How to Create a Presentation Using Google Slides

Last Updated: November 30, 2023

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This tutorial will show you how to make a PowerPoint-like presentation using Google Slides. Presentations can be used for school, business, and so much more.

Step 1 Go to Google's home page and click on the grid in the upper right hand corner.

  • You can also just type in https://slides.google.com , log in if you haven't already, and will be taken to the Slides page.
  • If you don't have a Google account, learn to create one now!

Step 2 From your Drive, click the blue New button on the left side of the page.

  • For more options, hover over the arrow on the right edge of the Google Slides option, where a smaller drop-down menu will appear. From here you can select to create a presentation from a template or a blank slide.

Step 3 If you are on the slides page, select an option from the top of the page to create a new slide.

  • Be sure to add a title and subtitle by clicking where you are prompted to add text.

Step 5 Add new slides.

  • You can also change a pre-existing slide's layout by clicking the layout option on the upper editing bar.

Step 6 Insert images.

  • As you add animations to each element by clicking the blue "+ Select an object to animate", they will begin to pile up. Click on each one to edit it.
  • Change the transition from slide to slide by clicking the default "Slide: No transition" at the top of the sidebar. You can choose whether to apply to all slides or just one.
  • Preview your animations by clicking Play at the bottom of the sidebar.
  • Remove an animation by clicking the small x on its rectangle, and drag each animation up or down to change the order.

Step 9 When you are done editing, press the share button to edit permissions for your presentation.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

wikiHow Video: How to Create a Presentation Using Google Slides

  • If you have a pop-up blocker, make sure to disable it so Slides can work properly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Hover over each tool to see its keyboard shortcut and function. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Remember, these are the basic functions- Google Slides contains many more tools that you can work with as you explore the creator. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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About This Article

To create a new Google Slides presentation, open a web browser and go to Slides.Google.com. If you want to start from a template, you can choose one from the template gallery. Otherwise, click "Blank" to create a new blank presentation. Your blank presentation starts with a single simple slide with space to enter a title and subtitle. You can personalize this slide, as well as other slides you add, by editing the placeholder text, as well as choosing a slide theme from the panel to the right. To insert another slide, click the "Insert" menu and select "New Slide," or press "Control M" for a quick keyboard shortcut. You'll also find other things you can add to your slide on the Insert menu, including the option to add an image, a text box for typing, videos, shapes, charts, and other features. After adding a new slide, click the "Layout" menu to choose a slide layout—you can give each slide its own layout or reuse the same layout as much as necessary. Edit the placeholder text, and then insert objects from the Insert menu. To move an object, click the arrow in the toolbar, hover the mouse cursor around the object's border line until it turns to a 4-point arrow, and then click and drag it. Each slide you add will have a thumbnail in the left panel—click a slide's thumbnail to open that slide for editing. To see your presentation as a viewer would, click your first slide in the left panel, and then click "Present" at the top corner. Click the Escape key to go back to editing. Google Slides also has some built-in effects you can access from the "Transition" menu—here you can animate a slide's transition into the next slide, as well as animate individual objects. To apply an effect, background, theme, layout, or any other setting to more than one slide at once, select the slides in the left panel by holding down the Control key as you click each thumbnail. Your presentation will automatically save to your Google Drive as you work—type a name for the presentation in the top-left corner so you can easily find the file when you need it. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Google Slides  - Getting Started with Your Presentation

Google slides  -, getting started with your presentation, google slides getting started with your presentation.

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Google Slides: Getting Started with Your Presentation

Lesson 8: getting started with your presentation.

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Getting started with your presentation

Google Slides allows you to create dynamic slide presentations. These presentations can include animation, narration, images, videos, and much more. In this lesson, you'll learn about the Google Slides interface and the basics of setting up your document, including the menu and shortcut toolbars , zoom settings , and choosing a theme .

Watch the video below to learn more about using Google Slides.

The Google Slides interface

When you create a new presentation in Google Slides, the interface for Slides will appear. This interface displays the toolbar , along with the main view of your presentation. It allows you to create and modify slides , choose a theme , and share the presentation with others.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the interface for Google Slides.

viewing the google slides interface interactive

Presentation Title

Google Drive displays the title of your presentation here and in the View pane of your Google Drive homepage. By default, new presentations are named Untitled presentation . Click the title to change the name.

Google Slides Home Screen

This icon indicates that you are in the Google Slides interface. Click the icon to navigate back to your Google Slides home screen.

Menu Toolbar

Various menus for working with your presentation can be found on the menu toolbar . Click a menu to see available commands and options .

Collaboration Options

Click Share to share your spreadsheet, as well as to allow others to edit it and collaborate on it. Click Comments to add comments or change notification settings.

Shortcut Toolbar

This toolbar provides convenient shortcut buttons for formatting your presentation.

Slide Navigation Pane

The Slide Navigation pane allows you to view and organize the slides in your presentation.

Here, you can view and edit the selected slide.

Click here to add notes to your current slide. Often called speaker notes , they can help you deliver or prepare for your presentation.

Click this button to play your presentation.

Choosing a theme

When you first create a new presentation, Google Slides will prompt you to choose a theme . Themes give you a quick and easy way to change the overall design of your presentation. Each theme has a unique combination of colors , fonts , and slide layouts . Select a theme from the panel on the right side of the window, and it will be applied to your entire presentation.

choosing a theme

You can choose from a variety of new themes at any time, giving your entire presentation a consistent, professional look. If you want to change your theme, you can open the Themes panel again by clicking the Theme command on the shortcut toolbar .

showing the theme command on the toolbar

Working with the Google Slides environment

Here, we'll show you how to navigate the Google Slides environment. You'll learn how to use the menu and shortcut toolbars , zoom in and out, and play your presentation .

The menu and shortcut toolbars

The Google Slides interface uses a traditional menu system with a s hortcut toolbar . The menus contain commands grouped by function. The shortcut toolbar has buttons for some frequently used commands.

showing the menus and the shortcut toolbar

Showing and hiding the menus

You can choose to minimize the menu bar to free up more space to display your slides. Click the Hide the menus command to hide the menu bar, leaving only the shortcut toolbar at the top of the window. Click it again to show the menu bar again.

showing how to hide the menus

Zooming in and out

You can zoom in and out of your presentation with the Zoom shortcut. Click Zoom on the shortcut toolbar, then move the mouse cursor over your slide. The cursor will change to a magnifying class with a plus sign inside of it. Now you can left-click to zoom in or right-click to zoom out. Press Escape on your keyboard to return your cursor to normal.

zooming using the cursor

Within the View drop-down menu, hover over Zoom and there you will see options to set the zoom more precisely.

showing the zoom drop-down menu within view

Playing the presentation

When you are ready to show your presentation—or if you want to see what it will look like during a presentation—click the Present button to the right of the menus. You can also click the drop-down arrow for additional presentation options.

viewing presentation options

  • Open Google Slides and create a blank presentation.
  • Change the presentation title from Untitled Presentation to Practice Presentation .
  • Choose a theme for your presentation.
  • Use the View menu to set the zoom to 50%.

showing the final result

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Google Slides cheat sheet: How to get started

How to use google slides to create, collaborate on, and lead business presentations..

Google Slides / A team views a presentation on screen.

Need to build a slide presentation for a meeting, training, or other event? Google Slides is an easy-to-use web app that comes with the essential tools and more. It stores your presentations in the cloud with Google Drive. Anyone with a Google account can use Slides and Drive for free, and they’re also included with a Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) subscription for business and enterprise customers. There are Google Sheets mobile apps for Android and iOS, too.

This guide will help you become familiar with the Google Slides web interface and show you how to start a new presentation, upload a Microsoft PowerPoint file to edit in Google Slides, collaborate with others on your presentation, and finally, present it to others.

Create or open a presentation

Log in to your Google or Workspace account. Then:

From Google Slides : At the top of the home page, you’ll see a “Start a new presentation” header, with a row of thumbnails underneath. To start a new, blank presentation, click the Blank thumbnail. To start a new presentation in a template, select one of the thumbnails to the right or click Template gallery toward the upper-right corner, then click any thumbnail on the page that appears.

google slides 01 slides home

The Google Slides home page. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Below the “Start a new presentation” area you’ll see a list of presentations that are stored in your Google Drive or shared with you. To open a presentation, click it in this list.

The list of your presentations appears in reverse chronological order starting with the presentation you most recently opened. Clicking the “AZ” icon at the upper right of this list changes the sort order to Last modified by me , Last modified , or in alphabetical order by presentation title. You can also browse to a specific folder by clicking the folder icon next to the “AZ” icon.

