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How to Count Words in Google Slides: A Pro’s Guide

So, you need to count the words in your Google Slides presentation? No problem. While Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in word count feature like Google Docs or Microsoft PowerPoint, there are several effective workarounds. The simplest and most reliable method is to copy and paste the text from your slides into a Google Doc or other word processing program, which does have word count functionality. Let’s explore this and other approaches in detail.

Why Google Slides Lacks a Native Word Count

Before diving into the “how,” it’s useful to understand the “why.” Google Slides is fundamentally a visual presentation tool, designed for impactful images and concise bullet points. Its primary focus isn’t text-heavy content; it’s visual communication. Therefore, a dedicated word count feature hasn’t been a development priority. Think of it this way: Slides is for glancing, Docs is for glancing and reading deeply. This design philosophy explains the absence of that built-in word counter.

The Copy-Paste Method: Your Reliable Workhorse

This is the gold standard because it’s incredibly simple and consistently accurate. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Select Your Text

Open your Google Slides presentation. Click and drag your mouse to select all the text within a text box on a single slide. Alternatively, use Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on a Mac) to select all text within that text box.

Step 2: Copy the Text

Once the text is selected, copy it using Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C).

Step 3: Paste into Google Docs (or your Word Processor of Choice)

Open a new or existing Google Doc (or Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, etc.). Paste the copied text using Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V).

Step 4: Check the Word Count

In Google Docs, go to Tools > Word Count. A small window will pop up, displaying the number of words, characters, and characters excluding spaces. In Microsoft Word, the word count is typically displayed at the bottom of the screen or in the Review tab.

Step 5: Repeat for All Slides

Unfortunately, this process has to be repeated for each slide individually. If your presentation is lengthy, this can be somewhat tedious, but it remains the most direct and accurate method.

Leveraging Online Word Count Tools

Several online tools offer word counting functionality. These can be useful for quickly estimating word count but come with caveats.

How to Use Online Word Counters

Simply copy the text from your Google Slide, paste it into the online tool’s text box, and click the “Count Words” or similar button. Most of these tools will provide you with the word count almost instantly.

Caveats of Online Tools

Security Concerns: Be cautious about pasting sensitive information into online tools. Some may log or store your data. Look for reputable tools with clear privacy policies.
Formatting Issues: Online tools might not accurately handle formatted text, potentially leading to inaccurate word counts.
No Context: Remember that counting words this way gives you numbers but no context, and context is king.

Google Slides Add-ons: A Mixed Bag

The Google Workspace Marketplace offers several add-ons that claim to count words in Google Slides. However, their reliability and ease of use can vary widely.

Evaluating Add-ons

Before installing any add-on, carefully read the reviews. Pay attention to comments about accuracy, functionality, and potential bugs. Also, consider the add-on’s permissions – does it require access to more data than seems necessary? A healthy dose of skepticism is warranted here.

Potential Drawbacks

Limited Functionality: Some add-ons might only count words on the current slide or within specific text boxes.
Compatibility Issues: Add-ons may not be compatible with all versions of Google Slides or may conflict with other add-ons.
Security Risks: As with online tools, be mindful of the add-on’s security and privacy policies.

The “Divide and Conquer” Approach (For Large Presentations)

If you have a particularly long presentation, consider dividing it into smaller sections. This makes the copy-pasting process more manageable. For example, copy and paste the text from 5 slides at a time into Google Docs.

Why Word Count Matters in Presentations

While Google Slides focuses on visuals, understanding the word count is still relevant:

Maintaining Consistency: A consistent word count across slides can improve the overall flow and readability of your presentation.
Avoiding Information Overload: Knowing the word count helps you stay concise and avoid overwhelming your audience with too much text.
Meeting Presentation Guidelines: Some conferences or organizations may have specific guidelines regarding word count or character limits.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address potential concerns:

FAQ 1: Is there a keyboard shortcut to select all text in a text box?

Yes! Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) will select all text within the currently active text box. Make sure your cursor is inside the text box before using the shortcut.

FAQ 2: Can I count words in speaker notes?

Yes, but you’ll need to copy and paste the speaker notes into a separate document or online tool, just like you would for the text on the slides themselves.

FAQ 3: What about words embedded in images?

Unfortunately, the methods described above will not count words embedded in images. You would need to manually transcribe that text and add it to your word count. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software could help, but it adds complexity.

FAQ 4: Are there any mobile apps that can count words in Google Slides?

While there might be some third-party apps that claim to do this, their reliability is questionable. The copy-paste method is generally the most reliable option, even on mobile devices.

FAQ 5: Does Google Slides count hyperlinks as words?

Yes, Google Slides (and word processors in general) typically count hyperlinks as single words.

FAQ 6: How can I estimate the word count without copying and pasting?

This is tricky. You could try counting the words on one slide and then extrapolating based on the number of slides, but this is highly inaccurate and only provides a very rough estimate.

FAQ 7: Is there a feature request for a built-in word count in Google Slides?

Yes, there have been feature requests for this functionality for years. You can submit feedback to Google through the Google Slides interface (Help > Help Slides improve). The more users request a feature, the more likely it is to be considered.

FAQ 8: Will copying and pasting change the formatting of my text?

Generally, copying and pasting into Google Docs will preserve basic formatting such as font, size, and bold/italic text. However, more complex formatting, such as custom spacing or animations, might be lost and may require manual adjustments.

FAQ 9: Can I use Google Apps Script to count words in Google Slides?

Yes, it is possible to write a Google Apps Script to automate the word count process. However, this requires programming knowledge and is beyond the scope of this basic guide.

FAQ 10: What if my presentation contains charts with labels?

Labels within charts would need to be manually transcribed and added to your word count, as they aren’t typically accessible through simple copy-pasting.

FAQ 11: Is it possible to count words within shapes in Google Slides?

Yes, any text within a shape can be selected and copied just like text in a standard text box. Simply click inside the shape and use Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A) to select the text.

FAQ 12: Are there any cloud-based presentation tools that DO have a built-in word count feature?

While Google Slides lacks this feature, some alternative presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint do offer a built-in word count feature. If this functionality is crucial for you, consider exploring other presentation platforms.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Word Counting in Slides

While Google Slides doesn’t offer a native word count feature, the copy-paste method remains the most reliable and straightforward approach. By understanding the limitations of online tools and add-ons, and by considering the context of your presentation, you can accurately assess your word count and create more impactful and effective presentations. Remember, brevity is the soul of wit, and often, of a great presentation!