What is the difference between a slide layout and a slide master?

The distinction between a slide layout and a slide master is fundamentally about scope and function in the context of a PowerPoint presentation. A slide layout provides a specific template or design for individual slides, defining how content is arranged on that slide, including placeholders for text, images, and other elements. Each layout can vary in design, providing different ways to present information within the overarching presentation.

On the other hand, a slide master governs the overall design and formatting throughout the entire presentation, ensuring consistency in styles, colors, fonts, and backgrounds across multiple slides. The slide master allows for coordinated changes that will reflect on all associated slide layouts, making it easier to maintain a uniform appearance.

Details in the other choices do not accurately capture the functions of slide layouts and slide masters. For instance, some mention scope limitations (like focusing only on animations or text formatting), which does not reflect the actual purpose of each tool in PowerPoint. The correct answer underscores the hierarchical relationship between slide layouts and slide masters, highlighting their respective roles in design and structure within presentations.