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Split Screen to run Microsoft PPT in Presentation Mode While Displaying Web Page on other half

I have one large monitor that I want to split screen on, so that I have two applications utilizing the entire screen. On one side, I want powerpoint to be in presentation mode (so that I can run a slideshow), while on the other half of the screen, there is a fully opened web browser to display a webpage (Spreadsheet) for example.

To be clear, I am NOT trying to simply move one program to half of one side of the screen, with the other program on the other half, I can do that fine already by clicking, dragging to the edge, and allowing the auto-size/expand feature to automatically take up half the screen.

What I'm looking for is to be able to run presentation mode in Powerpoint, but I only want the presentation/slides to be displayed on the one half of the screen, and be able to utilize the other half with a web browser so I can present while a spreadsheet is also shown.

Is this possible? If not by built-it settings, is it possible with a third party program?

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I believe I have found somewhat of the answer, while it doesn't do exactly what I'm looking for..

Navigating to Slide Show ribbon, then selecting  Set Up Slide Show allows you to select Browsed by an individual (window) .

This will allow you to be in presentation mode, but there is still a window .  It would be nice to have a view of full screen without seeing the surrounding boarders of a window, while also being able to only have it take up half or 3/4 of the screen.

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How to present two PowerPoint Presentations (side-by-side)

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Yes, you can run two PowerPoint presentations at the same time from your computer. This dogged me for years until I realized how easy this was to setup in PowerPoint.

As you begin to do deals overseas, work with international clients and investors, you will eventually be asked to run two different translations of your PowerPoint presentation, at the same time on the same monitor. When I was working in China, I was asked to do this all the time. That is, showing both an English and Chinese version of our deal, at the same time as you can see below.

To be clear, PowerPoint presentations by default, run as full screen slides. That is, after starting your slide show, your slides take up the entirety of your screen, monitor, or overhead projector.

The trick to running two PowerPoint presentations at the same time is to change the default behavior of how PowerPoint runs your presentations in slide show mode. That is, you need to change them to run as individual windows that you can resize and rearrange. In this way, you can present two or more presentations at the same time, on the same screen.

Presenting two or more presentations at the same time is useful when you need to:

• Present the same presentation in two different languages (or for two different audiences)
• Compare two different presentations side-by-side in Slide Show mode
• Run a presentation on half of your screen, while you add speaker notes in the other half

NOTE: When running two presentations at the same time on your computer, each presentation needs to be advanced individually. On top of that, some of the presentation tools like the pen and highlighter do not work when running multiple presentations at the same time. See below for further details.

Table of Contents

[watch] running two presentations at the same time.

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Setting up two presentations to run side-by-side

Setting up two presentations to run like this is easy in PowerPoint. Just remember to change the settings back before you send your presentation to your boss or client.

Once you change how PowerPoint runs in Slide Show mode, it remains that way until you change it back to its default.

If you send your client a deck that runs differently than they expect, I guarantee they will send it back to you and tell you that PowerPoint is broken. This has happened to be a couple of times over the years, so that is a friendly reminder for you.

1. Open the Set Up Slide Show dialog box

To open the Set Up Slide Show dialog box, simply:

• Click the Slide Show tab
• Select the Set Up Slide Show command

You can also shortcut the process by holding the Shift key on your keyboard and clicking the Reading Pane icon at the bottom of your PowerPoint screen.

NOTE:  Once you have your two or more presentations setup to run as individual windows, you can use the Windows snap shortcuts to quickly arrange the windows on your screen. To learn how to use these Windows shortcuts and more,  read my guide here .

2. Select Browsed by an individual (window)

The goal of this step is to get your presentations to run in a resizable window as pictured below. This allows you to then run and resize as many presentations as you want on the same monitor.

To present multiple presentations at the same time like this, you need to change the default behavior from Presented by a speaker (full screen) to Browsed by an individual (window) .

Once you’ve made the selection, click OK to return to the Normal View in PowerPoint.

3. Snap your two slide shows into place on your computer

In the image below, I’m using the Windows snap feature options at the top of my screen. To open these, simply click and drag your window to the top of your screen to display them.

After you have changed both of your PowerPoint presentations to run in individual windows, snap the two presentations into place, in the order you want them to display in. The easiest way to do this is to use the Windows snap features at the top of your screen. In this case, I’m using the side-by-side view.

As you do this, make sure you put the presentations in the order you want them to present in. In this case, I’ve put the English version of my presentation on the left, and the Chinese version on the right.

NOTE: You can alternatively start your slide shows first, and then snap them. Once your presentations are set to run as individual windows, is doesn’t matter which order you do this in.

4. Start your two slide shows individually

Once your two presentations are set up the way you want them, all you need to do is start your presentations. The easiest way to do that is to hit F5 on your keyboard. To see alternative ways to start your presentations (including shortcuts), see my guide here .

