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PowerPoint vs Other Presentation Tools: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to creating impactful presentations, there are numerous tools available in the market. However, one of the most popular and widely used applications is Microsoft PowerPoint. While PowerPoint has been the go-to choice for many professionals and educators, it’s important to consider other presentation tools as well. In this article, we will compare PowerPoint with other presentation tools to help you decide which one is right for you.

PowerPoint: The Classic Choice

Microsoft PowerPoint has been around since 1987 and continues to dominate the presentation software market. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities that make it ideal for creating visually appealing slideshows. With its user-friendly interface, anyone can quickly learn how to use it effectively.

One of the key advantages of PowerPoint is its compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows and Mac. This means you can easily create presentations on one device and present them on another without any compatibility issues.

PowerPoint also provides a vast library of templates, themes, and design elements that allow users to create professional-looking presentations in no time. It offers a plethora of customization options, allowing you to tailor your slides according to your specific needs.

Prezi: The Dynamic Alternative

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that takes a different approach than traditional slide-based tools like PowerPoint. Instead of using slides, Prezi allows users to create dynamic presentations on a virtual canvas where they can zoom in and out and navigate through content freely.

This unique feature makes Prezi an excellent choice for storytelling or when you want to present information in a nonlinear format. It enables presenters to create engaging visuals that captivate their audience’s attention from start to finish.

Additionally, Prezi offers seamless collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously. This makes it an excellent choice for teams or individuals who need real-time collaboration capabilities.

Google Slides: The Collaborative Solution

Google Slides is a web-based presentation tool that is part of the Google Workspace suite. Similar to PowerPoint, it offers a range of features to create visually appealing presentations. Its intuitive interface and easy-to-use tools make it accessible to users of all skill levels.

One of the standout features of Google Slides is its collaborative capabilities. Multiple users can work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects or remote collaboration. It also allows for real-time commenting and editing, ensuring seamless communication among team members.

Another advantage of Google Slides is its integration with other Google Workspace apps such as Google Docs and Sheets. This integration allows users to import data directly from these apps, saving time and effort when creating presentations.

Keynote: The Mac-Friendly Option

If you are an Apple user, Keynote is the presentation software designed specifically for you. Keynote offers a sleek and modern interface with powerful tools that allow users to create stunning presentations effortlessly.

One of the key advantages of Keynote is its seamless integration with other Apple devices and software. You can easily create presentations on your Mac and present them using your iPhone or iPad without any compatibility issues.

Keynote also provides a wide selection of pre-designed templates that cater to various presentation styles. Additionally, it offers advanced animation and transition effects that can enhance the visual appeal of your slideshows.

Choosing the right presentation tool depends on your specific needs and preferences. PowerPoint remains a solid choice for its versatility, while Prezi offers a dynamic alternative for nonlinear storytelling. Google Slides excels in collaborative capabilities, especially for remote teams, while Keynote provides an excellent option for Apple users seeking seamless integration across devices.

Consider the features, ease-of-use, collaboration options, and platform compatibility when deciding which presentation tool suits you best. Ultimately, selecting the right tool will empower you to create impactful presentations that engage and impress your audience.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

The actual size(s) of the slide is less important than the aspect ratio. By default, slides in presentations that you create from the Blank Presentation template are set to Widescreen size.

To change the size of your presentation slides, on the Design tab, in the Customize group, click the Slide Size button and then:

Notes : The Standard slide size:

• 1600 x 1200
• 2048 x 1536
• 2560 x 1920
• Matches the aspect ratio of standard tablet screens
• Exactly fills the screen in the Slide pane and when printed on a tablet.

Notes : The Widescreen slide size:

• 1920 x 1080
• 2048 x 1152
• 2560 x 1440
• Does not match the aspect ratio of standard tablet screens
• Has empty space above and below when printed on a 4:3 screen.
• Click Custom Slide Size... :

In the Slide Size dialog box:

• Choose the slide orientation in the Orientation group.

After choosing the necessary options, click OK . The Microsoft PowerPoint dialog box will show two options on how to scale the existing slides to a new slide size:

Maximize the content size or scale it down to Ensure Fit it on the new slide.

Note : It is impossible to change the size or orientation just for some slides.

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How to Adjust Slide Size in PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations are an essential tool for many professionals, students, and educators. Whether you're creating a lecture slideshow, a business pitch, or a graphic design portfolio, the size of your PowerPoint slides is a crucial factor that can greatly affect the quality and effectiveness of your presentation. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into understanding and adjusting the slide size in PowerPoint, including its benefits, default settings, customization options, tips for choosing the right size for your needs, and common issues and how to fix them.

