To make a PowerPoint slide vertical in PowerPoint 2013, go to the Design tab, select Slide Size, and choose Custom Slide Size. Change the orientation to Portrait and click OK. Your slide will now be vertical, ready for content that fits better in that format.
After changing the slide orientation to vertical, you will have a portrait-oriented slide that can be better suited for certain types of content, like lists, infographics, or documents that require a more page-like layout.
Introduction
PowerPoint presentations are a staple in both the business and academic worlds. They’re used for everything from pitching an idea to presenting a project. But did you know that slides don’t always have to be horizontal? Sometimes, you may need to switch things up and create a vertical slide. This is particularly useful if you’re trying to mimic a document layout or want to change the flow of your presentation. Vertical slides can help you stand out and make your presentation more memorable.
So, why is this important, and who needs to know how to make a PowerPoint slide vertical? Well, anyone who uses PowerPoint could benefit from knowing how to do this. Whether you’re a student presenting a research paper, a marketer sharing social media stats, or a business owner showcasing products, a vertical slide could be the perfect tool for your next presentation. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference in how your content is received.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Make a PowerPoint Slide Vertical in PowerPoint 2013
The following steps will guide you through the process of changing your PowerPoint slide from the default horizontal orientation to a vertical one.
Step 1: Open Design Tab
First, you need to go to the Design tab in PowerPoint 2013.
This tab is located at the top of your PowerPoint window, between the Transitions and Animations tabs. Here you’ll find various options to customize the design of your slides.
Step 2: Select Slide Size
Next, click on the Slide Size button in the Customize group.
This will open a dropdown menu where you can choose different slide sizes or create a custom size. For a vertical slide, you’ll need to select Custom Slide Size.
Step 3: Choose Orientation
In the Slide Size dialog box, select Portrait under the Slides section.
By default, slides are set to Landscape orientation. However, changing it to Portrait will switch your slides to a vertical format.
Step 4: Confirm Changes
Once you’ve selected Portrait, click OK to apply the changes.
A prompt may appear asking if you’d like to maximize the size of your content or ensure it fits on the new slide orientation. Choose according to your preference, and the changes will be applied to your current slide or all slides if selected.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhances Readability | Portrait slides can make text-heavy content easier to read, as it aligns more closely with how we naturally view documents. |
| Improves Visual Impact | With vertical slides, images and graphs can have a greater impact as they can be displayed larger and more prominently. |
| Encourages Creativity | Switching to a vertical orientation can inspire new ideas and approaches to presenting information in an engaging way. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited Space | Vertical slides may have less space for content compared to the traditional horizontal layout, potentially requiring more slides. |
| Compatibility Issues | When sharing presentations, some may expect the standard horizontal format, leading to confusion or formatting issues. |
| Learning Curve | For those accustomed to horizontal slides, adjusting to creating effective vertical slides may take time and practice. |
Additional Information
When it comes to making the most out of your vertical PowerPoint slides, consider the type of content that will benefit from this orientation. Documents, lists, and mobile app designs are all great candidates for a vertical layout. You may also want to play around with different designs and templates that are specifically created for vertical slides. Remember that while vertical slides offer a unique way of presenting information, they should be used strategically and not overdone.
Always consider your audience and the context of your presentation before deciding to go vertical. It’s also worth noting that changing the slide orientation can affect how your existing content is displayed, so you might need to make some adjustments to ensure everything fits and looks just right.
Summary
- Go to the Design tab
- Select Slide Size
- Choose Portrait orientation
- Click OK to confirm changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing one slide to vertical affect all slides in the presentation?
No, you can choose to apply the change to only the selected slide, or to all slides in your presentation.
Can I switch between vertical and horizontal slides in the same presentation?
Yes, you can mix and match slide orientations within the same presentation to suit your content.
Will vertical slides work well for graphs and charts?
Vertical slides can work well for graphs and charts, especially if you want to emphasize the vertical progression or growth represented in the data.
Can I change the slide orientation after I’ve added content?
Yes, you can change the orientation at any time, but you may need to adjust your content to fit the new layout.
Is it possible to print vertical slides?
Yes, you can print vertical slides just as you would with horizontal slides, but be sure to check your printer settings for the best results.
Conclusion
Making a PowerPoint slide vertical in PowerPoint 2013 is a simple yet effective way to enhance your presentation. Whether you’re aiming for better readability, stronger visual impact, or just a touch of creativity, vertical slides can be exactly what you need to elevate your message.
Remember, it’s all about engaging your audience and conveying your content in the most effective way possible. With this guide, you’re now equipped to explore the vertical dimension of PowerPoint presentations. So go ahead, flip your perspective, and see how a vertical slide can make your next presentation stand out.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.