You want your slides to look great on any screen, whether it's a laptop, a projector, or a smartphone. But how do you design slides that adapt to different screen sizes without compromising your message and visuals? Here are some tips to help you create slides that work well on any device.
The aspect ratio of your slides is the ratio of width to height, such as 4:3 or 16:9. Different devices have different aspect ratios, so choosing a standard one can help you avoid distortion or cropping of your slides. The most common aspect ratio for presentations is 16:9, which is compatible with most modern screens and projectors. If you use PowerPoint, you can change the aspect ratio of your slides by going to the Design tab and clicking on Slide Size.
With the rise of mobile, you see a new aspect ratio being introduced, 21:9. This is also a newly added slide resolution in PowerPoint. With a lot of Slideware, you can also select that the content is to be viewed on mobile.
A responsive layout is a way of arranging your slide elements so that they adjust to the available space and orientation of the screen. For example, you can use grids, columns, or alignment tools to create a consistent and balanced layout that can scale up or down. You can also use placeholders, smart guides, and snap to grid features to position your elements precisely and avoid overlapping or gaps. If you use Google Slides, you can enable the responsive layout option by going to File > Page Setup and selecting Responsive.
The fonts and images you use on your slides can also affect how they look on different screen sizes. You want to use fonts that are clear, readable, and consistent across your slides. Avoid using too many fonts, sizes, or styles, and stick to a maximum of two fonts per slide. You also want to use high-quality images that are relevant, engaging, and not pixelated or blurry. Avoid using images that are too large or too small, and resize them to fit your slide dimensions. You can also use compression tools or online services to reduce the file size of your images without losing quality.
Optimize for the presentation setting: How is it being viewed? Virtual presentations have their own design guidelines, different from in-person. Also think about the presentation style: is this going to be conversational, or are you sharing a story? Having a good grip of your ‘stage’ will help you decide what optimization means.
The best way to ensure that your slides look good on any screen size is to test them on different devices before you present. You can use a preview mode or a simulator tool to see how your slides will appear on various screen resolutions and orientations. You can also use an external monitor, a projector, or a mobile device to check your slides in real time. Look for any issues with formatting, alignment, contrast, or visibility, and make any necessary adjustments.
Finally, no matter what screen size you are designing for, you should always follow the basic slide design principles that make your presentation effective and memorable. These include using contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity to create visual hierarchy and harmony; using color, shape, and size to emphasize key points and create interest; using whitespace, bullet points, and headings to create clarity and readability; and using charts, diagrams, and icons to convey data and concepts. By following these principles, you can create slides that are not only adaptable to any screen size, but also impactful and persuasive.