Below is an example of two 16×9 presentations running side-by-side in slide show mode. My computer monitor is not large enough to show each Slide Show well in the 16:9 format, but you get the idea of how this works.

NOTE: There is no easy way to flip between the 4:3 and 16:9 slide sizes without messing up your presentation. To see why, see my slide size guide here .

NOTE: You can still use the PowerPoint laser pointer shortcut when running two presentations side-by-side. The laser pointer works, but only if you use its shortcut.

Advancing side-by-side slide shows

Now that you are running two or more presentations on the same monitor, your next question is going to be “Can I advance both presentations at the same time?”

Unfortunately, each slide show must be advanced on its own. There is no way to advance both PowerPoint presentations with the single click of your mouse. Instead, you need to click into each presentation individually and advance it.

NOTE: The number of Slide Show commands is limited when running two presentations at the same time. For example, you cannot draw on your PowerPoint slides , and can only use a limited number of commands in the right-click menu.

You are all set for doing international deals now! The next time you are pitching a client and your boss asked you to get two translations of your presentation running at the same time, you will know how to set it up using the Set Up Slide Show dialog box.

Just remember that when running presentations in an individual windows like this, there are a limited number of slide show commands you can use, and you need to advanced each presentation separately.

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How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting With One Monitor

Presenting a PowerPoint is a great way to engage and inform an audience, but it can be challenging to keep track of your notes while you’re presenting. Fortunately, PowerPoint includes a feature that allows you to view your speaker notes on one monitor while your audience sees the presentation on another. This makes it much easier to stay on track and deliver your message effectively. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at how to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting with one monitor, as well as some tips for getting the most out of this feature.

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Why Viewing Notes While Presenting is Important

When giving a presentation, it’s important to have access to your notes to stay on track and avoid missing important points. Viewing your notes while presenting can also help you remember key details and ensure that you’re delivering the information in an organized and effective manner. This can be especially important if you’re presenting complex or technical information. By having access to your notes, you can make sure you’re covering all the necessary points and answering any questions that might come up.

Another benefit of viewing your notes while presenting is that it can help you feel more confident and prepared. Knowing that you have your notes to refer to can alleviate any anxiety or nervousness you may feel about presenting. It can also give you a sense of security, knowing that you have all the information you need at your fingertips. By feeling more confident and prepared, you’re more likely to deliver a successful presentation that engages your audience and effectively conveys your message.

Understanding the Need for One Monitor

Using Presenter View in PowerPoint allows you to view your notes on your laptop or primary monitor while the audience sees only the presentation on the projected screen, even if you only have one monitor. This feature is particularly useful when you don’t have a dual-monitor setup. Presenter View provides a separate interface for the presenter that includes the current slide, speaker notes, and upcoming slides, ensuring that you can deliver your presentation smoothly without revealing your notes to the audience.

How to Access Notes in PowerPoint

Accessing your notes in PowerPoint while presenting on a single monitor is straightforward with Presenter View. To use Presenter View, start your PowerPoint presentation and go to the “Slide Show” tab in the ribbon menu. Then, check the “Use Presenter View” box. When you start the slideshow, your presentation will appear on the projected screen, while your notes and controls appear on your primary monitor. This allows you to reference your notes discreetly during the presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Viewing Notes in PowerPoint

Here’s a step-by-step guide to viewing your notes in PowerPoint using Presenter View:

• Open your PowerPoint presentation.
• Navigate to the slide on which you wish to start presenting.
• Select the “Slide Show” tab in the ribbon menu.
• Check the “Use Presenter View” box.
• Start your presentation by clicking on “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide.”
• Your notes will appear on your primary monitor, while the audience will see only the slides on the presentation screen.

Remember, your audience will not see your notes, allowing you to discreetly reference them during your presentation.

Tips for Presenting With One Monitor

Here are some tips for presenting with one monitor:

• Practice your presentation beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable with the software and know how to access Presenter View.
• Use the Presenter View to keep track of key points and ensure that you’re covering all the necessary information.
• Put your notes in bullet-point format to make them easy to follow and read while presenting.
• Use concise language and avoid excessive text on your slides.
• Maintain eye contact with your audience as much as possible, even when referencing your notes.

How to Customize Your Notes View in PowerPoint

PowerPoint allows you to customize your notes view to suit your preferences. To do so, enter Presenter View and hover over the notes section. You can then adjust the font size and formatting to make your notes easier to read. Additionally, you can rearrange the on-screen elements in Presenter View to suit your presenting style.

