Slides: Getting Started

Google Slides

Google Slides is an excellent web-based vector-editing program: it's not just for making presentations! You can make posters,

1

Create a new project

  • Go to slides.google.com to create a new Slides

2

Adjust the slide size

  • File > Page setup

  • Choose custom your slide size to the needed project size (i.e. 8.5x11”, 11x17”, etc). For a research poster, you probably want 24x36"

  • Use to adjust orientation (portrait or landscape)

3

Invite collaborators

  • Top right corner

  • Share with someone directly or

  • For public projects, adjust link settings so “Anyone with the link can (view/edit/comment)”

4

Text tools

  • Insert > Text Box

  • Right click on text box > Format Options

    • Specify exact size

    • Adjust padding (the space between the text and the edges of the box)

4

Object tools

  • Use object tools to add visual elements

  • Image: Upload images from your computer or via URL. Best practice is to use images with transparent backgrounds or white backgrounds on a white Slide.

  • Shape: Use shapes to define areas of the Slide, which can create visual interest and instructs the viewer in how to read the Slide. For example, this Slide is made of long rectangles in multiple colors, a white rounded rectangle, and a brown semi- circle. Right click > Order to adjust.

  • Diagram: Generate built-in diagrams (Timeline, Process, Relationship, Cycle, Hierarchy, and Grid)

  • Audio and Video: Embed video and audio directly into Slides from your computer or through a link

5

Adjusting the background

Click on the gray space around the slide then > Background to adjust the slide color

Select Color > custom to put in brand-specific colors using #Hex codes (6-digit color codes)

6

Adjusting the themes

Themes control design rules about each Slide deck.

Click on the gray space around the slide then > Theme to adjust the slide theme. You can download themes from sites like Canva.

Use the master slide (View > Master) to make adjustments to the theme. Making changes in the Master slide will adjust all slides in the deck at once.

Use the + button to add a new slide using different slide templates