Keynote Slides Guide

7 minutes read

@ tutsplus.com

Do you wonder how to change slide size and dimensions in Keynote? Learn how to use and work with Keynote slides, changing dimensions and sizes to fit the screen perfectly.

Apple’s Keynote is an excellent choice for Mac users who want to create visually appealing slides for their presentations. The art of building a presentation revolves around designing slides that effectively convey your main idea.

Visual aids are expected in every presentation, as they help reinforce the message you’re trying to deliver. Setting the slide sizes and dimensions in Keynote is one of the first steps in designing your slide deck, and these settings are essential as they impact how your slides are viewed by your audience.

This tutorial will guide you through using Keynote effectively, including how to set up your presentation document so that your audience can clearly see all the content on your slides. We will also showcase top-notch Keynote templates with the appropriate sizes and dimensions.

What Is Keynote?

You might be curious about what Apple’s Keynote software is and why it may be the right choice for you. While it may not be as popular as Microsoft PowerPoint, it has a dedicated following due to its ease of use and advanced design options. Keynote continues to evolve, offering a modern interface and functionality that can help you deliver unique presentations.

If you’re a macOS user, opting for Keynote as your primary presentation software is a logical choice. While Microsoft PowerPoint is available on macOS, the user experience with Keynote’s native app tends to be superior. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to utilize Keynote’s features to set the slide sizes perfectly.

Why Do Keynote Slide Sizes Matter?

Before diving into the design of your Keynote presentation, consider the screen size where you will be presenting. Every screen has an aspect ratio, which describes the width-to-height proportions. The goal is to create a Keynote presentation that matches the aspect ratio of the screen where you will display it.

Here are some common screens your presentation may appear on:

iPads and tablets
Laptop screens
Conference room projectors
Widescreen, large format displays

Each of these screens may have a different aspect ratio, typically falling into three standard sizes: 4:3, 16:9, and 16:10. For instance, you can think of these ratios as “4 inches wide for every 3 inches tall” or “16 inches wide for every 9 inches tall.”

If possible, identify the type of screen you will use for your presentation ahead of time. For example, if you are presenting on a large screen or television, it is likely that the aspect ratio will be 16:9. Setting your Keynote slide sizes appropriately ensures that your slides will fit the screen without displaying unwanted black bars on the edges.

Keynote Layout Basics (Watch & Learn)

Check out the screencast below for a walkthrough of Keynote’s most important layout options. You’ll discover how to utilize Keynote’s essential settings for adjusting slide dimensions and sizes so that your presentation fits perfectly on the screen.

Keynote slides can be altered in several key ways, including adjustments to design, dimensions, and ruler options. Below, we’ll outline how to change each of these settings.

How to Change the Keynote Layout Dimensions & Size

Most of the changes you need can be found in the Document panel.

Start by locating the Document option in the upper right corner of the Keynote app and clicking on it. A new panel will open, providing all the options we will cover in this tutorial.

Once you open the Document panel, ensure you are on the Document tab.

From the Slide Size dropdown, you can set the key option for your slide dimensions. By default, you’ll have two choices: 4:3 and 16:9. When creating a new document, it typically defaults to 4:3 mode, so be sure to check this setting before designing your Keynote slide deck.

Before making changes, ensure your content is already on your Keynote slides. Adjusting the slide dimensions may cause clipping or result in borders appearing on the edges. If you change from a widescreen to a more square layout, you will need to rearrange the content accordingly.

How to Change Keynote Design Options

With the Document tab still open, you can make changes to the Keynote theme you are using easily. Themes control the overall look and feel of your presentation, and you can change them even after you’ve begun working on your slides.

In the Document > Document panel, click on the Change Theme button. A new pop-up window will display various theme styles.

Choose another theme thumbnail and click Choose to apply the new theme to your presentation. The themes will automatically adjust fonts, colors, and other design aspects to fit the new style.

Advanced Keynote Themes

Apple’s Keynote does provide some built-in themes, but there are also premium options available from services like Envato Elements. This subscription service offers access to over 800 Keynote templates that can help you create professional presentations.

Most premium template packages include multiple versions of the presentation. When downloading, check for zip files that contain both 4:3 and 16:9 options. These templates often offer more features than the built-in themes, allowing for a more tailored presentation experience.

These premium themes often come with various slide designs, enabling you to incorporate your content without starting from scratch on each slide.

Enable Rulers

One useful feature in Keynote is the Rulers option. Rulers help you align the different elements on your slides, ensuring that each one is proportionate to the screen dimensions where you’ll be presenting.

To turn on Rulers, go to View > Show Rulers. You’ll see pixel measurements along the top and sides of your Keynote document corresponding to the slide’s positioning.

Rulers facilitate precise alignment of slide elements. For example, you could place two images exactly 100 pixels from each edge by referring to the rulers while positioning the objects.

Tips for Creating Stunning Keynote Presentations

Once you have your premium Keynote template, it’s time to customize it. Here are some design tips to help you enhance your presentation:

1. Use at Least Three Colors

Choose a color scheme with three complementary colors to make your presentation visually appealing. Utilize one main color and two highlight colors for contrast.

2. Leave Space for Your Images

Images play a vital role in presentations as they offer visual interest. Ensure there is adequate space for images on your slides, which can occupy half the slide or serve as an entire background. Always opt for high-quality images.

3. Use Modern Graphics

Incorporate modern graphics to enhance your presentation. Outdated designs can detract from your message, so choose contemporary graphics available on platforms like Envato Elements.

4. Include Variety in Your Layouts

To create a dynamic presentation, vary the layouts of your slides. Change the layout each time you introduce a new subject, while avoiding a complete redesign for each slide.

5. Use Easy-to-Read Fonts

Select fonts that are easy to read for your audience. A readable font improves the overall impact of your presentation, so consider limiting your choices to two font types.