ppt presentation numbers

Insert or change the slide numbers, date, or footer for on-screen slides

In PowerPoint you can add or remove automatic slide numbers, hide numbering on the title slide, and move slide numbers. You can also add the date and time to slides.

If you'd like to suggest improvements to the slide numbering feature, you can do that by clicking Help > Feedback > I have a suggestion .

Select a heading below to open it and see the detailed instructions.

Add slide numbers to your presentation

On the Insert tab, select Slide Number .

On the Slide tab, check the Slide number box.

If you don't want a number to appear on the title slide, also check the Don’t show on title slide box.

Select Apply to All .

The theme applied to your presentation has a standard location for where the numbers appear on your slides, as illustrated by the two themes picture below. To change that location, see "Change where the page numbers appear on your slides" below.

Remove slide numbers from your presentation

On the Slide tab, clear the box named Slide number .

Hide slide numbers on the title slide

On the Slide tab, check the Don’t show on title slide box.

Click Apply to All .

Re-position the slide numbers

On the View tab, select Slide Master .

At the top of the thumbnail pane, select the Slide Master thumbnail.

In the Slide pane, select and hold the page number placeholder until you see the four-headed arrow, and drag it to a new location.

When you're finished, select Close Master View .

Start your slide numbering with a specific number

(PowerPoint 2013 or 2016) On the Design tab, select Slide Size , and then Custom Slide Size .

(PowerPoint 2010 or older versions) On the Design tab, select Page Setup .

Under Number slides from , click the up or down arrow to switch to the number that you want to start from:

Add the date and time

On the View tab, in the Presentation Views group, click Normal .

On the left of your screen, in the pane that contains the slide thumbnails, click the first slide thumbnail in your presentation.

On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Date & Time .

The Header and Footer dialog box opens.

On the Slide tab, select the Date and time check box, and then choose the kind of date you want:

If you want the date and time to reflect the current date and time each time you open or print the presentation, click Update automatically , and then select the date and time format that you want.

If you want to set the date and time to a specific date, click Fixed , and then, in the Fixed box, type the date that you want.

By setting the date on your presentation so that it is Fixed , you can easily keep track of the last time you made changes to it.

If you want to add the date and time to all of the slides in your presentation, click Apply to All .

Add text to the footer

On the Insert tab, select Header & Footer .

On the Slide tab, check the Footer box.

In the box below Footer , type the text that you want, such "Company Confidential".

To prevent the footer from appearing on the title slide, check the Don't show on title slide box.

Select Apply to All to make the footer appear on all slides, or select Apply to make it appear on just the currently selected slide.

Delete a footer

On the Slide tab, clear the Footer box.

Select Apply to All to remove the footer from all slides in the presentation. Otherwise, select Apply to only remove the footer from the currently selected slide.

Troubleshoot problems with making footers appear on your slides

For details, see Troubleshoot footers .

Other articles related to numbering and footers

Change the fonts in a footer on a slide

Why can't I select and change the text in the footer?

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How-To Geek

How to add slide numbers in powerpoint.

If you want to keep track of your PowerPoint presentation slides, you could think about adding page numbers. Here's how.

Quick Links

Add slide numbers to a powerpoint presentation, remove slide numbers from a powerpoint presentation, format slide numbers in powerpoint.

When you're presenting a PowerPoint presentation, it can be easy to lose track of what slide you're currently on---especially if it's a large one. To help, you can add slide numbers in PowerPoint to know your position.

You could, of course, add slide numbers manually to each of your slides using text boxes. This isn't an option we'd recommend because any changes you make (for instance, by adding new slides) would require you to update your slide numbers manually, too.

Instead, you can add slide numbers that update automatically on all of your slides, including any hidden slides. By default, these slide numbers will appear in your slide footer, but you can move and format your slide numbers by editing the "Slide Master" for your presentation.

To add slide numbers, open a PowerPoint presentation with several slides added and then click the "Insert" tab.

From here, you'll need to select the "Header & Footer" button in the "Text" section.

This will bring up the "Header and Footer" options box. To add slide numbers to your PowerPoint slides, click the "Slide Number" checkbox in the "Slides" tab.

Press the "Apply to All" button to add slide numbers to all of your slides.

Once applied, your slide numbers will appear on each of your slides in the bottom-right corner. If you've split your PowerPoint presentation into sections, you'll need to repeat this action for each section.

To  remove slide numbers from a PowerPoint presentation , you can follow similar steps to those shown above.

Related: How to Remove Slide Numbers from PowerPoint Slides

Press Insert > Header & Footer to bring up the PowerPoint header and footer options. In the "Header and Footer" box, uncheck the "Slide number" checkbox option.

You can remove the page number from only the currently selected slide by clicking "Apply" or to all of your slides by clicking the "Apply to All" button instead.

You can format your slide numbers using the PowerPoint Slide Master  to make them appear in a different font, size, color, or position.

Related: How to Create a Slide Master in Microsoft PowerPoint

To do this, click View > Slide Master from the ribbon bar.

This will load the Slide Master editing screen. You'll see the current position of your page number as a text box in the bottom-right section of the slide.

You can move the text box to another position to move your slide number across all of your slides.

To edit the text formatting of the slide number, select the text box and then select the "Home" tab on the ribbon bar.

You can then edit the text formatting options using the available options in the "Font" and "Paragraph" sections.

For instance, pressing the "Bold" button will make the slide numbers appear in bold across all slides.

Once you've formatted your slide numbers, return to the "Slide Master" tab on the ribbon bar and then select the "Close Master View" button.

Your slide numbers will update with new formatting across all of your slides, depending on the changes you made.

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How to add slide numbers in PowerPoint (Step-by-Step)

• PowerPoint Tutorials
• Shortcuts & Hacks
• January 11, 2024

Adding slide numbers in PowerPoint should be an easy and straightforward task, but it is not. The way that PowerPoint manages your slide numbers is confusing.

While confusing and frustrating, the last thing you want to do – and I have done this before myself – is manually add the page numbers to the slides yourself.

Manually adding slide numbers is a classic 101 timewaster that you will instantly regret for two reasons.

The first reason is, manually doing anything in PowerPoint that PowerPoint can automatically do for you (even if it requires a little research), is never an effective use of your time. If you want to have a life outside of the office slaving away in PowerPoint, you will want to push as many of these types of tasks as possible back on to PowerPoint.

