Slide Backgrounds That Do Not Fight the Text

Presentations improve when backgrounds support the message instead of competing with it. These notes describe how I make slide backgrounds with Raphael AI.

Ask for calm images

abstract soft gradient of deep blue and teal with subtle paper texture,
large empty area on the left, minimal, 16:9, no text

Three useful types

1. Abstract textures for title and section slides.
2. Blurred scenes (office, nature, city) for quote slides.
3. Single object on plain background for a slide about one concept.

Contrast check

Put your real text on the image. If you need a shadow or outline to read it, the background is too busy. Lower detail or add a darker overlay.

Consistency

Use the same palette across the whole deck. Generate all backgrounds in one session with one style phrase.

File tips

• Export at 1920 x 1080.
• Compress images so the deck stays small enough to email.

Generator: https://raphael.app