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PPT Slide Design Trends: What’s Hot and What’s Not

In the world of presentations, PowerPoint slides are essential tools for delivering impactful messages and engaging audiences. However, not all slides are created equal. The design of your PPT slides plays a crucial role in capturing attention, conveying information effectively, and leaving a lasting impression on your viewers. In this article, we will explore the latest trends in PPT slide design and highlight what’s hot and what’s not in the industry.

Minimalism – Less is More

In recent years, minimalism has become a dominant trend in PPT slide design. Gone are the days of cluttered slides with excessive text and busy graphics. Today, simplicity is key. Minimalistic designs focus on clean layouts, ample white space, and concise content to enhance readability and visual impact.

One popular technique is to use large bold headlines combined with minimal text to convey key messages effectively. This allows viewers to grasp the main idea at a glance without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary details. Additionally, minimalist designs often incorporate striking visuals or simple icons that complement the content rather than distract from it.

Custom Typography – Adding Flair

Typography plays a significant role in PPT slide design as it sets the tone and enhances readability. While default fonts may be convenient, they lack uniqueness and can make your presentation appear generic. That’s where custom typography comes into play.

Custom fonts allow you to inject personality into your slides while maintaining professionalism. Creative typography choices can make your presentation stand out from the crowd and create a memorable visual experience for your audience. However, be cautious not to overdo it – stick to one or two custom fonts throughout your presentation for consistency.

Multimedia Integration – Engaging Visuals

The integration of multimedia elements into PPT slides has become increasingly popular as it helps captivate audiences’ attention and make presentations more engaging. While images have always been a staple in slide design, the use of videos, animations, and interactive elements has taken presentations to a whole new level.

Videos can be used to demonstrate product features, show customer testimonials, or present complex concepts in an easily digestible format. Animations and transitions can add a touch of dynamism and make your slides visually appealing. Interactive elements like clickable buttons or embedded quizzes encourage audience participation and create an immersive experience.

Responsiveness – Mobile-Friendly Presentations

With the growing reliance on mobile devices for accessing information, ensuring that your PPT slides are mobile-friendly has become crucial. A responsive design allows your presentation to adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes without compromising its visual appeal or readability.

To make your PPT slides mobile-friendly, consider using larger fonts and graphics, simplifying complex layouts, and optimizing slide transitions for smaller screens. Additionally, test your presentation on various devices to ensure that it looks and functions flawlessly across different platforms.

In conclusion, staying up-to-date with the latest trends in PPT slide design is essential for creating impactful presentations that resonate with your audience. Embrace minimalism by simplifying your content and utilizing bold headlines. Experiment with custom typography to add flair and uniqueness to your slides. Incorporate multimedia elements like videos and animations to engage viewers’ attention. Finally, optimize your presentation for mobile devices to reach a wider audience effectively. By following these trends and avoiding outdated practices, you can elevate the effectiveness of your PPT slides and deliver exceptional presentations every time.

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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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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How to Change Paper Size in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a powerful tool used by millions of people across the globe to create professional presentations. One of the critical aspects of creating an effective presentation is choosing the right paper size. By default, PowerPoint comes with the standard 8.5 x 11 inches paper size. However, in many instances, this might not be sufficient, and you may need to change the paper size. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of changing paper size in PowerPoint and provide you with a comprehensive guide to do so successfully.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Need for Changing Paper Size in PowerPoint

Changing the paper size in PowerPoint may seem trivial, but it can determine how visually appealing, professional, and effective your presentation looks. Choosing the right paper size ensures that your presentation looks sharp, clear, and well-structured. Depending on the type of presentation, the audience, and the display devices, you may need to change the paper size. For instance, if you are presenting on a widescreen projector, you may need to choose a widescreen paper size to ensure your presentation fills the screen entirely.

Another reason why changing paper size in PowerPoint is important is to ensure that your presentation is optimized for printing. If you plan to print your presentation, you need to choose a paper size that matches the printer's paper size. This ensures that your presentation prints correctly and looks professional. Additionally, changing paper size can also help you to create handouts that are easy to read and follow. By choosing a paper size that is appropriate for handouts, you can ensure that your audience can easily follow along with your presentation.

