Change default border setting for new shapes in Keynote 15.3

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Level 1

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Change default border setting for new shapes in Keynote 15.3

Keynote 15.3: Can I change the default style for newly inserted shapes?

I'm using Keynote 15.3 on macOS. Every time I insert a new shape (such as a rectangle), it is created with a border (stroke). For all of my presentations I don't want a border. Each time I have to go to Format → Style → Border → No Border every single time.

Is there a way to change the default formatting for newly inserted shapes so they are created with No Border by default? Or is there another workflow or preference that accomplishes the same thing?

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

MacBook Pro (M4 Max, 2024)

Posted on Aug 4, 2026 3:55 PM

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Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

128,624 points

Aug 5, 2026 5:10 AM in response to vanmour

Keynote does not offer any setting to make default Style changes on Shapes. If you saved a previous custom Shape Style treatment to My Shapes, and you select it, that is what you will see when inserted.

In practice, I insert a shape, in this case, a rectangle onto a white presentation in Keynote 15.3.1. It defaults to a black shape with Border and Shadow set to transparent, and Reflection off. If I then click on one of the colored Shape styles, there still is no border styling on that shape.

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