The second reason is, after you manually add your slide numbers in PowerPoint, you will have to manually update them again as you add or remove slides from your presentation. If you thought it was tedious to manually add the slide numbers in the first place, believe me when I say that it is ten times as tedious to have to manually update them again, and triple-check that all your slides are numbered correctly.

Follow along with me below and see the advanced trouble shooting video at the bottom of the page if you are still having issues.

NOTE: When printing your slides as handouts, be aware that it is your slide number (NOT the page number) that displays for each page of the speaker notes you print. To learn how to add speaker notes to PowerPoint (and some of the tricks to working with them), read my guide here .

Table of Contents

[watch] how to add slide numbers in powerpoint.

Adding slide numbers in PowerPoint is one of those things that should be simple and easy (like it is in Microsoft Word) …but it’s not.

And just so we are on the same page, in this article you can use the term slide number and page number interchangeably. They are the same thing in this case.

While a lot of people can “properly” add them to the PowerPoint  Slide Master , they still can’t get them to properly show up in the  Normal View . And if you work in the professional services industry, this is something you’ll want to get right! The last thing you want to do is torpedo the overall quality of your presentation simply because you can’t get your slides properly numbered.

Take your PPT skills to the next level

Setting up your slide numbers in the slide master view.

When you are adding slide numbers to PowerPoint, or troubleshooting your slide numbers, the first place to check is your Slide Master.

That is because the Slide Number field is driven and controlled by your Slide Master.

Continue reading to see how this is done. If your Slide Numbers are already set up properly on your Slide Master, you move to the next section.

1. Navigate to your Slide Master

In all versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, the slide numbers (or page numbers) for your presentation are driven from the Slide Master View. As such, this is one of the best places to check first if you are having trouble adding slide numbers in PowerPoint, or if your slide numbers are not properly displaying.

To navigate to the Slide Master view in PowerPoint, simply:

• Navigate to the View tab in your Ribbon
• Select the Slide Master command

If you frequently need to use your Slide Master, you can use the Shift + Normal icon shortcut to jump to the slide master.

2. Navigate to your Parent Slide (the big slide)

In the Slide Master view, navigate to the Parent slide on the top left. This will be the first and largest the slide listed on the left side of your screen.

3. Open the Master Layout dialog box to find the Slide Number field

To open the Master Layout dialog box in PowerPoint, simply:

• Navigate to the Slide Master tab in your Ribbon
• Click Master Layout to open the dialog box

The Master Layout dialog box is where you set the Title, Text, Date, Slide number, and Footer for your PowerPoint presentation. To expand your knowledge and learn how to create a template in PowerPoint, read our guide here .

NOTE: PowerPoint is a contextual program, in that it only displays tabs for the views you are in, or the objects you have selected. If you do not see the Slide Master tab in the ribbon, that means that you have not properly navigated to your Slide Master yet. See step #1 above.

4. Select the Slide Number field

In the Master Layout dialog box, make sure you have a check mark next to Slide number . Selecting this option adds the slide number object to the Parent Slide, that you can then use to automatically add and update all the slides numbers in your presentation (instead of manually adding them yourself).

You can additionally add the Title, Text, Date and/or Footer objects if you don’t already have them on your Parent Slide. These are the fields you will want to set up and properly format if you are building a PowerPoint template for your team or company.

After you select which elements you want to appear on your slides, click OK .

5. Place and format your Slide Number

With the slide number added to your Master Slide , you can now format and/or place it wherever you want. In this case, I’ve placed mine in the upper right-hand corner of my slide.

Where you place it on your Parent Slide determines where the numbers show up (by default) on all of your Child Slides. In the below picture, you can see I placed my slide number in the upper right hand corner of my slide.

NOTE: By default, your slide numbers populate to all the  Child Slides (the little slides in the Slide Master view) in your presentation. If they do not, you will need to cycle through the Child Slide layouts and delete the old page numbers individually, and then click the Footers icon in the Ribbon to add them back (another area where slide numbers in PowerPoint can be a pain).

To learn how to set up and format the Parent Slide and Child Slides for your PowerPoint template , read my guide here .

6. Close out of the Slide Master view

Before you exit out of the Slide Master view, I recommend double-checking that your slide numbers are properly set up both on the Parent Slide, and all the individual Child Slides. If you accidentally missed one, now is the time to catch it.

Once you are sure the slide numbers are all where they are supposed to be, you can click out of the Slide Master View:

• Click the Slide Master tab
• Select Close Master View

Applying your slide numbers in the Normal View

Once you’ve set up and formatted the Slide Number field in the Slide Master view, you are ready to move on and add them to your presentation.

As an analyst or associate who is in charge of the deck, it is important to keep in mind that just because the Slide Number field is properly set up in the Slide Master, DOES NOT mean they will automatically show up in your presentation.

Continue reading to see the next steps to make sure your slide numbers properly display in PowerPoint.

1. Open the Slide Number dialog box

Now that you have setup (or double-checked) that your slide numbers are set up properly in the Slide Master view, now we can add them here in the Normal View of PowerPoint (woo-hoo). Let’s start by opening the Header and Footer dialog box as follows: 

• Navigate to the Insert tab
• Select the Slide Number command

You can alternatively use the Alt + Shift + D keyboard shortcut to open the Header and Footer dialog box. If you want to learn additional PowerPoint shortcuts like this that will save you time, read my shortcut guide here .

Regardless of how you get to the Header and Footer dialog box, this is the best and proper place to add, remove, and/or manage your presentations:

• Date and time
• Slide numbers

The goal again is to get PowerPoint to do the heavy lifting for you here. Even if this dialog box is new and a little confusing to you, it is worth getting this right as it will save you a ton of time in the future.

2. Apply your Slide Numbers

NOTE: The option to “Don’t show on title slide” can easily catch you off guard. That’s because the title slide in PowerPoint is NOT what you probably think it is. For more information, on what the title slide actually is in PowerPoint, read my guide here .

Within the Header and Footer dialog box, make sure there is a checkmark next to the Slide number .

With it selected, you get a preview of where your slide numbers will appear in the upper right-hand corner of the dialog box. After that, select either:

• Apply , applies your slide number to the individual slide you are working on.
• Apply to All , applies slide numbers to all of the slides within your presentation (assuming that each of the Child Slide layouts has your slid number on it).

Assuming you want to add slide numbers to all your slides in PowerPoint, click Apply to All . Clicking Apply to All, PowerPoint automatically adds the slide numbers to all your slides, based on the formatting and positioning you set up on the slide master.

