Can't edit layouts from the slide master

May 02, 2024

Hello Community,

I created a slide master, but when I apply layouts from it into my story, I cannot edit them; I can only edit them in Slide Master View.

I note that the elements from the master slide layout which would normally show up in the timeline (e.g., text boxes, shapes) are not showing in the timeline; in fact, there is nothing in the timeline at all.  Attached is a screen shot.

2 Replies
Judy Nollet

Based on your description, it sounds like you inserted text boxes and shapes from the INSERT ribbon onto the Slide Master. When you do that, those items are permanent for that layout. Those objects won't appear on the slide's Timeline. (Also note that they will always appear below objects on the slide's Timeline.)

To add editable objects to a Slide Master, insert a placeholder from the SLIDE MASTER ribbon.