How to Make a Google Presentation in Google Slides

What You’ll Need

A Google account to create and save a presentation in Google Slides.
A computer, tablet, or phone with a web browser or the Google Slides app. A computer is usually easiest for arranging slides and editing details.
An internet connection for creating and editing online. Some offline access may be available if it has been set up on a supported device; do not assume a new presentation will work offline.
Optional: an outline, images, or other material you have permission to use.

Step-by-Step

Open Google Slides. On a computer, go to slides.google.com and sign in to your Google account. You can also open Slides from the Google apps menu while signed in. In the mobile app, tap the plus button to create a presentation. Menus and button names may differ slightly by app or browser version.
Start a presentation. Select Blank presentation for a clean start, or choose a template if one suits your purpose. A template provides an existing design and slide layouts that you can replace with your own content. If prompted, give the presentation a name near the top of the screen.
Choose a theme and page setup. Use the theme or design controls to select a coordinated look. For most screen presentations, the standard widescreen layout is suitable. If you need a different slide size, look in the File menu for Page setup; the path and available options can differ slightly by version. Choose a readable background and theme before adding lots of content.
Plan the slide order. Use the first slide for the presentation title and, if useful, a subtitle. Add a new slide with the plus or New slide control, then choose a layout such as title and body. Create a simple sequence: introduce the subject, cover the main points, and finish with a conclusion or next step. Reorder slides by dragging their thumbnails in the left-hand filmstrip.
Add and format text. Click a text placeholder and type, or use the text box tool to place text elsewhere. Give each slide one clear point, use short phrases or bullets, and make headings visibly larger than body text. Select text to change its font, size, color, or alignment using the toolbar. Keep text large enough to read from a distance and avoid filling the slide with paragraphs.
Insert visuals and other content. Use the Insert menu to add an image, shape, chart, diagram, or video where available. You can also paste or drag in an image, depending on your device and browser. Select an object to resize or move it; use the corner handles to keep an image’s proportions. Add a brief label when a visual might not be self-explanatory, and check that you have permission to use material you did not create.
Review the whole deck. Click through the slide thumbnails in order. Check spelling, slide order, text size, image placement, and contrast between text and background. Remove anything that does not support the main message. Start the slideshow using Present to check how slides look at full size; press Esc or use the on-screen controls to leave presentation mode.
Confirm saving and share or present. Google Slides normally saves edits to Drive automatically while you are online. Wait for any saving indicator to finish, then check the file name and location in Drive. Select Share to invite people or adjust access; review who can view, comment, or edit before sending a link. To present, select Present and choose the appropriate display option if prompted.

Common Mistakes

Putting too much on one slide: A slide crowded with paragraphs is hard to follow. Split the material across slides and keep each slide focused on one main idea.
Using text that is too small: Text may look readable while editing but become difficult to see when projected. Use a larger font and preview the deck in presentation mode.
Mixing unrelated styles: Too many fonts, colors, and effects make a deck feel inconsistent. Stick to a small set of theme styles and use them throughout.
Stretching or obscuring images: Resizing from a side handle can distort an image, while overlapping objects can hide important content. Use corner handles, inspect the slide at full size, and adjust object order or position if needed.
Sharing with the wrong access: A link may not work for its recipient, or it may grant more access than intended. Check the sharing options and test access with an appropriate account when possible.
Closing before changes sync: Offline edits or a temporary connection problem can delay saving. Check the save status and confirm the latest version appears in Drive before relying on it.

Tips

Write a short outline before designing slides. It helps keep the presentation focused and makes the order easier to plan.
Use a consistent title position, color palette, and heading style so viewers can follow the deck.
Leave open space around text and images. A less crowded slide is easier to scan.
Use strong contrast, such as dark text on a light background, and do not rely on color alone to distinguish information.
Give images and charts a clear purpose. Add a short caption or source note when viewers need context.
Make a copy before substantially changing a presentation you may need to reuse. Use the File menu’s copy option; menu names may differ slightly by version.
If you will present on another device, open the deck there beforehand and verify that you can access the account, display, and any embedded media you need.

Troubleshooting

Slides will not open or changes will not save: Check your internet connection, confirm that you are signed in to the intended Google account, and reload the page after checking for unsaved changes. If the problem continues, try another supported browser or the Slides app.
You cannot edit the presentation: You may have view-only or comment-only access. Ask the owner to grant editing permission, or use the option to make a copy if it is available and appropriate.
A shared link says access is denied: Confirm that the recipient is signed in to the right account. In Share, check the link access and permitted role; do not change access to a broader audience unless that is what you intend.
An image or video does not appear: Check that the item finished uploading, then reopen the slide. For linked or embedded media, verify the source is still available and that your device can access it. Keep a backup image or explanation if the media is essential.
The presentation looks different on another screen: Check the theme, page setup, and object positions in presentation mode on that device. Allow text and images some space from slide edges, and avoid relying on a specific display size.
You cannot find a control: Look in the toolbar, the Insert or File menus, or the app’s help. Menu paths and controls can vary slightly across versions and devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Slides the same as Google presentation?

Google Slides is Google’s presentation app. People sometimes call a file made in it a Google presentation or Google Slides presentation.

Can I make a Google presentation for free?

You can create presentations in Google Slides with a Google account. Available features and account policies may vary, but basic slide creation is available in the app.

Does Google Slides save automatically?

Yes. While online, edits are generally saved automatically to Google Drive. Check the saving status before closing, particularly after working through a connection interruption.

Can I make a presentation on my phone?

Yes. Use the Google Slides app to create and edit slides on a phone or tablet. Some editing and layout tasks may be easier on a computer.

How do I turn a Google presentation into a PDF?

Open the presentation and look in File for Download or a PDF option. Choose the PDF format and save it to your device. Menu wording may vary slightly by version.

Can other people edit my presentation?

Yes, if you share it with them and grant Editor access. Use Share to choose recipients or link access, and select Viewer or Commenter instead if they should not edit.

Sources: Google Slides Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.