As you can see in the picture below, the slide numbers now display (just as I set them up on the Slide Master).

Troubleshooting slide numbers that won't show up

If you followed along with me above and you still can’t get your slide numbers to properly display in PowerPoint, I have you covered.

In the following video, I highlight a few extra steps you can take to make sure your page numbers show up in PowerPoint.

If you still can’t figure out what is happening with your slide numbers, leave a comment or send me a note and I will do my best to help you out.

Final thoughts

You did the right thing by looking up how to add slide numbers in PowerPoint. The worst possible thing you can do is get so fed up with the PowerPoint page numbering system, that you manually add them yourself.

Another good point to remember is that you can use the Header and Footer dialog box to quickly remove all the slide numbers from your presentation. Simply unselect the Slide number option and click Apply to All and PowerPoint will automatically remove them all from your presentation.

While we all wish that adding page numbers in PowerPoint was as easy as it is in Word, that’s why you are paid the big PowerPoint bucks.

If you enjoyed this slide number tutorial and want to take your PowerPoint skills to the next level, check out our online training courses and other PowerPoint tutorials here .

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This Post Has 9 Comments

Thanks for your guidance but it doesn’t completely work. I have one Master and two layouts. It will only add the page number to one of the layouts. No matter how many times I try to insert the slide number and apply to all, when ever I add a new slide, it only puts the slide number on one layout but not the other! Very frustrating because I followed all of your steps perfectly.

Thank you thank you thank you. Have been desperately trying to populate a submaster with slide numbers for a day now. The trick of RE-clicking on Title and Footers boxes up in the Maser Slide menu, while selecting my submaster slide, finally did the trick !

So happy to be able to help, Fran! Those little slide numbers can be tricky, despite appearances. Cheers!

Great vid. thanks.

Thanks for commenting, and happy this was a help to you! Cheers!

Thanks for the super-concise speed training on this – I was starting to pull my hair out! Again Microsoft prove they are the most clumsy legacy software developers on the planet!!

Hi Mathias! Glad to have been able to help. Yes, this is still a trickier issue than it should be, but luckily, there is a solution! Cheers

WOW! What an amazing and fast video. I will definitley bookmark this site!!

So happy to hear that, Anna! Thank you and let us know if there’s any other nagging problem we can solve for you. Cheers

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How to Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint Presentations (Step-by-Step)

Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint using Slide Layouts

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated April 5, 2021

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

You can insert slide numbers on some or all of your PowerPoint slides using slide layouts. If your slide layouts contain slide number placeholders, you can then apply those layouts to your slides and insert slide numbers in the placeholders. If the placeholders have been deleted, slide numbers will not display.

It's best not to type slide numbers in text boxes on slides in Normal View. If slide numbers are entered manually in text boxes on your slides, you won't be able to edit or format them easily and they will not renumber if the slides are rearranged.

In order to insert slide numbers on a slide, you will need to do two things:

• In Normal View, apply layouts that include a slide number placeholder to slides.
• In Slide Master View, click the Insert tab in the Ribbon, click Header & Footer in the Text group, check Slide number and click Apply to apply to the current layout or Apply to All to apply to all layouts. Most slide numbers tend to appear in the footer position at the bottom of a slide.

Recommended article: How to Change Slide Size or Dimensions in PowerPoint

Do you want to learn more about PowerPoint? Check out our virtual classroom or in-person PowerPoint courses >

Applying slide layouts

In PowerPoint, every slide is based on a slide layout (which is part of a set of layouts with a slide master or parent). Slide layouts are created and edited in Slide Master view.

To view the slide master and the layouts for the current presentation:

• Click the View tab in the Ribbon and click Slide Master in the Master Views group.
• In the thumbnails on the left, the first thumbnail is the slide master and below it are the associated slide layouts.
• Click a layout such as Title and Content. Placeholders should appear in the slide layout on the right. These placeholders usually include footer, date and slide number. If you haven't inserted headers or footers, the placeholders are empty.

On the left side of the screen in Slide Master View, the slide master and its associated layouts appear in the thumbnails area:

To apply a slide layout to a slide in Normal View:

• If necessary, click the Normal button on the bottom right of the screen.
• Select or display a slide.
• Click the Home tab in the Ribbon.
• In the Slides group, click the Layouts drop-down menu and click a layout to apply it to the current slide. Common layouts include Title Slide, Title and Content and Title Only.

In Normal View, Layouts appear in the Layouts drop-down menu:

If the layout does not seem to apply correctly, click Reset in the Slides group. If text boxes (not placeholders) have been added to the slide, you may need to delete them.

Ensuring the slide number placeholder appears on the slide master

By default, slide layouts include placeholders such as a title placeholder, body placeholder, footer placeholder, date placeholder and slide number placeholder. If the slide number placeholder has been removed from a layout in Slide Master view, the slide numbers have no place to go.

Slide layouts are part of a set which includes a slide master or parent and multiple layouts. Initially, slide layouts follow the slide master so if the slide number placeholder has been deleted on the slide master, this affects its layouts as well.

If the slide number placeholder has been deleted on the slide master (or parent), to add it to the slide master:

• Click the slide master (or parent) on the top left in the thumbnails (this normally appears with a number 1 beside it and is the first and largest thumbnail on the left).
• If the slide number placeholder does not appear in the slide on the right, click the Slide Master tab in the Ribbon and click Master Layout in the Master Layout group. A dialog box appears.
• In the Master Layout dialog box, check slide number and any other check boxes to display the desired placeholders.

Below is a slide master with title, body, date, footer and number placeholders:

Ensuring the slide number placeholder appears on layouts

To ensure that the slide number placeholder appears on a layout or layouts:

• In the thumbnails on the left, click a layout such as Title and Content. Placeholders should appear in the slide layout on the right. These placeholders usually include footer, date and slide number. If you haven't inserted headers or footers, the placeholders are empty in Normal View.
• If the footer, date and slide number placeholders are not on the slide layout, click the Slide Master tab in the Ribbon and click the Footers check box in the Slide Master group. You may need to check and uncheck the Footer check box multiple times until the placeholders appear.
• Repeat for other layouts.

Note the Footers check box below (which is enabled only if you have selected a slide layout in the thumbnails on the left):

Below is a slide layout with title, body, date, footer and number placeholders:

Inserting slide numbers into the slide number placeholder

As long as a slide number placeholder appears on a layout or layouts, you can insert slide numbers using the Header & Footer command:

• In Slide Master View, click a layout on the left in the thumbnails.
• Click the Insert tab in the Ribbon and click Header & Footer in the Text group. A dialog box appears.
• If necessary, click the Slide tab in the dialog box.
• Click the check box for Slide number (a checkmark appears). You can also check Footer and Date if required. You may also want to check Don't show on title slide.
• Click Apply to apply to the current layout or Apply to All to insert slide numbers on every layout where a slide number placeholder appears.

