The widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio has become the standard for most modern devices and screens. From laptops, desktop monitors, and tablets, to HDTVs and newer projectors, widescreen displays are ubiquitous.
As such, it makes sense to create your PowerPoint presentations using the widescreen format to take full advantage of the extra horizontal space and match what your audience will view the slides on.
Benefits of Using Widescreen PowerPoint Presentations
There are several key benefits to using the 16:9 widescreen format for your PowerPoint presentations:
- More horizontal space to showcase visuals and content
- Better alignment with modern laptops, TVs, tablets and widescreen projectors
- Creates a more cinematic, visually engaging experience for audiences
- Slides have room to “breathe”, allowing for better organization of information
- Easier to view on digital devices that use widescreen displays
By designing for widescreen from the start, you ensure your PowerPoint slides look their absolute best when presented.
How to Set Up Widescreen in PowerPoint
Setting up widescreen in PowerPoint is simple. Here are step-by-step instructions for PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010:
PowerPoint 2019/2016/2013
The latest versions of PowerPoint default to widescreen 16:9 slides automatically. You don’t need to make any adjustments.
PowerPoint 2010 and 2007
- Go to the Design tab
- Click Page Setup
- Under Slides sized for, choose On-screen Show (16:9)
- Click OK
Your presentation is now ready for widescreen!
Tips for Widescreen PowerPoint Presentations
When designing presentations for widescreen displays, keep these tips in mind:
- Use high-quality photos and visuals to take advantage of the extra horizontal space
- Limit animations and transitions to keep the focus on content
- Simplify and declutter slides as much as possible
- Use large, readable fonts (at least 30pt for body text)
- Place critical information in the top two-thirds of slides
Show Widescreen Presentations on Standard Displays
If you need to present your widescreen PowerPoint on a standard 4:3 display, don’t worry − PowerPoint handles the formatting for you.
The slides will display with black bars on the sides to fit the standard screen, similarly to watching a widescreen movie on an old TV. This keeps the slide content intact so nothing gets cut off or distorted.
For occasions when you’ll need to present on both widescreen and standard displays, save a second 4:3 version of your PowerPoint with the content formatted to fit appropriately.
Conclusion
Using the 16:9 widescreen format ensures your PowerPoint presentations shine on the displays of today. Just a small change makes a big difference in visual appeal and alignment with your audience’s devices.
With the extra horizontal space, widescreen PowerPoint slides give you more creative freedom to showcase your ideas in an engaging, cinematic way.
