> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerpointgeneratorapi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerpointgeneratorapi.com/knowledge-base/finding-shape-names.md).

# Finding shape names

To update the shapes in your PowerPoint template, you'll need to find their names first.

1. Open your template presentation in PowerPoint.
2. In the `Home` tab, find `Arrange` and select `Selection Pane`.

![](https://1155212587-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mgoqdluo05I2RXHZpTr%2F-Mj92YluejENpNn_APAj%2F-Mj96kjuQ73yq1ih8yOi%2FArrange%20slides%20as%20template.png?alt=media\&token=b66ca7e3-8868-4a5f-9e75-6ac32e62c92c)

3\. The panel on the right will highlight the name of the shapes. Copy the shape names you wanted to populate and customise. 

![](https://1155212587-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mgoqdluo05I2RXHZpTr%2F-Mj92YluejENpNn_APAj%2F-Mj970qgqL1QSVRASqOY%2FShape%20names%20slides%20as%20template.png?alt=media\&token=f94779b7-436b-4349-9ee7-4b180829f409)

{% hint style="warning" %}

## PowerPoint allows duplicate shape names, which can cause errors—rename the shapes yourself to make each one unique and fix the problem.

{% endhint %}

## Example payload

We've taken the shape name "Title 1" from our template slide and used it in our payload:

```javascript
{
  "presentation": {
    "template": "slides_as_template.pptx",
    "export_version": "Pptx2019",
    "slides": [
     {
        "type": "slide",
        "slide_index": 0,
        "shapes": [
           {
             "name": "Title 1",
             "text": "Automate PowerPoint Generation"
           }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}
```