How to Make Google Slides Vertical in 6 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways
  • Vertical slides offer a unique visual perspective that stands out from traditional horizontal layouts, enhancing audience engagement and making presentations more memorable.
  • Open Google Slides and navigate to "File" > "Page setup" to access custom dimensions.
  • Regular practice, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering confident presentations are essential for harnessing the full potential of vertical slides and becoming a skilled and effective presenter.

Presentations are more engaging when they are visually distinct. Using vertical slides instead of horizontal ones can make your ideas pop. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Google Slides vertical.

Why Even Make Vertical Slides?

Here’s why vertical slides can be beneficial:

  • Enhanced Visual Appeal: Vertical slides offer a refreshing change from the traditional horizontal layout, helping your presentation get noticed and keep the audience’s attention.
  • Optimized for Mobile Devices: They are easier to view on smartphones and tablets, aligning with the growing trend of mobile usage during presentations.
  • Storytelling Advantage: The vertical orientation lends itself well to storytelling, allowing for a natural progression and flow of information, especially useful for narratives with tall content elements.
  • Infographic Showcase: Vertical slides are ideal for displaying tall infographics, graphs, and timelines without excessive scrolling or resizing.
  • Differentiation: Using vertical slides sets your presentation apart from the rest, indicating to your audience that you’ve carefully considered the design and layout of your content.

Follow these steps to make Google slides vertical:

Step 1: Open Google Slides

Access Google Slides and open the presentation you want to edit or create a new one by clicking on “+“.

Open an existing presentation

Step 2: Navigate to File

Go to the Menu bar at the top of the screen and select “File.”

Click on File

Step 3: Select Page Setup

Choose “Page setup” from the list of options.

Select Page setup

Step 4: Choose Custom Aspect Ratio

In the “Page setup” dialog box, locate the aspect ratio dropdown menu.

Click on the dropdown menu

Step 5: Set Custom Dimensions

Select “Custom” from the dropdown menu.

Click on Custom

Enter the desired dimensions for a vertical orientation. You can choose from common sizes such as:

  • US Letter: 8.5 x 11 inches (similar to A4 size)
  • US Legal: Around 8.5 x 14 inches.
  • A4 (International Standard): Sized at 21 x 29.7 cm.
  • A3: 29.7 x 42.0 cm.
  • Mobile: 2532 x 1170 pixels, with a 9×19.5 aspect ratio
  • Social Media: 1080 x 1920 pixels, with a 9:16 aspect ratio
Enter dimensions

Step 6: Apply Changes

Once you’ve entered the dimensions, click on the “Apply” button to confirm the changes.

Select Apply

READ MORE: How to Add a GIF to Google Slide ➜

Tips & Tricks

Use these tips to make the most of vertical Google Slides:

  • Visual Appeal: Utilize captivating images and graphics to enhance engagement and convey your message effectively.
  • Simplicity is Key: Keep slides uncluttered with concise text and minimal distractions to maintain audience focus.
Keep it simple
  • Consistent Design: Maintain a cohesive theme throughout your presentation with consistent fonts, colors, and layout styles.
  • Engage with Animation: Incorporate subtle animations to add interest and guide the audience’s attention without overwhelming them.
  • Practice and Prepare: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery and confidence in your content, allowing you to connect with your audience effectively.

FAQs

Will my vertical slides look good on all devices?

It’s essential to preview your presentation on various devices to ensure an optimal viewing experience.

Can I convert existing horizontal slides to a vertical format?

Yes, you can adjust the slide size and layout settings to convert horizontal slides to a vertical orientation in Google Slides.

Is it possible to collaborate with others on a vertical presentation in Google Slides?

Yes, you can collaborate with others in real-time on vertical presentations in Google Slides, allowing for seamless teamwork and editing.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating vertical slides?

Common mistakes include overcrowding slides with text or images, using too many animations, and neglecting consistency in design elements.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kamil Anwar


Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.