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How to change slide size in powerpoint.

PowerPoint allows you to change your presentation's slide sizes, which you may need to do to change how your slides are displayed or printed. Here's how.

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Changing powerpoint slide sizes, changing to a custom powerpoint slide size.

PowerPoint allows you to format and present the content of your slides in different ways. If you want to print out or display your PowerPoint slides in a bigger or smaller-than-average size, you can change the slide sizes to match.

PowerPoint has two common slide sizes. The first, 4:3, is a good option if you're using older hardware to present your slides. If you're planning on presenting your PowerPoint presentation using a modern projector or display, then the 16:9 slide size should be your preferred choice.

By default, PowerPoint will default to the 16:9 side slide. To print your slides (full size, one per page), you'll likely need to use a custom slide size, rather than one of these options.

Switching to another size is thankfully an easy process---open your PowerPoint presentation to begin and then click the "Design" tab on the ribbon bar.

In the "Customize" section of the "Design" tab, select the "Slide Size" button. This will display the two common slide sizes in a drop-down menu.

Click either the "Standard (4:3)" or "Widescreen (16:9)" option to switch all of your PowerPoint slides to that size.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to use multiple slide sizes in a PowerPoint presentation. Just as if you were making PowerPoint slides vertical , any changes you make to your PowerPoint slide sizes will apply to all slides.

Related: How to Make Slides Vertical in PowerPoint

It's possible to use a custom PowerPoint slide size if the default 4:3 or 16:9 options are unsuitable. You might choose to use a custom slide size if you're printing full-size PowerPoint slides using a custom page layout, for instance.

To do this, select Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size to display the "Slide Size" options menu.

Various preset slide sizes, such as A3 or A4 paper sizes, are shown under the "Slides Sized For" drop-down menu.

Select one of these preset options, or set your slide dimensions manually using the "Width" and "Height" option boxes. From there, click the "OK" button to save.

If you're scaling down to a smaller size, PowerPoint will ask you how it should handle any slide content.

Choose "Maximize" if you want the slide contents to remain at a similar scale, but with the risk that some of the content may be cut. Alternatively, click "Ensure Fit" to scale the slide contents down in size to match the new slide size without losing any content.

Once saved, the custom slide size you selected will be immediately applied to all of your slides, with slide content being resized or cut to match.

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How to Change Your PowerPoint Slide Size (16:9 vs. 4:3)

  • PowerPoint Tutorials
  • March 10, 2019

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to change your slide size in PowerPoint.

That way you can create slides for any situation including on-screen presentations, printed documents, posters, postcards, handouts, etc.

First off, the two most used PowerPoint slide sizes are:

  • 16:9 ratio  for onscreen presentations and new overhead projectors. This is the default setting for the latest versions of PowerPoint.
  • 4:3 ratio  for printing slides on standard 8.5 x 11 pieces of paper as handouts.

When starting with a blank PowerPoint presentation, changing your slide size is super easy and straightforward. If not, there are a few issues you’ll need to deal with, each covered below.

That’s why it’s worth figuring out what slide size you need BEFORE you build your presentation. If you later convert your presentation to a different size, it can be painful!

It’s just like the old carpenter saying, “measure twice and cut once.” In PowerPoint, you’ll want to “ask twice (to double confirm the required size) and build once.”

Changing your PowerPoint slide size does not make your PowerPoint presentation larger or smaller. To reduce your PowerPoint file size, you need to learn how to compress a PowerPoint presentation .

Table of Contents

How to change your powerpoint slide size.

By default, new PowerPoint presentations start in the 16:9 slide size format.

This is the NEW standard for most modern overhead projects and monitors and is recommended for most presentations. That said, you can easily change your slide size to something else.

To change your PowerPoint slide size, click the Design tab, open the Slide Size dropdown and choose the size for your slide

To change your slide size in PowerPoint, simply:

  • Navigate to the  Design tab
  • Open the  Slide Size  drop down menu
  • Select  4:3 ,  16:9  or  Custom Slide Size  (see options below)

When starting with a blank presentation, you are now good to go. You will not have to worry about any of the conversion issues discussed below.

Notice too, how much wider the 16:9 slide size is versus the 4:3 slide size in the picture below. The new size gives you more room for the content on your slides.

Comparison between the four by three and sixteen by nine slide sizes in PowerPoint

When you are converting an existing presentation to a new slide size, you will additionally be given the following prompt:

“You are scaling to a new slide size. Would you like to maximize the size of your content, or scale it down to ensure it will fit on the new slide?

powerpoint increase page size

Maximize  leaves all your content as is on your slide, even if it no longer fits on the new slide size that you selected.

Ensure Fit  scales down your content in proportion to the new slide size you have selected. You will only see this option when moving from a larger slide size to a smaller one.

Custom PowerPoint slide sizes

Choosing  Custom  for your slide size gives you additional options to work with. Inside the dialog box you can choose your size on the left and your orientation on the right.

powerpoint increase page size

On top of that, you can also input your own custom slide size. However, I recommend using one of the preset PowerPoint dimension options.

  • On-screen show (4:3)
  • Letter Paper (8.5×11 in)
  • A3 Paper (297×420 mm)
  • B4 (ISO) Paper (250×353 mm)
  • B5 (ISO) Paper (176×250 mm)
  • 35mm Slides
  • On-screen Show (16:9)
  • On-screen show (16:10)

For your orientation options on the right-hand side of the dialog box, you can choose between  Landscape  and  Portrait .

In most situations, you will want one of the default settings. Best practice is  Landscape  for your presentation slides and  Portrait  for your printed notes, handouts and outlines.

Comparison of the portrait and landscape orientation for PowerPoint slides

Issues when converting 4:3 to the 16:9 slide size in PowerPoint

When converting an existing 4:3 presentation with content into the 16:9 format, you are not given any conversion options. Instead, PowerPoint simply does the conversion for you, which can create several problems.

There are two issues you will face in the new 16:9 slide size.

When converting from four by three into the sixteen by nine slide size, your images will be stretched and distorted

The first issue is that all the images on your slide master (including company logos) will be stretched to fit the new, larger slide size.

To fix the stretched images, you will need to fix those images (or reinsert them) on your slide master, as if you were creating a PowerPoint template from scratch.

powerpoint increase page size

The second issue you will face in the larger 16:9 slide size is that you will have a lot of extra white space on your slides.

While you can leave the space blank, doing so will make your content look weird. Ideally you don’t want a lot of white empty space like that on your slides. Especially since all your font sizes will be so small.

That’s why if you have the time, I recommend resizing your content to fill in the white space. You can do this by either increasing the font size of your content, or adding additional visuals that support your message.

Issues when converting 16:9 to the 4:3 slide size in PowerPoint​

When converting an existing 16:9 presentation to the 4:3 slide size, you are given the option to either  Maximize  or  Ensure Fit  (both covered below).

1. The Maximize option

This option means that the content on your slides will not be resized to fit the 4:3 slide size. The same is true if you move to any smaller slide size.

when converting from the sixteen by nine to the four by three slide size, none of your content will be properly resized to fit the smaller slide size

Maximize Issue #1:  All the images on your slide master (including your company logo) will be distorted.

You might also have issues with other content placeholders, slide backgrounds or anything else that was built on your slide master.  For these issues, you’ll first need to navigate to your Slide Master. Once you are there, you either adjust (or rebuild) your PowerPoint template so that everything fits properly.

Maximize Issue #2:  Your content will not be scaled down to the smaller slide size. Instead, you’ll have overhanging content as pictured above.

For these kinds of spacing issues, you will need to work through your slides to adjust your content.

One recommendation as you move from the larger 16:9 slide size to 4:3, is to break up your slides. Take the contents from one larger slide and break it into two (or even three) separate slides.

Breaking up your content is preferable to just cramming more content on the smaller slide space. Doing so will make your content easier to read when presented on an overhead projector.

2. The Ensure Fit option

This option means that PowerPoint will scale down your content to fit the smaller slide size based on the size you selected.

when converting from the sixteen by nine to the four by three slide size, your images will be distored and you will have extra white space around the content of your slides

Ensure Fit Issue #1:  Distorted images, slide backgrounds and anything else that PowerPoint had to automatically resize on your slide master.

