Layouts, Design Theme and Slide Size

Creating New Slides

Launch PowerPoint and open a new or existing presentation.

  • Go to the 'Home' tab on the Ribbon.
  • Click on the 'New Slide' button: Illustrative image
  • The top half with create a 'Title and Content' slide, the bottom half will allow you to choose a layout: Options include Title Slide, Title and Content, Section Header, and more.
  • Alternatively, press Ctrl + M on your keyboard to quickly add a new slide with the default layout.

Reordering Slides in the Slide Gallery

Reorder Slides:

  • Click and hold the slide you want to move in slide gallery.
  • Drag the slide to its new position in the sequence.
  • Release the mouse button to drop the slide into place: Illustrative image

Navigate with Slide Sorter View:

  • Go to the 'View' tab on the Ribbon.
  • Click on 'Slide Sorter': Illustrative image
  • This view allows you to see more slides at once compared with the standard view.

    Changing Slide Size (Posters or Printing)

    • Go to the 'Design' tab on the Ribbon.
    • Click on 'Slide Size' in the Customise group on the right: Illustrative image

    Choose a Preset Size or Customise:

    • Select 'Widescreen (16:9)' for a modern screen or 'Standard (4:3)' for older square screens.
    • For custom sizes, click 'Custom Slide Size': Illustrative image
    • This includes portrait and landscape orientation, as well as multiple page sizes or a custom box where you can enter your own dimensions. 

    Applying Design Themes

    1. Choose a Design Theme:
      • Go to the 'Design' tab on the Ribbon.
      • In the 'Themes' group, you will see a variety of design themes.
      • Hover over a theme to see a preview on your slides: Illustrative image
      • Click on a theme to apply it to your presentation.
    2. Customise the Theme:
      • Use the 'Variants' group to change colour schemes, fonts, effects, and background styles within a chosen theme.
      • Click on 'Colours', 'Fonts', or 'Effects' to customise these elements:  Illustrative image

    Benefits of Using Design Themes:

    • Consistency: Ensures a uniform look throughout your presentation.
    • Content Adaptation: Any content added to the placeholder inserts will have a design automatically applied
    • Time-Saving: Quick application of design elements without manual formatting each object.

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