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How to Make Vertical Google Slides: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to create vertical Google Slides, huh? Excellent choice! While Google Slides is primarily geared toward landscape presentations, the demand for vertical formats has exploded, especially for mobile viewing and creating visually engaging content for social media. The good news is, it’s surprisingly easy.

Here’s the direct answer: To make vertical Google Slides, you need to adjust the page setup. Go to File > Page Setup. In the dialogue box, select the “Custom” option from the dropdown menu. Enter your desired width and height values, making sure the height is greater than the width. For example, a common vertical dimension is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches high (standard US Letter size) or 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels high (a common smartphone screen resolution). Click “Apply”, and your Google Slides canvas will transform into a vertical format.

Now, let’s delve deeper and explore the nuances of creating stunning vertical slides and address some common questions you might have.

Understanding the Why: Why Vertical Slides Matter

Before diving into the “how,” let’s appreciate the “why.” Traditional landscape presentations are designed for projectors and screens. However, a significant portion of content consumption now happens on mobile devices. Vertical content is inherently more engaging on phones and tablets because it fills the screen, eliminating the need for users to rotate their devices.

Furthermore, vertical slides are perfect for:

Social media stories: Capture attention on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Informative graphics (Infographics): Present data and insights in a visually appealing and digestible manner.
Printable handouts: Create documents suitable for printing on standard paper sizes.
Mobile-first presentations: Cater to audiences primarily viewing your presentation on their phones.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Vertical Slide Creation

As mentioned earlier, the core of creating vertical slides lies in the Page Setup. Let’s break down the process:

Open Google Slides: Start a new presentation or open an existing one.
Navigate to Page Setup: Click on “File” in the top menu, then select “Page Setup”.
Choose Custom Dimensions: In the “Page setup” window, you’ll see a dropdown menu that probably says “Widescreen (16:9)” or “Standard (4:3)”. Click this dropdown and select “Custom”.
Enter Vertical Dimensions: Now you have two boxes to input your desired width and height. This is where the magic happens!
- For a standard 8.5×11 inch page, enter 8.5 in in the width box and 11 in in the height box.
- For a smartphone-friendly format, enter 1080 px in the width box and 1920 px in the height box. Remember to specify the units: “in” for inches or “px” for pixels.
Apply the Changes: Click the “Apply” button. Your Google Slides canvas will instantly resize to the specified vertical dimensions.
Design Your Slides: Now you can start adding content! Remember to adjust your design elements to fit the vertical layout.

Design Considerations for Vertical Slides

Keep it Concise: Mobile viewers have limited attention spans. Prioritize clear and concise messaging.
Use High-Quality Images: Visuals are crucial for engagement. Use sharp, high-resolution images and graphics that complement your content.
Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your text is readable on smaller screens. Use larger font sizes and avoid dense paragraphs.
Embrace White Space: Don’t overcrowd your slides. Leave ample white space to create a clean and visually appealing design.
Think Vertically: Design with the vertical flow in mind. Arrange elements in a way that guides the viewer’s eye down the slide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best dimensions for vertical Google Slides?

The best dimensions depend on your intended use. 8.5 x 11 inches is ideal for printable documents. 1080 x 1920 pixels is excellent for smartphone viewing and social media stories. You can also experiment with other ratios, such as 9:16, which is also common for mobile video.

2. Can I convert an existing landscape Google Slides presentation to vertical?

Yes, you can. Change the Page Setup to vertical dimensions. However, be prepared to rearrange and resize your content to fit the new layout. It’s often easier to start with a new vertical canvas if the original presentation is heavily designed for landscape.

3. Will changing the page setup affect existing slides?

Yes, it will. All your slides will resize to the new dimensions. You’ll likely need to readjust elements like text boxes, images, and shapes to ensure they look good in the vertical format.

4. Can I save a vertical Google Slides presentation as a PDF?

Absolutely! To do this, go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf). The PDF will maintain the vertical dimensions you set in the Page Setup.

5. How do I create a template for vertical Google Slides?

Once you’ve designed a master slide with your desired vertical dimensions and branding elements, you can save it as a template. Go to File > Download > Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx). Then, open the downloaded file in PowerPoint and save it as a PowerPoint template (.potx). While not a direct Google Slides template, you can import this .pptx template back into Google Slides and it will retain your vertical formatting.

6. Can I embed a vertical Google Slides presentation on a website?

Yes, but consider how it will appear on different screen sizes. Use the embed code provided by Google Slides (File > Publish to the Web) and adjust the width and height attributes in the <iframe> tag to ensure it displays correctly on your website. Test on various devices to ensure optimal viewing.

7. What if my images become distorted after changing the page setup?

This can happen if the image aspect ratio doesn’t match the new vertical dimensions. Try cropping the image to fit the vertical space, or use images with higher resolutions that can be scaled down without losing quality. Ensure you’re not stretching the image disproportionately.

8. Are there any pre-made vertical Google Slides templates available?

While Google Slides doesn’t offer a dedicated “vertical” category, you can find many free and paid templates online that are specifically designed for vertical formats, like social media stories or infographics. Search for “vertical Google Slides templates” on Google or platforms like Envato Elements.

9. How do I share a vertical Google Slides presentation so it looks good on mobile?

When sharing, instruct your audience to open the presentation in the Google Slides app on their mobile devices. This will ensure the best viewing experience. Alternatively, exporting as a PDF guarantees the layout will remain consistent, regardless of the device used to view it.

10. Can I create animated vertical Google Slides?

Yes! You can add animations and transitions to your vertical Google Slides just like you would with a landscape presentation. Use the “Animate” pane to add effects to individual elements or the “Transition” menu to create transitions between slides.

11. How do I ensure my vertical slides are accessible?

Follow accessibility guidelines to make your slides inclusive. Use alt text for images, provide sufficient color contrast, use clear and concise language, and ensure your slides are navigable with a screen reader.

12. Is there a way to lock the aspect ratio once I set the vertical dimensions?

Unfortunately, Google Slides doesn’t have a direct “lock aspect ratio” feature for the canvas itself. The best practice is to be mindful of your design choices and avoid disproportionately resizing elements that would distort the intended layout. Save a backup of your presentation after setting the dimensions in case accidental adjustments are made.

Creating vertical Google Slides is a simple yet powerful way to adapt your content for the modern, mobile-first world. By understanding the process and applying these tips, you can create visually stunning and engaging presentations that capture attention and deliver your message effectively. Now go forth and create!