What is the most efficient method to add a colored shape containing an image on each slide of a presentation?

The most efficient method to add a colored shape containing an image on each slide of a presentation is to add the shape and set the color using the slide master. Utilizing the slide master allows you to make universal changes to the entire presentation from a single centralized location. This means that once the colored shape is created and customized on the slide master, it will automatically appear on every slide that uses that master layout. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across all slides, as any adjustments made to the slide master will be reflected immediately without requiring repeated manual changes on each individual slide.

Creating a new slide layout for the shapes would involve additional steps and could lead to potential inconsistencies if not managed carefully. Adding the shape individually on each slide is time-consuming and increases the risk of error, as any change would have to be replicated on each slide manually. Using a pre-made template with shapes may provide some efficiency, but if the specific design elements are not tailored to your needs, customization might still be necessary, which can negate the benefits of using a template. Thus, leveraging the slide master stands out as the most effective approach for this scenario.