How to build a widescreen presentation in PowerPoint

In earlier versions of PowerPoint, slides were of a 4:3 aspect ratio. The default slide size in PowerPoint 2013 and later is widescreen (16:9) for this event we will need you to supply your slides in widescreen (16:9).

How to check your slide size.

1. On the Design tab
2. Click Slide Size
3. Then click Widescreen
4. You can choose On Screen Show (16:9)
5. you can now start building your slide show

How to convert a standard presentation to widescreen

1. Click the Design tab
2. Click Slide Size
3. Then click Widescreen
4. Check through to make sure everything looks ok. Some objects or text might need reformatting

How to build a widescreen presentation in Keynote

Even in the latest version of Keynote the default presentation size is standard (4:3) when starting a new presentation you need to choose wide.

 How to convert a standard presentation to widescreen

1. With your presentation open click on the Document icon
2. Make sure you’re on the Document tab not Audio
3. Go down to Slide Size and choose Widescreen (16:9)

Slide building tips

1. Try not to squeeze too much in. You can always spread information over more than 1 slide
2. Give yourself room. We often see slides with text or logos almost touching the edge of a slide. If you’re presenting at a show that has rear projection this can be cut off
3. Make it big enough. Sitting close to your computer screen and building slides is great but try and stand back from it by about 6ft and make sure everything is clear. Some people might be sat right at the back of the room and the screen (although large) can be far away.
4. Contrast, make sure that there is good contrast between your text and the background.

Below is an example of bad slide design vs good slide design. The clearer and less cluttered your slides are the easier it will be for the audience to see the information.