To fix these issues, you’ll need to navigate to your slide master and adjust (or rebuild) your template to make everything fit.

Ensure Fit Issue #2:  Your content will be scaled down to fit your new slide size, leaving you with a lot of white space. In addition, all your font sizes will be smaller, making them hard to read.

For small content like this, you’ll need to work through your slides and resize your content accordingly. Keep in mind the people at the back of the room too when choosing a new font style and size.

Saving your custom slide size as a PowerPoint theme

If want to use your own custom slide size for all your future PowerPoint presentations, you can save and set it as a PowerPoint theme.

This is a two-step process as discussed below.

1. Save your custom slide size as a theme

To save your custom slide size as a PowerPoint theme, from the Design tab, select save current theme, name the theme and click save

To save your custom slide size (and settings) as your own custom PowerPoint theme, simply:

  • Open the M ore options
  • Click  Save Current Theme
  • Name your Theme (and don’t change the file location it saves to)
  • Click  Save

2. Set your custom theme as the default

To set your custom theme as the default theme, from the design tab, find your custom theme, right-click the theme and select set as default theme

To set a custom PowerPoint theme as the default for all your future presentations, simply:

  • Open the  More options
  • Right-click  your custom theme
  • Select  Set as Default Presentation
  • Close out of PowerPoint (and do not save any presentations if it prompts you)

Once you’ve set your own custom theme as the Default Presentation, it will open every time you start PowerPoint. This saves you from always having to switch your slide sizes.

So that’s how you can change your PowerPoint slide size, either before or after you create your presentation.

And although you are given a lot of flexibility in the slide sizes you can choose from, I recommend using the default slide sizes as used by most people.

It’s also important to remember that switching slide sizes after you have built your presentation can be a total pain. So, to the extent possible, figure out your PowerPoint slide size first before you build out your presentation.

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How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations

Makes them much easier to read

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Powerpoint presentations are supposed to be engaging. But that’s another story if the audience can’t see what’s in front of them. So, in this article, we’ll discuss how to change the default slide size in Powerpoint.

This will come in handy so you can maximize your slides to the size of the projector or monitor you’ll be using and deliver a better presentation.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 1

Choose One Slide Size First

PowerPoint allows you to change the slide size anytime you like, but it’s a good idea to pick the right size before you start creating your presentation.

If you decide to change the size later, PowerPoint will do its best to give you options on how to shift items around, but it will more than likely result in having to totally redesign your slides.

This is especially true if you move from a widescreen format slide to a smaller 4:3 standard sized slide.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 2

If you choose to scale it down, PowerPoint will try to fit everything as best it can into the smaller slide. If you choose Don’t Scale , the items that are outside the standard size will simply be out of the window. You’ll then have to decide whether to delete those items or move them back into the slide.

Change Slide Size in PowerPoint

Once you know what size will be ideal for your output device, you can adjust the slide size in PowerPoint.

First, go ahead and open PowerPoint and select a slide.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 3

This guide works will work for most modern versions of PowerPoint that have the ribbon interface, including the version in Office 365.

Next, go to the Design tab. It’s where you can find the options that let you tweak your presentation’s design.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 4

There, head over to the far right end — to where you can find the Customize section. Next, choose Slide Size .

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 5

Clicking on this option will reveal a menu. It lets you pick the size of the slide that you want. Your choices are Standard , Widescreen , and Custom Slide Size .

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 6

Let’s walk through each of the choices. This way, you will have a better understanding of your options. This will also help you adjust your slide’s size as needed – a size that works best for your projector or TV.

If you go with the Standard size, you’ll be going with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is a safe choice because it works for familiar devices such as older screens with low resolutions.

A Standard slide size is a suggested choice for old school presenters. This means those who will be working with old projectors and SlideShare or other old online presentation platforms .

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 7

If you choose Widescreen , you’ll be going with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This is the ideal choice for you if you’re dealing with newer devices and online presentation platforms.

Got a Microsoft Surface device or HD projector? Going with a Widescreen option is the better way to go. The same is true if you’ll be presenting on a HDTV or 4K TV/monitor.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 8

If Standard and Widescreen slide sizes are not for you, you can also go with the Custom Slide Size…

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 9

If you select this option, a pop-up window will appear.

Here, you can select from plenty of choices regarding the slide size you want. If you’re about to deliver your Powerpoint presentation on an unfamiliar projector, it’s good to go with this option.

It’s flexible. It can also accommodate your preferred slide dimensions.

Plus this way, you can select the Orientation for your slides and notes. This lets you have control over the Width and Height of your slides, too.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 10

You can also try expanding the Slides sized for menu option. Doing so reveals preset sizes that go beyond the Standard and Widescreen size options.

As you can see, this option allows you to adjust your slide to fit the size of a Letter Paper, 35mm slide, a banner, 16:10 aspect ratio and more.

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations image 11

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to '80s speed metal. Read Christopher's Full Bio

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How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint

How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint | Quick Tips & Tutorial for your presentations

Are you tired of presentations that don’t adapt well to the screens used in the venue? That’s mostly due to them not being properly suited for conventional (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) formats.

Comparison of standard and widescreen size ratios

Before giving your presentation, it’s important to know which type of screen it’s going to be shown on, so you can optimize it as much as possible. However, have in mind that after changing the original aspect ratio of your presentation , any elements and images already included will probably appear scrambled, so you’ll need to readjust them one by one in the slides or even the master slides.

To change the aspect ratio in PowerPoint, click Slide Size, which is in the Customize group on the Design tab, and choose the desired aspect ratio for your presentation.

As with Google Slides, you can set your own slide size by clicking Custom Slide Size…

Slide Size options

When scaling the content, PowerPoint asks you to choose between two different options: 

Scaling options in PowerPoint

  • Maximize: With this option, PowerPoint will increase the size of the content when scaling to a greater size. As a result, the content might get redistributed in the slides.
  • Ensure Fit : With this option, the size of the content will be reduced when scaling to a smaller size. As a result, the content will be smaller and you might need to scale it up again where needed.

Now your presentation is ready and adapted for the new aspect ratio. If you want to learn more about PowerPoint and/or Google Slides and how to get the most out of them, stay tuned for more Slidesgo School tutorials. For further information on how to change the aspect ratio of your slides in PowerPoint, please refer to this article of the Microsoft Office support page .

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How to Change Slide Size or Dimensions in PowerPoint

Change slide size or dimenstions in PowerPoint represented by widescreen or standard aspect ratio displayed on screen

Change PowerPoint Slide Size (Widescreen, Standard or Custom)

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 7, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

You can change the slide size or aspect ratio of a PowerPoint presentation in all versions. The default slide size or dimensions in 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 or 365 is widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio). You can also enter a custom slide size if you prefer (including entering slide size in pixels). The best time to set slide size is when you first set up your PowerPoint presentation before you add any content. If you change the size later in the process, you may have to deal with distorted pictures and you may also need to adjust the position and size of various objects on slides in Normal View and in the slide master(s) and layouts in Slide Master View.

The most common slide sizes or aspect ratios are typically used as follows:

  • Widescreen or 16:9 aspect ratio is frequently used for onscreen presentations using a projector, monitor or a widescreen TV. Older projectors used the standard aspect ratio but most new projectors are designed for widescreen.
  • Standard or 4:3 aspect ratio is often used if slides are intended to be printed on letter size paper.

Slide size changes affect the entire presentation. You cannot change slide size for single slides.

You should never change slide size just before running a presentation as you may not be satisfied with the results. If you already have a presentation with images and other content, it's also a good idea to change slide size on a copy of the presentation so you can keep the original deck and slide size.

Note: Some Ribbon tabs may appear with slightly different names if you are working with PowerPoint 365 and have a smaller screen or different display settings. Buttons on the Ribbon may appear as icons only and are also affected by screen size and display settings.

Recommended article: How to Reduce the Size of PowerPoint Presentations (10 Ways to Compress Your PowerPoint Decks)

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Regardless of the version of PowerPoint you use, you should go through your slides after you change slide size to be sure you are satisfied with the results. Be sure to check the slide master(s) and layouts in Slide Master View as well.

