Microsoft updates placeholders in PowerPoint for Windows and Mac

After introducing ablity to keep comments intact while editing slides, Microsoft has updated PowerPoint for Windows and Mac to give placeholders a new look and feel.

In a recent Microsoft 365 Insider blog, Victoria Tran, PowerPoint’s Product Manager, announced, “I’m excited to share with you that placeholders in PowerPoint for Windows and PowerPoint for Mac are getting a new, improved look and feel!”

Microsoft updates placeholders’ look and feel in PowerPoint

If you felt the existing placeholders were tad old, the updated one is for you. The revamped placeholders feature a refreshed design and offer clear guidance on insertable objects.

The updated image placeholders in PowerPoint now offer a dropdown menu to select from various sources, making it easier to insert images. To insert an image, first, select, Insert > New Slide. Then, choose a layout with an image placeholder. Next, click the Insert Picture button, and choose an image.

For SmartArt, you have to select a slide layout. Then, click the Insert SmartArt button, and choose the desired SmartArt. Other PowerPoint placeholders, including Cameo, Chart, Content, Media, and Table, have also received updates.

The latest update is rolling out to users on Windows and Mac

Microsoft says that the web version doesn’t yet support these updated placeholders, potentially causing display differences. The updated placeholders are rolling out to Windows (Version 2503, Build 18623.20178 or later) and Mac (Version 16.96, Build 25040711 or later).