Did you know that you can customize the layout of your Google Slides presentations to make them more engaging and visually appealing? While horizontal slides are the norm, sometimes you might want to change the orientation to vertical, especially for infographics or pillar-style content. Here's how you can make a Google Slides vertical, along with some tips to create stunning content in this innovative layout.
The first step is to understand why you might want to go vertical. Vertical slides can make your content stand out, are great for storytelling, and can turn your slides into an interactive, scrollable canvas. Let's dive into the process of making a Google Slides vertical and maximizing its potential.
Changing the Slide Ratio
The first step in creating a vertical slide is to change the slide ratio. By default, Google Slides uses a 16:9 ratio, which is perfect for horizontal content. Let's see how to change it to a vertical orientation.
To change the slide ratio, click on 'File' in the menu, then select 'Page setup'. In the dialogue box that appears, choose 'Custom' from the 'Slides' drop-down menu. Now, input the dimensions for your vertical slide. For a standard vertical presentation, you can set the width to 7.5 inches and the height to 10 inches. Click 'OK' to apply these changes.
Switching to Vertical Layout
Now that you've changed the slide ratio, it's time to switch to a vertical layout. Unfortunately, Google Slides doesn't have a built-in vertical layout option. Don't worry; there's a workaround using the 'Master' feature.
To access the 'Master' feature, right-click on any slide in the slide panel on the left and select 'Edit master'. This action will open a new window with slide master templates. Google Slides has a default template that includes a vertical layout. Find this template (it's usually called 'Title and Vertical Text') and select it. Any changes you make in this window will apply to all your slides, so be careful!
Creating Engaging Vertical Content
With your slides in vertical orientation, it's time to fill them with captivating content. Remember that vertical slides are best for pillar-style content or infographics. Here are some tips to ensure your vertical slides are engaging and visually appealing.
.Use White Space Effectively
In vertical slides, white space is your friend. Use it generously to break up text blocks and draw attention to important elements. When arranging text and images, leave plenty of empty space around them to create a clean, uncluttered look.
For instance, you might use a large image as the background for a slide, with text strategically placed over it. This approach works best when the text is easily readable against the background, so choose colors and fonts wisely.
Optimize Text and Images for Vertical Slides
Vertical slides are taller and narrower than horizontal ones, so use this to your advantage. Long, scrolling text works well in vertical slides, as does placing a single, eye-catching image at the top of each slide. Just make sure your text is easily readable at a glance.
When adding images, remember that vertical slides may crop them differently than horizontal ones. To avoid awkward crops, ensure your images are composed in a way that works well in both orientations.
Publishing Your Vertical Slide Presentation
Once you've created your stunning vertical slides, it's time to share them with the world. Google Slides makes it easy to publish your presentations online or share them with specific people.
Presenting in Full-Screen
To present your vertical slides in full-screen, click on the 'Present' button at the top right of the screen. This action will open the presentation in a new tab or window. Use the arrow keys or click the 'Next' button to move through your slides. To exit the presentation, press the 'Esc' key.
When presenting in full-screen, ensure your audience is positioned correctly to view the vertical slides. You might need to elevate the screen or arrange viewers in a way that allows them to see the presentation content clearly.
Publishing Online
If you want to share your vertical slides with a broader audience, consider publishing them online. Click on the 'File' menu, then select 'Publish to the web'. A dialogue box will appear, allowing you to customize your publishing settings. Choose 'Automatic' or 'Link' under 'Published content & settings' and click 'Publish'.
Once published, you can share the link with others or embed the presentation on your website or blog. When viewing your published slides, viewers can switch between horizontal and vertical orientation using the settings menu (the three vertical dots in the top-right corner).
Now that you know how to make a Google Slides vertical and create compelling content in this unique layout, it's time to start experimenting! Vertical slides open up a world of creative possibilities, so don't be afraid to push the boundaries and create something truly memorable. Happy sliding!