From Google Drive : Presentations stored in your Google Drive are listed in the main window of the Drive home page. To see a listing of presentations that others are sharing with you, click Shared with me in the left column. From either list, double-click a presentation to open it in Google Slides.

To start a new, blank presentation, click the New button at the upper-left of the screen and then click Google Slides .

If you want to use a template to start a new presentation, click the New button, then move the cursor over the right arrow next to Google Slides and select From a template . The template gallery for Google Slides will open; click a thumbnail to start a new presentation in that template.

google slides 02 drive new presentation

Creating a new presentation from Google Drive.

From Google Slides or Drive: You also can use the search box at the top to find presentations in your Google Drive or shared with you. Enter words or numbers that may be in the presentation you’re looking for.

Upload a PowerPoint presentation to Slides

You can edit a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation in Google Slides, but first you must upload it to Google Drive.

From Google Slides: Click the folder icon ( Open file picker ) that’s above and toward the right corner of your presentations list. On the panel that opens, click the Upload tab. Drag-and-drop your PowerPoint file (.ppt or .pptx) onto this panel, or browse your PC’s drive to select it.

From Google Drive: Click the New button, then File upload , and select the PowerPoint file from your PC’s drive and click Open .

Traditionally, when you uploaded PowerPoint files to Google Drive, they were automatically converted to Slides format. That’s still the case when you upload PowerPoint files via the Google Slides home page .

However, Google now supports the ability to edit Microsoft Office files in their native format. By default, any .pptx files that you upload via Google Drive will remain formatted as PowerPoint documents. You can edit and collaborate on a PowerPoint file right in Slides, with all changes made by you or your collaborators saved directly to the PowerPoint file.

On the Google Slides and Drive home pages, native PowerPoint files will be denoted with an orange “P” icon, and when you open a native PowerPoint file in Sheets, you’ll see a “.PPTX” flag to the right of the document title.

google slides 03 powerpoint file

Native PowerPoint files show the PowerPoint icon (top) instead of the Google Slides icon (bottom).

If you’d rather have Google convert PowerPoint files to Slides format automatically when you upload them via Google Drive, click the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the Drive home screen and select Settings from the drop-down menu. In the Settings box next to “Convert uploads,” check the checkbox marked Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format .

Work in a presentation

When you open a new or existing presentation, its first slide appears in the main window of Google Slides. Here’s a breakdown of the toolbars, menus, panes, and sidebars that appear around your presentation.

The left pane shows thumbnails of all the slides in your presentation. Click a thumbnail, and the slide it represents will appear in the main window, where you can edit it.

google slides 04 slides interface

The Google Slides editing interface. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Your presentation’s title appears along the top of the screen. To change it, click anywhere inside the title and start typing.

The menu bar below your presentation’s title has a complete set of tools for working with presentations. These are the main submenus to know:

  • File has commands for taking action on the whole presentation, including Print, Rename, and Share.
  • Edit lists the standard editing commands such as copy, cut, paste, delete, duplicate, and find and replace.
  • View lists several ways that you can view your slides as you design and edit them. This includes arranging them into a grid, previewing them as a slideshow, or zooming in on them. You can also watch the transition effect that takes place between slides when they’re played in a slideshow.
  • Insert lets you add several objects to your slides, including charts, diagrams, pictures, tables, and text. You can also add links to YouTube videos or sound or video files that are stored in your Google Drive.
  • Format lets you change the look of your slides. Certain functions on this submenu become clickable depending on whether you’ve selected an image or text on a slide, or selected the slide itself.
  • Slide is where you can add, delete, or duplicate a slide that you’ve selected. You can also add a preset layout to a slide, change its background or theme color, or add and edit a transition effect that takes place between slides when your presentation is played as a slideshow.
  • Arrange lists tools that let you group or reorder objects on a slide in relation to another. For example, you can place an image behind another image or group an image and a block of text together to make them easier to move at once.
  • Tools leads to several miscellaneous functions. These include letting you record a voice clip to go with a slide, running a spell checker, and showing you a list of objects in your presentation that are linked to other files.

The toolbar directly above your presentation puts commonly used commands in easy reach. From this toolbar, you can click buttons to add to a slide or change its background, comments, layout, objects (images, lines, shapes, text), text style, theme colors for the whole presentation, transition effects during a slideshow, and more. The buttons on the toolbar change depending on whether you’ve selected image or text on a slide or the slide itself.

Notice that there’s no Save button in the toolbar — or anywhere in Google Slides. That’s because Slides automatically saves any changes you make to your presentation.

Speaker notes: Along the bottom of each slide you’ll see an area marked Click to add speaker notes . Here you can type in brief notes to remind yourself what to do or say when the slide is being shown. Only you will see these notes when you show your presentation to an audience.

Themes sidebar: When you start a new blank presentation, the Themes sidebar opens on the right side of the screen. (You can also open this sidebar at any time by clicking Theme on the toolbar above your presentation.) Themes apply the same fonts, colors, and other design elements to all the slides in a presentation, giving it a consistent look and feel. Click a thumbnail in this sidebar to change your presentation to that theme.

Create and manage slides

Here are the basic things to know about working with slides in a presentation.

Add a new, blank slide to your presentation: Click the + button at the left end of the toolbar above your presentation. Alternatively, if you click the down arrow next to the +, you can choose a layout to use as the basis for a new slide.

google slides 05 new slide choose layout

Click the down arrow next to the + button in the toolbar to choose a layout for a new slide.

Apply or change a slide’s background: Select the slide’s thumbnail in the left sidebar and click Background on the toolbar above your presentation. On the panel that opens, you can change the slide’s background color or use an image file from your Google Drive, Google Photos account, or PC as the background.

Apply or change a slide’s layout: Select the slide’s thumbnail in the left pane, then click Layout on the toolbar above your presentation. On the panel that opens, select the layout you want to apply to this slide.

Apply or change a slide’s transition: Select the slide’s thumbnail in the left sidebar and click Transition on the toolbar above your presentation. In the Motion sidebar that opens along the right side of the screen, you can apply or change the animated transition effect that is played before this slide.

google slides 06 motion pane

Choosing a transition style in the Motion pane.

Move a slide to a different spot in the slideshow sequence: Click and hold its thumbnail in the left sidebar, drag it up or down to another place in the sequence, and release it.

Delete a slide: Right-click its thumbnail in the left sidebar and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Alternatively, select its thumbnail and select Edit > Delete from the menu bar or just press the Delete key.

Share and collaborate on a presentation

Presentations are often a group effort, with several team members contributing to and polishing a presentation. In Slides, it’s easy for multiple collaborators to work on a presentation together.

First, you need to share the presentation. When you’re viewing your presentation in Google Slides, click the Share button at the upper-right. Or, from your Google Drive homepage, click to highlight the presentation that you want to share. Then, in the toolbar toward the upper right, click the Share icon (a head-and-shoulders silhouette with a +).

Either way, the “Share” panel will open.

google slides 07 share private invite

Setting permissions for a file being shared privately.

Share a presentation privately

In the entry box, enter the email addresses (or names of your Google Contacts) of the people with whom you want to share. By default, the people you invite to your presentation can edit it and reshare it with others.

To change access permissions for invitees: Click Editor to the right of the entry box and choose another option from the drop-down menu. Commenter means they can view your spreadsheet and add comments but can’t change it. Viewer means they can view your presentation but can’t edit it or add comments.

To prevent your presentation from being reshared, downloaded, or printed: Click the gear icon at the upper-right of this panel. On the smaller panel that opens, uncheck the boxes by Editors can change permissions and share and Viewers and commenters can see the option to download, print, and copy .

When you’re done setting permissions (and, optionally, typing in a message to your invitees), click Send , and everyone you’ve added will receive an email with a link they can click to access the document.

google slides 08 shared file icon

The shared presentation icon.

A presentation you’ve shared (or that others have shared with you) will have an icon of two silhouetted heads next to it in the presentations list on your Google Sheets and Google Drive home pages.

To limit or change a person’s access to your presentation: With the presentation open in Google Slides, click the Share button at the upper-right. Or, from Google Drive, highlight the presentation and click the Share icon.

The Share panel reopens showing a list of all the people you’ve invited, along with their permission status. Click the down arrow to the right of a person’s name, change their permission level or remove their access entirely, and click Save .

google slides 09 share private permissions

You can change permissions for people you’ve shared a presentation with on an individual basis.

If you have a Google Workspace subscription, another option is to select Give temporary access and, next to Access expires , select a date within one year of the current date. If you set an expiration date for a person that you’ve assigned as Editor, their access will be downgraded to Commenter on the expiration date.