Below is the Header & Footer dialog box:

In Slide Master View, the slide number placeholder does not display the slide numbers. You'll need to return to Normal View to view the slide numbers. To return to Normal View, click the Normal button on the bottom right or click the View tab in the Ribbon and click Normal in the Presentation Views group.

Formatting slide number placeholders

You can format the slide number placeholder on the slide master or on individual layouts.

To format a slide number placeholder:

• Click the View tab in the Ribbon.
• Click Slide Master in the Master Views group.
• Click the slide master or the layout with the slide number placeholder you wish to format (in the thumbnails on the left).
• Click the edge of the slide number placeholder in the slide area on the right.
• Select a different font size, font color and other formats from the Home tab in the Ribbon.
• Repeat for other layouts if necessary.

You can also move a placeholder by clicking its edge and pressing the arrow keys on your keyboard or by dragging the edge of the placeholder. The number placeholder can appear in different locations on different layouts.

Changing the starting slide number

PowerPoint automatically numbers slides starting at 1 (whether they are displayed or not on your slides).

To change the starting slide number in Normal View:

• Click the Design tab in the Ribbon.
• Click Slide Size and then Custom Slide Size or click Page Setup (depending on your PowerPoint version).
• Enter a new starting number.

The Slide Size dialog box appears as follows:

Removing all slide numbers

If you decide that you want to remove all slide numbers in your presentation, you don't need to delete the placeholders in Slide Master view. Simply turn off slide numbers in the Header & Footer dialog box.

To turn off slide numbers for all slides:

• In Normal View or Slide Master View, click the Insert tab in the Ribbon.
• Click Header & Footer in the Text group.
• In the dialog box, uncheck Slide Number (and Date and Footer if necessary).
• Click Apply to All. The slide numbers will be removed but the placeholders will remain in Slide Master view so it will be simple to insert slide numbers again.

For many PowerPoint users, slide numbering is an ongoing problem so it's important to learn how to work with placeholders in Slide Master view to ensure that numbering can be added or removed easily.

Slide numbers still not working? Check out the article Troubleshoot Slide Numbers in PowerPoint Decks .

This article was originally published on September 20, 2018 and has been updated for clarity and content.

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How to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Last Updated: January 22, 2024 Fact Checked

How to Add Slide Numbers

How to format slide numbers.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 43,642 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow guide teaches you how to number the slides in your PowerPoint presentation on your Windows PC or Mac. You can add slide numbers easily on the Insert tab and change the look and position of each number on your master slide.

Things You Should Know

• To add slide numbers to your presentation, click the "Insert" tab, select "Header & Footer," check the box next to "Slide number," and click "Apply All."
• The position, font, size, and color of your slide numbers is determined by your slide master.
• To format your slides, click the "View" tab, select "Slide Master," click the first master slide, and edit the placeholder (the hashtag symbol) as needed.

• If you don't want a slide number to appear on the first (title) slide, check the box next to "Don’t show on title slide" at the bottom-left corner.
• All slides, including hidden slides, are included in the slide count. You'll also see slide numbers when you print your presentations. [2] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source

• If slide numbers aren't showing up, the slide number placeholder was removed from your slide master . Skip down to this method to learn how to insert them if they're not showing up.
• To remove all slide numbers, return to Insert > Header & Footer , uncheck "Slide Number," and click Apply to All .
• To remove just one slide number, select the slide in the left panel, go to Insert > Header & Footer , uncheck "Slide Number," and click Apply .

• Click the Insert tab, then click Text Box in the toolbar.
• Click and drag a text box in any blank area of the slide. You can always reposition it later.
• Click inside the text box.
• Click Slide Number in the toolbar. You'll now see the hash symbol in the text box—the slide number placeholder.

• Click the Home tab.
• Click the slide number placeholder to select it.
• To change the color, click the "A" with a line under it in the toolbar, then select a color.
• To change the font face and size, use the drop-down menus in the toolbar.
• You can also make slide numbers bold, italicized, or underlined as you would other text. [3] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
• To return to your presentation, click Normal on the View tab.

Expert Q&A

• You can also change the position of headers, footers , text boxes, and other elements when editing the master slide. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-page-numbers-date-and-time-or-footer-text-to-all-slides-in-powerpoint-for-mac-abb23f0c-760a-46ef-940e-be5074d3f287
• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/change-the-fonts-in-a-footer-on-a-slide-ad433255-2de8-441e-99c8-b26a99b04d74

About This Article

To add slide numbering to your PowerPoint presentation, start by opening your presentation in PowerPoint. Then, click the "Insert" tab and select "Header & Footer" on the toolbar. Check the box next to "Slide number"—the preview in the upper-right corner of the window will update to display where the slide number will appear on each slide. If the first slide in your presentation is a title slide and you don’t want a number on it, place a checkmark next to "Don't show on title slide." Click "Apply to All" to add the slide number to each slide in your presentation. If the slide number doesn't look right on one of your slides, you can move it to a different location—just hover the mouse cursor over the slide number until it turns to a crosshair, then click-and-drag it somewhere that looks a little better. You can also change the position of your slide number on all slides at once by editing the Slide Master. Click the "View" tab, click "Slide Master" on the toolbar, and then click your Slide Master at the top of the left panel. Hover the mouse cursor over the slide number until it turns to a crosshair, then drag it to another location. Another thing you can do while editing the Slide Master is to change the size, font, or color of the slide number—double-click the slide number to select it, highlight the number, and then use the font face, size, and color options on the small menu above your cursor. Click "Close Master View" when you're finished. Any changes you made to the slide numbers in the Slide Master will apply to all slides in the presentation. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Add or Remove Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

It sometimes makes sense to number your slides in PowerPoint, especially if you have a long presentation. Here's how you can do so.

If you use Microsoft products like Word and Excel, there's also a good chance that you use PowerPoint for presentations. Depending on the purpose, such presentations can either be short or long.

Whereas one-page slides do not need numbering, you cannot say the same for longer and larger presentations which usually run into tens or hundreds of pages. In such cases, it makes perfect sense to number the slides for easy reference.

