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title: PowerPoint Slide Dimensions date: 2024-01-01 cover: 1.jpg author: tutsplus.com tags:
- Presentation Tips
- PowerPoint
- Slide Design
Learn all about PowerPoint slide dimensions, so you can use the best presentation slide size in PowerPoint. Make your PPT look great on any PowerPoint screen size.
Importance of PowerPoint Slide Dimensions
How important are PowerPoint slide dimensions? Consider the following: Have you ever connected your laptop to a projector only to find your slides don’t look quite right? They might be cut off on the edges or boxed in on the screen. Adjusting your PowerPoint slide size can prevent such issues.
You’ve spent significant time conducting research, crafting your message, and creating visuals. Now, it’s time to deliver your PowerPoint presentation. Changing the slide size in PowerPoint ensures that you maximize your screen space and that your content is displayed correctly.
Knowing your PowerPoint slide dimensions helps your presentation look right on the screen. In this tutorial, I’ll teach you how to choose the right dimensions for your PowerPoint slides. I’ll also share top PowerPoint slide designs from Envato Elements that come with pre-set dimensions!
Understanding PowerPoint Dimensions
Video Tutorial on Setting Up PowerPoint Dimensions
Are you unsure how to set up PowerPoint dimensions? Incorrect dimensions can negatively impact your presentation’s effectiveness. Before you connect to a big screen monitor or projector, check the size and aspect ratio of your presentation.
Watch the video below for a quick walk-through on how to set up your PPT slide size:
Continue reading to learn more about the ideal PowerPoint sizes for various screens.
Choosing the Right Size for Your PowerPoint
Selecting the appropriate PowerPoint slide size is crucial. It ensures that your content is displayed effectively regardless of the screen type.
You may present your PowerPoint on a variety of screens, including:
- Laptop screens
- Conference room projectors
- iPads and tablets
- Widescreen large format displays
Each of these devices has a different shape or aspect ratio, which describes the width versus height of a screen. Consequently, the same PowerPoint slides may appear differently on each device due to the varying aspect ratios.
Begin by selecting a size for your PPT slide layouts based on the device you will primarily use for your presentation. Here are some general guidelines:
| Device | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|
| Laptops | 16:9 (MacBooks are 16:10) |
| Projectors | 4:3 or 16:9 |
| Large-screen displays | 16:9 |
| Tablets | 4:3 |
PowerPoint also offers options like Letter Paper or Ledger Paper, which are suitable for printed slides to ensure they fit perfectly on various paper sizes.
Steps to Change the Size of Your PowerPoint
1. How to Change the Size of PowerPoint Slides
Now that you’ve selected the appropriate size for your PowerPoint presentation, let’s go through the steps to change the slide dimensions.
Click on the Design tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon. In the Customize section, locate the Slide Size icon.
A drop-down menu will appear. Click on Custom Slide Size to open the Slide Size menu and adjust your presentation’s dimensions.
Please note that if you share your presentation, you may not control the device on which it is opened. However, you can optimize your presentation for most viewers.
2. Set Slide Size in PowerPoint
To set the slide size, click on the drop-down box under the Slides sized for: option. Choose a size based on the device it will be displayed on.
Common choices include On-screen Show (4:3), On-screen Show (16:9), or On-screen Show (16:10).
After selecting a slide size, click OK. PowerPoint will present you with options on how to adjust the content on your slides.
PowerPoint Slide Settings: “Maximize” Versus “Ensure Fit”
When changing the size, you’ll see two options:
- Maximize: This option zooms in on the slide so that the content fills the slide. The downside is that some content may be clipped if it’s near the edges.
- Ensure Fit: This ensures that all content remains on the slide, but it may leave horizontal bars above and below your content.
After adjusting the slide size, review your presentation to ensure everything is displayed correctly. Depending on your content, you may need to make some adjustments.
3. Test Your Presentation
Preparation is key to a successful presentation. Conducting a “dry run” will help identify any issues before the actual presentation.
Test your PowerPoint file on the device that your audience will use. This ensures that the slide size adjustments work as expected and gives you a chance to rearrange any misplaced content.
Top PowerPoint Templates with Ready-Made Slide Dimensions
If you prefer not to worry about slide dimensions, consider using a pre-built template from Envato Elements. These templates are designed with the perfect PowerPoint slide sizes and come with stunning designs.
Many templates offer multiple PowerPoint slide sizes, ensuring you have the right dimensions for your presentation.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding and adjusting PowerPoint slide dimensions is crucial to delivering an effective presentation. By following these guidelines and utilizing templates, you can create visually appealing slides that engage your audience.