Using Microsoft PowerPoint

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PowerPoint Quick Tips

For additional PowerPoint support, check out additional modules here:

PowerPoint Essential Training (Microsoft 365)

Basic Instructions for Creating Content in PowerPoint

1. Open PowerPoint

• Launch Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer. You can find it in your applications on your computer.

2. Choose a Template

• Select a Template: When PowerPoint opens, you can choose a blank presentation or select from a variety of templates. Templates provide a cohesive design and layout for your slides.
• Create a New Presentation: Click on “New” and select a template or “Blank Presentation” to start from scratch.

3. Add Slides

• Insert New Slides: Click on the “Home” tab, then select “New Slide.” You can choose different slide layouts (e.g., Title Slide, Title and Content, Two Content) based on your needs.
• Rearrange Slides: Drag and drop slides in the left pane to rearrange their order.

4. Add Content to Slides

• Text: Click on the text boxes to enter your content. Use the formatting options in the “Home” tab to adjust font size, style, and color.
• Images: To insert images, go to the “Insert” tab, click on “Pictures,” and choose an image from your computer or online sources.
• Shapes and Icons: Use the “Insert” tab to add shapes, icons, or SmartArt to visually enhance your slides.

5. Add Animations and Transitions

• Animations: Select an object (text, image, etc.) on your slide, go to the “Animations” tab, and choose an animation effect to make your content appear dynamically.
• Transitions: Click on the “Transitions” tab to apply effects between slides. Select a transition style and adjust the duration as needed.

6. Incorporate Multimedia

• Videos and Audio: To add video or audio, go to the “Insert” tab, select “Video” or “Audio,” and choose the file you want to include. Ensure the media is relevant to your content.
• Links: You can hyperlink text or images to external websites or other slides by selecting the object, right-clicking, and choosing “Hyperlink.”

7. Review and Edit Your Presentation

• Slide Show View: Click on the “Slide Show” tab and select “From Beginning” to preview your presentation. This allows you to see how your slides flow together.
• Edit Content: Make any necessary adjustments to text, images, or animations based on your review.

8. Save Your Presentation

• Save Your Work: Click on “File,” then “Save As.” Choose a location on your computer, name your file, and select the PowerPoint format (.pptx) to save your presentation.