Table of Contents

Understanding Slide Size in PowerPoint

Slide size refers to the dimensions of your PowerPoint slides, such as width and height. By default, PowerPoint sets your slide size to 10 inches by 7.5 inches, which is a 4:3 aspect ratio. However, there are other aspect ratios and sizes you can select, depending on your needs and preferences.

Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of your slide. A 4:3 aspect ratio means that the width is 4 units for every 3 units of height. This was the standard aspect ratio for television screens and computer monitors for many years. However, with the rise of widescreen displays, 16:9 aspect ratio has become the new default for PowerPoint, as it fits better with modern screens.

It is important to consider the purpose and audience of your presentation when selecting slide size. If you are presenting on a large screen, such as in a conference room or auditorium, you may want to choose a larger slide size to ensure that your content is visible to everyone in the room. On the other hand, if you are presenting on a smaller screen, such as a laptop or tablet, a smaller slide size may be more appropriate to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information at once.

Another factor to consider when selecting slide size is the amount of content you plan to include on each slide. If you have a lot of text, images, or other media to include, a larger slide size may be necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure that your content is legible. However, if you have less content or prefer a minimalist approach, a smaller slide size may be more suitable to create a clean and uncluttered presentation.

Benefits of Adjusting Slide Size in PowerPoint

Adjusting your slide size can bring several benefits to your PowerPoint presentations. Firstly, it can help you ensure that your content is visible and readable, regardless of the device or screen your audience uses. The right slide size can also make your presentation more visually appealing, engaging, and professional-looking. Additionally, some content, such as images or videos, may require specific slide sizes to be displayed correctly.

Another benefit of adjusting slide size in PowerPoint is that it can help you save time and effort. By choosing the right slide size from the beginning, you can avoid having to resize and reposition your content later on, which can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Moreover, if you plan to share your presentation online or via email, adjusting the slide size can help you reduce the file size and make it easier to send and download.

Finally, adjusting slide size can also help you customize your presentation to your audience and purpose. For example, if you are presenting to a large group in a conference room, you may want to use a larger slide size to ensure that everyone can see your content clearly. On the other hand, if you are presenting to a small group on a laptop or tablet, you may want to use a smaller slide size to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information at once.

Using the Default Slide Size in PowerPoint

If you're new to PowerPoint or don't need to customize your slide size, you can use the default settings. To use the default slide size in PowerPoint, open a new presentation and go to the "Design" tab. Click on the "Slide Size" button, then select "Standard (4:3)" or "Widescreen (16:9)" from the options. PowerPoint will apply the default size to all your slides.

It's important to note that while the default slide size may work for most presentations, there may be instances where you need to customize the size to fit your content. For example, if you're creating a presentation to be displayed on a large screen, you may want to use a larger slide size to ensure that your content is easily visible. Similarly, if you're creating a presentation to be viewed on a mobile device, you may want to use a smaller slide size to ensure that your content fits on the screen. In these cases, you can use the "Custom Slide Size" option in PowerPoint to create a slide size that works best for your needs.

Changing Slide Size in PowerPoint: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to customize your slide size in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

• Open your presentation in PowerPoint.
• Go to the "Design" tab.
• Click on the "Slide Size" button.
• Select "Custom Slide Size" at the bottom of the menu.
• In the "Slide Size" dialog box, enter the width and height of your desired slide size in inches or centimeters. You can also choose from several predefined options, such as "Banner," "Ledger," or "A4" size.
• Click "OK" to apply the new slide size to your presentation.

It's important to note that changing the slide size may affect the layout of your presentation. If you have images or text boxes that are close to the edge of the slide, they may be cut off or resized. Be sure to preview your presentation after changing the slide size to ensure that everything looks the way you want it to.

Additionally, if you plan on sharing your presentation with others, keep in mind that the slide size may not be compatible with their devices or projectors. It's a good idea to check with your audience beforehand to see if there are any specific requirements or recommendations for slide size.

How to Increase or Decrease Slide Size in PowerPoint

If you've already created a presentation and want to change the slide size, you can do so by following these steps:

• In the "Slide Size" dialog box, enter the new width and height of your desired slide size.
• A warning message may appear, informing you that the new slide size may cause some content to be cropped or distorted. Choose the "Maximize" option if you want PowerPoint to adjust the content proportionally to fit the new size, or "Ensure fit" if you want to keep the content as it is and add borders if necessary.

