Adding Google Sheets data to your Google Slides presentations can be a great way to visualize data and keep it up-to-date. With just a few clicks, you can link a Google Sheet to your presentation so that any changes made to the Sheet are automatically reflected in the Slide.
Benefits of Linking Google Sheets and Slides
There are several key benefits to linking Google Sheets and Slides:
- Real-time updates: Any changes made to the linked Google Sheet will automatically update in your Google Slides presentation. This saves you from having to manually update data.
- Data visualization: Turn your Google Sheets data into charts, graphs and tables right within your slides. This allows you to visualize data trends and patterns.
- Collaboration: Multiple people can collaborate on the linked Google Sheet, with changes showing up in real-time in your presentation.
- Works offline: You can view and edit your presentation offline through the Google Slides mobile app, with changes syncing when you reconnect.
Step 1: Open Google Slides Presentation
First, open the Google Slides presentation you want to link the Sheet to. You can open an existing presentation or start a new blank one.
When adding Google Sheets data, it’s best to start with a clean slide with no existing boxes or elements, as these can interfere with the inserted table or chart.
Step 2: Copy Google Sheet Data
Next, open the Google Sheet you want to link to your presentation. Select the specific cells that contain the data you want to add.
To select cells, click on the first cell and drag to highlight all the cells you want to copy. Or you can hold down CTRL on your keyboard and click to select individual cells.
Once the desired cells are selected, right click and choose Copy or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+C.
Step 3: Paste into Google Slides
Go back to your Google Slides presentation and paste the copied data onto the slide. You can right click and select Paste or use CTRL+V.
A pop-up will appear asking if you want to link the pasted data to the original Google Sheet or just paste unlinked values. Choose Link to spreadsheet.
Link to spreadsheet option
This will insert the data as a linked table, chart or image that will stay connected to the Sheet.
Step 4: Edit Link Settings
When you first link a Google Sheet, the default settings may not display the data exactly how you want in the slide.
Click on the inserted object and then open the right sidebar. Go to the Link tab to edit the link settings:
- Range: Adjust the cell range to change which data is displayed.
- Refresh: Choose when the linked object updates from the Sheet.
- Placement: Set whether the object is fixed in the slide or can move dynamically.
Play around with these settings until the inserted data looks how you want!
Step 5: Update Google Sheet
One of the best things about linking Google Sheets and Slides is that any changes made to the Sheet will automatically update in your presentation.
To test this, go back to your Google Sheet document and edit some of the linked data cells. After making changes, return to the Slides presentation.
You’ll see a small notification that there are updates available for linked objects. Click Update all and your changes from the Sheet should appear!
Now whenever you adjust the source data in Google Sheets, the presentation will always have the latest information.
Advanced: Use Apps Script to Automate
If you want to take things to the next level, Google Apps Script allows you to automate the process of creating Slides presentations from Sheets.
For example, you could set up a script that generates a separate, personalized slideshow for each row in a Sheet, using values from the row to populate template slides.
Check out this tutorial for just one example of the power of Apps Script!
Tips for Linking Google Sheets and Slides
Here are some additional pointers when linking Sheets and Slides:
- Structure your data clearly in Google Sheets before linking. Use simple headers and consistent formatting.
- Be selective about which data you link. Avoid linking full spreadsheets, instead copy specific ranges.
- Use linking to visualize key data trends, not just display tables of numbers. Add charts, graphs and images.
- When collaborating, be careful about sharing access of linked files to maintain data privacy.
- If desired, make a duplicate of the Slides file first before linking data, so you have an unlinked backup available.
Present Data Visually with Linked Google Docs
Connecting Google Sheets and Google Slides is a match made in heaven for those who need to present data in a visual way. With real-time updating and easy collaboration, you can ensure your presentation always has the latest data.
The ability to instantly turn spreadsheet numbers and values into charts, graphs and diagrams within Slides saves tons of manual effort.
So next time you need to make a data-driven presentation, give linking Google Sheets and Slides a try! Just follow the simple steps above to get your documents connected.
