How to Create a PowerPoint Presentation

Getting Started with PowerPoint

PowerPoint helps you create visual presentations for meetings, training, and proposals.

Creating a New Presentation

Desktop PowerPoint

• Open PowerPoint
• Click New
• Choose Blank Presentation or a template

PowerPoint Online

• Go to office.com
• Click PowerPoint
• Choose a blank or template option

Building Your Slides

Adding a New Slide

• Click Home tab
• Click New Slide
• Choose a layout

Slide Layouts

Common layouts include:

• Title Slide - For your opening
• Title and Content - Heading with bullet points
• Two Content - Side-by-side information
• Blank - Complete freedom

Adding Content

Text

• Click on a text placeholder
• Type your content
• Use the toolbar to format

Images

• Click Insert tab
• Click Pictures
• Choose from your computer or online
• Resize by dragging corners

Shapes

• Click Insert > Shapes
• Choose a shape
• Click and drag to draw it

Design Tips

Keep It Simple

• One idea per slide
• Maximum 6 bullet points
• Use keywords, not full sentences
• Large, readable fonts (24pt or bigger)

Visual Consistency

• Use the same fonts throughout
• Stick to 2-3 colours
• Apply a consistent theme

Images Over Text

• Pictures are more engaging than text
• Use high-quality images
• Avoid clip art

Applying a Design Theme

• Click the Design tab
• Browse themes
• Click to apply
• Adjust colours if needed

Presenting Your Slides

Starting the Presentation

• Click Slide Show tab
• Click From Beginning (F5)
• Or click From Current Slide

During Presentation

• Space or Click - Next slide
• Backspace - Previous slide
• Esc - Exit presentation
• B - Black screen
• W - White screen

Saving and Sharing

Save to OneDrive

Files save automatically when stored in OneDrive, letting others access and collaborate.

Export as PDF

• Click File > Export
• Choose Create PDF/XPS Document
• Good for sharing with people who don't have PowerPoint

Need Help?

For PowerPoint help, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.