How to Check the Word Count on Google Slides: A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question at hand: How do you check the word count on Google Slides? Unfortunately, Google Slides, in its native form, does not offer a built-in word count feature like its sibling, Google Docs. However, fear not! There are several workarounds to easily determine the number of words in your presentation, ensuring you stick to your presentation guidelines or simply satisfy your curiosity. The most common and effective methods involve copying and pasting the text into a word processor or using an add-on specifically designed for this purpose. This article explores these methods in detail, along with a wealth of related information to make your Google Slides experience even smoother.

Methods for Counting Words in Google Slides

Since Google Slides lacks a direct word count feature, we need to get a little creative. Here are the most reliable and widely used techniques:

1. Copying and Pasting into Google Docs (or Another Word Processor)

This is the simplest and most readily available method. It leverages the word count functionality of other applications.

• Select the Text: Open your Google Slides presentation and carefully select all the text boxes containing the text you want to count. You can do this slide by slide, or attempt to select everything at once (though this might be cumbersome with complex slide layouts).
• Copy the Text: Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy the selected text to your clipboard.
• Paste into Google Docs: Open a new or existing Google Docs document. Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the text into the document.
• Check the Word Count: In Google Docs, navigate to Tools > Word count. A small window will appear, displaying the number of words, characters, and pages.

This method is effective, but it’s important to remember that the formatting might not be perfectly preserved when copying and pasting. You might need to do some minor adjustments afterward. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft Word or any other word processing software you prefer. The process is nearly identical.

2. Utilizing Google Slides Add-ons

For a more integrated solution, consider using a Google Slides add-on specifically designed for counting words. These add-ons seamlessly integrate into the Google Slides interface, offering a more convenient and often more accurate word count.

• Open Add-ons Menu: In your Google Slides presentation, go to Add-ons > Get add-ons. This will open the Google Workspace Marketplace.
• Search for Word Count Add-ons: In the search bar, type keywords like “word count,” “character count,” or “text analysis.”
• Install an Add-on: Browse the search results and choose an add-on that suits your needs and has good reviews. Click on the add-on and then click the “Install” button. You’ll likely need to grant the add-on certain permissions to access your Google Slides.
• Use the Add-on: Once installed, the add-on will typically appear in the Add-ons menu. Select the add-on and follow its instructions to calculate the word count for your presentation.

Several add-ons are available, each with its own features and pricing (some are free, while others offer premium features for a fee). Some popular options include:

• Word Counter for Google Slides: A straightforward add-on that provides a basic word count.
• Text Analyzer: Offers a more comprehensive analysis, including word count, character count, and readability statistics.
• Plus AI for Google Slides: Helps generate entire presentation based on your prompts and also has the ability to count words.

Using an add-on provides a more streamlined experience, eliminating the need to switch between applications.

3. Exporting to a Text-Based Format

Another less common, but still viable, option is to export your Google Slides presentation to a text-based format and then count the words.

• Export to Plain Text: Google Slides doesn’t directly offer export to plain text. You need to export it as PowerPoint first (.pptx).
• Open the .pptx file in PowerPoint: Once open, copy and paste into a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
• Copy to Docs: Now copy the text and past it into Google Docs to get the word count.

This method, while functional, can result in significant loss of formatting and may require substantial cleanup. It’s best suited for presentations with minimal formatting and a focus on text content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to checking the word count on Google Slides, providing further clarification and helpful tips:

1. Why doesn’t Google Slides have a built-in word count feature?

This is a common question! Google Slides is primarily designed as a visual presentation tool, focusing on images, charts, and concise text. While text is essential, the emphasis is on brevity and visual impact, rather than extensive text content like in a document editor like Google Docs. Therefore, a built-in word count feature hasn’t been prioritized.

2. Are word count add-ons safe to use?

Generally, yes, but it’s crucial to exercise caution. Before installing any add-on, carefully review its permissions and read user reviews. Ensure the add-on comes from a reputable developer and has a good track record. Avoid add-ons that request unnecessary or excessive permissions.

3. Do all word count add-ons count words accurately?

While most add-ons are designed to count words accurately, discrepancies can sometimes occur. These discrepancies might be due to the add-on’s algorithm, the way it handles specific formatting elements, or the presence of non-text elements (like embedded objects) within the text boxes. It’s always a good idea to double-check the results, especially if accuracy is critical.

4. Can I count words in speaker notes in Google Slides?

Yes, some word count add-ons can also count the words in the speaker notes associated with each slide. This can be particularly useful for presenters who rely heavily on their notes. Check the add-on’s features to confirm if it supports speaker note word counting.

5. Is there a way to count the words in specific slides only?

Yes, both the copy-and-paste method and some add-ons allow you to count the words in specific slides. For the copy-and-paste method, simply select the text from the desired slides before copying. Some add-ons may offer options to select specific slides for word counting.

6. How can I ensure the most accurate word count when copying and pasting?

To minimize errors when copying and pasting, try pasting the text into a plain text editor (like Notepad or TextEdit) first. This will remove any hidden formatting that might interfere with the word count in Google Docs. Then, copy the text from the plain text editor and paste it into Google Docs.

7. Are there any keyboard shortcuts for checking the word count in Google Docs?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a dedicated keyboard shortcut to directly open the word count window in Google Docs. However, you can quickly access it by pressing Alt + T followed by W. This sequence will open the Tools menu and then select the Word count option.

8. Can I count characters instead of words?

Yes, both the copy-and-paste method (using Google Docs’ word count tool) and many word count add-ons also provide character counts (with and without spaces).

9. What if I have images with text in them? Will the add-on recognize that?

Unfortunately, no. Word count tools, whether built-in or add-ons, can only analyze text that is editable and selectable within the Google Slides presentation. Text embedded in images is treated as part of the image and won’t be included in the word count.

10. Is there a difference in word count between different word processors?

Slight variations in word count can occur between different word processors due to variations in how they define a “word.” For example, some programs might treat hyphens or apostrophes differently. However, these differences are usually minor and insignificant for most purposes.

11. Can I use these methods on a mobile device (phone or tablet)?

Yes, you can use the copy-and-paste method on a mobile device. Select the text on your Google Slides app, copy it, and then paste it into a mobile word processing app like Google Docs or Microsoft Word to check the word count. Add-ons are generally accessible on mobile devices too, but usability may vary depending on the add-on’s design and the mobile app’s capabilities.

12. How often are Google Slides add-ons updated?

The frequency of updates varies depending on the developer and the add-on itself. Some add-ons are actively maintained and receive regular updates to improve functionality, fix bugs, and enhance security. Others might be less frequently updated. Check the add-on’s listing in the Google Workspace Marketplace for information about recent updates.

By leveraging these methods and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can easily and effectively check the word count in your Google Slides presentations, ensuring you stay within your desired limits and maintain clear and concise communication. Happy presenting!