The default format for PowerPoint slides is landscape. However, when designing a PowerPoint presentation, you might want to change the shape, size, or orientation of the slide. You may want to do this for making better use of the space in the slide. Or, you may want to simplify printing it. Whatever the reason, it is possible to choose landscape, portrait, or a custom page setup.
Note that at present, PowerPoint does not allow mixing portrait and landscape slides in the same presentation. So, you will have all your slides in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Let us show you the simple steps to change the PowerPoint slide format to portrait or landscape to fit your needs.
Change PowerPoint Format to Portrait
This method is suitable for changing a new slide, or a slide already in the landscape format, to portrait format.
Step #1: Open PowerPoint Slide
Note: In this tutorial, we will open a new presentation. You can open an existing presentation.
Open PowerPoint.
In the left pane, click the New tab.
In the right pane, click the Blank Presentation tab.
A new slide will open, in landscape format.
Step #2: Change the Slide Size
Click the Design tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Customize section, click the Slide Size icon.
A menu will open.
Click the Custom Slide Size… tab.
Step #3: Choose the Slide Orientation
A Slide Size dialog box will open.
Under Orientation, and Slides, click and select Portrait.
Note: you can change the width and height of your slide in the left pane of the dialog box.
Click the OK button at the bottom.
Step #4: Choose the Scale
In the next screen, you have the option to:
- Maximize your content to fit the new slide — if the size of your image/content is small compared to your slide size.
- Scale your content down to fit in the new slide — if the size of your image/content is larger than your slide.
Make your choice and click the appropriate button.
Your slide will change to the portrait format and size.
Change PowerPoint Format to Landscape
This method is suitable for changing an existing slide in the portrait format to the landscape format.
Step #1: Open PowerPoint Slide
Note: In this tutorial, we will open an existing presentation, one that is in portrait format.
Open PowerPoint.
In the left pane, click the Open tab.
In the right pane, click the Browse tab.
The File Manager will open.
Navigate to the folder containing your presentation.
Select the presentation.
Click the Open tab at the bottom.
The slide will open.
Note that the slide is in portrait format.
Step #2: Change the Slide Size
Click the Design tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Customize section, click the Slide Size icon.
A menu will open.
Click the Widescreen (16:9) tab.
Step #3: Choose the Scale
In the next screen, you have the option to:
- Maximize your content to fit the new slide — if the size of your image/content is small compared to your slide size.
- Scale your content down to fit in the new slide — if the size of your image/content is larger than your slide.
Make your choice and click the appropriate button.
Your slide will change to the landscape format and size.
Conclusion
We have shown you how you can change the PowerPoint format to portrait or landscape. If you have any questions, place them in the comments section below.