WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 00:00:11.290 --> 00:00:15.719 You're already using a theme in your document, even if you don't know it. 00:00:15.719 --> 00:00:23.510 The default Office theme is where this color palette comes from... also your theme fonts... 00:00:23.510 --> 00:00:27.810 and last but not least, shape styles. 00:00:27.810 --> 00:00:29.810 So what exactly is a theme? 00:00:29.810 --> 00:00:34.360 Well, basically, it's a set of design elements that can be applied to your document to give 00:00:34.360 --> 00:00:37.010 it a consistent, professional look. 00:00:37.010 --> 00:00:40.770 To get started, go to the Design tab... 00:00:40.770 --> 00:00:46.890 Click the Themes command and then mouse over the options in the drop down menu for a preview. 00:00:46.890 --> 00:00:51.980 As you can see, the theme elements I've used are changing, like the fonts and colors. 00:00:51.980 --> 00:00:57.050 To apply a theme, all you have to do is click the thumbnail... and the change will take 00:00:57.050 --> 00:00:59.920 effect immediately. 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:04.119 Themes are also extremely easy to change once you've applied one, so you can try different 00:01:04.119 --> 00:01:07.000 styles and designs anytime you want. 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:12.360 If we go back to the Command, for example... and switch to a different theme... you can 00:01:12.360 --> 00:01:17.150 see how easy it is to completely change the look of your document. 00:01:17.150 --> 00:01:21.090 Let's try this one. 00:01:21.090 --> 00:01:25.680 You can also quickly customize your current theme by using the Color and Font Commands 00:01:25.680 --> 00:01:27.200 on the right. 00:01:27.200 --> 00:01:32.830 Just click the Command...And pick one you like... or click Customize Colors to make 00:01:32.830 --> 00:01:36.270 your own color scheme... 00:01:36.270 --> 00:01:43.420 The same goes for Fonts, just click the Command to pick one...I think this feature is really 00:01:43.420 --> 00:01:48.420 neat, because it lets you make changes, without giving up the overall look of the design. 00:01:48.420 --> 00:01:52.350 Keep in mind, trying out different themes like this will only work if you take advantage 00:01:52.350 --> 00:01:54.369 of what they have to offer. 00:01:54.369 --> 00:01:59.310 That means sticking to the built-in theme elements whenever possible. 00:01:59.310 --> 00:02:06.720 Let's take a look at what happens if I change my title text to a non-theme color, for instance. 00:02:06.720 --> 00:02:10.580 We'll go with the dark red here at the bottom of the menu. 00:02:10.580 --> 00:02:13.810 I'm also going to change this to a non-theme font. 00:02:13.810 --> 00:02:20.200 At this point, if we go back to the Design tab, and choose a different theme... you'll 00:02:20.200 --> 00:02:25.060 see that the text is going to keep the formatting I applied, no matter what—even if it doesn't 00:02:25.060 --> 00:02:26.930 work well with the design. 00:02:26.930 --> 00:02:32.129 Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't use non-theme elements in your document. 00:02:32.129 --> 00:02:37.919 It's just good to know how they work, so you can use them to your advantage. 00:02:37.919 --> 00:02:42.669 Themes are a great option for creating consistent, professional-looking documents, even if you 00:02:42.669 --> 00:02:45.329 don't have much experience as a designer. 00:02:45.329 --> 00:02:49.409 They're easy to use and can be changed at any time, so don't be afraid to experiment!