Change slide size to widescreen or standard

To change slide size to widescreen or standard size:

  • In Normal View, click the Design tab in the Ribbon.
  • Click Slide Size in the Customize group. A drop-down menu appears.
  • Select Widescreen, Standard or another option from the drop-down menu. A dialog box appears with options to maximize content or scale to fit (this dialog appears only if you are moving from a larger to a smaller slide size).
  • Select the desired option.

Slide Size appears on the Design tab in the Ribbon:

Slide Size menu in PowerPoint

The following dialog box appears in PowerPoint to maximize content or scale to fit only when you change slide size to a smaller size (such as widescreen to standard):

PowerPoint dialog box to maximize or ensure fit when changing slide size to a smaller size.

If you select Maximize, the slide content will not be resized when you change to the smaller slide size.

If you select Ensure Fit, PowerPoint will scale your content to fit the smaller slide size.

Change slide size to a custom size

You can use custom slide sizes. Simply choose options from the Slides sized for drop-down menu in the dialog box (such as A4 paper size) or enter custom dimensions.

To change slide size to a custom size:

  • Choose Custom Slide Size from the drop-down menu. A dialog box appears.
  • Select an option from the Slides sized for drop-down menu or enter the desired slide size in the Height and Width boxes.
  • A dialog box appears with options to maximize content or scale to fit (this dialog appears only if you are moving from a larger to a smaller slide size).

Note that the measurement system in PowerPoint dialog boxes is based on your system settings. If you would like to change the measurement system, check out our article on How to Change the Measurement System in PowerPoint.

The following dialog box appears when you select Slide Size and then Custom Slide Size:

PowerPoint Slide Size dialog box to change slide size in 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365.

You can create posters in PowerPoint by entering a custom slide size such as 36 inches wide by 56 inches high or 91.44 cm wide by 142.24 cm high. The maximum slide size in PowerPoint is 56 inches or 142.24 cm. As a best practice, set the slide size before adding content to the poster.

Many PowerPoint users are not aware that you can enter slide size in pixels (simply enter the measurement with px beside the number). This is useful in a number of situations such as using PowerPoint to create social media posts. If you enter slide size in pixels (such as 200px), when you tab to another box or close the dialog box, PowerPoint changes the pixels to the equivalent in the current measurement system.

Deal with issues when changing slide size

When changing slide size in existing presentations with content, 4 common issues occur:

  • Pictures may be distorted as PowerPoint tries to adjust images to fit slide size. Images on slides in Normal View will be affected as well as images on the slide master(s) and layouts. If pictures are distorted, you will need to either manually resize each image or delete them and insert them again.
  • Objects such as placeholders and shapes that have been created in PowerPoint are not in the position you'd like. You may need to move objects or reset one or more slides (on the Home tab in the Ribbon, click Reset in the Slides group).
  • Extra space is created if you change to a larger slide size. You may need to move or resize objects and adjust the slide master(s) or layouts in Slide Master View.
  • If you have changed to a smaller slide size, you may need to increase font size for placeholders and text boxes.

Dimension differences between different slide sizes

In PowerPoint 2013 and later versions, widescreen (16:9) format measurements are different and are set to 13.33 inches wide by 7.5 inches high or 33.867 cm wide by 19.05 cm high. This matches the height of the 4:3 format.

Avoid issues when changing slide size

To avoid issues in PowerPoint related to slide size, you should:

  • Try to set slide size as a first step after you create a presentation and before you have entered any content. In 2013 and later versions, the default is widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio).
  • If you have changed slide size in a presentation with content, review your slides to be sure you are satisfied with the results. You should also check the slide master(s) and layouts in Slide Master View.
  • Never change slide size just before running a presentation as you may not be pleased with the results and you won't have time to fix your slide deck.
  • If you have created a presentation with content, make a copy of the presentation first and change slide size on the copy.

Keep in mind that widescreen is normally used for on screen presentations and standard is often used for printed presentations.

This article was first published on October 6, 2019 and has been updated for clarity and content.

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If you have inserted a video on a PowerPoint slide, you can display a custom thumbnail (or Poster Frame) for the video during a slide show. The thumbnail will display when you run a PowerPoint slide show and disappears when you start the video. For most videos, the thumbnail that displays is the first frame of the video clip. You can use the Poster Frame command to display a different frame in the video clip or a picture from another source as a thumbnail. A picture thumbnail could be either an image or an icon.

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How to Use the Built-in Laser Pointer in PowerPoint (with Shortcuts)

During a PowerPoint slide show, you can change your mouse into a laser pointer to focus attention on a specific area on your slide. You can show or hide the built-in laser pointer using keyboard shortcuts or by using the context menu.

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How to Change Slide Size or Dimensions in PowerPoint

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How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint to match your customized presentation style or screen size

  • You can change the size of a slide in your PowerPoint presentation through the "Design" menu. 
  • Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to change slide sizes on the Windows PC, Apple MacOS, and web-based apps. 
  • Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories .

When it comes to designing your visual presentation, one size does not fit all. 

That's doubly true for PowerPoint presentations, which may be viewed on several platforms and devices. Sometimes PowerPoint's default slide isn't the best option for your project, and the program has a built-in fix for that. 

When you create a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, you can customize your slides' size and dimension. This allows you to choose a perfect canvass for your content. 

Microsoft offers the ability to change the size of your slides on the Windows, Mac, and web-based apps. Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Microsoft office (from $149.99 at best buy), apple macbook pro (from $1,299.00 at apple), acer chromebook 15 (from $179.99 at walmart), how to change slide size in powerpoint for pc.

1. Open an existing PowerPoint file, or start a new presentation.

2. Select "Design" from the top menu bar. 

3. Toward the right, click "Slide Size." 

4. In the drop-down menu, select Standard, Widescreen, or "Custom Slide Size…"

5. When you're done, click "OK." 

How to change slide size in PowerPoint for Mac

1. Create a new presentation, or launch an existing file. 

2. Click "Design" from the top-line row of options.

3. Toward the right, you'll see "Slide Size." Click it for a drop-down menu of options.

4. Select the included Standard or Widescreen options, or click "Page Setup…" for a custom size.

5. Choose "OK" when you're done. 

How to change slide size in PowerPoint for web

1. Navigate to powerpoint.office.com and sign in to your Microsoft account. 

2. Open a new or existing PowerPoint.

3. Select "Design" from the top row of options.

4. Click "Slide Size."

5. Select between Widescreen and Standard, or create custom dimensions with "Custom Slide Size…"

6. If selecting custom, enter the dimensions and then choose whether you want it in landscape or portrait mode. 

7. Choose between maximizing your slide size or scaling it to fit the new dimensions. 

8. Click "OK." 

powerpoint increase page size

Related coverage from Tech Reference :

How to download and access microsoft powerpoint on your mac computer, how to add a border to slides in powerpoint, and give your slideshow a sleek design, how to change and format the background of your powerpoint slides to custom designs, how to change your language settings in microsoft powerpoint in 3 different ways, how to copy or duplicate a powerpoint slide and put it anywhere in your slideshow.

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Watch: We toured a $7 million NYC apartment that has a slide and zip line, and it's a kid's paradise

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Art of Presentations

How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint? [A Helpful Guide!]

By: Author Shrot Katewa

How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint? [A Helpful Guide!]

Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful software. You can not only create a standard presentation design, but you can also create documents of various sizes using PowerPoint! However, that requires you to have a good understanding of various slide sizes available in PowerPoint. You may be wondering, how to change the slide size in PowerPoint?

To change the slide size in PowerPoint, click on the “Design” tab. Then, click on “Slide Size”. From the dropdown, choose “Standard” or “Widescreen”. You can also click on “Custom Slide Size” to change the size of the slides in PowerPoint to A3, A4 or a completely custom size.

In this article, I will walk you through the nuances of changing a slide size in PowerPoint. We will go into the steps in detail with pictures so that you get the best understanding of the subject!

So, let’s get started!

A Quick Note Before We Begin – for this article, I will be using one of the presentation templates from Envato Elements . With Envato Elements, you get access to thousands of presentation designs with unlimited downloads so you never run out of options again. Plus, you get free previews so you know exactly what you’re getting before buying! It is also very affordable.

1. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint? 

Changing the size of your slides in Microsoft PowerPoint is actually a lot easier than you think! All you have to do is go to the ‘Design’ tab from the ribbon, click on the ‘Slide Size’ button at the top right corner of your screen and select the slide size you want.

