PowerPoint is one of the most popular presentation software used by professionals and students. With Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced several new features and improvements to PowerPoint that can help you create more engaging and interactive presentations.
Here are some useful Windows 10 tips and tricks for PowerPoint users:
Customize Quick Access Toolbar
The quick access toolbar in PowerPoint allows you to add shortcuts for frequently used commands. To customize it:
- Click the dropdown arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar
- Select “More Commands”
- Choose commands from the menu and add them to the toolbar
Adding shortcuts like align, font size, line spacing etc. can save you time.
Use Multiple Desktops
Windows 10 allows you to create multiple virtual desktops and easily switch between them. This is useful if you are working on multiple presentations and want to organize your work.
To enable multiple desktops:
- Right click on the taskbar and select “Show task view button”
- Click on the Task view icon that appears
- Click on “New desktop” to create a new virtual desktop
- Switch between desktops by selecting them in the task view
Dictate Presentations
The dictation feature in Windows 10 allows you to dictate text instead of typing it. To use it for PowerPoint:
- Go to the “Slide Show” tab
- Click on “Record Slide Show”
- Click on the dictation icon and start speaking
- PowerPoint will add slides and type what you dictate
This can help you quickly draft presentations by speaking rather than typing everything.
Use Presenter View
The presenter view in PowerPoint shows your notes and next slides while the audience only sees the current slide. To use it:
- Go to the “Slide Show” tab
- Click on “Set up Slide Show”
- Check the box for “Show Presenter View”
The presenter view makes it easy to see your upcoming slides, notes, and timer during your actual presentation.
Annotate with Ink
Windows 10 has improved stylus and touch support. You can now annotate slides and drawings within PowerPoint using your finger or a pen.
To annotate:
- Go to “Draw” tab
- Select a pen or highlighter
- Annotate your slides
- Save annotations as part of the presentation
This makes it easy to highlight or call out parts of a slide during your presentation.
Use Zoom for Presentations
A new Zoom feature in PowerPoint allows you to zoom in and out of slides while presenting. This lets you draw attention to parts of a slide.
To use Zoom:
- Go to “Slide Show” tab
- Click on “Set Up Slide Show”
- Check the box for “Show Zoom”
- Use the slider during presentation to zoom in/out
Zoom helps engage your audience during presentations.
Morph Slides
The new Morph transition in PowerPoint lets you animate smooth movement between slides. To use it:
- Insert two slides
- Add an object to the first slide
- Copy the object to second slide and modify it
- On the “Transitions” tab, select “Morph” to link the two slides
Morph creates cinematic slide transitions that capture audience attention.
Use Stock Images and Media
Microsoft now provides a library of stock images, videos, icons and more that you can use in PowerPoint. To access it:
- Go to the “Insert” tab
- Click on “Stock Images” to browse the library
- Search for what you need and insert it
Stock media saves time compared to finding images online and properly attributing them.
Co-author Presentations
PowerPoint now shows the initials of co-authors while you collaborate on a presentation. You can see who is working on which slide.
To co-author:
- Share your presentation using OneDrive
- Multiple people can open and edit it at once
- Initials show who is working on each slide
Co-authoring facilitates seamless collaboration with colleagues on presentations.
Use Laser Pointer in Presenter View
PowerPoint now lets you use your mouse as a virtual laser pointer that highlights areas of your slide.
To enable it:
- Open your slide show
- Go to Presenter View
- Hover over your slide and left click
- A red dot will simulate a laser pointer
The laser pointer allows you to easily highlight parts of a slide while presenting.
Conclusion
Windows 10 introduces many great improvements for PowerPoint users. Features like Zoom, Morph, co-authoring, dictation and more can help you create truly engaging presentations for your audience. Try out some of the tips mentioned here to get the most out of PowerPoint on Windows 10.