Share a presentation publicly

Most business users will want to share presentations privately with select colleagues or clients, but you do have the option to share a presentation publicly. At the bottom of the Share panel is a “General access” area where you can copy a link to the document. By default, this link is restricted to those you invite to the document. To change it to a public link, click Restricted and select Anyone with the link from the menu that appears.

Click Copy link and the link to your presentation will be copied to your PC’s clipboard. You can share this link by pasting it into a chat message, document, email, forum post, or most other means of online written communication. Anyone who clicks this link will be able to view your presentation online. (Be aware that anyone can copy and reshare this link.)

To allow anyone in the public to comment on or edit your presentation: At the bottom right of the Share panel, click Viewer and select Commenter or Editor from the drop-down menu. Then click the Done button. Now the web link to your presentation will let anyone who clicks it add a comment or edit it.

google slides 10 share public permissions

Sharing a spreadsheet publicly.

To turn off public sharing for your presentation: Bring up the Share panel again. Near the bottom, click Anyone with the link and select Restricted from the menu, then click the Done button.

Note: You can apply both public and private sharing methods to your presentation. For example, you could allow the public to only view your presentation, but allow specific people that you’ve invited to comment on or edit it.

Collaborate on a presentation

The people you’ve shared a spreadsheet with can view or work on it at the same time as you or at other times. Remember that people who have Editor privileges to your presentation can change all aspects of it. Having multiple people making changes to a presentation can get confusing. In most cases, setting everyone to Commenter is the best way to collaborate in Slides: People can attach comments to a slide or to objects in a slide, but their comments won’t alter your presentation’s information or design.

To add a comment to a slide: Right-click its thumbnail in the left sidebar and select Comment from the menu that opens. Alternatively, you can select its thumbnail and select Insert > Comment from the menu bar or click the Add comment button (a speech balloon with a + sign).

A blank comment card with your name on it opens to the right of the slide in the main window. On this card’s entry line, type a brief comment, and when you’re finished, click the Comment button.

google slides 11 comment

Typing in a new comment.

To add a comment to an object on a slide: Right-click the object (a block of text, chart, image, picture, etc.) and select Comment from the menu that opens. Alternatively, you can select the object and select Insert > Comment from the menu bar.

To draw someone’s attention to a comment: As you’re composing the comment, type the @ symbol and begin typing their name, then select the person from the list of suggested Google contacts that appears. They’ll receive an email notifying them of the comment and linking to it.

To read, reply to, or remove a comment: A slide that contains a comment is denoted in the left sidebar with a speech balloon by its thumbnail. Click the slide’s thumbnail to make the slide appear in the main window, and you’ll see all its comment cards on the right.

To reply to a comment, click its card. The card will expand to reveal an entry line where you can add a comment in response.

google slides 12 comment reply

Replying to a comment.

Clicking the checkmark at the upper right marks the comment card as “resolved” and removes the card from the presentation. Clicking the card’s three-dot icon opens a menu that lets you edit or delete your comment.

To see a list of all comments: Click the Open comment history icon (the speech balloon) to the left of the Slideshow button. A sidebar will open along the right side of the screen; it lists all the comment cards in your presentation. When you click a comment on this list, the view of your presentation in the main window will jump to the cell where the comment is located and open its comment card.

google slides 13 comments pane

The Comments pane lets you quickly review all comments and jump to specific ones.

For more details about collaborating on your presentation, including what it’s like to collaborate in real time, see “ How to collaborate on a document ” in our Google Drive guide. You can also collaborate on a presentation in Google Chat; that’s covered later in this story.

Recover older versions of a presentation

It’s easy to go too far when making tweaks to a presentation. Fortunately, it’s also easy to roll back to an earlier version of the presentation. Click File > Version history > See version history . This opens a panel on the right that shows a list of older versions of your presentation.

google slides 14 version history

Using Version history to view an earlier version of a presentation. (Click image to enlarge it.)

To view an earlier version of your presentation: Click the date for it in the list. That version of the presentation will then appear in the main window.

To restore an earlier version so it replaces your current presentation: With the version you want to restore showing in the main window, click the yellow Restore this version button at the top of the screen. The restored version will then appear at the top of the version history list.

To give an older version a unique name: Click on its date. You’ll be prompted to type in words to replace the date. (The date and time will then appear in smaller size underneath the new name.)

Give a presentation

When it’s time to play your presentation to an audience, Google Slides has two modes: Slideshow and Presenter view. Slideshow mode essentially shows what your audience will see. Presenter view mode provides additional tools for your eyes only that run alongside Slideshow mode.

Slideshow mode: Click the Slideshow button at the upper-right corner of the screen. Google Slides will expand to full-screen view and show the slide that’s currently in the main window. (If you want to start the slideshow from the first slide in your presentation, click the down arrow to the right of the Slideshow button and select Start from beginning .)

google slides 15 slideshow mode

The control bar in Slideshow mode lets you click through the slides, turn on auto-play, use a laser pointer effect, and more. (Click image to enlarge it.)

When you move the on-screen pointer to the lower-left corner of your presentation, a control bar appears. You use this to click forward and back through the slides. Clicking the three-dot icon on the control bar opens a menu with other controls, such as starting auto-play and adjusting how quickly it moves from slide to slide.

On this menu, Turn on the laser pointer turns the mouse pointer into a simulated red laser dot. Captions preferences — available only if you’re using a Chrome browser or Chromebook — lets you turn on real-time, automatic transcribing of your words as you say them (English only) and shows them to your audience as on-screen captions. Open speaker notes takes your presentation out of full screen and opens a separate “Presenter view” window, as described below.

Presenter view mode: Click the down arrow to the right of the Slideshow button and select Presenter view . This shows the presentation in your browser window and launches a separate window that assists you while you’re giving your presentation.

google slides 16 presenter view 1

Presenter view lets you (but not your audience) see your speaker notes while presenting. (Click image to enlarge it.)

From the Presenter view window, you can jump to any slide in your presentation, read the speaker notes you wrote for a slide, and control the Q&A feature. There’s also a timer that you can set to remind yourself how much time you’re spending showing a slide — or the entire presentation — to your audience.

Click the AUDIENCE TOOLS tab to use the Q&A feature, which lets you take questions from your audience. To open questions for a slideshow, click the Start new button. A web link appears at the top of your presentation. An audience member watching your presentation on their computer, phone, or tablet can click/tap that link, which will take them to a page where they can type a question for you. You’ll see the question  in your Presenter view window, and you can choose whether to show their question to the rest of your audience during the presentation. To close questions for a presentation, turn the switch from ON to OFF .

google slides 17 audience qa

Audience members can submit questions from their devices, and the presenter can decide whether to display them as part of the slideshow. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Present in Google Meet

Need to give a presentation during a Google Meet video meeting? As long as you’re using a Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc.), it’s easy: Toward the upper right of the Google Slides page, click the Google Meet icon. From the panel that opens, select a meeting that’s scheduled on your Google calendar today, start a new meeting, or type/paste in the web link or code that you have for another meeting.

google slides 18 join google meet

Click the Meet icon to get started presenting to a video meeting.

If you start a new meeting, a sidebar for the meeting will open on the right. At the bottom of the sidebar, click the Present now icon (a box with an up arrow). On the panel that appears, select your presentation and click the Share button, and you’ll be presenting to the meeting.

google slides 19 share google meet

Choose which tab or window you want to share and click the Share button. (Click image to enlarge it.)

If you join a scheduled meeting, you have two choices: “Join the call” and “Just present this tab.” If you click Join the call , a sidebar for the meeting will open on the right. Follow the same steps as above to present to the meeting. If you click Just present this tab , you’ll go directly to the panel where you select your presentation and click Share , but you won’t have a sidebar where you can follow the main meeting.

To stop sharing your presentation to the meeting, click the Stop sharing button at the top left of your browser window.

For more details about using Google Meet, see our Google Meet cheat sheet .

Download and export a presentation

Google Slides lets you download presentations for use offline. On the top menu, select File > Download and choose a file format. You can save your presentation to your PC as a PowerPoint (.pptx) file or in other formats such as PDF, or as JPG or PNG for an individual slide.

5 tips for working with Google Slides

Now that you’re comfortable working in Google Slides, try these intermediate tips.

Use the Google Slides mobile app

With the exception of the “Version history” tool, the Google Slides app for Android , iPhone , and iPad has many of the same features described in this guide.

