How to Make Google Slides Portrait: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're working on a presentation and need a portrait-oriented slide deck, you might be surprised to find that Google Slides defaults to landscape mode. Luckily, changing this setting is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide will walk you through the process of making your Google Slides presentation portrait-oriented, ensuring your content is displayed exactly as you envision.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Google Slides Portrait

1. Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Start by launching Google Slides and opening the presentation you want to modify. If you’re starting from scratch, simply create a new presentation by clicking on the "Blank" option or choosing a template.

2. Access Page Setup

Once your presentation is open, navigate to the top menu and select "File." From the dropdown menu, choose "Page setup." This will open the Page Setup dialog box, where you can adjust the dimensions of your slides.

3. Select Custom Size

In the Page Setup dialog, you'll see a dropdown menu that typically defaults to "Widescreen 16:9." Click on this dropdown menu and select "Custom."

4. Adjust Dimensions for Portrait Orientation

You’ll now see two fields labeled "Width" and "Height." For a portrait orientation, you'll need to switch the values. Enter the following dimensions:

1. Width: 7.5 inches (or 19 cm)
2. Height: 10 inches (or 25.4 cm)

These dimensions are a common choice for portrait-oriented slides, but you can adjust them based on your specific needs.

5. Apply Changes

Click the "Apply" button to set your new dimensions. Your slides will now change to portrait orientation. If you’re using the presentation with collaborators, it’s a good idea to inform them of this change to ensure everyone is on the same page.

If you're interested in formatting options beyond Google Slides, check out this guide on how to make a Google Doc landscape.

6. Adjust Slide Content

After changing the orientation, you may need to reposition or resize your content to fit the new layout. Take some time to review and adjust each slide to ensure that your content is well-aligned and visually appealing.

7. Save and Review

Finally, save your changes and review your presentation to make sure everything looks perfect in portrait mode. Make any necessary tweaks and you’re all set!

FAQ

Can I make a Google Slides presentation portrait without changing the dimensions?

No, Google Slides does not offer an option to switch to portrait mode without changing the dimensions. You must adjust the width and height to achieve a portrait orientation.

What if I need a specific paper size for printing?

If you need a specific paper size for printing, you can adjust the dimensions in the "Custom" fields according to your desired paper size. For example, for A4 paper, use dimensions of 8.27 x 11.7 inches.

Will changing the slide orientation affect the content layout?

Yes, switching from landscape to portrait orientation may require you to adjust the layout of your content. Ensure you review and reposition your elements to fit the new slide dimensions.

Can I switch back to landscape orientation after setting portrait?

Yes, you can revert to landscape orientation by following the same steps and changing the dimensions back to standard landscape values (e.g., 10 inches width by 7.5 inches height).

Are there any limitations to using portrait mode in Google Slides?

While Google Slides supports portrait mode, some templates and design elements are optimized for landscape orientation. Be prepared for potential design adjustments when using portrait mode.