Embedding raw HTML code directly into Google Slides presentations is unfortunately not possible. However, there are a few workarounds you can use to embed rich media content like images, videos, links, and even other Google files.
Why Can’t You Embed HTML in Google Slides?
Google Slides does not allow embedding arbitrary HTML code because it focuses on simplicity and limiting potential security issues. The Google Slides editor is streamlined to only support inserting certain types of objects like images, videos, and links.
This avoids complications from rendering complex HTML and prevents malicious code injection. So for security and usability reasons, Google restricts Slides functionality compared to fully-featured web platforms.
Workaround #1: Embed YouTube and Other Videos
While you can’t paste HTML <iframe> video embeds, Google Slides does support inserting videos through its built-in video tool:
- In your presentation, select Insert > Video.
- Paste in a YouTube, Vimeo, or other video platform URL.
- Google Slides will automatically embed and host the video.
Videos play right inside the slide, support autoplay/looping, and you can resize them appropriately. This works seamlessly for YouTube and some other platforms.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>So even without custom HTML, you can still embed rich video content into slides!
Workaround #2: Insert Images and Format Links
Embedding standalone images or linking out to external websites is also possible in Google Slides without HTML:
- Images: Use Insert > Image to upload images or insert ones via URL. You can size and format images once inserted.
- Links: Highlight text and use the “link” button to make it hyperlinked. Or format text with the
atag to link websites.
<a href="https://example.com/">Example website</a>This allows styling content to mimic certain inline HTML formatting. You can insert images, create image galleries, and link text to other webpages.
Workaround #3: Embed Google Drive Files
Google Slides supports embedding other Google files stored in Drive, including:
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Google Drawings
- Google Forms
- Other Slides presentations
The files display live within the presentation. This works seamlessly since everything runs within Google’s ecosystem.
To embed Google Files:
- Click Insert > Google Drive
- Select the Google file you want to embed
- The file will display directly in your presentation
So despite the lack of general HTML embedding, you can embed documents, spreadsheets, drawings, forms, and even other presentations!
Alternative Approaches to HTML Embedding
While the workarounds above solve some common use cases, you might still want to embed more complex HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or other web code into slides.
A few alternative approaches include:
- Screenshot web content – Take screenshots of webpages and embed the images
- Use Google Sites – Build a webpage with Google Sites to host HTML/CSS/JS and embed the page
- Embed web apps or JavaScript plugins – Embed lightweight web apps or JavaScript plugins for added interactivity
However, these may be more complex or less seamless approaches.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Unfortunately, directly embedding raw HTML into Google Slides is not possible. But here are a few key workarounds:
- Embed YouTube and other videos using the built-in video tool
- Insert images and format text links to mimic basic HTML
- Embed other Google Drive files like Docs, Sheets, and Drawings
- Explore alternative solutions like screenshots, Google Sites webpages, or JavaScript plugins
So while Google Slides lacks full featured HTML support, you still have quite a few options to embed rich media content into your presentations!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