So, we'll show you how to add, format, and remove slide numbers from your PowerPoint presentation.

Adding Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Adding slide numbers in PowerPoint is easy and straightforward. Here's how to go about it:

• Launch PowerPoint on your desktop.
• Open the PowerPoint presentation you want to number.
• Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon area.
• Then click on Header and Footer .
• To add a page number to the current slide only, click on Apply .
• To add slide numbers to all the pages, click Apply to All instead. There's also the provision to add the current date and time .
• If your first page also doubles as your title page, you definitely don't want a slide number there. To prevent that, simply check the Don't show on title slide box.

If you want to be a little adventurous, you can also add the Zoom effect .

Repositioning Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

If, for some reason, you don't like the placement of the slide number, you can easily reposition it to your liking. You can do this two ways—for specific or all slides.

Repositioning Slide Numbers for a Specific Slide

To reposition the slide number for a particular slide in PowerPoint:

• Now drag the Slide Number box to any location of your choice. This can be the header, footer, or even side panels; it's up to you.

Repositioning Slide Numbers for All Slides

To reposition the slide numbers for all slides in PowerPoint:

• Click on the Slide Number box.
• Go to the ribbon and click on the View tab.
• Now, drag the Slide Number box to your desired location.
• When done, click on Close Master View .

Formatting Slide Numbers

You can change the font type, size, and color of your slide numbers in PowerPoint. You can even use special characters like Roman, Chinese, or Hebrew numerals and more. To do so:

• From the popup toolbar options, select your font and size. You can also bolden, underline, or italicize the slide number to your taste.

Removing Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Removing slide numbers in PowerPoint is also easy and straightforward. You can equally do it in two ways for short and long presentations.

Removing Slide Numbers from a Specific Slide

To remove the slide number from a particular slide:

• Open the PowerPoint presentation.
• Press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Removing Slide Numbers from All Slides

If you want to remove slide numbers from all pages:

• Open the PowerPoint presentation in question.
• On the Header and Footer dialog box, uncheck the Slide number box.
• Now click on Apply to All .

You can add, format, and remove PowerPoint slide numbers across all platforms, including online and mobile. It's essentially the same process.

Keep Track of Your PowerPoint Slides.

If your PowerPoint presentation runs into dozens or hundreds of slides, you'll be better off numbering it. This way, you can easily reference a particular page. It also makes it easier for your viewers to keep track of your slides as they read or study. It helps them track their progress and not get lost along the way.

Adding, formatting, and removing slide numbers is another simple way of optimizing your PowerPoint presentations for maximum impact.

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How to Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint A Comprehensive Guide

Creating engaging and organized PowerPoint presentations is crucial for effective communication. One essential element is slide numbers, which provide a clear path through your content. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process, ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your audience.

Part 1: What Are Slide Numbers

Slide numbers are a way to reference and navigate through a presentation. They typically appear in the footer or header of each slide, but can also be placed in different locations on the slide. Slide numbers can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Helping the presenter stay on track and organized

Allowing the audience to follow along and take notes

Making it easy to reference specific slides during the presentation or later on

Giving the presentation a more professional look and feel

Number Format:

Slide numbers can be formatted in a variety of ways, including:

Arabic numerals: 1, 2, 3

Roman numerals: I, II, III

Alphabetic characters: A, B, C

Custom formats: For example, you could use slide numbers to represent different sections of your presentation, such as "Section 1.1," "Section 1.2," and so on.

Slide numbers are an important part of any presentation. They make it easier for the presenter and audience to follow along and reference specific slides.

Part 2: A step-by-step guide on adding Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Creating a seamless and informative presentation involves incorporating slide numbers for easy navigation. Follow these steps to effortlessly add slide numbers to your PowerPoint presentation:

To add slide numbers in PowerPoint:

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 2: Click the Insert tab.

Step 3: In the Text group, click Slide Number.

Step 4: In the Header and Footer dialog box, click the Slide tab.

Step 5: Select the Slide number check box.

Step 6: If you don't want a number to appear on the title slide, also select the Don't show on title slide box.

Step 7: Click Apply to All.

Your slide numbers will now appear on each slide in the bottom-right corner.

To customize the slide numbers:

Step 1: Click the Slide Number button in the Header and Footer dialog box.

Step 2: In the Slide Number dialog box, you can change the font, size, color, and alignment of the slide numbers.

Step 3: You can also choose to display the slide number with or without the total number of slides in the presentation.

Step 4: Click OK when you're finished.

To update slide numbers after adding or removing slides, click the Slide Number button in the Header and Footer dialog box and select Update Slide Number.

To add slide numbers to specific slides, select the slide(s) you want to add slide numbers to and then click the Slide Number button in the Header and Footer dialog box.

If you're using a template, note that the slide numbers may already be formatted for you. However, you can still customize them as needed.

Part 3: How to Removing Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

When it comes to removing slide numbers in PowerPoint, you have two options: you can either temporarily hide them or permanently remove them. Follow these steps with accompanying images for both methods:

Temporarily Hiding Slide Numbers

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation and go to the slide containing the numbers you want to hide.

Step 2: Click on the slide to select it.

Step 3: Navigate to the "Insert" tab in the ribbon at the top.

Step 4: Select "Header & Footer" from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: In the Header and Footer dialog box, uncheck the box next to "Slide number."

Step 6: Click "Apply" to hide the slide numbers on the selected slide.

This method allows you to quickly hide slide numbers for a clean and focused presentation. However, remember that if you need to bring them back, you'll have to revisit the Header and Footer settings.

Permanently Removing Slide Numbers

Step 2: Navigate to the slide sorter view by clicking on the icon at the bottom-right corner of the PowerPoint window.

Step 3: Select the slides from which you want to permanently remove slide numbers.

Step 4: Right-click on the selected slides and choose "Delete Slide."

Step 5: Confirm the deletion if prompted.

This option provides a clean slate for specific slides, ensuring an uncluttered look. Just be cautious, as this action is irreversible. Always consider if it aligns with your overall presentation strategy.

Part 4: Solving Common Problems with Slide Numbering in PowerPoint

Slide numbers can sometimes be a bit finicky. Here are solutions to some of the most common issues you might encounter:

Slide Numbers Not Appearing: If your slide numbers aren't showing up, it could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure they're enabled in the Header and Footer settings. Check if they're set to appear on the title slide as well. Additionally, ensure that there's no overlapping text or graphics obscuring the numbers.