Below, I’ll be discussing how to change the size of slides in different versions of Microsoft PowerPoint as well as in different device including Mac, iPad and Android:

1a. Change Slide Size in PowerPoint 2016 and 2019

Follow the steps below to change the slide size in Microsoft PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019 and Office 365:

Step 1: Click on the ‘Design’ tab

At first, click on the ‘Design’ tab, which is the fourth option on your ribbon to get access to the design section of your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 2: Click on ‘Slide Size’ option

powerpoint increase page size

Go to the top right of the ‘Design’ tab in the ‘Customize’ section and ‘Left click’ on the ‘Slide Size’ button and a drop-down menu will open.

Step 3: Select the desired slide size from the ‘Slides sized for’ option.

powerpoint increase page size

Now, another dialogue box will show up in the middle of your screen. Click on ‘Ensure Fit’ to adjust your slide contents. (we will talk about the difference between the “Maximise” and “Ensure Fit” options later in the article)

If you choose to click on the ‘Custom Slide Size’ option, you may see a different dialogue box first. We will get to that in a moment and I will share with you how to customize the slide sizes in addition to the default options provided by PowerPoint.

1b. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint 2010? 

The process of changing slide size in Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 is described below:

Step 1: Click on the ‘Design’ tab and go to ‘Page Setup’ option

Click on the ‘Page Setup’ option located in the ‘Page Setup’ section of the ‘Design’ tab. This will open up a new dialogue box.

Step 2: Choose the slide size you want from the drop-down menu after clicking on ‘Slides sized for’.

‘Left click’ on the ‘Slides sized for’ menu to get the options of slide size. Choose your preferred style and then click on the ‘Ok’ button.

1c. How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint 2007? 

The process of changing slides in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 is identical to the process in PowerPoint 2010. For reference, here’s how to change the slide size in PowerPoint 2007:

1d. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint on Mac

The process of changing slide size in PowerPoint on Mac is described in simple steps below:

Step 1: Click on the ‘File Menu’ and then on ‘Page setup’

powerpoint increase page size

Click on the ‘File’ menu which is located in the ‘Quick Access’ toolbar above the ‘Home’ tab and a drop-down menu will appear. Click on the ‘Page Setup’ option from the drop-down menu which will open up another dialogue box.

Step 2: Choose your new slide size from the dialogue box

Click on your preferred slide size and then press the ‘Ok’ button. PowerPoint will prompt you to choose between “Scale” or “Don’t Scale”. This is similar to the Maximise or Ensure Fit options Windows users see.

Go with the “ Scale ” option as this will adjust the sizes of all shapes and text for each slide. You can also choose to go with “Don’t Scale” option and adjust everything manually as per your requirement.

Your slide size will change accordingly.

If you are using Office 365 or later versions of PowerPoint on Mac, you an also find the option to change the slide size from widescreen to standard by click on the Design tab, and then clicking on “Slide Size” as showcased earlier.

1e. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint on iPad? 

Follow the steps below to change slide size in PowerPoint on iPad:

Step 1: Go to the ‘Home’ menu after opening your PowerPoint Presentation file

At the bottom right corner of the screen, you will find the ‘three dots’ icon, which is the ‘Options’ menu. Tap on the ‘Options’ menu and then select the ‘Home’ option.

Step 2: Change your size after tapping the ‘Slide Size’ option

A ‘Design’ option will now appear on your screen. Tap on it and then tap on the ‘Slide Size’ option. After that, change your slide size to ‘Standard’ or ‘Widescreen.’

1f. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint on Android?

Unfortunately, you cannot change the size of your presentation slides using PowerPoint on Android. However, there is another application for Android called ‘ WPS Office ’, which you can use to change the size of your slides from ‘Standard (4:3)’ to ‘Widescreen (16:9).’

Simply open your PowerPoint Presentation using this app and go to the ‘Settings’ option at the bottom left corner. Then scroll rightwards to the ‘Design’ tab, where you will find the ‘ Slide Size’ option. From there, you will be able to select your desired slide size.

2. How to Change Slide Size to A4 in PowerPoint?

To change the slide size of your PowerPoint presentation to A4, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Click on ‘Custom Slide Size’ located in the ‘Design’ tab

powerpoint increase page size

Click on the ‘Design’ tab and then from the ‘Slide size’ menu, click on the ‘Custom Slide Size’ button.

Step 2: Choose the ‘A4 Paper (210x297mm)’ option to change the slide size

powerpoint increase page size

From the pop-up window, click on the ‘Slides sized for’ button and a drop-down menu will show you the different slide sizes available. Now all you have to do is select the ‘A4 Paper (210x297mm)’ size option and hit the ‘ Ok ’ button.

powerpoint increase page size

Here’s how the A4 slide size will look in the portrait orientation in PowerPoint.

3. How to Change Slide Size to A3 in PowerPoint?

You can modify the slide size to A3 in Microsoft PowerPoint by following the easy steps below:

Step 1: Selecting the ‘Custom Slide Size’   button to change slide size

At first, click on the ‘Slide Size’ option in the ‘Design’ tab. From the drop-down menu select the ‘Custom Slide Size’ option.

Step 2: Select the ‘A3 Paper’ and Click on OK

powerpoint increase page size

Expand the ‘Slides sized for’ drop-down menu by clicking on it. Then, ‘Left click’ on the ‘A3 Paper (297x420mm)’ paper option. Press the ‘Ok’ button at the bottom right of the pop-up window and then click on the ‘Ensure Fit’ button to resize the content accordingly to the slides.

4. How to Create Custom Slide Size in PowerPoint?

Follow the easy steps described below to create custom slide size in PowerPoint:

Step 1: Selecting ‘Custom Slide Size’ to create a custom size for your presentation

powerpoint increase page size

Click on the ‘Slide Size’ option in the ‘Design’ tab. From the drop-down menu select the ‘Custom Slide Size’ option.

Step 2: Input the Height and Width in the dialogue box and click ‘Ok’

powerpoint increase page size

After clicking on the ‘Custom Slide Size’ option, a pop-up window will appear. To input a custom slide size, click on the ‘Slides sized for’ button and from the drop-down menu, select ‘Custom .’

After adding the desired Height and Width for the slide, click on the ‘Ok’ button and then click on the ‘Ensure Fit’ button.

5. How to Change Slide Size from Widescreen to Standard?

To change the slide size from Widescreen to Standard, just follow the steps below:

Step 1: Click on the ‘Design’ tab which is on the top left of your presentation

powerpoint increase page size

The first step is to go to the ‘Design’ tab which is the fourth tab on the ribbon of your PowerPoint window.

Step 2: Click on ‘Slide Size.’

Click on the ‘Slide Size’ button located in the ‘Customize’ section of the ‘Design’ tab. A drop-down menu will appear once you click on it.

Step 3: Change your slide size from Widescreen to Standard and adjust slide content

The slide size is set to ‘Widescreen 16:9’ by default. To change it, ‘Left click’ on ‘Standard (4:3)’ . This will open up a dialogue box, where you will find the ‘Maximize’ and ‘Ensure Fit’ options.

If you click on the ‘Maximize’ option, your content will not be sized down to fit your slide and images may get distorted. On the other hand, clicking on the ‘Ensure Fit’ option will resize the contents of the down to your preferred size.

6. How to Increase Slide Size in PowerPoint When Printing? 

When printing, sometimes PowerPoint just doesn’t print to the edge of the page. Meaning, there is a white bleed (border or margin) when you try to print it or when you try to convert it into a PDF.

You can fix this problem by either increase or adjusting the slide size before printing.

Here’s a video that explains the process in detail –

Although the video is for Mac, you can easily adjust the settings for the slide size for Windows just the same way.

It is important to remember to make sure that you don’t increase the slide size of your entire presentation but only adjust the printing size of the slides.

7. Can You Change Orientation of Just One Slide in PowerPoint?

There is currently no direct way to change the orientation of just one slide in PowerPoint. However, you can circumvent this issue by either creating a hyperlink to an external file or adding a portrait PDF file directly in PowerPoint.

We wrote a detailed article on the exact steps and processes that you need to follow in order to do this. Make sure you read that article on How to Change Orientation of Just One Slide in PowerPoint !