It's important to note that changing the slide size may affect the overall layout and design of your presentation. If you have images or graphics that are sized specifically for the original slide size, they may appear stretched or distorted when the slide size is changed. It's a good idea to preview your presentation after changing the slide size to ensure that all content appears as intended.

How to Change the Orientation of Your Slides in PowerPoint

You can also change the orientation of your slides from landscape to portrait or vice versa in PowerPoint:

• In the "Slide Size" dialog box, choose the orientation you want: "Portrait" or "Landscape."
• Click "OK" to apply the new orientation to your presentation.

Changing the orientation of your slides can be useful when you want to create a presentation that is optimized for a specific screen or device. For example, if you are creating a presentation to be viewed on a mobile device, you may want to use the portrait orientation to make the slides easier to read.

It's important to note that changing the orientation of your slides may affect the layout of your content. You may need to adjust the size and position of your images, text boxes, and other elements to ensure that they fit properly on the new slide size.

Customizing Slide Size for Different Devices and Screens

If you're presenting your PowerPoint on different devices or screens, you may need to adjust your slide size accordingly to ensure the best possible viewing experience. For example, if you're presenting on a large projector screen, you may need a bigger slide size to avoid pixelation or distortion. On the other hand, if you're presenting on a mobile device, you may need a smaller slide size to fit the screen.

You can customize your slide size for different devices and screens by following these steps:

• Determine the size and aspect ratio of the device or screen you'll be presenting on.
• Create a new presentation or open your existing one in PowerPoint.
• Enter the width and height that match the device or screen size and aspect ratio you've determined.

Tips for Choosing the Right Slide Size for Your Presentation

Choosing the right slide size for your presentation can greatly enhance its impact and effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you choose the best slide size for your needs:

• Consider your audience and how they'll be viewing your presentation.
• Match your slide size to the device or screen you'll be presenting on.
• Allow enough space for text, images, and other content, but avoid overcrowding your slides.
• Use a consistent aspect ratio throughout your presentation for a cohesive look.
• Test your presentation on different devices and screens to ensure compatibility and readability.

Common Issues with Slide Size and How to Fix Them in PowerPoint

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some issues related to slide size when creating or presenting your PowerPoint. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Content is too small or large: Adjust your slide size to ensure that your content is appropriately sized and readable.
• Content is cropped or distorted: Use the "Maximize" or "Ensure fit" option when changing your slide size to avoid cropping or distortion.
• Text or images are pixelated: Ensure that your images and text are high resolution and adjust your slide size accordingly.
• Slides don't fit the screen: Use the "Scale to Fit" option in the "Slide Show" tab to adjust the size of your presentation to the screen.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can effectively adjust your slide size in PowerPoint to create engaging, professional, and impactful presentations.

Related Resources

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint

How to Change Size of Slide in PowerPoint

How to Change the Size of a Slide in PowerPoint

How to Change Slide Dimensions in PowerPoint

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PowerPoint Slide Size

How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint

PowerPoint allows you to change the aspect ratio of your presentation. The widescreen slide size is best when presenting on modern displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you’ll be presenting on an older display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, you’ll want to use the standard slide size instead.

Change the Slide Size

• Click the Design tab.
• Expand the Customize group.

To change the slide orientation, click the Slide Size button and select Custom Slide Size . Change the slide settings and click OK .

• Widescreen : 16:9 ratio is much wider than it is tall and works well for wide, high definition screens.
• Standard : 4:3 ratio is only slightly wider than it is tall and works best for traditional screens.

• Maximize : Crops your content and fills all the available space on the slide.
• Ensure Fit : Scales content down and leaves additional space at the top and bottom of the slide.

The entire presentation is resized to fit the new format.

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Change the page layout

You might want to change the size, shape, or orientation of your slides for presentation or to simplify printing. You can choose landscape, portrait, or custom page setups as fits your needs.

(Currently it's not possible to mix landscape and portrait slides in the same presentation. For a suggested workaround, see Use portrait and landscape slide orientation in the same presentation .

If this is a feature you’d like to request, please send us your feedback to help us prioritize new features in future updates. See  How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365  for more information.

Change the slide size

On the Design tab, in the Customize group at the far right end, click Slide Size .

Click Custom Slide Size .

In the Slides sized for list , click the size you want to use, or use the Width and Height boxes to select custom sizes.

