Microsoft PowerPoint Features

This section of the guide will cover creating and presenting in Microsoft PowerPoint.

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Have a question not answered in this guide? Visit the Support page for additional resources.

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Create a PowerPoint

This page will cover how to use Microsoft PowerPoint and create a PowerPoint.

There are several components to the Microsoft PowerPoint user interface:

1. Quick Access Toolbar: Commonly used tools (i.e., save, undo, present, open, print, spell check). Select the dropdown to add or remove tools.
2. Ribbon: Contains almost all the commands you need to work with your slides and is designed in a way that helps you quickly find the commands that you need to complete a task.
3. Slides Tab: Shows a preview of all the slides in the current presentation.
4. Presentation Window: This is where you can edit a slide. There are several preset designs and layouts available. Use the Ribbon to add elements.
5. Presenter Note: Add private notes that will only be visible on the Presenter View.
6. Status Bar: Change your view from this area (i.e., normal view (shown), presentation view, zoom, etc.).

For a more in-depth explanation on how to add elements to your presentation, please refer to Create a presentation in PowerPoint on the Microsoft Support website.

Another great resource is the The Beginner's Guide to Microsoft PowerPoint Youtube video by Technology for Teachers and Students.

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Present a PowerPoint

This page will cover how to present a presentation.

To begin a presentation, select Slide Show from the Ribbon then select either From Beginning or From Current Slide. From Beginning will start your presentation from Slide #1 and From Current Slide begins your presentation from the slide you are currently viewing.

Desktop Version

Web Version

When you are giving your presentation, simply use the arrow keys on your keyboard to advance or go back a slide. Select the Escape key on your keyboard to exit the presentation mode.

If you have more than one monitor or are presenting with a projector, the presentation will open in a Presenter View on your primary monitor and the normal slide show on the secondary monitor or projector screen. This view also shows the current slide being presented on the secondary monitor or projector and a preview of the next slide.

Note: Presenter View is not available with the web version of Microsoft PowerPoint.

Presenter Tools

There are several tools to help a presenter give a more effective and engaging presentation:

1. Use your mouse to use a Pen, Highlighter, or Laser Pointer.
2. Shows a thumbnail of all the slides.
3. Zoom in a region of the current slide.
4. Black/Un-Blank the current slide
5. Shows subtitles in a different language. You must be using a microphone, Windows 10, and the most up-to-date version of Microsoft PowerPoint.
6. Show an ongoing time since the presentation has begun.
7. Presenter notes for the current slide.

If you would like to hide the Presenter View, select the ellipsis and then Hide Presenter View.

If you need to swap which display shows the Presenter View, select Display Settings then Swap Presenter View and Slide Show.