It is also worth noting that changing paper size in PowerPoint can help you to create presentations that are accessible to people with disabilities. For example, if you are creating a presentation that will be viewed by people with visual impairments, you may need to choose a larger paper size to ensure that the text and images are clear and easy to read. Similarly, if you are creating a presentation that will be viewed by people with hearing impairments, you may need to choose a paper size that allows you to include captions or subtitles for your audio content.

Different Paper Sizes Supported by PowerPoint

PowerPoint supports a range of paper sizes suitable for various purposes. The standard paper size is the 8.5 x 11 inches, but PowerPoint also supports other paper sizes such as 11 x 17 inches, A3, A4, B4, B5, and many more. Choosing the right paper size depends on various factors such as the content, audience, and display devices. Therefore, it's essential to understand the different paper sizes supported by PowerPoint to make an informed decision.

When selecting a paper size for your PowerPoint presentation, it's important to consider the aspect ratio of your slides. The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of your slides. The standard aspect ratio for PowerPoint is 4:3, but there are also widescreen options such as 16:9 and 16:10. Choosing the correct aspect ratio for your presentation can ensure that your slides look their best and are optimized for the display device.

Steps to Change the Paper Size in PowerPoint 2016 and Later Versions

Changing the paper size in PowerPoint 2016 and later versions is relatively easy. Here are the steps:

• Open your PowerPoint presentation.
• Click on the Design tab.
• Click on the Slide Size button in the Customize group.
• Select your desired paper size from the list or choose Custom Slide Size to set a custom paper size.
• Click on OK, and your slide size will change to the selected size.

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

Additionally, if you plan to print your presentation, make sure your printer supports the selected paper size. Otherwise, you may need to adjust the paper size in your printer settings or choose a different paper size that is supported by your printer.

How to Change the Paper Size in Earlier Versions of PowerPoint

If you are using an earlier version of PowerPoint such as 2013, 2010, or 2007, the steps to change the paper size are slightly different. Follow these steps:

• Click on the Page Setup button in the Page Setup group.
• Select your desired paper size from the list or choose Custom to set a custom paper size.

It is important to note that changing the paper size in earlier versions of PowerPoint may affect the layout of your slides. You may need to adjust the size and position of your text boxes, images, and other elements to ensure they fit properly on the new paper size. It is recommended to preview your presentation before printing or presenting to ensure everything looks as intended.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paper Size for Your Presentation

Choosing the right paper size for your presentation is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you choose the right paper size:

• Consider the display devices: Choose a paper size that matches the aspect ratio of the display devices to ensure that it fills the screen entirely, thereby reducing the chances of pixelation.
• Think about the audience: Consider the preferences, needs, and expectations of your audience before choosing a paper size. A larger size may be more effective if you are presenting to a large audience in a large venue.
• Test before presenting: Always test your presentation on different devices and venues to ensure that the chosen paper size is compatible with all the devices your audience might be using, and it looks consistent and professional.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the right paper size for your presentation is the amount of content you have. If you have a lot of information to present, a larger paper size may be more appropriate to ensure that the text and images are clear and easy to read. On the other hand, if you have less content, a smaller paper size may be more suitable to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information.

Common Issues Faced While Changing the Paper Size in PowerPoint and How to Fix Them

Changing the paper size in PowerPoint may not always be smooth, and you may encounter some issues. Here are some common ones and how to fix them:

• Text and images may not adjust to the new size: In some instances, text and images may get cut off or distorted while changing paper size. To fix this, select the slides and apply the Autofit feature to adjust the text and images to fit the new size.
• Aspect ratio may get distorted: Changing the paper size may affect the aspect ratio, leading to distorted pictures and videos. To fix this, select the picture or video, click on the Picture Format or Video Format tab, and select the option that retains the aspect ratio.

Another common issue that may arise while changing the paper size in PowerPoint is that the layout of the slides may get disrupted. This can happen when the new paper size is significantly different from the original one. To fix this, you can try adjusting the layout manually by moving the elements around or using the Slide Master feature to make global changes to the layout.

Additionally, changing the paper size may also affect the font size and style of the text on the slides. This can make the presentation look inconsistent and unprofessional. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a standard font size and style throughout the presentation. You can also use the Replace Font feature to quickly change the font style and size of all the text on the slides.

