How to Create a Simple Slideshow Presentation with Google Slides

Google Slides is a free, easy-to-use presentation tool. Make a photo slideshow, a family update presentation, or a simple how-to guide — all for free.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Open Google Slides
2.Choose a Theme
3.Add Text to a Slide
4.Insert Photos
5.Present or Share the Slideshow

Open Google Slides

~15s

Go to slides.google.com in a browser (sign in with your Google account). Or open the Google Slides app on iPhone or Android. Click "Blank presentation" to start from scratch, or choose a template from the gallery.

Choose a Theme

~22s

In a new presentation, click "Themes" in the toolbar at the top right (or go to Slide menuChange theme). Browse the available themes — they show coordinated colors, fonts, and slide layouts. Click a theme to apply it to all slides.

Quick Tip

You can change the theme at any time — it updates all slides automatically. Pick one with colors that feel appropriate for your topic.

Add Text to a Slide

~19s

Click inside any text box on the slide and type your text. Click outside the box when done. To change font size, select the text and use the number field in the toolbar. Press Enter to start a new line. Press "+" in the bottom toolbar or go to SlideNew Slide to add more slides.

Insert Photos

~24s

Click on a slide to select it. Go to InsertImageUpload from computer (or "Insert" in the app). Choose a photo from your files. The photo appears on the slide. Drag the corners to resize it. Drag the photo to reposition it on the slide.

Quick Tip

For a photo slideshow, make the photo fill the entire slide: right-click the image → Format optionsSize & Position → adjust dimensions to match the slide.

Present or Share the Slideshow

~25s

To present: click the "Slideshow" button (play arrow) in the top right. The presentation enters full-screen. Use arrow keys to advance slides. Press Escape to exit. To share: click the "Share" button (top right) → copy the link → send to family. They can view it in their browser without a Google account.

Quick Tip

To export as a video: FileDownloadMP4 video. This creates a video file you can save and share like any video.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Create a Simple Slideshow Presentation with Google Slides

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Google Slides is a free presentation tool, similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, that works in any web browser and on Android or iPhone through the Google Slides app. You create slides, add text and photos, and present your slideshow on a TV or screen — or share it as a link for others to view on their own devices.

Google Slides is free with a Google (Gmail) account and saves everything automatically to Google Drive. You can work on a presentation from your home computer and then continue on your phone — it syncs automatically.

One of the most common uses for everyday users: creating a photo slideshow as a gift for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday. You upload family photos to slides, add captions or titles, and present it on a TV during a family gathering. You can also export it to a video file or share it as a link.

Other practical uses: a church or community announcement board, a family reunion photo album with captions, a "life story" presentation about a parent or grandparent, or a simple presentation showing step-by-step instructions for a grandchild.

Google Slides includes dozens of pre-made themes — design templates with coordinated colors and fonts — so the presentation looks polished without any design work on your part. You choose a theme, add your content, and the design takes care of itself.

Presenting from Google Slides is straightforward: open the presentation in full-screen mode and use the arrow keys or remote to advance slides. You can also cast it to a TV using Chromecast or a smart TV with Google Cast.

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