Changing the page or slide size in PowerPoint 2010 is easy once you know where to look. Whether you want to use a standard size like Letter or Legal, or create a custom size for a banner or other need, PowerPoint makes it simple to get the right fit.
I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process so you can change the slide size for your next presentation with confidence.
Why Change the Slide Size?
There’s a few reasons you may want to change the default slide size in PowerPoint:
- Fitting content – If you have a large image, diagram, or other element that doesn’t fit well on the default slide, adjusting the size can help.
- Printing – To print slides, notes, or handouts on a specific paper size like legal or A3.
- Projection – For projecting on different sized screens or surfaces.
- Creativity – Custom sizes allow you to get creative with shapes like banners.
So whether you’re trying to make your content fit better, print on a specific paper size, or just get creative, changing the slide size is easy to do.
Access the Slide Size Dialog Box
Here are the steps to access the dialog box to change the slide size:
- Click on the Design tab
- Click the Slide Size button (on the far right of the ribbon)
- Select Custom Slide Size at the bottom
This opens the Slide Size dialog box where you can change the size.
Choose a Standard Size
PowerPoint has several preset standard sizes to choose from:
- On-screen Show 4:3
- On-screen Show 16:9
- Letter Paper
- Ledger Paper
- A3 Paper
- A4 Paper
- Banner
- Custom Size
Simply select one of the standard sizes from the Slides sized for dropdown menu and PowerPoint will adjust your slides to match that size.
For example, selecting Letter Paper will size your slides to 8.5 x 11 inches.
Tip: Pay attention to the orientation toggle on this menu. Select portrait vs landscape based on the content and how you intend to show or print the slides.
Create a Custom Size
If you want a truly custom size, here’s how:
- In the Slide Size dialog box, choose Custom Size
- Enter your desired width and height in the fields
- Select inches or centimeters for the units
- Choose Landscape or Portrait orientation
For example, you might enter:
- Width: 48 inches
- Height: 36 inches
- Units: Inches
- Orientation: Landscape
This would create very large 48×36 inch slides in landscape layout.
Pro Tip: If printing slides at this size, make sure your printer can handle paper this big!
Preview and Adjust Content
Once you’ve updated the slide size, it’s a good idea to preview your slides. PowerPoint will automatically reposition and scale content to fit the new size.
However, you may need to make small tweaks for the best fit and appearance. Expect to make adjustments to:
- Text box sizes and positions
- Image sizes and positions
- Alignment of shapes and elements
- Font sizes (may need to increase/decrease)
Preview multiple slides and print a test copy to ensure your presentation looks as intended with the new slide size. Making small adjustments now can make a big difference for your final presentation!
Recap and Next Steps
Changing the slide size in PowerPoint 2010 is straightforward once you know where to look. Follow these steps:
- Access the Slide Size dialog box
- Choose a standard size or enter a custom width and height
- Preview your slides and make adjustments as needed
- Make sure your printer can handle the paper size (if relevant)
Changing the size can help your content fit and look better. But don’t stop there! Be sure to also optimize your text, images, alignment, fonts, and other design elements so your presentation is visually appealing from start to finish.
I hope this overview on how to change the page size has been helpful! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.