How to Set Default Shapes, Lines, and Text Box Styles in PowerPoint

One way to make working in PowerPoint smoother is to set default shapes, lines, and text box styles so you have things the way you want them right from the start. Here’s how.

Start by putting a shape (any kind), a line, and a text box on a slide.

Format each one to your preference and then right-click on each one and choose “set as default [shape/line/text box].”

For example, the first thing I do is set my textbox to default with zero padding.

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This article was last modified on October 30, 2025

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