Slide Numbers Not Updating: Sometimes, after making significant changes, slide numbers may not update automatically. To fix this, click on the "Insert" tab, go to "Header & Footer," and then tick the box that says "Slide Number." After that, click "Apply to All" to update all slides.

Slide Numbers Appearing on Specific Slides Only: This issue might arise if certain slides have unique master layouts. To rectify this, select the affected slides, go to the "View" tab, and choose "Slide Master." From there, ensure that the slide numbers are set to appear uniformly across all slides.

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Can I add slide numbers to only some slides?

Yes, you can indeed add slide numbers to specific slides in PowerPoint. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1:  Select the slides to which you want to add slide numbers.

Step 2:  Go to the "Insert" tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.

Step 3:  Click on "Slide Number" in the "Text" group.

Step 4:  Check the box that says "Slide Number".

Step 5:  Optionally, you can choose to apply to "All" slides or "Selected" slides.

This flexibility allows you to customize slide numbering to suit your specific presentation needs.

How do I change the format of slide numbers?

To change the format of slide numbers in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

Step 1:  Go to the "Insert" tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.

Step 2:   Click on "Slide Number" in the "Text" group.

Step 3:   In the "Header and Footer" dialog box, click the "Slide Number" checkbox if it's not already checked.

Step 4:   Click the "Format" button.

This comprehensive guide has walked you through the importance of adding slide numbers in PowerPoint presentations, aiding in navigation and organization for both presenters and audiences. The step-by-step tutorial covers everything from initial setup to customizing slide numbers, ensuring a seamless process. The guide also addresses common problems related to slide numbering, providing practical solutions. A standout feature is the introduction of WPS Office , a powerful and modern office tool with advantages like free access to essential software, a robust PDF toolkit, and a rich template store. Lightweight and secure, WPS Office offers a versatile alternative for optimized presentations.

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How To Add Slide Numbers To PowerPoint

Adding slide numbers to PowerPoint presentations is an important aspect of creating effective presentations. Slide numbers not only help you organize your presentation but also allow your audience to follow along and refer to specific slides easily. In this tutorial, we will cover everything you need to know about adding slide numbers in PowerPoint.

Why Is it Important to Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint?

Inserting slide numbers into PowerPoint serves as a roadmap for your audience, enabling them to keep track of where they are in your presentation. Adding slide numbers is especially crucial for lengthy presentations, allowing the audience to take notes and return to specific slides for reference. Additionally, slide numbers help the presenter to stay organized and on track.

How to Add Page Numbers in PowerPoint to All Slides?

Adding slide numbers to all slides in your PowerPoint presentation is simple. Here are the steps:

• Click on the “Slide Number” option in the “Text” group.
• Check the “Slide number” box and select the location on the slide where you want the slide number to appear.

How to Insert Slide Number in PowerPoint to Specific Slides in PowerPoint?

If you only want to add slide numbers to a specific slide in your presentation, here is how you can do it:

• Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.

How to Format Slide Numbers in PowerPoint?

Formatting slide numbers in PowerPoint can help you make them visually appealing and prominent. Here’s how to format slide numbers in PowerPoint:

• Click on the “Slide” tab and select the desired format for your slide numbers, such as font size, color, and style.

How to Change the Starting Number for Slide Numbers in PowerPoint?

By default, slide numbers start at “1” in PowerPoint. However, you can change the starting number for slide numbers in your presentation. Here’s how:

• Click on the “Design” tab in the customizable group.

Tips for How to Insert Page Numbers in PowerPoint

Here are some tips for using slide numbers effectively in your presentation:

• Keep slide numbers consistent throughout your presentation to avoid confusion.
• Make sure slide numbers are large enough and visible to the audience.
• Avoid placing slide numbers in the footer if your presentation includes footnotes.
• Consider placing slide numbers in the corner of the slide so that it is not too distracting.
• Use slide numbers as a reference when answering questions from the audience.

Troubleshooting Issues When Add Slide Numbers to PowerPoint

Issues/challenges can arise when attempting to add slide numbers, causing frustration and delays in the presentation process. Here are some of the most common issues you can encounter and how to tackle them:

Advanced Techniques for Customizing Number Slides in PowerPoint

If you want to take your slide numbers to the next level, consider these advanced techniques for customizing slide numbers:

• Create your slide numbers using PowerPoint shapes or images instead of the default slide number format.
• Add animation effects to your slide numbers to make them more dynamic.
• Use a different color or font for slide numbers to make them stand out.
• Create a custom background for your slide numbers to make them more visually appealing.

Wrapping It Up

Adding slide numbers to your PowerPoint presentation is an easy way to organize your presentation and help your audience follow along. With the steps and tips outlined in this tutorial, you can easily add and customize slide numbers in your presentation. Remember to keep your slide numbers consistent and visible, and consider using advanced techniques to make them stand out.

Can I add slide numbers to my PowerPoint presentation without using the “Slide Number” feature?

How can i make my slide numbers more visually appealing.

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How to Add Slide Numbers to a PowerPoint Presentation

Never add or fix manually again

Here are two common problems related to slide numbers in PowerPoint and how to fix them.

Scenario A: You’ve finished building a PowerPoint deck for the Big Meeting tomorrow, and you get an email from your boss asking you to add one more slide to the beginning of the deck. You create the slide but then notice that all the subsequent slide numbers are off by one.

Since you manually added slide numbers to every slide using text boxes, now you have to go through the entire presentation, slide by slide, and update the slide number on each slide individually. What a pain. 

Scenario B: You were savvy enough to use PowerPoint’s built-in slide number functionality, but despite having checked Slide Numbers in the Header and Footer dialog box, the slide numbers don’t appear anywhere on your slides. What’s happening?

How to Add Slide Numbers to PowerPoint

Here are the steps to follow to add slide numbers to PowerPoint the right way so they appear where you want them to, and you never have to renumber slides again.

• Open the Slide Master . Select the View tab, and then select the Slide Master icon. 

• Select the Parent Slide . The Parent Slide will be at the very top of the list of slides on the left, and it will be the biggest slide on the list. You may have to scroll to the top of the list.

• Select the Master Layout icon to open a dialog box.

• Check the box next to Slide Number .

• On the Slide Master tab in the ribbon, click on the red X icon to Close Master View . 

• Select Slide Number . 

Note : Even though you selected Slide Number in Step 5 above, you’ve only indicated that you want the option to add slide numbers to your deck. That’s why the dialog box in Step 5 says “Placeholders.” In this step you have to tell PowerPoint to actually insert slide numbers. Then you can specify where you want the slide numbers to appear and how you want them to look. 