More PowerPoint Related Topics

  • How to Use a Presentation Clicker to Deliver Presentations Effectively!
  • How to Crop a Picture in PowerPoint? [Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial!]
  • How to Give a Presentation on Zoom? A Helpful Resource!
  • How to Convert a PowerPoint to PDF? [A Simple Guide!]
  • PowerPoint vs Google Slides: Which is Better? [ULTIMATE Test!]
  • How to Change Bullet Style in PowerPoint? A Complete Guide

Credit to Diana.grytsku (on Freepik) for the Featured Image of this Article (edited further)

powerpoint increase page size

Change the page layout

You might want to change the size, shape, or orientation of your slides for presentation or to simplify printing. You can choose landscape, portrait, or custom page setups as fits your needs.

(Currently it's not possible to mix landscape and portrait slides in the same presentation. For a suggested workaround, see Use portrait and landscape slide orientation in the same presentation .

If this is a feature you’d like to request, please send us your feedback to help us prioritize new features in future updates. See  How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365  for more information.

Change the slide size

On the Design tab, in the Customize group at the far right end, click Slide Size .

On the Design tab, in the Customize group, click Slide Size.

Click Custom Slide Size .

From the Slide Size menu, click Custom Slide Size.

In the Slides sized for list , click the size you want to use, or use the Width and Height boxes to select custom sizes.

You can define the settings for your slides in the Slide Size dialog box.

PowerPoint now asks you to choose between maximizing the size of your content on the new layout (to do this, click Maximize ) or scaling it down so that all of the content fits into the new layout (to do this, click Ensure Fit ).

Note:  If you choose to maximize, some content might fall outside the print margins.

If you choose to maximize, some content might fall outside the print margins, as you can see in the image on the left.

Note:  Unlike Word document pages, PowerPoint slides don’t have margins that you can adjust to change the slide layout. Your slide stretches from edge to edge. When you print the slides, printer limitations can result in a white edge around the slides. However, you can change the margins inside Text Boxes and Shapes .

Change the slide orientation

Although wide format landscape presentations are most popular, you might find that your slides work better in vertical, portrait mode.

Note:  You can change the orientation of the entire presentation only, not individual slides.

On the Design tab, in the Customize group, click Slide Size .

From the Slide Size menu, click Custom Slide Size.

Change the orientation for the slides to Portrait or Landscape .

In the Slide Size dialog box, you can change the slide orientation to Portrait or Landscape.

Note:  You can also change the orientation of your notes, handouts, and outline.

Note:  If you choose to maximize, some content might fall outside the slide.

Change the size of your slides

Change the margins between text and the edge of a text box or shape

Workaround for printing slides without white edges

Change a slide layout

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How to Change the Page Size in Powerpoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the page size in PowerPoint is a simple task that can be done in just a few clicks. Whether you want to adjust the size for printing or for a specific presentation format, PowerPoint gives you the flexibility to customize the size to your liking. Just head to the Design tab, click on Slide Size, and choose your desired size or enter custom dimensions.

Step by Step Tutorial: Changing the Page Size in PowerPoint

When you’re creating a presentation in PowerPoint, you might find that the default page size doesn’t quite fit your needs. Luckily, changing the page size is an easy process that can enhance the visual appeal of your presentation.

Step 1: Open the Design Tab

Click on the ‘Design’ tab at the top of the PowerPoint window.

The ‘Design’ tab is where you can find all the tools you need to change the appearance of your slides, including the page size.

Step 2: Click on Slide Size

In the ‘Customize’ group, click on ‘Slide Size’.

You’ll see a drop-down menu with different options for slide sizes, including ‘Standard (4:3)’, ‘Widescreen (16:9)’, and ‘Custom Slide Size’.

Step 3: Choose a Preset or Custom Size

Select a preset size or click on ‘Custom Slide Size’ for more options.

If you choose ‘Custom Slide Size’, a dialog box will appear where you can enter the width and height for your slides.

After you’ve changed the page size, you’ll notice that your slides have a new look. This can make your presentation more visually appealing and ensure that it fits any specific requirements you may have for your presentation.

Tips for Changing the Page Size in PowerPoint

  • If you’re planning to print your slides, make sure to choose a page size that matches the paper you will be using.
  • For a more professional look, consider using the widescreen (16:9) size, which is the standard for most modern monitors and projectors.
  • Keep in mind that changing the page size might affect the layout of your slides, so you may need to adjust your content accordingly.
  • If you’re presenting on a non-standard screen, such as a square or vertical monitor, use the custom size option to ensure your slides fill the screen properly.
  • Remember to save your presentation after changing the page size to avoid losing any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the page size affect my slide content.

Yes, changing the page size can affect the layout of your slide content, including text, images, and other elements.

Can I change the page size for just one slide in my presentation?

No, changing the page size will apply to all slides in your presentation.

What’s the difference between ‘Standard’ and ‘Widescreen’ slide size?

‘Standard’ (4:3) is the traditional size for slides, while ‘Widescreen’ (16:9) is the newer standard that matches most modern screens and projectors.

How do I know what page size to use for my presentation?

It depends on where you will be presenting and the equipment you’ll be using. If you’re unsure, ‘Widescreen’ is generally a safe choice.

Can I switch back to the original page size after changing it?

Yes, you can always go back to the Design tab and select a different size or revert to the original size you started with.

  • Open the Design Tab
  • Click on Slide Size
  • Choose a Preset or Custom Size

PowerPoint is an incredibly versatile tool that allows users to tailor their presentations to any size and format they need. Changing the page size in PowerPoint is just one way to customize your presentation to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to make a big impact on a widescreen projector or need to print slides that match a certain paper size, PowerPoint has got you covered. With a few simple clicks, you can transform the shape and size of your slides, potentially making your presentation more engaging and professional-looking. Remember to consider the tips we’ve shared and the answers to frequently asked questions when changing your slide size. Now that you know how to change the page size in PowerPoint, go ahead and give it a try! Your presentations will never be the same.

Matt Jacobs Support Your Tech

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.

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How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

The actual size(s) of the slide is less important than the aspect ratio. By default, slides in presentations that you create from the Blank Presentation template are set to Widescreen size.

To change the size of your presentation slides, on the Design tab, in the Customize group, click the Slide Size button and then:

Notes : The Standard slide size:

  • 1600 x 1200
  • 2048 x 1536
  • 2560 x 1920
  • Matches the aspect ratio of standard tablet screens
  • Exactly fills the screen in the Slide pane and when printed on a tablet.

Notes : The Widescreen slide size:

  • 1920 x 1080
  • 2048 x 1152
  • 2560 x 1440
  • Does not match the aspect ratio of standard tablet screens
  • Has empty space above and below when printed on a 4:3 screen.
  • Click Custom Slide Size... :

Custom Slide Size in PowerPoint 365

In the Slide Size dialog box:

Slides sized for drop-down list in PowerPoint 365

  • Choose the slide orientation in the Orientation group.

After choosing the necessary options, click OK . The Microsoft PowerPoint dialog box will show two options on how to scale the existing slides to a new slide size:

Scaling options in PowerPoint 365

Maximize the content size or scale it down to Ensure Fit it on the new slide.

Note : It is impossible to change the size or orientation just for some slides.

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How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint to match your customized presentation style or screen size

How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint to match your customized presentation style or screen size

  • You can change the size of a slide in your PowerPoint presentation through the "Design" menu.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to change slide sizes on the Windows PC , Apple MacOS, and web-based apps.

When it comes to designing your visual presentation, one size does not fit all.

That's doubly true for PowerPoint presentations , which may be viewed on several platforms and devices. Sometimes PowerPoint's default slide isn't the best option for your project, and the program has a built-in fix for that.

When you create a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, you can customize your slides' size and dimension. This allows you to choose a perfect canvass for your content.

powerpoint increase page size

Microsoft offers the ability to change the size of your slides on the Windows, Mac, and web-based apps. Here's how to do it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Microsoft office (from $149.99 at best buy), apple macbook pro (from $1,299.00 at apple), acer chromebook 15 (from $179.99 at walmart), how to change slide size in powerpoint for pc.

