What is a PowerPoint Template (.potx) File? What is the difference between .potx and .pptx files?

A PowerPoint Template file has an extension of .potx, representing a PowerPoint file saved in Template mode.

If you have PowerPoint installed on your computer and double-click on a PowerPoint Template .potx file, PowerPoint will open it and automatically create a new PowerPoint presentation with existing slids.

If you compare a regular PowerPoint (.pptx) file with a PowerPoint Template (.potx) file, you will see no differences except the default opening mode: a .pptx file will be opened in Edit mode with the same file name, and a .potx will be opened in Edit mode with a new file name.

A PowerPoint template is a file that stores custom design information to be used to create future similar PowerPoint presentations.

When we create a PowerPoint Template (.potx) file, we usually create 3 types of custom design information and apply them to some sample slids:

1. Slide Masters - Slides that stores information about the design template applied, including font styles, placeholder sizes and positions, background design, and color schemes.

2. Slide Layouts: Slides that stores arrangement of elements, such as title and subtitle text, lists, pictures, tables, charts, AutoShapes, and movies.

3. Themes: - Set of unified design elements that provides a look for your presentation by using color, fonts, and graphics.

⇒Understanding PowerPoint File Types

⇒⇒MS PowerPoint - Frequently Asked Questions