When you have a slideshow open, the toolbar at the top of the screen lets you take a variety of actions:

  • To present your slides on your phone or tablet, on a Chromecast device, or in a Google Meet meeting, tap the triangle icon.
  • To share your presentation with other people, the headshot silhouette. (See “How to share from the Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides mobile apps” in our Google Drive cheat sheet .)
  • To view all the comments in the presentation, tap the Comments icon (a chat balloon) if you see it in the toolbar, or tap the three-dot icon and select View comments from the menu that appears.
  • The three-dot menu also lets you see the presentation’s Q&A history, export it, make it available offline, and more.

google slides 20 android app

The Google Slides Android app.

To edit or comment on a slide: Tap the slide, and a menu will appear that lets you add or view comments for that slide or edit it. Tap an element on a slide, such as text or an image, and tools to edit that element will appear.

Any changes you make to your presentation in the mobile app are automatically saved and will appear the next time you open it in the Google Slides web app.

Get suggested slide layouts and content

Click the Explore icon at the lower-right corner of the screen. The Explore sidebar will open along the right side. In most cases, you’ll be presented with thumbnails of suggested layouts that Google Slides has automatically customized for the slide that’s open in the main window. Click the one you want, and it will be applied to the slide.

google slides 21 explore tool

Use the Explore tool to get suggested layouts (left) and search for images (right).

At the top of the Explore sidebar is a search box. You can type in a word or phrase to find related content on the web or in your Google Drive. Search results appear on separate Web, Images, and Drive tabs in the sidebar. Click a web or Drive result to open it in a new browser tab. On the Images tab, click the + icon on the upper-right corner of an image to insert it onto your slide.

Create custom slide layouts to use as templates

You can design your own slide layouts to use as templates in any future presentation. First, open a new, blank presentation as described above. Then:

  • On the menu bar over the blank presentation, select View > Theme builder .
  • The main window switches to a layout editor. Toward the left you’ll see a column with the heading THEME on top and LAYOUTS just below that. Click the thumbnail of any layout in the LAYOUTS list. It will appear in the main window.
  • You can remove objects that are already in any layout. For example, click on a block of text. A frame appears around the text. Without selecting the text itself, move the pointer to ward an edge of the frame, right-click, and select Delete from the menu that opens.

google slides 22 custom slide layout

Creating a custom slide layout. (Click image to enlarge it.)

  • Using the formatting toolbar above the slide, you can add new objects to the slide, including images, image placeholders, shapes, lines, and blocks for text. (Tip: enter placeholder words inside the text blocks.) When you click on any object, a frame appears around it. Drag and drop the frame to relocate it on the slide, or drag its edges to change its shape or size. You can also add or change the border and background colors for any object on the slide and/or change the background color for the whole slide.
  • When you’re finished designing your layout, click the Rename button above the slide and give the layout a unique name.
  • If you want to create another custom layout, click on the thumbnail of another layout under the column LAYOUTS and repeat the above steps starting from #3.
  • When you are finished custom-designing all your layouts, click the X toward the upper-right of the slide layout in the main window.
  • Along the top of the screen, click anywhere inside Untitled presentation and start typing. Tip: Use a name that indicates this is a template (e.g., “Annual Budget Presentation – Template”).

In the future, you can make new presentations starting from this template, and your custom slide layouts will be available.

  • Open the template presentation you created in the steps above. On the menu bar, click File > Make a copy > Entire presentation . On the panel that opens, type in a name for the new presentation you want to create and click the Make a copy button. Google Slides will open this new presentation in a new browser tab.
  • On the toolbar above the first slide of your new presentation, click Layout . From the panel of thumbnails that opens, select one of the layouts that you created. It will then be applied to the slide in the main window.

Collaborate on a presentation in Google Chat

An alternative way to collaborate on a presentation is to share it in Google Chat. Other people in your chat can add comments and help make changes to your presentation.

Start in Google Chat . To the left of the box where you type in your chat messages, click the + icon and select Drive file from the menu that opens. A panel will open over the screen listing the files in your Google Drive. Find and click your presentation to highlight it, then click INSERT on the lower-right corner.

You’ll be taken back to the chat message box. Click the blue right-pointing arrow to the right of the box, and a panel will open over the screen designating permissions for the shared presentation. By default, permissions are set to Comment. To change this, click Comment and select View or Edit . You can also allow the people in the chat to share a web link to your presentation with others outside of the chat by selecting Turn link sharing on .

google slides 23 share google chat

You can share a presentation to individual or group chats in Google Chats. (Click image to enlarge it.)

After you’ve set the permissions, click SEND , and your message will appear in the chat stream with a large thumbnail of your presentation. To open a presentation in the chat, click the thumbnail. The presentation will open inside a large window that’s laid out alongside the right of the chat stream.

This is actually Google Slides running inside the chat window with your presentation loaded in it. Thus, most of the Slides commenting and editing tools are available for you and others in the chat to use on your presentation (if you granted them permission to comment or edit). The user interface is the same, except there’s no menu bar.

google slides 24 collab google chat

Collaborating on a presentation from within a Google Chat. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Use keyboard shortcuts

Save time in Slides by using keyboard shortcuts for common tasks. Below are some of the most useful to know. For more, select Help > Keyboard shortcuts from the top menu when you have a spreadsheet open or press Ctrl + / (Windows, Chrome OS) or ⌘ + / (macOS).

Handy Google Slides keyboard shortcuts

This story was originally published in September 2019 and updated in August 2022.

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Howard Wen ( www.howardwen.com ) is a longtime contributor to Computerworld . He specializes in explainer guides, how-tos, and reviews of office applications and productivity tools.

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How to use Google Slides

how to use google slides presenter view macbook desk

If you want to create a presentation for your company or a slideshow for your classroom, Google Slides is a solid option. The application is similar to Microsoft PowerPoint but is completely free and web-based for easy access.

Get started in Google Slides

Use views in google slides, add and format slides in a presentation, include speaker notes, insert and format text on a slide, insert and format images on a slide, insert other objects on a slide, view and present a slideshow.

Here, we’ll walk you through the basics of using Google Slides as a beginner. From adding slides to inserting text and images to presenting your slideshow, here’s how to use Google Slides.

What You Need

Web browser

Google account

To create a presentation, visit Google Slides and sign in with your Google account. You can then use a template for a quick start or create a blank slideshow.

Step 1: On the main Google Slides page, you’ll see a few templates across the top. To see them all, select Template gallery . If you see a template you want to use, select it.

Otherwise, pick the Blank option to create a slideshow from scratch.

Step 2: When the slideshow opens, head to the top-left corner and give it a name.

The default for a template is the template name, and for a blank slideshow, it’s “Untitled Presentation.” Simply replace that text with your own and press Enter or Return to save it.

Step 3: As you create your presentation, Google Slides saves it automatically. At the top of the slideshow screen, you’ll see that it is saved to your Google Drive and when you made the last edit.

Step 4: You can return to the main Google Slides screen anytime by selecting the Google Slides logo on the top left, beside the name.

As you create your presentation, you can use different views depending on how you want to work.

Step 1: The main view, as shown below, puts your slide front and center without distractions.

Step 2: To open thumbnails of your slides on the left, select View > Show filmstrip . You can then use the Filmstrip to move to different slides in your presentation and take action on a slide with a right-click.

To close the Filmstrip, return to View > Show filmstrip to deselect the option.

Step 3: To see a full screen of slide thumbnails, go to View > Grid view to select the option. This gives you a larger picture of how your slides are set up and actions you can take using a right-click.

To close this view, go to View > Grid view to deselect the option.

To build a presentation, you’ll add slides. Each slide can contain text, images, videos, shapes, and other elements. To make structuring your slides a bit easier, you can use a pre-made layout. But you also have the option to use a blank slide to place items where you like.

Step 1: To add a slide, do one of the following:

  • Go to the Insert tab and choose New slide near the bottom.
  • Go to the Slide tab and choose New slide at the top.
  • In the Filmstrip or Grid view, right-click a slide and pick New slide .

Step 2: By default, the new slide is placed after your selected slide and uses the same layout. You can change the layout for the new slide if you prefer.

Step 3: To change the layout, select the slide and do one of the following:

  • Go to the Slide tab, move to Apply layout , and choose a layout in the pop-out menu.
  • In the Filmstrip or Grid view, right-click a slide, move to Apply layout , and choose a layout in the pop-out menu.

When you present a slideshow that you plan to talk through, you can add notes to your slides that only you can see. This is similar to using physical index cards during a speech.

Step 1: To display the notes section on a slide, either drag up using the Three dots at the very bottom of the slide or select View > Show speaker notes .

Step 2: This expands the section below the slide. Place your cursor inside the Notes section and enter your text.

Step 3: To change the font style, size, color, or formatting, select the text in your note and use the Font buttons in the toolbar.

Step 4: To close the speaker notes area, either drag down until the notes section is out of sight or go to View > Show speaker notes to deselect the option.