How to Ensure Compatibility of the Changed Paper Size Across Devices

It's crucial to ensure the compatibility of the changed paper size across devices, as not all devices may support the same paper size. Here are some steps to ensure compatibility:

• Test on multiple devices: Test your presentation on multiple devices to ensure that the chosen paper size is compatible with all of them.
• Save as PDF: To ensure that the presentation retains its formatting, save it as a PDF file so that the paper size is consistent across all devices.

Another important step to ensure compatibility is to check the printer settings before printing. Make sure that the printer is set to the correct paper size and orientation to avoid any issues with the printed document. Additionally, it's important to communicate the paper size changes to any collaborators or recipients of the document to avoid confusion or formatting issues.

Advantages of Changing Paper Size for Your PowerPoint Presentation

Changing the paper size in PowerPoint can have numerous advantages, such as:

• Improving the visual appeal: Choosing the right paper size can enhance the overall look of your presentation, make it more visually appealing, and improve its professional appearance.
• Optimizing for different devices: Different devices have different screen sizes and display ratios. Changing paper size can optimize your presentation to fit perfectly on all devices, help reach a broader audience, and improve the user experience.

Another advantage of changing paper size for your PowerPoint presentation is that it can help you save printing costs. By choosing a smaller paper size, you can fit more slides on a single page, reducing the number of pages you need to print. This can save you money on paper, ink, and printing services.

Additionally, changing paper size can also help you create more engaging handouts for your audience. By choosing a larger paper size, you can include more detailed information, graphics, and images on your handouts, making them more informative and useful for your audience. This can also help your audience remember your presentation better and refer back to it later.

Best Practices for Changing Paper Size in PowerPoint to Enhance Your Presentation's Effectiveness

Here are some best practices to follow when changing paper size in PowerPoint:

• Stick to standard sizes unless needed: Unless required, stick to the standard 8.5 x 11 inches paper size, as it is supported by most devices and is a safe choice.
• Consider the audience and venue: Choose a paper size that is suitable for your audience, venue, and display devices.
• Test, test, test: Always test your presentation on different devices, venues, and screen resolutions, so that you can ensure that the chosen paper size is compatible and effective across all.

Changing the paper size in PowerPoint can drastically enhance the effectiveness, professionalism, and visual appeal of your presentation. By following the steps and tips outlined above and implementing best practices, you can effectively change the paper size and optimize it for different devices and venues. Always remember to test your presentation across multiple devices and resolutions to ensure that it looks consistent, professional, and effective across all platforms.

Related Resources

How to Change Aspect Ratio in PowerPoint

How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint

How to Change Size of Slide in PowerPoint

How to Change the Size of a Slide 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 size of slides in powerpoint – instructions, how to change the size of slides in powerpoint: video.

            This video lesson, titled “ Learn How to Change Slide Size in Microsoft PowerPoint 2019 & 365: A Training Tutorial ,” shows you how to change the size of slides in PowerPoint. This video lesson is from our complete PowerPoint tutorial , titled “ Mastering PowerPoint Made Easy v.2019 and 365 .”

Change the Size of Slides in PowerPoint: Overview

            You can easily change the size of slides in PowerPoint. To change the size of slides in PowerPoint, click the “Design” tab in the Ribbon. Then click the “Slide Size” drop-down button in the “Customize” button group. To change the slide size aspect ratio, select either “Standard (4:3)” or “Widescreen (16:9)” from the button’s drop-down menu. Alternatively, to use slides of a custom size or change other slide size properties, select the “Custom Slide Size…” command from the button’s drop-down menu to open the “Slide Size” dialog box.

            To select a preset slide size, use the “Slides sized for:” drop-down in the “Slide Size” dialog box to select a preset slide size from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, to manually set the slide width and height, enter your own custom measurements into the “Width:” and “Height:” spinner boxes. To change the starting number for slide numbering, enter the starting number to use into the “Number slides from:” spinner box.

A picture showing how to change the size of slides in PowerPoint by using the “Slide Size” dialog box.

            To set the slide orientation, select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Orientation” section of the “Slide Size” dialog box. To set the orientation of notes, handouts, and the outline view, select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Notes, Handouts & Outline” section. To apply your desired slide size settings in the “Slide Size” dialog box, click the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box.