• Select the Insert tab, and then click on the Slide Number icon to open the dialog box with Header and Footer options.

• Check the box next to Slide Number . Make sure there’s a checkmark in the box next to Slide Number. 

• Check the box next to “Don’t show on title page.” Best practices say that your title slide should not have a slide number on it. Check the box highlighted below to hide the slide number on the title slide. 

• Select Apply or Apply to All , and you’re done!

Note : Remember, suppressing the slide number on the title slide will only work correctly if you’ve chosen the Title Slide layout for that slide. You can double-check this by right-clicking on your title slide, choosing Layout and confirming that the title slide layout is selected.

• Format and reposition slide numbers. If you would like to change the appearance and/or position of slide numbers, go to the Slide Master to do that. Follow steps 1 and 2 above to navigate to the Parent Slide. Find the slide number placeholder. It will look like this: (#). Select that text and format it however you wish. You can also select the bounding box around the placeholder and move the slide number placeholder element wherever on the slide you like.

Similarly, if you want the slide number to appear in different positions depending on which slide layout you’ve applied, you can adjust the position of the slide number placeholder on individual layouts within the Slide Master. 

To do this, navigate to the Slide Master , choose the slide layout you want to modify in the list on the left, and reposition or reformat the slide number placeholder for that specific layout.

Adding Slide Numbers to PowerPoint

By now, you have realised that the Slide Master is useful for so much more than just adding slide numbers to your PowerPoint presentation. Just as adding and positioning slide numbers on the slide master affects all slides in the deck, you can use different layouts in the Slide Master to apply different elements and formatting to slides throughout the presentation. 

If you change one element in a layout master slide, that change will cascade throughout all the dependent slides. Learn more about master slide layouts and become a Slide Master master! 

Maggie Marystone is a freelance technology writer, human rights worker, and storyteller based in Chicago. Read Maggie's Full Bio

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Home » Microsoft Powerpoint » How to Insert Page Numbers in PowerPoint

How to Insert Page Numbers in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, inserting page numbers on slides is the same as placing slide numbers on them. You can insert slide numbers on some of your slides or all, provided the layouts contain placeholders.

Note: If the slides have no placeholders, or you have deleted the placeholders, the slide numbers will not display.

Let us show you in simple steps how to insert slide numbers on slides in PowerPoint.

Step #1: Open PowerPoint Slide

Open PowerPoint.

Step #2: Ensure Slide Number Placeholder Appears in Slide Master

Click on the View tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Master Views , click on the Slide Master icon.

This will open the Slide Master view.

In the thumbnails on the left, click on the slide number 1 . 

Note: Placeholders may not be present or visible.

Click on the Slide Master tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the Master Layout section, click on the Master Layout icon.

A Master Layout dialog box will open.

Switch on the Slide number Placeholder.

Click on the OK tab at the bottom to close the dialog box.

The Slide Master now has a slide number placeholder.

Step #3: Ensure Slide Number Placeholder Appears in Layouts

In the thumbnails on the left, click on the layout in which you want slide numbers to appear.

In the Master Layout section, click and select the Footers checkbox.

The layout now has a slide number placeholder.

Step #4: Insert Slide Number in Placeholders

Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Text , click on the Header & Footer icon.

This will open the Header and Footer dialog box.

Click on the Slide tab.

Click on and select the Slide number check box.

Click on the Apply tab if you want to apply slide number only on one slide.

Click on the Apply to All tab if you want to apply slide numbers to all slides.

Step #5: Return to Normal View

In the section Presentation Views , click on the Normal icon.

PowerPoint will display the regular presentation.

The slide number will be visible in its placeholder at the bottom right-hand corner of the slide.

Note: Slide number may not appear immediately. You may have to apply a slide layout to the slide.

Step #6: Apply a Slide Layout to a Slide

In the thumbnails on the left, select the slide where you want to display the slide number.

Click the Home tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Slides , click on the Layouts icon.

A drop-down menu will appear.

Click on the layout for the current slide to apply it.

Return to Normal view as in Step #5.

We have shown you in simple steps how to insert page/slide numbers in PowerPoint slides. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below.

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How to Number Slides in PowerPoint

Do you ever find yourself losing track of where you are in a long PowerPoint presentation? It can be frustrating, but luckily there are ways to number your slides in PowerPoint to help you stay on track and keep your audience engaged. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about numbering slides in PowerPoint, from why it is important to the different methods you can use to customize your page numbers.

Table of Contents

Why Numbering Slides in PowerPoint Matters

Numbering your slides is important because it helps you keep track of where you are in your presentation. It also helps your audience follow along and makes it easier to reference specific slides. Additionally, numbering your slides can give your presentation a more professional look and feel. By adding page numbers, you can signal to your audience that you have meticulously planned and crafted your presentation.

Another benefit of numbering your slides is that it can help you identify any missing or duplicate slides. When you have a large presentation with many slides, it can be easy to accidentally skip a slide or include a duplicate. By numbering your slides, you can quickly identify any gaps or duplicates in your presentation and make necessary adjustments.

Furthermore, numbering your slides can be especially helpful when collaborating with others on a presentation. If you are working with a team, numbering your slides can ensure that everyone is on the same page and can easily reference specific slides during discussions or revisions. It can also make it easier to divide up the work and assign specific slides to team members.

Different Ways to Number Slides in PowerPoint

There are several methods you can use to number your slides in PowerPoint, including adding page numbers, formatting your slide master, and using automation. Let’s explore each of these methods in more detail.

Adding Page Numbers to PowerPoint Presentations

Adding page numbers to PowerPoint presentations is a quick and simple way to help keep track of your slides. To add page numbers, go to the Insert tab, click on Header & Footer, and then check the box for Slide Number. From here, you can choose where you want the page numbers to appear and the font and size of your choice.

Customizing the Look of Page Numbers in PowerPoint

Customizing the look of your page numbers is a great way to make your presentation stand out. You can change the font, size, color, and position of your page numbers to match the look and feel of your presentation. Click on the Format button in the Header & Footer dialog box to customize your page numbers.

Using the Slide Master to Number Slides in PowerPoint

The Slide Master is a powerful tool in PowerPoint that allows you to customize your entire presentation’s design. By formatting the Slide Master, you can add page numbers to your presentation in a consistent and professional way. You can also customize the look of your page numbers and apply them to all slides in your presentation.

