Grouping objects in Google Slides is an easy way to keep elements together so you can move or resize them as one unit. Whether you’re creating infographics, illustrations, charts, or any other visual content, grouping related objects makes your Slides editing process more efficient.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to:
- Group objects with a keyboard shortcut or menu options
- Move, resize, and transform grouped items together
- Ungroup items when needed
- Understand what can and can’t be grouped
Why Use Grouping in Google Slides?
Grouping objects allows you to select and manipulate multiple objects at once. Here are some key reasons to use this feature:
- Move objects together. Instead of adjusting each object individually, you can drag a group to reposition all the items inside it. This saves tons of time when creating complex Slides layouts.
- Resize proportionally. Making a group of objects larger or smaller maintains the relative sizes and positions of the individual elements.
- Rotate and flip. Transforming a group rotates or flips all the objects within it while preserving their arrangement.
- Maintain layouts. Keeping related objects grouped together ensures infographics, charts, illustrations, and other graphics retain their structure when moved or resized.
How to Group Objects in Google Slides
Grouping objects in Google Slides only takes a few clicks:
- Select the objects to group by holding Shift and clicking each one or dragging a selection box around them.
- Click Arrange > Group or use the keyboard shortcut:
- Ctrl+Alt+G (Windows)
- ⌘+Option+G (Mac)
- The selected items become a single grouped object.
Alternatively, right-click the selected objects and choose Group from the context menu.
Once grouped, you can move, resize, arrange, or format the group as a whole.
Gif showing how to group objects in Google Slides
Manipulating Grouped Objects
With objects grouped, you can:
- Move the group by clicking and dragging it anywhere on the slide
- Resize the group by dragging the side or corner handles
- Rotate the group by hovering over the top handle until a circular arrow appears then dragging
- Change order by right-clicking the group and selecting Order > Bring Forward/Backward
- Copy/paste the group while retaining all objects and their positions
Any transformations apply to the whole group rather than individual objects. Everything stays neatly organized!
Ungrouping Objects in Google Slides
If you need to edit one item in a group or no longer want certain objects grouped together, you can ungroup them.
To ungroup objects:
- Click the group to select it.
- Click Arrange > Ungroup.
Or use the keyboard shortcuts:
- Ctrl+Alt+Shift+G (Windows)
- ⌘+Option+Shift+G (Mac)
The individual objects return to their positions within the group but can now move and edit independently.
What Can You Group in Google Slides?
Nearly any objects added to a slide can be grouped together, including:
- Shapes
- Images
- Charts/graphs
- Text boxes
- Tables
- SmartArt graphics
- Word art
- Video
Lines and connectors can also group with other objects.
You cannot group placeholders from Slides templates or theme layouts. Additionally, grouping across multiple slides isn’t possible – all objects must reside on the same slide.
Tips for Effective Grouping in Google Slides
Here are some tips for getting the most out of grouping:
- Group objects after finishing the content and basic layout rather than at the start. Your needs might change as you design.
- Name groups (right-click > Name group) to help identify different graphic elements, especially in complex presentations.
- Ungroup items when you need to edit or format them individually. There’s no permanent commitment!
- For moveable infographics or images, group all the elements including the text, then copy and paste the group to easily reuse it.
Quick Recap on Grouping Objects in Google Slides
Grouping objects keeps relevant visual elements together so you can efficiently arrange and transform slides:
- Select multiple objects to group
- Group them via the Arrange menu or keyboard shortcuts
- Manipulate the group as a single object
- Ungroup whenever you need to edit individually
With this simple Google Slides technique, you can create intricate presentations and graphics while optimizing your editing workflow.