Choosing colors for background gradients and patterns

When configuring a gradient background with one color, use the background color scheme color as the basis for the gradient. If the background color scheme color is not appropriate, change the color scheme, rather than choosing another color as the one-color gradient color.

When configuring a gradient background with two colors, or a pattern (which always uses two colors), use the background color scheme color for one of the colors, and another color scheme color for the second color (the Shadows and Accent are often unused in a presentation, so they make good choices for the second color). Do not select a color scheme color that is in use, such as Text, Title Text, or Fills. Alternatively, choose two colors that are custom colors by selecting colors from the second row of the color palette, or by clicking More Colors. It is not recommended to select the background color scheme color for one color and a custom color for the second.