1. Open an existing PowerPoint file, or start a new presentation.

2. Select "Design" from the top menu bar.

How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint to match your customized presentation style or screen size

4. In the drop-down menu, select Standard, Widescreen, or "Custom Slide Size…"

5. When you're done, click "OK."

How to change slide size in PowerPoint for Mac

1. Create a new presentation, or launch an existing file.

2. Click "Design" from the top-line row of options.

3. Toward the right, you'll see "Slide Size." Click it for a drop-down menu of options.

4. Select the included Standard or Widescreen options, or click "Page Setup…" for a custom size.

5. Choose "OK" when you're done.

How to change slide size in PowerPoint for web

1. Navigate to powerpoint.office.com and sign in to your Microsoft account.

2. Open a new or existing PowerPoint.

3. Select "Design" from the top row of options.

4. Click "Slide Size."

5. Select between Widescreen and Standard, or create custom dimensions with "Custom Slide Size…"

6. If selecting custom, enter the dimensions and then choose whether you want it in landscape or portrait mode.

7. Choose between maximizing your slide size or scaling it to fit the new dimensions.

8. Click "OK."

Related coverage from Tech Reference :

How to download and access microsoft powerpoint on your mac computer, how to add a border to slides in powerpoint, and give your slideshow a sleek design, how to change and format the background of your powerpoint slides to custom designs, how to change your language settings in microsoft powerpoint in 3 different ways, how to copy or duplicate a powerpoint slide and put it anywhere in your slideshow.

powerpoint increase page size

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A better way to change your slide sizes in PowerPoint without breaking it.

  • October 6, 2021
  • Tips and Ticks

An easy way to change slide sizes in PowerPoint presentations to 4:3 (Standard) or 16:9 (Widescreen) formats without breaking your theme and template or stretching your logos and images.

Resize PowerPoint Aspect Ratio Options

As with most things related to technology, there is more than one way to skin the cat – or in our case to resize PowerPoint presentations. We are going to discuss both the standard way ( as well as why we don’t recommend it ) and the right way, using our FREE PowerPoint resizing tool.

If you ever changed a presentation to Standard or Widescreen sizes in PowerPoint and thought you would likely agree that the outcome was unpredictable and undesirable.

TLDR: If you want to skip the details and go straight to the instructions on how to use our FREE PowerPoint presentation resizing tool to change slide sizes without breaking your slide content then Click Here .

Why the standard solution does not work:

In short, the standard way to resize your PowerPoint changes and breaks your fonts . Using the PowerPoint resize tool also stretches images , graphics, and logos on your slide and Slide Master Layouts.

The best way to explain what is wrong with this method – is to show you. With your presentation open go to the Design Ribbon and click on the Slide Size drop-down menu and select either the Standard(4:3) or Widescreen(16:9) aspect ratios.

You can pick either ‘Maximize’ – which will cause your content to flow over the edges of the screen or ‘Ensure Fit’ which will create empty gaps on either side of your presentation.

Whichever of the two options you select the result is not going to be what you want. Your slide content probably looks broken, logos might be stretched, the theme’s font has changed to Calibri, your corporate colors might have disappeared and your Master Layout’s placeholders are resized disproportionally.

Visual representation of why the standard solution of PowerPoint resize does not work

METHOD 1: The standard way, how to change PowerPoint Slide Sizes in Windows 10 or Mac:

Part 1: before you change your powerpoint slide size.

Step 1:   Make sure your presentation is in its original working format.

Step 2:  Save your Theme color scheme.

1) Click on the View Ribbon, 2) then the Slide Master button

PowerPoint Slide Master View

3) Click on the Colors drop-down menu and then on the 4) Customize Colors… button at the bottom of the list.

PowerPoint Slide Master - Custom Colors

At the bottom of the Colors dialog box give your color scheme a name in the Name field – and call it whatever you want but remember the name because we are going to use that after we resize our template. Click on Save.

PowerPoint Slide Master - Save Theme Color

Step 3: Save your Theme fonts

1) While still on the Slide Master Ribbon click on the Fonts drop-down menu and then on the Customize Fonts… button at the bottom of the list.

PowerPoint Slide Master - Save Theme Fonts

2) In the Name field give your Theme Fonts a name that you will use and click on the Save button. 3) Close the Slide Master Ribbon by clicking on the “Close Master View” button.

PowerPoint Close Master View

Part 2: After you change your slide size

Step 4: Resize your PowerPoint presentation

After you close the Slide Master Ribbon the Design Ribbon should be visible again. Click on the Slide Size drop-down menu and select either the Standard(4:3) or Widescreen(16:9) aspect ratios and select the ‘Ensure Fit’ option ( it is easier to move items around than to also have to resize them especially when converting to a larger slide size ).

Screenshot of Design Ribbon in PowerPoint

Step 5: Reselect your Theme color and Theme font

With the Design Ribbon still active click the Variants drop-down menu, then color and select the Color Theme you saved earlier, and then do the same for your fonts.

Screenshot of Design Ribbon in PowerPoint with Color Variants Selected

Step 6a: Fix stretched images – Method 1

Here is a quick hack to fix stretched graphics and images.

1) Right-Click on the stretched image and select “Size and Position” to open the Size and Position Task Pane. You will notice the Scale Height and the Scale Width are different, for example; Scale Height might be 99% and Scale Width might be 74%.

2) All you need to do to fix your image is press the up or down arrow on either the Width or Height and voila, your image is no longer stretched. If that doesn’t work then make sure Lock Aspect Ratio is checked.

Screen capture of PowerPoint - Size and Position Task Pane

Step 6b: Fix stretched images – Method 2

Another way to resize your images is to reset your images. To do this you simply select your image and then from the Picture Format Ribbon select the Reset Picture drop-down menu and select Reset Picture & Size button.

Screen capture of PowerPoint - Reset Picture & Size

Step 7: Move placeholders, content,  and images into their new position.

The last thing to do is move items such as placeholders and images around on your presentation to make them fit better.

METHOD 2: The better way, to change your slide dimensions:

Step 1:  Go to our FREE resize tool Go to our FREE PowerPoint resize tool and Upload your PowerPoint file: www.knockoutprezo.com/resize-powerpoint

Step 2: Select a file location and select your PowerPoint document

Step3: Select whether you want to resize to Standard or Widescreen sizes. Once you make your selection the file will upload, convert the PPTX and then then the download will start automatically.

  • PowerPoint won’t stretch your images and graphics
  • No more missing colors
  • Your theme fonts stay as it was ( Header and Body fonts )
  • Your layouts stay in their original location which is a lot more predictable and easier to work with.

Screen Capture of the Fix My PowerPoint tool

Step 3: Move placeholders, content, and images into their new position.

More PowerPoint Fixes

If you are interested, we also have two other PowerPoint Fixing tools, they are:

  • Replace and fix my PowerPoint fonts – ( Find Out More )
  • Change and fix my PowerPoint authoring language across all slides and Master Layouts – ( Find out more )

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2 Responses

Unfortunately, the resizing tool did not work for my use case. It simply overlayed a different slide deck formatting, but didn’t change any configurations, which made the deck useless. I like the thought for this tool though, as reformatting slides is a huge pain and time drain.

Do you mind me asking about your feedback about our resize tool. I didn’t quite understand your feedback.

Essentially what the tool does is that it resizes the deck without breaking, stretching etc the presentation assets, HOWEVER the user still needs to adjust the elements of the presentation. Did you go from 16×9 to standard or the other way around? There isn’t a way for the software to tell if you want an element aligning to the left, middle or right of the slide for example.

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Change the size of slides in powerpoint – instructions, how to change the size of slides in powerpoint: video.

            This video lesson, titled “ Learn How to Change Slide Size in Microsoft PowerPoint 2019 & 365: A Training Tutorial ,” shows you how to change the size of slides in PowerPoint. This video lesson is from our complete PowerPoint tutorial , titled “ Mastering PowerPoint Made Easy v.2019 and 365 .”

Change the Size of Slides in PowerPoint: Overview

            You can easily change the size of slides in PowerPoint. To change the size of slides in PowerPoint, click the “Design” tab in the Ribbon. Then click the “Slide Size” drop-down button in the “Customize” button group. To change the slide size aspect ratio, select either “Standard (4:3)” or “Widescreen (16:9)” from the button’s drop-down menu. Alternatively, to use slides of a custom size or change other slide size properties, select the “Custom Slide Size…” command from the button’s drop-down menu to open the “Slide Size” dialog box.