You can add text to your slides using the pre-made text boxes that are included with the layout you select. Alternatively, you can add text boxes and move them where you want.

Step 1: To add text to an included text box, simply click inside the box and type. The text is automatically formatted per the text box type. For instance, if you enter text in a title box, it’s formatted in a larger font.

Step 2: To insert a text box of your own, either select Insert > Text box in the menu or choose the Text box button in the toolbar.

Step 3: Click a spot on your slide to add the text box, and then enter your text inside.

Step 4: You can move a text box by dragging it and resize one by dragging in or out from a corner or edge.

Step 5: To change the font style, size, color, or format for the text inside the box, select the text and then use the font options in the toolbar.

Slideshows are visual presentations, so along with text, you’ll likely want to include pictures or photos.

Step 1: Go to Insert and move to Image or select the arrow next to the Image button in the toolbar.

Step 2: Choose the location for your image. You can pick a picture from your computer, a web search, Google Drive, Google Photos, a URL, or your device camera.

Step 3: Once you locate and insert the image, drag to move it where you like. You can also drag a corner or edge to resize it.

Step 4: For additional formatting options such as rotation, position, shadow, reflection, and other adjustments, open the Format options sidebar.

You can do this by selecting the image and choosing Format options in the toolbar or by right-clicking the image and choosing Format options .

Along with text and images, you can include other types of visuals in your presentation. You can add videos, audio files, tables, charts, diagrams, word art, and lines.

Step 1: To see all of your options and add an element, go to the Insert tab and choose what you would like to add.

Step 2: Some items like shapes, charts, and lines display a pop-out menu for you to pick the type or style. Other elements like video and audio display a pop-up window for you to pick the location or enter a URL.

Step 3: Once you insert an object on your slide, drag to move it to the spot you want. You can also right-click the item to view additional actions like formatting, alignment, or arrangement with other slide elements.

You can view your presentation at any point in the creation process and can present it the same way to your audience.

Plus, you can take advantage of the Presenter view, which gives you controls and displays your notes. Or, simply watch the slideshow as your audience will.

Step 1: On the top right, select the arrow next to Slideshow and pick Presenter view or Start from beginning .

Step 2: In Presenter view, you’ll see your slideshow on one side of your display or second monitor, with a smaller control window floating on top.

Use the control window to move through the slides, pause the slideshow, and see your speaker notes.

Step 3: In regular slideshow view, you’ll see the presentation in full-screen mode, as mentioned.

Use the Floating toolbar on the bottom left to advance through the slides or pause the slideshow.

Step 4: In either of the above views, select the Three dots on the right side of the floating toolbar to do things like enter or exit full-screen mode, view your speaker notes, automatically play the presentation, or exit the show.

There you have it! These are the basics for how to use Google Slides if you’re new to the application. For more, look at how to use Google Sheets .

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In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to access and set up Gemini AI in Google Docs, explore its impressive features, and provide practical examples of how to leverage its potential for a wide range of tasks. How to integrate Gemini into Google Docs Unfortunately, Gemini integration with Google's Workspace suite isn't available to free-tier users. You'll need a $20/month subscription to the Google One AI Premium Plan (or a work or school account through a Gemini for Google Workspace add-on) to gain access. Signing up for the personal plan is straightforward.

When you create a document in Google Docs, you may need to adjust the space between the edge of the page and the content --- the margins. For instance, many professors have requirements for the margin sizes you must use for college papers.

You can easily change the left, right, top, and bottom margins in Google Docs and have a few different ways to do it.

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20 Google Slides Tips to spice up your Presentations

Google Slides tips, 20 great tips to push your presentation slide show to the top of the list, make people listen and get your message across clearly, professionally and with style.

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By Lyudmil Enchev

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presentation google slides

If you need to make a presentation, you want to give yourself the best chance of success. To sell the product or yourself, to inform, to get your message across – the better the presentation the better the chances. Slide show presentations are a common way of doing this, but they are no less useful for that. They have many advantages, it’s why they are so popular, they can get the information across clearly, concisely, and memorably if done well. One of the most important decisions is which software to use. One option is Google Slides, but the software alone will not a great presentation make. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to really spice up that Google Slides presentation to create something you are proud of and more importantly will get the job done.

What is Google Slides?

Google Slides is a specialized presentation program that is part of the Google Drive service and it is free or there is a paid-for business option – G suite.  It is available as a desktop application and also as a web app or mobile app, so it can be used in pretty much any situation by anybody with computer access.

Put simply Google Slides enables anyone to create a presentation and edit it , and significantly can allow you to collaborate with other users in real-time . It is designed for online use and is regularly updated with new, fresh features. Crucially, it is also incredibly easy to use .

You’ve got the resource, you’ve got the concept, so the only question that remains is how do you make it something special? Here are the top 20 design tips to consider when using Google Slides:

Tip 1: Use templates Tip 2: Use plenty of  images Tip 3: Experiment with typography Tip 4: Add diagrams and infographics Tip 5: Get creative with your images Tip 6: Be careful with color Tip 7: Add animated transitions Tip 8: Collaborate with your team Tip 9: Add videos Tip 10: Hold back on the text

Tip 11: Make it a story Tip 12: Make reference Tip 13: Add links Tip 14: Take questions Tip 15: Make notes Tip 16: Add bullet points Tip 17: Make it device friendly Tip 18: Use numbers Tip 19: Finish with C.T.A Tip 20: Don’t extend too much

Tip #1: Use templates

presentation google slides

The theme of your presentation should be represented by the theme of your slideshow. It will hold everything together.

Unless you are a designer yourself, it can be tricky and time-consuming to design a presentation from scratch that looks the part. The professional designers know what they are doing and give you plenty of options. It isn’t lazy, it doesn’t reflect on your design skills (you aren’t a designer anyway), and nobody questions your creativity.

In actual fact, using the numerous professionally designed templates available on Google Slides does two really useful jobs, if, in fact, they notice at all. Firstly it shows the audience that you know your limits and more importantly, it gives you time to focus on the content of the presentation. It is after all the content that is your principal goal. Plus it gives you extra time to concentrate on your all-important presentation skills.

The templates are all exceptionally designed, and completely and easily editable including the addition of images, layout, color, and background color. Really what more could you need?

Tip #2: Use plenty of  images

presentation google slides

Presentations need to be visual. We remember images, we understand images, we recognize and associate with images, and we are brief visual creatures. You need to use images, but we wish it was that simple. don’t just throw them in for the sake of it!

The images you use have a huge effect. The key is to use powerful and appropriate images such as photos and illustrations that help you get your message through. Images that emphasize and enhance your words, stoke up emotion and clarify a complex issue, all these images are useful and powerful. They help you deliver what you want, they help you get your message across and you need to get them into the presentation as thoughtfully as possible.

So you know, you want images so then you need to decide on the right ones. Either use your own images previously downloaded or created and saved and insert them or use Google image search. If you use Google’s image search which has a tremendous number of options, we’re talking in the millions here, it isn’t even necessary to download them first, just add them via your browser tab, insert, image, type in keywords and search away then click on your choice and it’s done.

The type of images you add is important and well worth thinking about. Illustrations can show creativity, originality, and imagination. They are great for illustrating more abstract or complex ideas. You can choose between artistic, hand-drawn, graphic, geometric, simple outlines, etc, all will generate a different tone and feel. Photographic images can present reality, credibility, and honesty. With either choice, you can get really creative, grab the attention, hold the attention, and be remembered.

Be aware that heavy files can result in lagging, which is the last thing you need. Run the presentation through, to check it’s smooth.

Tip #3: Experiment with typography

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If you’ve got great content, and we’re sure you have, why go with a bog-standard font. Let’s get creative and choose the font that will suit your theme, your content, and your style, a font that will catch the eye and set you apart. In Google Slides when you click on a text box you get a font option, including size, color, etc. There is a great range but selecting “more fonts” at the top will direct you to the free Google Fonts service. Here you can get really funky. Don’t be afraid an unusual font can have a wow effect but remember it needs to be readable too. You can add your own custom fonts too.

And that’s not all, clicking on the More option on the menu bar (far right) gives you room to play with the text you have, from the usual rotation, size, text fitting, and positioning to the more interesting drop shadow and reflection options. (including opacity, and translucency slide bars.) These add interest and an extra dimension and look like you’ve really made an effort.

Tip #4: Add diagrams and infographics

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As with the images above, infographics and diagrams are ideal for presentations. They convey masses amount of information in accessible chunks in a visual way. If you’ve got stats and data or even a complex idea to explain there is little as confusing and frankly dull as long lists of figures or long-winded explanations. This is where the latest craze for infographics really comes into its own.