PowerPoint now asks you to choose between maximizing the size of your content on the new layout (to do this, click Maximize ) or scaling it down so that all of the content fits into the new layout (to do this, click Ensure Fit ).

Note:  If you choose to maximize, some content might fall outside the print margins.

Note:  Unlike Word document pages, PowerPoint slides don’t have margins that you can adjust to change the slide layout. Your slide stretches from edge to edge. When you print the slides, printer limitations can result in a white edge around the slides. However, you can change the margins inside Text Boxes and Shapes .

Change the slide orientation

Although wide format landscape presentations are most popular, you might find that your slides work better in vertical, portrait mode.

Note:  You can change the orientation of the entire presentation only, not individual slides.

On the Design tab, in the Customize group, click Slide Size .

Change the orientation for the slides to Portrait or Landscape .

Note:  You can also change the orientation of your notes, handouts, and outline.

Note:  If you choose to maximize, some content might fall outside the slide.

Change the size of your slides

Change the margins between text and the edge of a text box or shape

Workaround for printing slides without white edges

Change a slide layout

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Laura M. Foley Design

Cheat Death by PowerPoint!

What size should my slides be, 16:9 or 4:3?

July 3, 2017 by Laura Foley 2 Comments

Deciding on a slide format used to be easy when there was only one choice. Nowadays, you can choose between 4:3 format or 16:9. What do these numbers mean and which size should you choose for your presentations?

What the numbers mean

The above notation is called the “aspect ratio,” or the ratio of the width to the height of the slide. In the 4:3 aspect ratio, the dimensions are 1024 x 768 pixels (10.67″ x 8″); the height is 3/4 of the width. Back in the Ye Olde Days of PowerPoint, it was your only choice. Why? Because that’s the aspect ratio of actual slides, pictured above, television screens, and early computer monitors.

When high-definition screens came on the scene in the early 2000s, they were built in a 16:10 aspect ratio. But as more and more high-definition screens were manufactured, it became clear that screens with a 16:9 aspect ratio were cheaper to manufacture. So the 16:9 aspect ratio (1920 x 1080 pixels or 13.3″ x 7.5″) became the new standard.

What size should you choose?

From boardrooms to computer monitors to smartphone screens, 16:9 is the default screen aspect ratio so that’s the slide size I always go with. The 16:9 format gives you a lot of slide real estate to play around with! The legacy 4:3 aspect ratio, while still used, creates smaller slides and doesn’t look that great on newer screens.

How do you change an old 4:3 deck to the new 16:9 format?

Oh, this is super-fun to do and you’re a lucky duck if it becomes your job.

To resize your slides go to the Design tab on the ribbon and select Slide Size/Widescreen on the right side of the screen.

After you select the new size, this window will appear:

Now you’re faced with either everything on the slides being stretched out or squished to fill the space. Oh boy! Either way, after you make your selection you’ll need to go through the presentation slide by slide to ensure that everything looks good. This can be fairly straightforward if the creator of the presentation stayed within the template or a real pain in the rear if he/she didn’t. But do go through the deck to ensure that everything looks right.

If you’re a production artist that charges by the hour, reformatting an organization’s slides from 4:3 to 16:9 could be a nice little gig for you!

Other slide sizes for special events

Now, the 16:9 format is great for everyday use but what if you’re designing a presentation for an event? Last year, I was designing slides for a corporate conference where the setup included multiple, massive screens. For that event, the slides measured 52″ x 17″ and had a “leave this space blank” area on the bottom. Each event is different, so if you’re working on slides like these you need to become friends with the AV folks and find out what size slides they recommend for optimal viewing on that particular setup. The last thing you want to see on a gigantic stage are distorted graphics!

Bottom line

Unless you’re told otherwise, use the 16:9 format. You get a lot more space on each slide for your visuals and it’s really the way things are going.

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What is the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels?

By: Author Shrot Katewa

When creating a PowerPoint presentation, it is essential to determine the appropriate size for your slides. Understanding the size of a PowerPoint slide in pixels is crucial to ensure that your presentation looks great on all devices, from desktops to mobile devices.

The standard size of a PowerPoint slide is 1024×768 pixels and the widescreen PowerPoint slide is “1920×1080” pixels. It can also be adjusted based on your preferences or the requirements of the platform on which you plan to present your slides.

In this article, we will discuss the standard size of a PowerPoint slide in pixels or inches as well as how to adjust it to fit your needs. Let’s get started!

