How to make a Google Slides presentation

Google Slides is free, runs in any browser and makes it easy for several people to work on one deck. Here is how to build a presentation from a blank file to a shared link.

Step 1: create the presentation

1. Open a new fileGo to slides.google.com and click Blank presentation, or pick a design from the template gallery at the top. The shortcut slides.new in your browser's address bar creates a blank deck instantly.
2. Name itClick Untitled presentation in the top left and type a name. Slides saves every change to Google Drive automatically, so there is no Save button.
3. Choose a themeThe Themes panel usually opens on the right for a new file. If it does not, use Slide > Change theme. Click a theme to apply it to every slide.
4. Check the page sizeFile > Page setup lets you choose Widescreen 16:9, Widescreen 16:10, Standard 4:3 or a custom size. Set this before you add content.

Step 2: plan before you design

Write the one-sentence point of the talk, then list your slide titles in order. A simple structure for most presentations: the problem, the evidence, your answer, and the next step. Aim for about one slide per minute of speaking. Writing titles as full sentences ("Most returns come from sizing errors") makes the deck easier to follow, even for people who read it later without you.

Step 3: add slides and layouts

• Click the + button at the left of the toolbar, or press Ctrl+M (the same on Mac), to add a slide.
• Click the small arrow next to + to choose a layout such as Title and body, Section header, Title and two columns or Big number.
• To change an existing slide, right-click it in the filmstrip and choose Apply layout, or use Slide > Apply layout.
• Drag slides in the filmstrip to reorder them. Right-click and choose Skip slide to hide one during the slideshow without deleting it.

Step 4: add text, images and shapes

Click a placeholder to type. Keep each slide to one idea and a few short lines; long explanations belong in the speaker notes under the slide (if you cannot see the notes panel, use View > Show speaker notes).

1. ImagesInsert > Image gives you Upload from computer, Search the web, Drive, Photos, By URL and Camera. You can also drag an image file straight onto the slide. Crop with a double-click, and use Format options for transparency, shadows and recolouring.
2. Shapes, lines and iconsInsert > Shape and Insert > Line for diagrams. For icons, add-ons from Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons can help, or upload simple PNG or SVG icons.
3. TablesInsert > Table and choose a size. Keep it short enough to read from a distance.
4. ChartsInsert > Chart adds a bar, column, line or pie chart backed by a new Google Sheet, or From Sheets brings in a chart you already built. Step-by-step: how to add a chart in Google Slides.
5. VideoInsert > Video accepts YouTube links and videos from Google Drive.

Step 5: add transitions and animations

Select a slide and choose Slide > Transition, or Insert > Animation for an object. Both open the Motion panel on the right. Pick one transition, such as Dissolve or Fade, and click Apply to all slides for consistency. For bullets, choose an animation such as Fade in and tick By paragraph so points appear one at a time as you click.

Step 6: present

• Click Slideshow in the top right to present full screen. Press Esc to stop.
• Click the arrow next to Slideshow and choose Presenter view to see your notes, a timer and the next slide in a separate window.
• During the show, press L for a laser pointer, B for a black screen and W for a white screen.
• Open Options > Enable pen tool in the slideshow toolbar to draw on a slide while you talk.
• Press A to open audience tools, where you can take live Q&A from people with the link.

Step 7: share and collaborate

Click Share in the top right. Add people by email and choose Viewer, Commenter or Editor, or change General access to Anyone with the link and copy the link. Everyone with edit access can work on the deck at the same time, and comments (Insert > Comment or Ctrl+Alt+M) keep feedback on the right slide. For a clean read-only version that plays in a browser, use File > Share > Publish to web.

Need a file? File > Download offers Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx), PDF document, and image formats. Converting has a few quirks, which we cover in Google Slides to PowerPoint and back.

Keyboard shortcuts worth learning

Quick checklist before you present

• Every slide title states the point.
• Body text is large enough to read at the back of the room.
• Charts show only the data needed for the point.
• Sharing is set correctly (not "Anyone with the link can edit" by accident).
• You have practised once in Presenter view with a timer running.

Or skip the blank slide entirely

Type what your presentation is about and InstaPresentation writes, designs and animates the whole deck. Present it from your own link or download it for Google Slides.