You can create infographics independently of Google Slides and simply insert it, in the correct spot. Alternatively, you can create a chart or graph, a flowchart, or a diagram straight in Slides, using google sheets or one of the standard menu options. Again these are flexible and editable.

Tip #5: Get creative with your images

presentation google slides

We’ve already established that you need images, right? If you’ve selected the appropriate powerful ones, now is the time to put in a tiny bit of effort to add a little extra style. Google Slides contains an option for masking images, meaning you can play with the edges, round off the corners, change image shape and add other stylistic elements. These little things make a huge difference so get creative and experiment, you can always undo, the many options by simply clicking on the image, then the Mask image icon (the little triangle).

Tip #6: Be careful with color

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We all know colors can improve a presentation but it is equally true that they can ruin it too. A tendency to throw colors around willy-nilly can look childish and distract from your main aim, so think carefully.

Colors carry associations and are emotive(be aware that they are also culture-sensitive) and can be a great psychological tool when presenting. But you have to make some decisions about what, where, and how much.

  • Brand Colors – if you’re presenting your brand, colors are a fantastic way of creating a strong flow of identity throughout. You can stick to the exact colors or use tonal variations and still keep the consistency.
  • Bright Colors – catch the attention, but don’t overdo it. Combinations work well, especially regarding images and texts.
  • One dominant color – A theme that eases from slide to slide, when used cleverly focuses the eye and highlights key points.
  • Black and White – a classic for a reason, dramatic yet clear, elegant yet simple, and you can add grey or occasional pops of color that really stand out.
  • Trends of 2022 – colors go in fashions too, check out the most trendy colors and combinations in 2022 .
  • Gradients – Gradients and color transitions are very popular.
  • Backgrounds – full or part, transparent or semi-transparent, plain, pattern or texture – background really help draw the eye to a particular section. You can also add your own.

Google Slides makes it easy to edit colors into your work, the difficult bit is making the decision in the first place.

Tip #7: Add animated transitions

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The visual effect given when moving from one slide to the next, transitions is one of the simplest methods of adding a professional feel to the overall presentation. In Google Slides, just click on the “Transitions” button on the menu and choose from the many options available. The rule of thumb is to find one you like and stick to it during the whole presentation, there are lots of options but don’t be tempted to mix them up. A great transition will keep the interest and create a dynamic flow, a cacophony will distract.

It’s worth noting you should try to keep the number of slides and therefore transitions as low as possible, too many slides is too much movement and not enough focus.

Tip #8: Collaborate with your team

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A great advantage of Google Slides is that as it’s online, anyone with permission can see where you are at with the design and even edit it. If you are working with a design team or content writers this is ideal, if you want another opinion it’s a great option too. Another set of eyes can offer insights, and advice, and often see mistakes that you haven’t even noticed. And always get your presentation proofread to avoid potential embarrassment, the last thing you need is to be talking over a glaring typo, hours spent putting together a great presentation can be lost in an instant.

All edits are tracked by the user and indicated by color coding and you can give various levels of permissions. With a revision history that tracks changes to the presentation.

Tip #9: Add videos

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It may be appropriate to do something a little different and add a video, it will cause a stir. If you think this is an option that will add to your presentation and isn’t just there because you can do it, then it’s easy to do in Google Slides.

By clicking on “Insert” then “video”, you can add either form your own saved video to your Google Drive account or search YouTube videos. Be sure to watch the video before embedding it, you don’t want an embarrassing surprise. Then edit or format your video as you wish, you can change position or size and playback options, it’s easy but a great way of impressing the audience.

Tip #10: Hold back on the text

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Your presentation is an aid to your speech, a guide, and in addition, it is not a document to be read. A text overload will do one of two things either people will focus on the writing and you’ll lose their attention, or worse you’ll lose them altogether and they’ll focus on neither.

The rule is to be brief, the shorter the better. Strong impacting, emotive, emphasizing, provocative – these are the words you are looking for, nobody wants long explanatory texts (that’s what your images are for).

Experts recommend up to six words per slide is enough to gain the attention and get the audience to listen to what you have to say.

Tip #11: Make it a story

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We are surrounded by stories from the earliest fairy tales of childhood to the binge-watched Netflix dramas of present times. If you want your presentation to really strike a chord, storytelling is the way to go. Stories, anecdotes, and personal snippets all will allow your key communicative aim to be understood. They also give you a chance to show your personality, humor, humility, experience, and knowledge, and liven things ups.

The slide show is used as a guide through your story, a background that will hold the key concepts and arguments, keep them clear, and hold the focus. But essentially they supplement and add whilst you do the work.

Tip #12: Make reference

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By referring to current events, and culture you kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, the audience can relate to your message and can link your ideas to what they are familiar with. Secondly, it keeps things topical, relevant, and up-to-date and that includes the images of you. It forms a vital link with the audience, you are part of them and not apart from them.

But beware you need to know your stuff, what you may think is topical could fall on deaf ears. Research and know your audience, think of age and cultural differences – you don’t want your witty observation to fall on stony ground. And everything should be focused back on your main point, link it to the presentation.

Tip #13: Add links

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Links will enable people to lookup more detailed information, links will also show you’ve done your background, links look academic, and links can add a level of professionalism.

With Google Slides there is a research tool, which makes it simple to add links to websites but also to images or additional files in your Drive account. A very useful way of allowing you to be brief and focused but supplying all information that is needed. You can even type into the Google Slides to search for relevant images and sites.

Tip #14: Take questions (often)

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Don’t wait until the end to invite questions, people often forget what they were going to ask or are just desperate to get to the free buffet! Questions should be invited throughout, interaction is good, and it makes the audience feel part of the process. In a physical presence in a meeting room or conference hall, this should be scheduled into your time, it is easy to forget and move on.

Google Slides has a Presenters notes section that only you can during the presentation, this is an excellent place to remind yourself to ask for questions.

If your presentation is virtual then Google Slides can create a link for you to send to your audience. Through this link, the viewers can post questions which then appear in the box. An excellent way of increasing active viewing.

Tip #15: Make notes

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As we’ve established your slide show is not a complete presentation, your skills are absolutely vital. You need to be prepared for the pressure and the performance. Google Slides provides a “Presenter Notes” option where you can create a guide for each slide, or a script if you wish. There is a good chance you will forget something or get lost at some point unless you really know your stuff – and even then it’s more than possible.

When you start your slide show select “Present” and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Click on the gear icon and open your written notes. The notes open in a separate window, so you need to arrange your setup so you have different screens meaning the audience doesn’t see the notes. The notes follow the slide you are on, forwards or backward, and at whatever speed you are working.

Tip #16: Add bullet points

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In an article, proposal, or report, bullet points are great, they break up texts, highlight key points, and make scanning easier but these are text for reading. A presentation is not for reading. You need to explain the slides, the bullets don’t. If it’s worth a bullet point it’s worth a slide of its own. Don’t patronize your audience with obvious point breakdowns when a few words will do the trick. If they need a breakdown, or explanation add a link.

Tip #17: Make it device friendly

presentation google slides

You may well be using your presentation slide show in a very standard, typical way, perhaps projecting it onto a screen behind you from your laptop. Remember Google Slides is online so you can access it from a mobile device or tablet. This means that it is possible to cast from your device to a screen. You don’t necessarily have to carry around your laptop for your presentation.

It is also great for working on your presentation remotely, where ever you may be. You get a great idea on the train, take out your phone and access your presentation.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that others can access your presentation from their device too, so remember when doing the design that your presentation needs to look at the part on the small screen.

Tip #18: Use numbers

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Numbers add clarity, help the listeners know where you are, act as a guide through the process, and make it feel like you are progressing. If you number each slide there is a sense of drawing to a goal, it’s a simple rule but one of the best. They take seconds to add on Google Slides and are proven to help.

Tip #19: Finish with C.T.A

presentation google slides

A call to action is a great way to finish. It has the dual function of closing the presentation and opening the next dialogue. Devote a whole slide to it, make it provocative, you want this part to be remembered.

Thank your audience, of course, it pays to be polite… but please don’t waste a slide on this. Your ending needs to be dramatic and memorable. The questions you need to pose at the end of your presentation, and the questions the audience needs to be asking themselves is… what now? Tell them what you want them to do – directly.

Tip#20: Don’t extend too much

presentation google slides

We’ve left it to the end, it’s so important but be brief. Nobody will thank you for needlessly extending, you sat in presentations yourself and you know exactly what everybody is thinking. Let’s get this over and done, yes? This is what the experts say and who are we to argue.