            To select a preset slide size, use the “Slides sized for:” drop-down in the “Slide Size” dialog box to select a preset slide size from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, to manually set the slide width and height, enter your own custom measurements into the “Width:” and “Height:” spinner boxes. To change the starting number for slide numbering, enter the starting number to use into the “Number slides from:” spinner box.

A picture showing how to change the size of slides in PowerPoint by using the “Slide Size” dialog box.

A picture showing how to change the size of slides in PowerPoint by using the “Slide Size” dialog box.

            To set the slide orientation, select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Orientation” section of the “Slide Size” dialog box. To set the orientation of notes, handouts, and the outline view, select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Notes, Handouts & Outline” section. To apply your desired slide size settings in the “Slide Size” dialog box, click the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box.

Instructions on How to Change the Size of Slides in PowerPoint:

  • To change the size of slides in PowerPoint , click the “Design” tab in the Ribbon.
  • Then click the “Slide Size” drop-down button in the “Customize” button group.
  • To change the slide size aspect ratio , select either “Standard (4:3)” or “Widescreen (16:9)” from the button’s drop-down menu.
  • Alternatively, to use slides of a custom size or change other slide size properties , select the “Custom Slide Size…” command from the button’s drop-down menu to open the “Slide Size” dialog box.
  • To select a preset slide size , use the “Slides sized for:” drop-down in the “Slide Size” dialog box to select a preset slide size from the drop-down menu.
  • Alternatively, to manually set the slide width and height , enter your own custom measurements into the “Width:” and “Height:” spinner boxes.
  • To change the starting number for slide numbering , enter the starting number to use into the “Number slides from:” spinner box.
  • To set the slide orientation , select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Orientation” section of the “Slide Size” dialog box.
  • To set the orientation of notes, handouts, and the outline view , select either the “Portrait” or “Landscape” option button in the “Notes, Handouts & Outline” section.
  • To apply your desired slide size settings in the “Slide Size” dialog box , click the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box.

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How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint

PowerPoint Slide Size

PowerPoint allows you to change the aspect ratio of your presentation. The widescreen slide size is best when presenting on modern displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you’ll be presenting on an older display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, you’ll want to use the standard slide size instead.

Change the Slide Size

  • Click the Design tab.
  • Expand the Customize group.

To change the slide orientation, click the Slide Size button and select Custom Slide Size . Change the slide settings and click OK .

  • Widescreen : 16:9 ratio is much wider than it is tall and works well for wide, high definition screens.
  • Standard : 4:3 ratio is only slightly wider than it is tall and works best for traditional screens.

Slide Size

  • Maximize : Crops your content and fills all the available space on the slide.
  • Ensure Fit : Scales content down and leaves additional space at the top and bottom of the slide.

Slide Size

The entire presentation is resized to fit the new format.

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How to Increase PowerPoint Slide Number Size

A tutorial on increasing PowerPoint slide number size

  • Brock University

What to Know

  • To change the slide number size via Slide Master, go to View > Slide Master and select a thumbnail to make changes.
  • Locate and double-click the slide number placeholder ( # ). On the Font toolbar, select Font Size and choose a size.

This article explains how to increase PowerPoint slide number size. Instructions apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

Change Slide Number Size on the PowerPoint Slide Master

Make the slide numbers in your PowerPoint presentations stand out by increasing the size of the slide number font. To increase the font size, open the Master Slide and use one of two methods to change the slide number. Changes on the Slide Master are applied to every slide in your presentation.

The Slide Master controls the look of an entire presentation, including the slide numbers. When you want every slide number to look the same, change the slide number in the Slide Master.

To access the PowerPoint Slide Master:

On the ribbon , go to View .

Select Slide Master .

Select the Slide Master thumbnail (it's the top slide in the Slide pane). This is where you'll change the font size of the slide number placeholder.

Increase the Font Size to Change the PowerPoint Slide Number Size

There are two different ways to change the font size of the slide number placeholder. Both methods are quick and easy. For both methods, find the slide number placeholder first.

Double-click the slide number placeholder to change the font size:

On the Slide Master slide, locate the slide number placeholder . The placeholder is a # sign and the location varies depending on the template you use. In this example, the placeholder is near the top right of the screen.

Double-click the slide number placeholder to display the Font toolbar.

Select the Font Size dropdown arrow and choose a larger size font for the slide number.

Right-click on the slide number placeholder to change the font size:

On the Slide Master slide, right-click on the slide number placeholder . This displays the Font toolbar, as well as other options for this placeholder.

After you've selected a larger font size and are happy with your changes, select Close Master View to exit the Slide Master View. All the slides in your presentation are updated and display the larger slide number.

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How can I change the page size for the Notes Master in PowerPoint 2013?

I have a number of PowerPoint slide decks in a training course.  The page size in the Notes Master is not the same in every slide deck.  How can I get the page size to be the same in all of the slide decks?

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Steve Rindsberg

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Usually (always, unless something's gotten corrupted) the notes pages are the same size as the slides in a given presentation.

So check the slide size for a couple of these presentations;  if the slide size in each presentation is the same as the other presentations but the notes pages are different sizes, let us know.

Also, is the different sized notes page issue causing a problem of some kind?  

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

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Thanks for your feedback.

Thanks for responding.  This problem has been present in many previous versions of PowerPoint.

All the slides are the same size, but the Notes Pages sizes vary between slide decks.  This affects me when I copy the Notes Pages content from one slide deck to another.  In this case the content may not fit properly on the page, some elements can be off the page and in other cases it doesn't fill the page properly.  The content elements have to be adjusted individually.

Another issue related to this has to do with the fact that changing the Notes Master does not always get properly applied to the Notes Pages.  In most cases the slide image is incorrect.  When I reapply the Notes Master, sometimes the slide image disappears and I have to go to the Notes Layout and reselect the Slide Image.  Sometimes it reapplies the Notes Master correctly.  It is different for each slide in the Slide Deck.

It seems to me that the Notes Master is not really a Master, changes made on the Master do not always get applied to the Notes Pages.  I have to modify the Notes Pages for every slide in the Slide Deck.  

Is there a way to automatically get multiple slide decks to have the same formats and layouts for the Slides, Handout, and Notes?

1 person found this reply helpful

John SR Wilson

The notes master has to be re-applied. This is tedious unless you use code

http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00760 _Reapply_the_Notes_Master_to_each_Notes_Page_in_a_presentation.htm

4 people found this reply helpful

I have been using the Macro you referenced for years.  Sometimes it works but most of the time it doesn't work.  I am running on a PowerPoint 2013 slide deck that has slide size of 16:9 and nothing seems to change when I run the Macro.  What is the purpose of the Master if I have to go an modify every Notes Page?  This isn't new!  I thought I heard a few years ago that Microsoft was aware of this problem and was going to build an option in PowerPoint to resent the Notes Master back to default sizes and functionality!  Apparently, they have not.  It would just be nice if you could just modify the Notes Master as to layout and format and it would be correctly applied.  It would also be nice if there were a way to apply the same Master to multiple slide decks.  I have multiple training programs with 50+ slide decks each containing 1,500+ slides.  This is very tedious.  I have to redo it every time I change templates or themes since I deliver them to different organizations that want their branding applied.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I just jumped online as I have the same issue. I have just upgraded to 2016 (from 2010) and also using NOTES for training materials. So, I completely understand the frustrations but do find Notes as the best way to do what I want to do.

I've copied several of the new PPT's (and notes) from 2016 into some PPT's from my old laptop (2010) and experiencing this issue of NOTES pages being different sizes. I checked the size of the page and there was a 2cm difference in the height between my original notes page size and the ones I was copying in. For some reason, the ones in the 2016 PPT were 2cm shorter, but same width. Reapply Notes master did not work.

I ended up changing the orientation for NOTES, HANDOUTS & OUTLINE under Slide Size, from Portrait (which they should be) to Landscape. Save it... looked awful... and then changed it back from Landscape to Portrait. ALL the Notes pages are the size I want now.

Not sure if there is another way, but this just saved me a few hours of frustration and work.

27 people found this reply helpful

Can confirm - swaping between the different orientation helped to fix this notes page sizing issue.

