How to Make a Powerpoint Slide Vertical: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Michael Collins

Making your PowerPoint slide vertical is a quick and easy task. You simply need to access the "Design" tab, click on "Slide Size" and select "Custom Slide Size". From there, you can change the orientation to ‘Portrait’ and apply it to all your slides. Voila! Your PowerPoint presentation is now in a vertical format.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Make a PowerPoint Slide Vertical

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By changing the orientation of your PowerPoint slides to vertical, you’re essentially flipping the standard horizontal layout to a portrait view. This can be useful for certain types of presentations like mobile app designs or infographics.

Step 1: Open the Design Tab

Click on the "Design" tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.

The "Design" tab is where you find all the tools to change the appearance of your slides, including the slide size and orientation.

Step 2: Click on Slide Size

Choose "Slide Size" in the "Customize" group.

"Slide Size" is where you can adjust the dimensions of your slides to fit different screens and purposes.

Step 3: Select Custom Slide Size

From the dropdown menu, select "Custom Slide Size."

The "Custom Slide Size" option allows you to input specific dimensions for your slides, or choose from a list of predefined sizes.

Step 4: Change the Orientation to Portrait

In the "Slide Size" dialog box, select "Portrait" under the "Slides" section and click "OK."

By selecting "Portrait," you’re telling PowerPoint you want the slides to be taller than they are wide, much like a portrait-oriented photo or document.

Step 5: Apply to All Slides

Choose whether to apply the vertical orientation to all slides or just the selected slides.

If you want your entire presentation to be vertical, choose "Apply to All." If you only want a specific section to be vertical, select the slides you want to change before following these steps.

After completing these steps, your PowerPoint slides will be set to a vertical orientation. Your content will automatically adjust to fit the new layout, but you may need to tweak some elements to make sure everything looks just right.

Tips: Making a PowerPoint Slide Vertical

  • Before changing the orientation, consider if a vertical layout is suitable for your content.
  • Be aware that changing the orientation may affect the layout of your slides, and some tweaking may be needed.
  • Use the "Slide Master" to apply consistent styles and backgrounds to your vertical slides.
  • If you’re designing a presentation for mobile viewing, a vertical layout can be very effective.
  • Remember to save your presentation after changing the slide orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of presentations work best with vertical slides?

Vertical slides are great for presentations that are meant to be viewed on mobile devices or presentations that mimic the scrolling of a webpage.

Will changing the slide orientation mess up my formatting?

It’s possible that some formatting will need to be adjusted after changing the orientation. It’s always a good idea to check your slides after making the change.

Can I change the orientation of just one slide in my presentation?

Yes, you can change the orientation of individual slides by selecting them before following the steps to change the orientation.

Is it possible to have both vertical and horizontal slides in one presentation?

Yes, you can mix and match slide orientations within a single presentation, although it may affect the flow and consistency of your presentation.

Can I use vertical slides in online presentations?

Absolutely, vertical slides can be very effective for online presentations, especially when participants are viewing on tablets or smartphones.

Summary

  1. Open the "Design" tab.
  2. Click on "Slide Size."
  3. Select "Custom Slide Size."
  4. Change the orientation to "Portrait."
  5. Apply to all slides or selected slides.

Conclusion

Changing the orientation of your PowerPoint slides to vertical can give your presentation a fresh look and make it stand out. Whether you’re presenting on a mobile device or just looking for a different way to display your content, vertical slides can provide a unique visual experience. Remember to adjust your content to fit the new layout and experiment with different design elements to make the most of the vertical space. With these steps and tips, you’re now well-equipped to make a PowerPoint slide vertical for your next presentation. Happy presenting!