  • Ten key slides  – Seems harsh and obviously, it’s only a guide but it’s a good guide. This is the optimal number of slides in a Slide Show presentation, as most people don’t cope well with more than ten key ideas in one session.
  • Twenty minutes – If your presentation talk is planned for 20 solid informative minutes it’s plenty. You can have a brief intro (but keep it brief) and clearly, it’s flexible for additional questions and discussions but your actual presentation time should be around 20 minutes.

Presentation construction and the presentations themselves are not necessarily dull. These key tips are both general and Google Slide specific. The idea is to create something that will wow your audience, look professional, create a buzz, and most importantly of all – achieve your main goal. Substance and style rather than one over the other.

You and your design are a team, working together to get the information and message across. The design should, of course, look the part and these tips will help you there – but it shouldn’t dominate.

You are a focal point too, and here are some things to remember:

  • Have energy – if you are not enjoying it, no one will.
  • Practice – eye contact, voice, and gestures, they all go a long way to selling the message and keeping people with you. Practice in front of a mirror, in front of friends and family, even a pet -it makes a difference when you do it in front of an audience – you’ll get the feel.
  • Prepare – double-check the equipment, and proofread the presentation (better get it to proofread).
  • Feel Comfortable – get there in good time, check the room and facilities, wear clothes you feel good in, it all helps your confidence.
  • You can’t please all the people all the time – remember some people will always be bored, and won’t react, hit the majority and you’ll be fine.

These Google Slides tips are exactly that tips, you use what you want, what you think will work for you, and you will work for your audience. The Slides will help, they are the magic wand but you are the one waving it and speaking the magic words.

You may also be interested in these related articles:

  • 35 Free Google Slides Infographic Templates to Grab Now
  • 39 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation
  • 70 Inspiring Presentation Slides with Cartoon Designs

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Lyudmil Enchev

Lyudmil is an avid movie fan which influences his passion for video editing. You will often see him making animations and video tutorials for GraphicMama. Lyudmil is also passionate for photography, video making, and writing scripts.

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To present a full-screen presentation in Google Slides:

  • Open a presentation in Google Slides .

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  • From the current slide, the presentation will become full screen. To change slides, use the arrow keys on your keyboard or click the arrows at the bottom of the presentation.
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View a presentation with speaker notes.

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  • Click Presenter view .
  • Click Speaker notes .

Advance slides automatically

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Advance slides automatically while you present

  • Open a presentation in Google Slides.

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  • Choose how quickly to advance your slides.

Advance slides automatically for a published presentation

  • If you use Google Slides through work or school, you can only share the link with people within your organization.
  • After you publish your presentation, anyone with the link will be able to see your presentation.
  • Choose Link or Embed .
  • Under "Auto-advance slides," choose how much time you want to add between slides.

Stop publishing

Highlight & annotate as you present.

When you present, you can use a pen tool to draw or make annotations. Annotations stay during your presentation, but disappear after you end your slideshow.

Use the pen tool during a slideshow

  • On your browser, open a presentation in Google Slides .

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  • To draw or annotate, click and drag on your slide.

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Other actions while presenting

When you present, you can choose more options from the toolbar at the bottom of the presentation window:

  • Select slides to present from a list
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First slide
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Open speaker notes
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Pastel Notebook for group projects, free for PowerPoint and Google Slides. Upgrade your group project presentation from basic to breezy! This free digital notebook template gives your slides a fresh, approachable look. Forget stuffy templates – the pastel colors add a pop of personality without being too formal. This versatile […]

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Unleash the wild fun in your classroom with this FREE PowerPoint Template and Google Slides Theme. Liven up your classroom with a touch of the jungle!  This free downloadable theme features adorable monkeys swinging through lush green backgrounds and bright banana trees.   It’s more than just cute though – this theme is […]

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Formal B&W free PowerPoint Template and Google Slides Theme Ever feel like you just need a clean slate to get your ideas down?  This simple black and white presentation template is perfect for those times.  With its classic look, it won’t distract from your content,  allowing you to focus on structuring your thoughts […]

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Vintage Vision Board with Monthly Calendars, free for PowerPoint and Google Slides. This free vision board template can be used as a planner for a monthly overview of your envisioned ideas, or, since I included a Title Slide and a Title and Body slide, you can also use it for […]

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Spice up your art project presentations with this free template for Google Slides and PowerPoint. This free downloadable template is bursting with colorful illustrations of paint, brushes, yarn, and all the crafting supplies you could ask for. Perfect to present your next art project.  And since this template is 100% […]

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Spruce up your next presentation with Minimal Social, a free downloadable template for Google Slides and PowerPoint. Craving a presentation that’s both stylish and versatile? Look no further than the Minimal Social template! This free downloadable theme boasts a clean, minimalist design with muted tones and a touch of social media […]

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Free PowerPoint template and Google Slides theme for presentations about money management. Ever feel like presenting personal finance topics could be a snooze? Well this free slide theme available for both PowerPoint and Google Slides uses friendly illustrations to make financial concepts engaging. This theme is perfect for anyone who […]

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Captivate your audience and transform your presentation on early childhood development with this free template!  Playful illustrations like children’s handprints, whimsical doodles, paper airplanes and windmills bring a touch of childlike wonder to your slides. This engaging template is the perfect backdrop to share your valuable insights on this crucial […]

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Flowers and Ladybugs free Spring Season template for google slides and PowerPoint. This free template for Google Slides and PowerPoint is the perfect way to add a touch of springtime cheer to your lessons. It features adorable graphics of flowers, bees, and ladybugs – a charming combination that’s sure to […]

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Free syllabus template for Google Slides and PowerPoint to inject personality into your class introduction. Forget about boring old paper syllabus, this free template is the perfect way to communicate the overview of your class, define expectations and responsibilities in an appealing way. It features a notebook with linked tabs […]

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How to convert a powerpoint to google slides.

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Chrome is top dog, but firefox is still my favorite browser, why i'm switching from google to proton, quick links, convert a powerpoint by uploading to google slides, convert powerpoint by importing to google slides, convert powerpoint by uploading to google drive.

Both Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides are solid presentation creators. But maybe you prefer Google Slides. If you have a PowerPoint slideshow (a PPTX file) that you want to convert to Google Slides, we'll show you three ways to do it.

You can upload a PowerPoint presentation directly to the Google Slides website. From there, open it in Slides, make your changes, and it will save automatically.

Related: The Beginner's Guide to Google Slides

Visit Google Slides , sign in, and click "Blank" below Start a New Presentation on the main page.

Click Blank on Google Slides

When the Blank presentation opens, click File > Open from the menu.

Click File, Open

In the pop-up window, select the Upload tab. Then, either drag your PPTX file onto the window or click "Select a File From Your Device."

Select Upload and open or drag the file

You'll see the slideshow open immediately in Google Slides as your active presentation. The name of the slideshow is the PowerPoint file's name. You can change it if you like by clicking that text in the upper left corner.

Optionally rename the slideshow

From there, you're set to edit or present the slideshow . Since all changes save automatically, you do not have to take an extra step to save the presentation as a Google Slides file.

Saved to Drive

You can visit the Google Slides main page to see your presentation in the list. You can also access your presentation from Google Drive.

Converted slideshow on Slides

Another way to convert your presentation from a PowerPoint to Google Slides is by importing it . The benefit to this method is that you can select the slides you want to convert if you don't want the entire presentation.

Related: How to Import a PowerPoint Presentation into Google Slides

Select "Blank" on the main Google Slides screen. When the untitled presentation opens, click File > Import Slides from the menu.

Click File, Import Slides

Select the Upload tab. Either drag your PowerPoint slideshow file onto the window or click "Select a File From Your Device" to browse for, select, and open the file.

Select Upload and open or drag the file

When the Import Slides window appears, click each slide that you want to use in Google Slides. If you want to use them all, click "All" next to Select Slides on the top right.

Click All

Optionally, check the box on the bottom right to keep the original theme from the presentation. Then, with the slides selected, click "Import Slides."

Select the slides to import

When the slides you picked open in the blank presentation, click the name on the top left to rename it. By default, the slideshow will be named Untitled Presentation.

Rename the presentation

Your changes save automatically, and you can access your converted presentation from the main Google Slides page or Google Drive.

Did you know you can also convert PowerPoint presentations to Word files  for custom slide printing?

One more way to convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides is by uploading the file to Google Drive. This method might be more convenient if you happen to have Google Drive open already.

On the main Google Drive page, click "New" on the top left and choose "File Upload."

Click New, File Upload

Locate and select your PowerPoint file, then click "Open."