"I ended up changing the orientation for NOTES, HANDOUTS & OUTLINE under Slide Size, from Portrait (which they should be) to Landscape. Save it... looked awful... and then changed it back from Landscape to Portrait. ALL the Notes pages are the size I want now.

Not sure if there is another way, but this just saved me a few hours of frustration and work."

THANK YOU!!!

12 people found this reply helpful

In my case, the problem of Notes Page sizes being different in a single deck came from copying the slides of one deck into another deck, where Notes Page sizes were different, and then mixed.  The macro mentioned is great to re-apply the Notes Master, but, it doesn't change Notes Page sizes. 

Likewise for my case, the orientation swap did NOT work.  (NOTE: I'm using Office 2013, the task described was for Office 2016).  I just did find the below today, and, this was the only way I was able to get decks to copy-paste together and have one Notes Page sizing:

"Notes pages are odd-sized" http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00811_Notes_pages_are_odd-sized.htm Last update 09 June, 2014

What I'll add, is that I first followed the procedure on my "good" deck to find the correct values for the x and y coordinates, then, changed those values in my "bad" deck. 

6 people found this reply helpful

2 people found this reply helpful

In 2013 MSFT altered the physical size of a 16:9 slide. The purpose was to make common sizes the same height (7.5")

In 2010 it was 10 x 5.63 and in later versions  13.333 x 7.5 Notes size should follow these sizes.

If you have slides from 2010 and later I guess this is the root cause.

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COMMENTS

  1. Change the size of your slides

    Basic steps. To change the slide size: Select the Design tab of the toolbar ribbon. Select Slide Size near the far right end of the toolbar. Select Standard (4:3 aspect ratio) or Widescreen (16:9) or Custom Slide Size. For more about the predefined sizes (including formats like Overhead, A3, A4, Banner, B4, and B5) or your own custom sizing ...

  2. How to Change Slide Size in Powerpoint

    Switching to another size is thankfully an easy process---open your PowerPoint presentation to begin and then click the "Design" tab on the ribbon bar. In the "Customize" section of the "Design" tab, select the "Slide Size" button. This will display the two common slide sizes in a drop-down menu. Click either the "Standard (4:3)" or "Widescreen ...

  3. How to change the PowerPoint Slide Size: All you need to know

    If you can't see the button, press Customize to reveal it, and then click or tap on Slide Size. This opens a dropdown menu with three available options: Standard (4:3) - click or tap on this option to get slides of 10 x 7.5 inches or 25.4 x 19.05 cm. Widescreen (16:9) - press to get slides of 13.33 x 7.5 inches or 33.867 x 19.05 cm.

  4. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint (Step-by-Step)

    That said, you can easily change your slide size to something else. To change your slide size in PowerPoint, simply: Navigate to the Design tab. Open the Slide Size drop down menu. Select 4:3 , 16:9 or Custom Slide Size (see options below) When starting with a blank presentation, you are now good to go.

  5. How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint for Better Presentations

    Next, go to the Design tab. It's where you can find the options that let you tweak your presentation's design. There, head over to the far right end — to where you can find the Customize section. Next, choose Slide Size. Clicking on this option will reveal a menu. It lets you pick the size of the slide that you want.

  6. How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint

    As with Google Slides, you can set your own slide size by clicking Custom Slide Size… Slide Size options. When scaling the content, PowerPoint asks you to choose between two different options: Scaling options in PowerPoint. Maximize: With this option, PowerPoint will increase the size of the content when scaling to a greater size. As a result ...

  7. How to Change PowerPoint Slide Sizes in 60 Seconds

    1. PowerPoint Slide Size Options. The easiest way to change this, is to make your way to the Design tab on the ribbon, and find the Slide Size option. When I click on it, you can see that my presentation is the wide screen 16:9 format. Let's start to change it to a 4:3 format by clicking on that option.

  8. How to Change Slide Size or Dimensions in PowerPoint

    Simply choose options from the Slides sized for drop-down menu in the dialog box (such as A4 paper size) or enter custom dimensions. To change slide size to a custom size: In Normal View, click the Design tab in the Ribbon. Click Slide Size in the Customize group. A drop-down menu appears.

  9. How to Change the Slide Size in PowerPoint Presentations

    How to change slide size in PowerPoint for Mac. 1. Create a new presentation, or launch an existing file. 2. Click "Design" from the top-line row of options. There are a few minor differences ...

  10. How to Change the Size of Slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

    Go to the Design tab. Click Slide Size in the Customize section of the ribbon. Choose Custom Slide Size on Windows or PowerPoint on the web or Page Setup on Mac. Use the Slides sized for a drop ...

  11. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint? [A Helpful Guide!]

    To change the slide size in PowerPoint, click on the "Design" tab. Then, click on "Slide Size". From the dropdown, choose "Standard" or "Widescreen". You can also click on "Custom Slide Size" to change the size of the slides in PowerPoint to A3, A4 or a completely custom size. In this article, I will walk you through the ...

  12. Change the page layout

    On the Design tab, in the Customize group, click Slide Size. Click Custom Slide Size. Change the orientation for the slides to Portrait or Landscape. Note: You can also change the orientation of your notes, handouts, and outline. Click OK. PowerPoint now asks you to choose between maximizing the size of your content on the new layout (to do ...

  13. How to Change the Page Size in Powerpoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 3: Choose a Preset or Custom Size. Select a preset size or click on 'Custom Slide Size' for more options. If you choose 'Custom Slide Size', a dialog box will appear where you can enter the width and height for your slides. After you've changed the page size, you'll notice that your slides have a new look.

  14. How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

    To change the size of your presentation slides, on the Design tab, in the Customize group, click the Slide Size button and then: Choose one of the pre-defined sizes: Standard (4:3) was the default slide size in older versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, like 2003 or 2007. Standard (4:3) slides have a size of 10 x 7.5 inches or 25.4 x 19.05 cm.

  15. How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint to match your

    How to change slide size in PowerPoint for PC. 1. Open an existing PowerPoint file, or start a new presentation. Advertisement. 2. Select "Design" from the top menu bar.

  16. How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint

    Need to change slide sizes in PPT? In this beginner PowerPoint tutorial, we cover the Page Setup and how to change slide size and orientation in PowerPoint.M...

  17. A better way to change your slide sizes in PowerPoint without breaking

    Part 1: Before you change your PowerPoint slide size. Step 1: Make sure your presentation is in its original working format. Step 2: Save your Theme color scheme. 1) Click on the View Ribbon, 2) then the Slide Master button. 3) Click on the Colors drop-down menu and then on the

  18. Change the Size of Slides in PowerPoint

    To change the size of slides in PowerPoint, click the "Design" tab in the Ribbon. Then click the "Slide Size" drop-down button in the "Customize" button group. To change the slide size aspect ratio, select either "Standard (4:3)" or "Widescreen (16:9)" from the button's drop-down menu.

  19. PowerPoint Slide Size

    Change the Slide Size. Expand the Customize group. Click the Slide Size button. To change the slide orientation, click the Slide Size button and select Custom Slide Size. Change the slide settings and click OK. Select Widescreen or Standard . Widescreen: 16:9 ratio is much wider than it is tall and works well for wide, high definition screens.

  20. How to Change Page Size in PowerPoint

    This is a short video explaining how to make page size adjustments in PowerPoint, You can change the size of a page to A4, A3, Letter, or bigger if you are d...

  21. How to Increase PowerPoint Slide Number Size

    To change the slide number size via Slide Master, go to View > Slide Master and select a thumbnail to make changes. Locate and double-click the slide number placeholder ( # ). On the Font toolbar, select Font Size and choose a size. This article explains how to increase PowerPoint slide number size. Instructions apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016 ...

  22. Power Point Handouts size

    You can't manually increase the size of the placeholders, so the main variables you can change are page orientation and/or number of slides per page. On a landscape handout 4 and 9 slides per page make good use of the space. On a portrait handout, 2 works well. All the other settings leave too much air.

  23. How can I change the page size for the Notes Master in PowerPoint

    In 2013 MSFT altered the physical size of a 16:9 slide. The purpose was to make common sizes the same height (7.5") In 2010 it was 10 x 5.63 and in later versions 13.333 x 7.5 Notes size should follow these sizes. If you have slides from 2010 and later I guess this is the root cause. www.pptalchemy.co.uk.