1. What is the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, there are multiple preset slide sizes available. You can also customize the size of the slide using the “Custom Slide Size” feature available in the application. Depending on the slide size you select, the size of the slide in pixels will vary.

1.1 What is the Size of a PowerPoint Standard Slide in Pixels?

The “Standard (4:3)” option in Microsoft PowerPoint used to be the only size option in the beginning since most screens from 2010 and before were that size. The standard slide size in PowerPoint is “1024×768” pixels. 

1.2 What is the Size of a PowerPoint Widescreen Slide in Pixels?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the default size of the slides is the “Widescreen (16:9)” option. The widescreen PowerPoint slide is “1920×1080” pixels.

2. What is the Size of a PowerPoint On-Screen Show Slide in Inches?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the size of the slides is mostly measured in inches. Using the “Slide Size” dialog box, you can check the dimension of a slide in inches. Depending on the type of the selected slide, the slide size varies. There are three different “On-Screen Show” slide sizes available in Microsoft PowerPoint.

2a On-Screen Show (4:3)

The “On-Screen Show (4:3)” slides are “10×7.5” inches in size. This is the “Standard” slide size.

2b On-Screen Show (16:9)

The “On-Screen Show (16:9)” slide size is “10 x 5.625” inches in dimension. This is the “Widescreen” option which is the default slide size in PowerPoint.

2c On-Screen Show (16:10)

The “On-Screen Show (16:10)” slides are “10 x 6.25” inches in width and height respectively.

3. How to Find the Size of the Slide in Inches?

Using the “Slide Size” dialog box in Microsoft PowerPoint, you can find the size of the slides in your presentation in inches. To do so, follow the 3 quick steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Design” tab

In the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen, click on the “Design” tab. This will open the “Design” menu.

Step-2: Click on the “Slide Size” option

In the “Customize” group of the “Design” menu, click on the “Slide Size” option. Then click on the “Custom Slide Size” option in the dropdown menu under the “Slide Size” option. This will open a dialog box.

Step-3: Click on the “OK” button

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, you can now see the size of the slide in inches in the “Width” and “Height” boxes. Then click on the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box to close it.

4. How to Change the Size of a PowerPoint Slide?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can change the side of the slides using the “Design” menu. However, you can only change the size of all the slides in a presentation at once. To change the size of the slide in PowerPoint, follow the 3 simple steps.

The first step is to open the “Design” menu. To do so, click on the “Design” tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

In the “Customize” group of the “Design” menu, you have to now click on the “Slide Size” option. This will open a dropdown menu containing the preset slide size options available in PowerPoint.

Step-3: Click on your preferred slide size

Finally, all you have to do is click on your preferred slide size option from the preset options available in the dropdown menu under the “Slide Size” option. The available slide sizes are “Standard” and “Widescreen” .

4.1 How to Customize the Size of a PowerPoint Slide?

The “Custom Slide Size” feature in Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to customize the size of all the slides in a presentation. Using the feature, you can set any dimension to the slides in your presentation. To customize the size of the slides in a presentation, follow the 7 easy steps.

The first step is to open the PowerPoint presentation file where you want to customize the size of the presentation slides. Then click on the “Design” tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen to open the “Design” menu.

The next step is to click on the “Slide Size” option in the “Customize” group of the “Design” menu. In the dropdown menu, the default slide size is the “Widescreen (16:9)” option.

Step-3: Click on the “Custom Slide Size” option

Now all you have to do is click on the “Custom Slide Size” option at the bottom of the dropdown menu under the “Slide Size” option in the “Design” menu. This will open a dialog box.

Step-4: Click on the “Slide sized for” option

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, click on the “Slides sized for” option. Then click on the “Custom” option at the bottom of the dropdown menu under the “Slides sized for” box.

Step-5: Click on the “Width” box

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, the next step is to click on the “Width” box. Now you can type in your preferred width of the slides in inches. You can also use the up and down arrows in the “Width” box to increase or decrease the width of the slide respectively.

Step-6: Click on the “Height” box

The next step is to customize the height of the slides. To do so, click on the “Height” box in the “Slide Size” dialog box and type in your preferred slide height in inches. You can also click on the up or down arrows in the “Height” box to adjust the height of the slides to your preference.

Step-7: Click on the “OK” button

Finally, all you have to do is click on the “OK” button at the bottom of the “Slide Size” dialog box to save the custom size for the slides in the presentation file.