Google Slides is a powerful yet easy-to-use presentation software that enables you to create beautiful and impactful slide decks. Whether you want to make a business pitch, classroom presentation, or personal photo slideshow, Google Slides has all the features you need.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to fully utilize Google Slides on both PC and mobile devices.
Getting Started with Google Slides
To begin using Google Slides on your desktop:
- Go to slides.google.com
- Click on the + icon in the top left and select Blank to create a new presentation
- Give your presentation a title by clicking on Untitled presentation at the top
On mobile:
- Download the Google Slides app from your device’s app store
- Open the app and tap on the + icon in the bottom right
- Select Blank to create a new slide deck
Once you have a new presentation open, you can start adding and formatting slides.
Creating Slides
To add a new slide:
- On desktop – Click on the + icon on the left sidebar or select Insert > New Slide from the top menu
- On mobile – Tap on the + icon at the bottom right
You can choose from different layouts like Title and Body, Title Only, or Blank when inserting a slide.
To duplicate an existing slide, right-click on the slide thumbnail and select Duplicate or on mobile, tap and hold on the thumbnail and choose Duplicate.
Adding and Formatting Text
To add text boxes:
- Click on Insert > Text Box from the top menu
- Click and drag to draw a text box on your slide
- Start typing to add text
You can format text to customize its look:
- Change fonts, sizes, colors, and alignments
- Make text bold, italicized, or underlined
- Create bullet points or numbered lists
On mobile, select text and use the formatting options at the top.
Inserting Images, Shapes, and Media
Enhance your slides by adding visual elements:
- Images – Click Insert > Image, then select an image from your device or search the web
- Shapes – Choose from various shapes under Insert > Shapes
- Videos – Add videos by selecting Insert > Video and entering a YouTube or Vimeo URL
- Charts – Illustrate data trends with charts using Insert > Chart
Drag any element to move it around and resize by dragging the corners.
Applying Themes and Transitions
Improve your presentation aesthetics using:
- Themes – Select from preset color schemes and font styles under the Design tab
- Transitions – Choose how slides animate in and out under the Transitions tab
- Animations – Add movement to individual elements via the Insert menu
Themes and transitions help slides flow smoothly during presentations.
Presenting Slides
Once your slides are ready, here is how to present them:
On desktop:
- Select Slideshow at the top right
- Use the on-screen controls or arrow keys to navigate slides
- Click the menu icon for options like enabling presenter view or viewing speaker notes
On mobile:
- Tap on a slide, then select the play icon in the bottom right
- Swipe left/right to change slides
- Tap the three-dot menu to access presenter options or exit slideshow mode
Enable presenter view to privately view notes and upcoming slides as your audience only sees the current slide.
Collaborating with Others
Collaborating on presentations is easy with Google Slides. You can:
- Share your presentation for viewing or editing access
- Enable commenting so collaborators can leave feedback
- Chat with coworkers in real-time via the chat box
- See revision history and revert changes if needed
Managing collaboration is simple with built-in controls over editing, commenting, and viewing access.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for using Google Slides effectively:
- Keyboard shortcuts – Use shortcuts like Ctrl/Command + C/V to copy/paste slides or elements
- Master slides – Customize slide backgrounds, themes, and layouts for all slides
- Presenter notes – Add private notes for each slide to view while presenting
- Export PDF – Download presentations as PDF files from the File menu
- Add-ons – Enhance Slides with extra features like PowerPoint conversion using add-ons
Put these tips into practice to save time and maximize productivity with Google Slides!
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you are fully equipped to harness the versatility of Google Slides to create stunning presentations on any device.
Key takeaways include:
- Getting started is fast and easy on both desktop and mobile
- Customizable slides make presentations engaging
- Powerful creation and formatting tools help build slides rapidly
- Presenter view and collaboration features facilitate seamless teamwork
- Additional features like shortcuts and exports optimize workflows
Apply what you have learned about inserting media, animations, themes, and more to craft presentations that captivate any audience. So start creating your next impressive slideshow with Google Slides today!