Instructions on How to Change the Size of Slides in PowerPoint:

• To change the size of slides in PowerPoint , click the “Design” tab in the Ribbon.
• Then click the “Slide Size” drop-down button in the “Customize” button group.
• To change the slide size aspect ratio , select either “Standard (4:3)” or “Widescreen (16:9)” from the button’s drop-down menu.
• Alternatively, to use slides of a custom size or change other slide size properties , select the “Custom Slide Size…” command from the button’s drop-down menu to open the “Slide Size” dialog box.
• To select a preset slide size , use the “Slides sized for:” drop-down in the “Slide Size” dialog box to select a preset slide size from the drop-down menu.
• Alternatively, to manually set the slide width and height , enter your own custom measurements into the “Width:” and “Height:” spinner boxes.
• To change the starting number for slide numbering , enter the starting number to use into the “Number slides from:” spinner box.
• To set the slide orientation , select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Orientation” section of the “Slide Size” dialog box.
• To set the orientation of notes, handouts, and the outline view , select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Notes, Handouts & Outline” section.
• To apply your desired slide size settings in the “Slide Size” dialog box , click the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box.

About Joseph Brownell

PowerPoint slide sizes: how to change them and manage them better

DON’T HAVE TIME TO READ THE ARTICLE? DON’T WORRY, LET ME SEND YOU A COPY

Working with the correct PowerPoint slide size is like laying the foundation before building a home.

Before you start creating any graphics on your slides, it is always a good idea to define the size of your workspace.

Isn’t that obvious?

I can already see you nodding your head.

But I can assure you that it is not so obvious to navigate through the different options that PowerPoint offers you.

How many times have you had difficulty converting a presentation from 4:3 to 16:9? Maybe the new company template has become 16:9, and you had to convert presentations that you have always used to 4:3.

When you convert them the content gets distorted, the photos get blurred and your template – which looked so well balanced – is now all stretched out.

And fixing it is a lot of work!

But that’s not all – there’s more than one reason why learning how to handle PowerPoint slide sizes at their best is worth it.

In fact, being able to adapt your workspace to any size, you can turn PowerPoint into a powerful graphical tool to create social media posts or small brochures to print for an event.

Let’s proceed one step at a time, follow me.

Table of Contents

How to change the PowerPoint slide size

First, it is important to know the menu that you will use to change the PowerPoint slide size.

Do you already know where it is?

I’ll show you!

Open the Design tab and select Slide Size.

Here is where the option to change the proportions of your presentation from 4:3 to 16:9 is hidden!

Want custom sizes instead?

Proceed to Custom Slide Size to manage all your other requirements.

In the drop-down menu you’ll find a rich list of possible options.

I thought I’d show them all to help you see all the standard PowerPoint slide sizes at a glance.

Choose the solution that’s right for you or create a customized one.

Seen this way they look a lot more than when you look at them in the drop-down menu, don’t they?

Let’s review them together.

Widescreen vs On-Screen Show (16:9)

The classic widescreen sixteen to nine format is considered a standard for presentations. When I work in PowerPoint it is the one I always use, unless there are special circumstances or requests.

Okay, but why are there two options for 16:9 on PowerPoint?

Actually, if you look at the graphics below, you’ll notice that they are two 16:9 formats – so there is no difference other than in absolute dimensions.

The 16:9 On-Screenshow was introduced with PowerPoint 2010 as the first 16:9 version of slides.

The problem was that most of the other slides were 7.5″ in height, so switching the content from a 4:3 to a 16:9, for example, always required adjustments.

So, Microsoft decided to introduce a new version of the 16:9 with 7.5″ height in order to reduce the re-processing of content between different slide formats (but now with the same height).

Therefore, the new Widescreen is always a 16:9, only it’s a little bit higher (H7.5) and, consequently, a little wider (W13.3).

On-Screen show 4:3

Standard PowerPoint slide size widely used in the past and now almost completely replaced by 16:9.

Do you still see presentations in 4:3?

They are usually old presentations, or maybe they were created by users who haven’t been up to date with presentation design.

In any case they are still around, so you’ll have to deal with them.

This is their size.

How do you choose between 4:3 and 16:9?

