How To Use a Vertical Layout in Google Slides

Google Slides presentations typically have a horizontal landscape orientation by default. However, there are situations where using a vertical portrait layout can be advantageous. For example, designing for mobile devices, creating scrolling presentations, or including tall images or charts.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to easily switch Google Slides to a vertical layout in just a few clicks.

Benefits of Vertical Google Slides

Here are some of the key benefits of using vertical slides in Google Slides:

Optimized for Mobile Devices

Since most mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are held vertically, vertical slides are better optimized for viewing presentations on mobile. The content will fill the screen without large black bars on the sides[1].

Create Scrolling Presentations

Vertical slides lend themselves well to creating scrolling presentations that viewers can smoothly scroll through. This can help hold attention better than clicking through horizontal slides[1].

Include Tall Visuals

If you need to include exceptionally tall images, infographics, diagrams or charts, a vertical layout will provide more vertical space to showcase visuals without cropping or squeezing them in[2].

Print Handouts Easily

Since vertical Google Slides match standard paper proportions, they make printing handouts simpler without needing to crop or scale down content[1].

Guide Storytelling

For presentations that follow a clear narrative or progression like timelines and step-by-step tutorials, vertical slides can elegantly guide viewers through key points[1].

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Google Slides Vertical

Follow these simple steps to easily change Google Slides from horizontal to vertical orientation:

1. Open Your Presentation

Launch Google Slides and open the presentation you want to modify. By default, it will open with horizontal landscape slides.

2. Go to Page Setup

Click on the “File” menu and select “Page Setup” at the very bottom of the drop-down menu.

3. Select Custom Orientation

In the new Page Setup pop-up box, choose “Custom” orientation from the different aspect ratio options.

4. Swap Width and Height Values

In the custom section, swap the width and height values to switch orientation from landscape to portrait. For example, swap 10″ x 7.5″ to become 7.5″ x 10″.

5. Click Apply

Double check the vertical dimensions look correct then click the blue “Apply” button to change all slides.

And that’s it! All the slides in your presentation are now vertically oriented. The layouts and content may need some adjusting to optimize for the new vertical flow.

Tips for Designing Vertical Slides

Here are some top tips to help you design effective vertical slides:

Choose Appropriate Layouts

Some slide layouts like title and content work well vertically, while others like two content boxes can appear too tall. Choose layouts that utilize the new proportions well[5].

Use Appropriate Visuals

Select images, charts and diagrams that are optimized for a vertical orientation instead of awkwardly stretched horizontal graphics[5].

Adjust Font Sizes

With less horizontal space, you may need to adjust font sizes so text remains readable. Find the right balance for your vertical slides[5].

Mind the Content Flow

Review the logical flow of information from slide to slide. Certain points may need to be reordered to have a clear narrative flow vertically[5].

Add Visual Interest

Use shapes, lines, icons and color blocks more liberally to add visual interest to vertical slides and lead the viewer’s eye effectively[4].

Switch Back to Horizontal Easily

If you want to return your Google Slides presentation back to the standard horizontal landscape orientation, simply follow the same Page Setup steps above.

But this time, choose either “Widescreen 16:9” or “Standard 4:3” from the aspect ratio options instead of “Custom” in step 3. Click apply and your slides will go back to horizontal.

Conclusion

Adjusting Google Slide orientation from horizontal to vertical is quick and easy. With some planning and design considerations, vertical slides can be very effective for mobile presentations, scrolling narratives or showcasing tall visuals.

Follow the simple page setup steps outlined above to unlock the creative potential of vertical slides for your next Google Slides presentation.

References

[1] https://www.slidesai.io/blog/how-to-make-google-slide-vertical
[2] https://slidemodel.com/how-to-make-google-slides-vertical/
[3] https://support.google.com/docs/thread/1886728/how-do-you-make-a-vertical-slide-in-google-slides?hl=en
[4] https://zebrabi.com/guide/how-to-make-a-slide-vertical-in-powerpoint/
[5] https://designshack.net/articles/software/how-to-make-google-slides-vertical/