the burden of manual updates lifted, designers can allocate more time and energy to the creative aspects of presentation design. This freedom allows for deeper exploration of innovative design concepts, experimentation with new visual storytelling techniques, and the development of more engaging and interactive presentations. Automation doesn't stifle creativity; it amplifies it, enabling designers to push the boundaries of what's possible in corporate presentation design.

  • - 4 -
    Error Reduction:

    Manual updates are inherently prone to inconsistencies and mistakes, from misaligned logos to incorrect font sizes. These errors can detract from the professionalism of a presentation and, by extension, the corporate image. Automation minimizes these risks by ensuring that updates are applied uniformly and accurately across all slides, enhancing the overall quality and integrity of the presentation.

  • - 5 -
    Cost-Effectiveness:

    The time savings afforded by automation directly translate to cost savings for both the design agency and its clients. By reducing the hours spent on manual updates, agencies can optimize their workflows and resources, allowing them to take on more projects without compromising on quality. This efficiency can also make high-quality presentation design services more affordable and accessible to a broader range of businesses.

Tatiana Stepanova

Why Master Slides Are Holding You Back (And What to Do Instead)

Google Slides’ master slides can be frustratingly rigid: locking everything in place and limiting customization. Unlike PowerPoint, they don’t allow flexible layouts, custom containers, or unique data visualizations, making them a poor fit for high-stakes presentations.

If you’ve ever tried using master slides in Google Slides, you’ve probably run into their biggest limitation: they lock everything in place (unlike master slides in PowerPoint, which are way more flexible). You can set colors, fonts, and a logo in the corner, but that’s about it.

No flexibility with layouts, no unique data visualizations, no custom containers. If you’re building a high-stakes deck, whether for investors, internal stakeholders, or a keynote, this just doesn’t cut it.

A Better Way to Build Your Deck

Instead of rigid master slides, at our presentation design agency, we’re usually using a structured Google Slides deck template with a clear framework. Here’s why:

  • Faster, easier customization. Edit individual slides without breaking the entire deck.
  • Better collaboration. Each team member can work on their own copy without overriding key design elements.
  • More creative control. Use layouts, charts, and visuals that actually support your message.
  • Easier reuse. Pull slides into different decks without dealing with locked elements.
  • Quicker turnaround. No need to fight the template, just update what you need and go.

If you’re pitching investors, aligning teams, or explaining complex ideas, your slides should work for you, not slow you down. That’s what we help with, no matter what tool you use: PPT, Google Slides, Keynote or Figma.

For a real-world example, check out how we helped a cybersecurity client revamp their pitch deck to grab the attention of CTOs and CSOs right from the first slide in our case study.

Let’s talk.

News & Updates...

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When running a rapidly scaling semiconductor startup, you might reach a point where your initial brand style from a few years ago becomes outdated. You may find yourself with numerous inconsistent documents and presentations, all while investor meetings are lined up one after another.