Adding Slide Numbers to PowerPoint

Inserting numbers on your PowerPoint slides helps to order and structure your presentation. This is especially true for longer presentations.

Setting slide numbers in PowerPoint is actually pretty simple—we’ll show you how!

Why Slide Numbers are Useful

So why might you need slide numbers? At a fundamental level, they help keep your presentation well-structured and provide your audience with a thread to follow through your ideas. Additionally, slide numbers are useful for addressing queries that arise later—you can jump directly to the relevant slide.

How to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

1. In the Insert tab, click on the Header & Footer option.

   

2. In the window that opens, use the cursor to check the Slide number box.

   

3. You have several options to choose from:

   • If you want to assign a page number to just the current slide, click Apply.
   • To insert slide numbers on all your slides, click Apply to all.
   • If you want to omit the page number on the title slide, check the Don’t show on title slide box.

Now, page numbers will appear on the slides you’ve chosen. If you’d like to change the alignment of the numbers due to your chosen layout and design, we’ll show you how below.

Deactivating Slide Numbers

To remove slide numbers, open the Header & Footer option again and simply uncheck Slide number. You can apply this to all your slides or just the current slide.

Repositioning Slide Numbers

If you’re not satisfied with the default location of the page numbers, you can reposition them:

1. In the View tab, select the Slide Master option.

   

2. In the thumbnails that appear, click on Slide Master.

3. Click on the placeholder for the page number. Hold it down until the crossed arrow icon appears, then drag the placeholder to your desired position.

   

4. Save your changes by selecting Close Master View.

Starting Slide Numbers from a Specific Number

If you prefer starting your slide numbers from a number other than 1, follow these steps:

1. In the Design tab, select Slide size, then choose Custom slide size.

   

2. In the window that opens, use the up or down arrows for the Number slides from option until you reach your desired starting point.

   

3. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

Adding Additional Information

PowerPoint allows you not just to add slide numbers but also other useful information like the author’s name, company name/logo, date, or topic. This reinforces structure and professionalism in your presentations, especially during business presentations.

Adding Date and Time

To add the date/time to your slides:

1. In the View tab, select Normal in the Presentation Views section.

   

2. Select the first slide in the thumbnail view on the left.

3. Switch to the Insert tab and select Header & Footer.

4. Click on the Slide tab and activate Date and time by checking the box.

   

5. You can choose for the date to update automatically or remain fixed. For automatic updates, select Update automatically and choose the desired format. For a fixed date, select Fixed and enter the date in the field below.

Tip: If you’re handing out printed notes and wish to include the date and time, select the setting for date and time in the Notes and Handouts tab, then confirm with Apply. To include it on every page of your notes, click Apply to all.

Adding Author or Subject Information

To add author or subject information:

1. Go to the Slide tab and activate the Footer checkbox.

2. Type the information you want to appear in the field under Footer.

   

Deleting Additional Information

To remove this additional information from your presentation:

1. Open the Insert tab and select Header & Footer.
2. In the dialog box that opens, click Slide.
3. To delete all additional information, uncheck the Footer box and confirm with Apply to all. To delete only from the current slide, confirm with Apply.

Inserting a Copyright Notice

Adding a copyright notice is especially important for presentations related to large companies. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on Header & Footer in the Insert tab.
2. Select the Slide tab and check the Footer box.
3. Type your copyright notice in the blank field under Footer, which should include the © symbol, name of the copyright holder, year of first publication, and the statement “All rights reserved.”
4. Select Apply to All so that this copyright notice appears on all slides.

Inserting Logos

Besides copyright notices and basic information, inserting your company logo can enhance your presentation. You can find detailed guidance on where and how to place a logo in PowerPoint in this detailed article .

Conclusion

Adding slide numbers to your PowerPoint presentations makes practical sense; it enhances structure, improves audience engagement, and allows for quick navigation back to specific slides. Additional information can also add a professional touch to your presentation. Following the steps outlined above, you can easily add numbers and other useful information to your slides—even if you’re a beginner in PowerPoint!