Follow me and I’ll tell you about it in a bit.

On-Screen show 16:10

The 16:10 format landed in the laptop market in 2003.

At that time, the unassailable 4:3 reigned, but by 2005-2008 it was already clear that 16:10 would prevail. In short, after a few years the 16:10 had replaced the 4:3.

Between 2008 and 2010, however, the 16:10 quickly lost ground in favor of the now well-known 16:9.

For reasons of production efficiency, 16:9 format television sets have driven the laptop market to adapt.

The transition has always been a topic of debate for all users who use productivity software and need more vertical workspace.

In 2020 Dell and Apple seem to have launched laptops for productivity returning to the 16:10 format.

What do you think?

In my opinion, 16:10 in presentations is a format that cannot disappear and may soon be back in style.

It’s definitely worth some attention, and thanks to PowerPoint for keeping it among the standard sizes.

Letter Size 8.5×11 in

It is a standard letter format in the following countries: USA, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines.

This format was standardized in the USA by the Reagan administration in 1980.

Honestly, I’ve never found myself using it in PowerPoint, but if you’ll need it, you’ll know you have it.

35 mm Slide

This format refers to the size of the shots on old photographic rolls.

I know, when I first learned about it I didn’t want to believe it either, but that’s just it, PowerPoint is a bit nostalgic.

I’ve never used this format and I don’t expect we’ll need it anymore, but if PowerPoint keeps it – maybe for a reason. Let’s just hope that reason is not nostalgia!

Ledger Paper 11×17 in

This format, also known as Tabloid, was born as a more spacious solution in case the letter size paper format was not enough.

It was born for engineering and architecture firms that needed to print technical designs, usually from software like AutoCAD.

You might find this format in PowerPoint if you work in an engineering environment and you are presenting project designs imported from software such as AutoCAD.

A4 paper 210×297 mm

The most standard format around the world.

It is the international standard format according to the ISO 216 standard, except for some countries that have not adopted it, such as North America, Central America and South America, where the corresponding standard is the letter paper format we were talking about earlier.

Wait! does the A4 format appear in presentations?

Of course, the A4 format is very interesting when you have to print your materials. Obviously, this is true for all countries except those that use the letter format.

I’ve often used it in presentations that I needed to print. Obviously, it will not have the screen rendering of a 16:9 format.

In fact, the A4 is narrower than a 16:9, and tends to sacrifice the slide’s horizontal space.

A3 paper 297×420 mm

Standard format, larger than the A4.

What? A3 is bigger than A4?

Well, yes – in this case the numbers go from smallest to biggest.

A3 is also a standard format and is twice the size of an A4 (see image below).

It looks particularly good when you need to print posters or other content.

For example, I often use it when I print a  Lean Presentation Strategy Canvas  or a  Presentation Assessment Canvas , so that we all have the space to actively collaborate.

In the following image we are working on an A3 format.

B4 (ISO) Paper 250×353 mm / B5 (ISO) Paper 176×250 mm

These are standard formats designed to cover the uncovered areas left by the A(x) series.

As I said for the A4, this is a format suitable for printing, but I hardly see it used on a screen.

You can use it – with a proper judgement – to print in a size other than A4.

Here we are talking about a large horizontal banner. You can really have fun with this format.

I found myself using this format for website banners to be exported directly as an image.

Actually, I think this format should inspire you more than anything else to explore PowerPoint’s potential, which extends far beyond the simple slide.

In fact, web banners usually have custom sizes that I usually find myself inserting in PowerPoint.

It is a format with an aspect ratio very close to 4:3. Honestly, I’ve never used it before.

Here is a quick overview of all the formats available on PowerPoint and their primary uses.

I’ll summarize all the aspect ratios in a single table.

If none of the formats is right for you, the best solution would be the custom format.

Whenever I step out of the traditional 4:3, 16:9 or A4 formats, it’s usually because I need exact customized sizes.

So, it is essential that you know how to set the height and width of a customized format.

PowerPoint slide size – from pixels/millimeters to inches in a second

PowerPoint allows you to set the slide size in inches, but you may be in a situation where you need to insert pixels or centimeters.

Wait! Isn’t it enough to change PowerPoint’s metric system as I would on Illustrator?

