PowerPoint presentations often require rearranging slides to improve the flow or to customize the content for different audiences. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to move slides in PowerPoint whether you’re using the desktop application, the online web version, or the mobile app.
In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to move slides in PowerPoint using any of these platforms. You’ll also get some tips for moving multiple slides at once.
Method 1: Move Slides in PowerPoint Desktop Application
The PowerPoint desktop application makes it simple to rearrange slides with drag and drop functionality. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation
Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation you want to edit. You can open a recent file from the Start page or use File > Open to browse for a presentation.
Step 2: Drag and Drop Slides
In the left pane, you’ll see thumbnails of all your slides. Click and drag slides to rearrange them in any order you like.
For example, to move Slide 1 to the end, drag its thumbnail from the top to the bottom of the pane. Release the mouse button when you see the insertion line where you want the slide moved.
Step 3: Move Multiple Slides (Optional)
To select multiple slides to move as a group, press and hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking additional slides. Then drag the selected slides together to their new position.
Step 4: Delete Slides (Optional)
If you want to delete a slide, right-click its thumbnail and select Delete Slide. Or select the slide and press the Delete key.
Method 2: Move Slides in PowerPoint Online
The web-based PowerPoint Online also makes reordering slides easy. Here is how to move slides using the online editor:
Step 1: Open the Presentation in PowerPoint Online
In your web browser, go to www.office.com and sign in to access the Office 365 portal. Locate PowerPoint in your app launcher.
Open the presentation you want to edit. You can select a recent file or use Open > Browse to locate the PowerPoint file.
Step 2: Enter Slide Sorter View
In the bottom-right corner of the PowerPoint window, click the “Slide Sorter” button. This displays all slides as thumbnails.
Step 3: Click and Drag to Move Slides
Click and drag slides horizontally to change their order. Release when you see the insertion line at the desired new location.
Step 4: Delete Slides (Optional)
To remove slides, right-click the thumbnail and choose Delete Slide.
Method 3: Move Slides in the PowerPoint Mobile App
You can also easily rearrange slides using the PowerPoint app for mobile devices. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch the PowerPoint App
Open the PowerPoint app on your phone or tablet. You can find it in your app library or home screen.
Step 2: Open the Presentation
Tap the presentation name under Recent to open a file stored in the cloud or your device. Or tap Browse to locate and open a file.
Step 3: Enter Slide Sorter View
Tap the “View” tab and choose “Slide Sorter” to display slide thumbnails.
Step 4: Drag and Drop Slides
Tap and hold a slide thumbnail then drag horizontally to move it. Lift your finger when the line indicates the new position.
Step 5: Delete Slides (Optional)
Tap a slide thumbnail then tap the delete icon in the menu bar to remove unneeded slides.
Conclusion
Now you know how to quickly rearrange slides in PowerPoint whether you’re on a desktop, web browser, or mobile device. With drag and drop functionality, moving one or multiple slides is simple.
Practice moving slides around to become comfortable with the process. Rearranging your content can help improve the flow and impact of any presentation.