Select the file and click Open

After the file uploads to Google Drive, right-click it and choose Open With > Google Slides.

Right-click and pick Open With, Google Slides

The presentation will open in Google Slides but remain a PowerPoint file as you can see next to the name on the top left.

Click File > Save as Google Slides from the menu to convert it.

Click File, Save as Google Slides

This will open the presentation in a new tab as a Google Slides file. As described above, any changes you make will save automatically, but now as a Google Slides presentation. And, you'll see both files in your Google Drive.

Both files appear in Google Drive

If you want to remove the PowerPoint file from your Google Drive after you convert it, right-click it and pick "Remove."

Right-click and pick Remove

Interested in doing the exact opposite? Learn how to convert Google Slides to PowerPoint .

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Spherical 4 Stages PowerPoint Diagram

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Go-To-Market PowerPoint Template

Presentation of Business Reports

Professional Report Infographics PowerPoint Template

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Creative 3D Box Diagram Template for PowerPoint

cover for company profile template in teal tone

Professional Company Profile PowerPoint Template

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4 Options Diagram Template for PowerPoint with 3D Boxes

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Customer Life Journey PowerPoint Diagram

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Professional Business Presentation Template

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US Map Template for PowerPoint with Editable States

Cover Image for Company Profile Presentation

Global Company Profile PowerPoint Template

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Infographic Slide of SWOT Analysis

Industry Analysis PowerPoint Template

Triangular Slide of Multi-Step Ribbons

Multi-Step Ribbon Diagram Template for PowerPoint

Colorful Cube Diagram 3D Template

6 Pieces 3D Tetris Cube PowerPoint Diagram

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Project Management Dashboard PowerPoint Template

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IMAGES

  1. 30 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation

    presentation google slides

  2. 30 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation

    presentation google slides

  3. 30 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation

    presentation google slides

  4. 30 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation

    presentation google slides

  5. 30 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation

    presentation google slides

  6. 30 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation

    presentation google slides

VIDEO

  1. How to Manage Google Slide [easy]

  2. How to Make Titles

  3. Introductory Presentation Google Slides 24 May 2024

  4. How to Design Presentations with Google Slides

  5. Untitled presentation

  6. Final Presentation

COMMENTS

  1. Google Slides: Sign-in

    Access Google Slides with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

  2. Google Slides: Online Slideshow Maker

    You can even search the web and Google Drive for relevant content and images directly from Slides. Extend collaboration and intelligence to PowerPoint files Easily edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations online without converting them, and layer on Slides' enhanced collaborative and assistive features like comments, action items, and Smart ...

  3. Google Slides: Presentation Slideshow Maker

    Anyone with a Google Account can create in Slides. However, some features such as Slides recording and speaker spotlight are only available on Google Workspace plans, and Gemini for Workspace features like help me visualize are available as an add-on; see plans and pricing for organizations or Google Workspace Individual.

  4. The Beginner's Guide to Google Slides

    How to Create a Blank Presentation. Now that you have a Google account, it's time to create your first presentation. Head over to Google Slides and place the cursor on the multicolored "+" icon in the bottom-right corner. The + turns into a black pencil icon; click it. Pro Tip: Type.

  5. Complete Beginner's Guide to Google Slides

    This Google Slides tutorial for beginners is a complete crash course, taking you by the hand and showing you step by step how to make some amazing and mesmer...

  6. How to Create a Presentation Using Google Slides: 10 Steps

    To create a new Google Slides presentation, open a web browser and go to Slides.Google.com. If you want to start from a template, you can choose one from the template gallery. Otherwise, click "Blank" to create a new blank presentation. Your blank presentation starts with a single simple slide with space to enter a title and subtitle.

  7. How to use Google Slides

    Google Slides is an online presentation app that lets you create and format presentations and work with other people. Step 1: Create a presentation. To create a new presentation: Open the Slides home screen at Google Slides. In the top left, under "Start a new presentation," click New . This will create and open your new presentation.

  8. Create your first presentation in Slides

    Learn how to create, import, and update presentations in Google Slides, a cloud-based tool for creating and sharing slideshows. Find out how to choose themes, layouts, images, text, and more for your slides.

  9. Google Slides

    Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations from your Android phone or tablet with the Google Slides app. With Slides, you can: - Create new presentations or edit existing ones. - Share presentations and collaborate in the same presentation at the same time. - Work anywhere, anytime - even offline. - Add and respond to comments.

  10. Google Slides training and help

    Switch from Microsoft PowerPoint to Google Slides. Google Slides cheat sheet. Tips for great presentations. Use Google Workspace keyboard shortcuts. Print, save, or customize Learning Center guides. Learn how to print Learning Center guides, save them as PDFs, or customize them for your organization. On this page Slides quick start guides.

  11. Free Google Slides themes and Powerpoint templates

    Slidesgo offers thousands of free and customizable templates for Google Slides, PowerPoint and Canva. Browse by topic, category or color and find the perfect design for your presentations.

  12. SlidesCarnival: Free PowerPoint & Google Slides Templates That Stand Out

    SlidesCarnival: Free PowerPoint & Google Slides Templates ...

  13. Google Slides: Getting Started with Your Presentation

    The Google Slides interface. When you create a new presentation in Google Slides, the interface for Slides will appear. This interface displays the toolbar, along with the main view of your presentation. It allows you to create and modify slides, choose a theme, and share the presentation with others.. Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the interface for Google Slides.

  14. 7 Google Slides Features for Eye-Catching Presentations

    Crop an Image to a Shape. Place Text in Front of an Image. Shorten Lengthy Videos. Insert a Chart or Graph. Position Slide Items With Guides. Use Subtle Slide Transitions. Assembling a professional slideshow can be intimidating if you don't feel creative or artistic. But that doesn't mean you can't make an appealing and successful presentation ...

  15. Google Slides cheat sheet: How to get started

    From Google Slides: At the top of the home page, you'll see a "Start a new presentation" header, with a row of thumbnails underneath. To start a new, blank presentation, click the Blank ...

  16. How to use Google Slides

    But you also have the option to use a blank slide to place items where you like. Step 1: To add a slide, do one of the following: Go to the Insert tab and choose New slide near the bottom. Go to ...

  17. Free Google Slides Templates

    Elevate your presentations with our amazing Google Slides templates today! Frequently Asked Questions. How do I download a Google Slides template? To download a Google Slides theme, click the "Google Slides" button below the presentation preview, sign in to your Google account, and select "Make a copy". Alternatively, click the Canva ...

  18. 20 Google Slides Tips to spice up your Presentations

    Here are the top 20 design tips to consider when using Google Slides: Tip 1: Use templates. Tip 2: Use plenty of images. Tip 3: Experiment with typography. Tip 4: Add diagrams and infographics. Tip 5: Get creative with your images. Tip 6: Be careful with color.

  19. Google Slides Training

    Find tips and tricks from teachers like you. What is Google Slides. Accessing Google Slides. Creating a presentation in Google Slides. Adding and editing content. Presenting Google Slides. Sharing Google Slides. Teachers' Lounge.

  20. Present slides

    On your browser, open a presentation in Google Slides. At the top right corner, click Slideshow . At the bottom left, click Options Enable pen tool. To draw or annotate, click and drag on your slide. Optional: To change the pen color, at the bottom, click Pen tool Select a color. To erase annotations on the current slide, at the bottom, click ...

  21. How to AutoPlay and Loop a Google Slides Presentation

    Go to File > Publish to the Web in the menu. Choose either "Link" or "Embed" per your intent. Then use the Auto-Advance Slides drop-down box to choose the timing for the slides. Here again, you can pick from every second up to every minute. To loop the slideshow, check the box for Restart the Slideshow After the Last Slide.

  22. Google Slides

    Google Slides is part of Google Workspace: where teams of any size can chat, create and collaborate. Google Workspace subscribers have access to additional Google Slides features, including: - Collaborating on a single presentation online with your business partner, your whole team or external contacts.

  23. Free PowerPoint templates and Google Slides themes for presentations

    Free PowerPoint template and Google Slides theme for presentations about money management. Ever feel like presenting personal finance topics could be a snooze? Well this free slide theme available for both PowerPoint and Google Slides uses friendly illustrations to make financial concepts engaging. This theme is perfect for anyone who […]

  24. How to Convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides

    Locate and select your PowerPoint file, then click "Open." After the file uploads to Google Drive, right-click it and choose Open With > Google Slides. The presentation will open in Google Slides but remain a PowerPoint file as you can see next to the name on the top left. Click File > Save as Google Slides from the menu to convert it.

  25. Professional PowerPoint Templates & Slides

    Professional PowerPoint Templates & Slides