Annotating your presentations can make them more engaging, interactive, and impactful. With Google Slides’ new built-in annotation feature, you can now easily add drawings, underlines, and notes directly on your slides as you present.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use annotations in Google Slides to create more effective and dynamic presentations:
Step 1: Open Your Presentation in Slideshow Mode
First, open the Google Slides presentation you want to annotate in your web browser. Click on the “Slideshow” button in the top right corner to switch your presentation to fullscreen slideshow mode.
Slideshow button in Google Slides
This will allow you to see your slides as your audience would, making it easy to add annotations.
Step 2: Activate the Pen Tool
Move your mouse to the bottom left corner of the screen. A menu will appear with options like speaker notes and auto-advance. Click on “Options” to expand the menu.
Options menu in Google Slides presentation mode
In the expanded options menu, check the box next to “Enable pen tool” to activate annotations.
Step 3: Select a Pen Color
Once annotations are enabled, you will see color options for your pen appear in the bottom left corner.
Pen color options in Google Slides annotations
Click on the color you want to use – red, black, blue, or green. You can switch between colors at any time.
Step 4: Draw Annotations on Your Slides
With the pen tool activated and your desired color selected, you can now annotate directly on your slides as you present.
Some ideas for annotations:
- Circle or underline key figures or data
- Draw arrows pointing to important elements
- Scribble notes and commentary
- Cross out outdated information
- Add clarifying details
The annotations will appear in real-time, allowing you to illustrate concepts dynamically.
Step 5: Erase Annotations (Optional)
If you want to remove any annotations, click on the eraser icon next to the color selector.
Eraser tool in Google Slides annotations
You can then click and drag over your drawings and notes to erase them.
Step 6: Save Annotations (Optional)
By default, annotations in Google Slides presentations are temporary – they will disappear when you exit slideshow mode.
If you want your annotations to persist so you can reuse them later, you can save them:
- Click on the 3-dot menu next to the eraser tool
- Select “Save annotations”
- Give the annotations a name and description
- Click “Save”
The annotated version of your presentation will now be accessible from your Google Drive for future use.
Conclusion
Adding annotations in Google Slides is a simple way to create more interactive, engaging presentations. With just a few clicks, you can illustrate concepts, emphasize key points, and engage your audience more deeply as you present.
So next time you’re preparing a presentation, consider using the new built-in annotation features to bring your slides to life!
Keywords: Google Slides, presentations, annotate, annotation, presentation tips, presentation skills, public speaking, slides, PowerPoint alternative