No, PowerPoint doesn’t work that way.

However, from a certain point of view, PowerPoint is much simpler.

In fact, you just need to insert the measurements you want by specifying the unit of measurement, and PowerPoint will automatically convert them to inches.

You don’t believe it?

Then try it yourself!

For example, if I used 1080×1920 pixels, the result would be:

See? PowerPoint has converted pixels to inches on its own.

The conversion also works with centimeters/millimeters.

So, it is true, you can’t change PowerPoint’s metric system – but it is also true that you will never need it, since PowerPoint automatically takes care of the conversion.

Orientation, Notes, Handouts & Outline

Page orientation may vary from vertical to horizontal.

Have you ever thought about it?

We are all used to thinking horizontally when working on PowerPoint, but the tool also allows you to work vertically.

I happen to use the vertical format from time to time, and I’ve always enjoyed it very much.

What is “number of slides from” for?

You won’t believe this, but I’m about to reveal something on which you’ve probably wasted a lot of time on a number of occasions.

That number represents the first counting number of PowerPoint slides.

If that number is 4, when you see the slide numbering, it won’t start from 1 but from 4.

Look, I set it to 4:

Activate slide numbering from Insert > Slide Number:

Apply to all slides to make sure we don’t miss any.

Now, I will go to the first slide and let you look at the number.

What number appears in the first slide?

Exactly, number 4.

So, from that window, you can set the starting number of the automatic slide count.

PowerPoint slide size – 4:3 vs 16:9

First, we must clarify that 4:3 and 16:9 only refer to the slide format, but dimensions can be quite different.

You can have a small 4:3 and a large 4:3 – the same goes for the 16:9 format.

In the 16:9 format the slide is 78% wider than high, while in a 4:3 the slide is 33% wider than high.

The 4:3 format has always been perfect for projectors and printing, while the 16:9 is perfect for high impact content shown on televisions.

Printing aside, the latest generation projectors support 16:9. So 16:9 is now the most popular format.

Wait, so 4:3 is a dead format?

No, not quite.

You might need it to create a SlideShare presentation and avoid the black bars above and below the slide, typical of the 16:9 format.

As you can see, however, I always design in 16:9 for portability and flexibility of the presentation, which once produced I can reuse on several occasions.

Have a look at my SlideShare profile –  Maurizio La Cava – SlideShare

Switching from one format to another can require lengthy editing, and unfortunately there are no techniques that can speed up the work.

Therefore, my advice is to act beforehand and avoid, if possible, having to readjust your PowerPoint contents to a different format from the one in which you created it.

For example, always try to adapt to the context in which you are working.

If the people you work with use 16:9 slides, you’d better adapt to maximize cooperation and information exchange.

So, what should you do?

My advice is to always use the 16:9 format – unless you have specific needs where the 4:3 output is so much better that it justifies editing or adapting content.

PowerPoint slide size for social media

Now that you can change the slide size, PowerPoint becomes a very flexible tool that allows you to create graphics for every need.

Have you ever considered that you could create all social communications of a brand or your company through PowerPoint?

All you need is to know the right size in order to create each graphic component on different social media, and you already know how to adjust the dimensions in PowerPoint.

What are the right sizes for graphic components on social media?

Think of the header of a Facebook page or the cover of a LinkedIn profile, for example, as well as the profile image.

How many are there?

A lot, and most of all they are constantly changing because socials update at an impressive speed.

In fact, in order to offer you a constantly updated content through this article, for this section I will rely on my colleagues from  Sproutsocial , who always keep this information updated.

I’ve summarized them here:

The guys at Sprout also update a  file on Google Drive with all the measurements .

The PowerPoint slide sizes are many, and knowing them allows you to significantly expand the use of this tool.

If you used to think of PowerPoint as a tool for creating presentations, now you know that that’s just one of the uses you can make of it.

You can use it to create banners, social media graphics, brochures, and documents of various kinds.

By setting up the workspace in the appropriate way, you’ll avoid unnecessary editing and time-consuming content adaptation tasks.

Writing this article has given me the opportunity to get into the PowerPoint meanderings that I had never got into before, and I learned something interesting.

Is there anything else you would like to explore together?

Maurizio La Cava

About Maurizio

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