Slideshows are a reality of the working world. Sooner or later you'll run into one. In fact, you might even have to create your own using Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, or another program.

If you've never made a slideshow before, you might be sweating bullets. How are you, a novice designer, going to put together a professional presentation when asked? Well, here are some common design mistakes that you should always avoid.

1. Never Use Comic Sans

Never Make Design Mistakes in Slideshow Comic Sans

If you run in design circles, or you have a graphic designer for a friend, you'll know where we're going with this. The "Comic Sans" typeface is a meme and a joke. It is often the default presentation font for those who don't know its history.

The legacy of Comic Sans as one of the most hated typefaces is long and sordid. Even though there are multiple pros to using sans-serif fonts for professional works, Comic Sans tends to only be used in content targeted at very young children, such as educational charts.

While some of the hatred towards the font is overblown, and it does have its purposes, Comic Sans was never designed for work. You need to use something else if you want your work taken seriously.

2. Avoid Cursive Script

Never Make Design Mistakes in Slideshow Cursive Script

On top of never using Comic Sans in your slideshows, you should avoid using cursive typefaces, too. While cursive writing can make for a beautiful design element in moderation, it can be difficult to read from far away. This is especially true if your slideshow is animated or there is a low color contrast between your typeface and your background elements.

Most people have issues seeing cursive fonts from far away, and that's simply because they're not very legible. When you're presenting your slideshow, you want people to focus on your content and what you're trying to sell. You don't want them squinting in an attempt to understand what you're showing.

So what typefaces can you use, if you can't touch Comic Sans or a cursive script? Try sticking to sans serif typefaces such as Arial, Tahoma, and Calibri. They're simple to read, modern, and professional.

3. Don’t Use Font Colors That Are Difficult to Read

orange slide with blue and yellow words

After you’ve picked the right font style, the next element to get right is the font color. You may feel that the default design, with black text against a white background, is a bit bland and boring. Of course, it’s fine to switch things up a little to add more color and energy to your slideshows.

However, don’t use font colors that are too similar to, or pair poorly with, the background color. For example, don’t use orange text against a yellow background. Also, a reader can technically read red text against a bright green background, but it’s not a comfortable experience.

There should be a nice contrast between the font and background color, so it’s easy and comfortable to read the text. A simple pairing like black text against a pale beige background is a good start.

4. Never Use an Image That You Don't Have Permission to Use

Never Make Design Mistakes in Slideshow Picture Copyright

One thing that we warn people about on this site is to make sure that you have permission to use the images that you're using. If you're not a photographer or a designer, you might be tempted to grab the first pictures you find on Google.

If you don't have permission to use these images, however—and you're putting them in a slideshow that is work-related—you can get into trouble. The copyright kind of trouble. If you're using Google Slides, Google even warns you to follow proper licensing agreements when you use their "Search the web" function.

So you have no excuse. Running afoul of this is something you should avoid at all costs. If you can't take your own photographs, never fear. Here's a list of sites that host free, high-resolution stock images.

5. Never Enlarge Pixel-Based Images

Never Make Design Mistakes in Slideshow Pixelated Image

Have you ever sat through a presentation where a slide pops up and the picture on it looks kind of... fuzzy? This is because a pixel-based image has been "stretched out" past its maximum dimensions. It looks blurry and unprofessional as a result.

While slideshows can be enlarged on a screen through a projector, when you import a pixel-based image into your slideshow it will be a certain size. If you grab one of its corners to stretch it out to fit the page, for example, it will turn fuzzy and lose details. If your picture is too small to use it in your slideshow, consider using another.

6. Avoid Cluttering a Slide With Too Much Text

slide with title and two paragraphs

Each slide should contain your main points and the keywords of supporting details. But if you’re worried you might miss out on explaining something, you might be tempted to cram more text into the slides.

The problem is, you’ll likely have to use a smaller font size when you have more text in a slide. This makes it more difficult for your audience to read the words on your slide. Additionally, your main points may also become lost in the paragraphs of text.

Hence, it’s better to prepare note cards to support your presentation. Alternatively, if you feel you really need to have those texts in the slideshow, you can consider splitting them into several slides. For example, instead of consolidating three sub-points in one slide, break them up into one sub-point per slide.

7. Don't Place Your Text in a Random Order

Never Make Design Mistakes in Slideshow Text Position

It makes sense not to include too much text in your slideshow, but what about where you place the text? Turns out you have to worry about that too. If your writing is all over the place, regardless of how much or how little there is, people will have a hard time following it.

When placing your text, try to follow the normal reading pattern of the eye. If you don't, people can falter while reading. This will be made worse by the fact that your slideshow is transitioning, or moving, from page-to-page.

8. Don't Ignore the Importance of "Theme"

Never Make Design Mistakes in Slideshow Theme

Having a cohesive look to your slideshow can go a long way in selling your product. You want things to be sleek and pleasing to the eye. The best way to put your audience at ease through these visuals is by having a nicely thought out "theme", or design package.

You don't have to create them from scratch either. You can simply visit sites that offer free presentation templates, download a template, then just add all your slideshow content to them. Themes are usually pre-made designs consisting of matching typefaces, colors, and elements that can be repeated throughout your work.

They look good together, and when combined these elements will help to create a certain mood or feeling—think "playful," "calming," or "serious". Without a theme, different pictures and elements won't match. Your slideshow can look like it was hastily slapped together at the last minute.

If you're given the option to use a theme, don't discount it. Be purposeful about the type of theme that you use, however. If you use the wrong style for the product that you're talking about, it can be equally jarring.

9. Don’t Overuse Transition Effects

slideshow shred transition effect

After finding a theme, including all your key points, as well as inserting charts or other illustrative elements where necessary, you’ve essentially completed your slides! However, here’s where people might have too much fun and get carried away with slideshow transition effects.

While it is visually fascinating to see your slide ripple, shred, or fold itself into an origami bird to reveal the next slide, these transition effects are not really suitable if you’re presenting the slides in a professional setting. The effects become a distraction and may even cause your audience to take you less seriously.

Therefore, it’s safer to use basic ones like fade, or simply not use any transition effect at all unless you’re sure it is appropriate for your audience and your presentation setting.

Follow a Presentation's Do's and Don'ts

Overall, a good slideshow will have easy-to-read text, the right images, and a cohesive theme that fits your presentation topic and target audience. By avoiding the common design mistakes above, you're on the right track to creating a professional slideshow that will enable you to deliver your points effectively.

Design isn't the only area of a presentation that you have to worry about, however. To engage your audience, remember to consider your content and how you talk about it to your audience, too!