Introduction to the PowerPoint 365 Interface  

• PowerPoint 365 opens to a page showing Create New presentation options across the top. In most cases you will select Blank presentation, but there are a number of theme options to choose from.  

• In the Recommended section you will see presentations that you commented on, recently opened or regularly open.   

• At the bottom you will see all your documents and can toggle between all, recently opened, shared or favorites.  

• You are also able to search, filter and change the view between list and thumbnail.  

• You also can upload new documents here as well. Uploads can be accomplished by pressing the upload button or dragging and dropping a PowerPoint file into the browser window. Note that you will only be able to upload PowerPoint files when in PowerPoint.  

 

• Click Blank presentation to get started. 

 

Navigating the Interface 

• Take note of the Ribbon across the top which organizes commands into tabs. This is your main navigation hub.  

• Based on the tab you click at the top, the bottom portion will provide relevant tools.  

Ribbon Tabs: 
- Home – Basic commands like new slide, layout, font styles. 

 - Insert – Add images, text boxes, charts, tables, icons, videos, and more. 

 - Design – Choose slide themes and customize background. 

- Transitions – Apply visual effects between slides. 

 - Animations – Animate text and objects. 

 
- Slide Show – Preview and run your presentation. 

 
- Review – Add comments, check spelling. 

 
- View – Switch between Normal, Grid, or Immersive Reader view. 

Creating a Presentation 

To Create a New Presentation: 
- Click New blank presentation or select a template as shown in the beginning of this guide. 
- Rename the file by clicking the default title at the top center (e.g., “Presentation1”). 

 
 Add Slides: 
- Go to Home > New Slide. 

 
- Choose a layout (e.g., Title Slide, Title and Content, Two Content). 
 
Edit Content: 
- Click in the text boxes to type. 

 
- Use the Font tools to format text. 

Inserting Media and Elements 

- Images – Insert > Pictures > Upload from This Device or Stock Images. 

 
- Icons/Shapes – Insert > Icons or Shapes. 

 
- Charts/Tables – Insert > Chart/Table. 

- Videos – Insert > Online Video (YouTube link supported). 

Design and Transitions 

- Themes – Design > Themes to apply a consistent look. 
- Customize Colors/Fonts – Design > Variants. 

 
- Slide Transitions – Transitions > choose an effect > Apply to All. 

Animation and Effects 

- Select an object (text/image). 
- Go to Animations tab. 
- Choose Entrance, Emphasis, or Exit effects. 
- Use Animation Pane on right side to control timing (Web version has basic animation control). 

Presenting 

- Click Slide Show > From Beginning or From Current Slide. 

 
- Use Arrow keys or click to navigate. 
- Use Immersive Reader View for a simpler full-screen mode. 

Sharing and Collaborating 

- Click Share in the top-right corner. 
- Choose Invite People or Copy Link to share. 

 
- Set permissions (View/Edit). 

 
- Use Comments to give or receive feedback. 

Saving and Exporting 

- All changes are automatically saved in OneDrive. 
- To download: File > Export: 
  - PDF Document 
  - OpenDocument Presentation (.odp) 

 

Tips for Effective Use 

✅ Use Templates to save time on design. 
✅ Keep slides clear and concise – one idea per slide. 
✅ Use bullet points and visuals to enhance engagement. 
✅ Practice with Slide Show mode before presenting. 

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