Shortcut Keys for Easy Navigation Through Notes

PowerPoint includes a number of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate through your presentation easily. Here are some of the most useful ones:

• Use the “N” key or the right arrow to move forward one slide at a time.
• Use the “P” key or the left arrow to move backward one slide at a time.
• Press “Ctrl” + “S” to access the “All Slides” view, where you can select a specific slide to jump to.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Viewing Notes

If you’re having trouble viewing your notes in PowerPoint using Presenter View, ensure that Presenter View is enabled in the “Slide Show” tab. If the notes are not appearing, try restarting PowerPoint or your computer to resolve any temporary glitches. Additionally, check that your screen resolution and display settings are correctly configured to support Presenter View.

Alternative Methods for Viewing Notes While Presenting

If you prefer not to use Presenter View or encounter difficulties, you can print out your notes and refer to them as needed. Another option is to split your screen, displaying the presentation in a window on one half and a document with your notes on the other half. This method requires you to manually scroll your notes, but it can be a useful alternative.

Best Practices for Using Notes During a Presentation

Here are some best practices for using notes during a presentation:

• Don’t rely too heavily on your notes–practice your presentation beforehand and aim to deliver your message in a natural, conversational tone.
• Use your notes as a guide rather than a script.
• Keep your notes organized and easy to follow.
• Make sure to address any questions or concerns that come up during the presentation.
• Try to engage with your audience and create a rapport with them.

Benefits of Using One Monitor While Presenting

Using one monitor while presenting with Presenter View has several benefits. It allows you to reference your notes discreetly, helps you stay organized and on track, and enables you to maintain better eye contact with your audience. This setup can also simplify your presentation space and reduce the risk of technical issues.

Advanced Techniques for Managing Your Presentation and Notes on One Monitor

As you become more comfortable with Presenter View, you can explore additional features such as the thumbnail strip to preview upcoming slides, the timer to keep track of your speaking duration, and the ability to zoom into a particular slide detail during your presentation.

How to Switch Between Different Views During Presentation Mode

To switch between different views during presentation mode, you can use the following methods:

• To access Presenter View, start your slideshow and press the “Alt” + “F5” keys.
• To exit Presenter View and return to the normal view, press the “Esc” key.
• To black out the screen during the presentation, press the “B” or period key.

How to Control Slides, Animations and Media During the Presentation with One Monitor

During your presentation, you can control slides, animations, and media with the following actions:

• To advance to the next slide or animation, press the right arrow key or click the left mouse button.
• To return to the previous slide or animation, press the left arrow key.
• To play a video or audio file, click on it directly or use the media controls in Presenter View.
• To pause or stop the media, use the media controls in Presenter View.

With these tips and techniques in mind, you should now be well-equipped to view your notes in PowerPoint while presenting with one monitor. Remember to practice beforehand and experiment with different techniques to find the ones that work best for you. With a little bit of preparation and practice, you can deliver a confident and effective presentation that engages and informs your audience.

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How to view multiple slides from same Powerpoint presentation simultaneously?

I want to be able to do:

• View two slides from same PowerPoint presentation simultaneously
• Edit these slides

My current workflow is to just make the far left "Slides" pane large enough I can see the content for the non-active slide and then jump back and forth as needed. This is somewhat annoying, though, because small text is not readable as you can only make this pane so large.

It would be great to not have to do this, but rather be able to more easily edit/view them simultaneously.

• microsoft-powerpoint-2010

• I'm trying to do something similar - specifically, these slides are meant to be used to make a booklet of some kind... Any success with this? –  Michael Merchant Jul 2, 2014 at 20:47

4 Answers 4

There is a "View" tab, and then there is a "New Window" button. Just click it and place the two windows side by side.

• 1 Maybe you could add that the New Window button automatically creates a second instance of the already opened PowerPoint file –  nixda Dec 29, 2014 at 10:42
• But this is not in the same window. Isn't there any way to see more than a slide in a MS Powerpoint window? When you zoom out, it is very useful to see other slides in a continuous manner. –  Alisa Jan 3, 2016 at 17:08
• There's no such button in PowerPoint for Mac. –  mjaggard Jan 15, 2019 at 15:21

In Powerpoint for Mac, open the top menu named "Window" (the menu, not the ribbon), and select "New Window".

I found a much better solution for Mac users:

• In PowerPoint click the print button and go to print preview screen.
• Go to layout and select 6 pages per sheet etc.. if you want to view 6 slides.
• Click the pdf button on bottom left and just save it as a PDF.

• I think the other Mac solution is better because it allows copying objects between slides easily. –  mjaggard Jan 15, 2019 at 15:55

The answer is very simple and easy.

Open your PowerPoint file. Open your other Powerpoint file.

Now you only see the last one. Correct?

OK, go to view and click on Cascade.

Now you see both. Correct?

Adjust the files so you see them parallel next to each other>

Advice: stretch your page to the full screen so you can enlarge your text for better view.

• 2 You haven't mentioned how to open the second file. Since it is the same file as already open, a simple double-click doesn't work –  nixda Dec 29, 2014 at 10:44

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