How to Start Page Numbers from a Specific Slide in PowerPoint

If you want to start your page numbers from a specific slide in your presentation, go to the Insert tab, click on Header & Footer, and then select the slide number box. Click on the “Start at” option, and then enter the number of the slide you want to start your page numbering from.

Removing Page Numbers from Certain Slides in PowerPoint

Removing page numbers from certain slides in your presentation is possible, but it requires a manual process. To remove page numbers from a slide, go to the slide in question, click on the slide number, and then press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Automating Page Numbers in PowerPoint

If you have a large presentation with many slides, manually adding and formatting page numbers can be time-consuming. Fortunately, PowerPoint offers an automation feature that can do this for you. To use this feature, go to the Insert tab, click on Header & Footer, and then check the box for Slide Number. From here, click on the “Apply to All” button to automatically add page numbers to all slides in your presentation. You can also customize the look of your page numbers using the Format button.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Numbering Slides in PowerPoint

While adding page numbers to your PowerPoint presentation is usually straightforward, there are some common issues you may encounter. These include page numbers not showing up, the wrong page numbers appearing on slides, and page numbers not aligning properly. Check your slide master and make sure you have inserted the page numbers properly to fix these issues.

Another common issue with numbering slides in PowerPoint is when the page numbers appear in the wrong location on the slide. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a lot of slides in your presentation. To fix this issue, you can adjust the placement of the page numbers by going to the slide master and moving the text box that contains the page number to the desired location.

If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues with numbering your slides, it may be helpful to reach out to PowerPoint support for further assistance. They can provide additional guidance and help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing.

Tips for Consistent and Professional Slide Numbering in PowerPoint

To achieve consistent and professional slide numbering in PowerPoint, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a font and size that matches the overall design of your presentation.
• Make sure your page numbers are placed in a consistent location on each slide.
• Use the Slide Master to format your page numbers.
• Proofread your page numbers before presenting to avoid mistakes or formatting errors.

Another important tip to keep in mind when numbering your slides in PowerPoint is to consider the order of your presentation. It’s important to number your slides in a logical and sequential order that makes sense to your audience. This can help them follow along with your presentation and stay engaged. Additionally, if you plan on sharing your presentation with others, numbering your slides can make it easier for them to reference specific slides or sections of your presentation.

Best Practices for Using Slide Numbers Effectively in PowerPoint Presentations

When using slide numbers in your PowerPoint presentations, keep in mind that they are meant to be a helpful reference tool for you and your audience. Avoid overcrowding your slides with too much information, and make sure that your slide numbering is consistent throughout your presentation. Finally, make sure your slide numbers are large enough to be seen by everyone in your audience, but not so large that they distract from your message.

Another important consideration when using slide numbers is to decide where to place them on your slides. Some presenters prefer to place them in the footer, while others prefer to place them in the top corner of the slide. Whichever location you choose, make sure it is consistent throughout your presentation. Additionally, consider using a different color or font for your slide numbers to make them stand out and be easily recognizable.

Advanced Techniques for Numbering Slides with Complex Layouts in PowerPoint

If you have a complex slide layout, such as one with multiple columns or images, you may need to use advanced techniques to properly number your slides. This could involve using automation or creating custom templates. Consider seeking help from a PowerPoint expert if you find yourself struggling to properly number your slides.

Another technique for numbering slides with complex layouts is to use the “Slide Master” feature in PowerPoint. This allows you to create a consistent numbering system across all slides in your presentation, even if they have different layouts. To access the Slide Master, go to the “View” tab and click on “Slide Master.” From there, you can add a numbering placeholder and customize its appearance. This technique can save you time and ensure that your presentation looks polished and professional.

Saving Time with Automation: How to Automatically Number Slides in PowerPoint

If you have a large PowerPoint presentation, it can be time-consuming to manually number each slide. Thankfully, Microsoft PowerPoint has a built-in tool that allows you to automatically number your slides. To do this, go to the Insert tab, click on Header & Footer, and then check the box for “Slide number.” From here, select the “Apply to All” button to apply the page numbers to all slides in your presentation.

This feature not only saves time, but it also ensures that your presentation is organized and easy to follow. Additionally, if you need to make changes to the order of your slides, the automatic numbering will update accordingly. This can be especially helpful if you are presenting to a large audience and need to refer back to specific slides. Overall, taking advantage of automation tools in PowerPoint can greatly improve your productivity and the quality of your presentations.

Comparing Different Methods of Slide Numbering in PowerPoint

Each of the methods we have discussed has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on the nature of your presentation. For example, adding page numbers can be quick and easy but may not provide the level of customization you need for a complex presentation. Using the Slide Master is a powerful way to format your entire presentation’s design, but can be time-consuming. Consider weighing the pros and cons of each method and choosing the one that best fits your presentation’s needs.

Another method of slide numbering in PowerPoint is to use the Header and Footer feature. This allows you to add not only slide numbers, but also other information such as the date, time, and your company logo. This method is useful if you want to add a professional touch to your presentation and make it look more polished. However, it can also be time-consuming to set up and customize.

If you want to make your slide numbers stand out, you can also use animations and transitions. For example, you can make the slide number appear in a unique way when the slide is first displayed, or you can make it move across the screen as you transition to the next slide. This method can be visually appealing and engaging for your audience, but it should be used sparingly and only when it enhances the overall message of your presentation.

Examples of Creative and Unique Slide Numbering Ideas

Adding creative and unique slide numbering can help make your presentation stand out and engage your audience. Some ideas might include using non-traditional numbering systems or incorporating images or icons into your page numbers. Always keep in mind the overall look and feel of your presentation and make sure your page numbers fit the aesthetic you’re going for.

Now that you know how to number slides in PowerPoint, you can create more professional and organized presentations that will keep your audience engaged and informed.

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How To Get Free Access To Microsoft PowerPoint

E very time you need to present an overview of a plan or a report to a whole room of people, chances are you turn to Microsoft PowerPoint. And who doesn't? It's popular for its wide array of features that make creating effective presentations a walk in the park. PowerPoint comes with a host of keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation, subtitles and video recordings for your audience's benefit, and a variety of transitions, animations, and designs for better engagement.

But with these nifty features comes a hefty price tag. At the moment, the personal plan — which includes other Office apps — is at $69.99 a year. This might be the most budget-friendly option, especially if you plan to use the other Microsoft Office apps, too. Unfortunately, you can't buy PowerPoint alone, but there are a few workarounds you can use to get access to PowerPoint at no cost to you at all.

Read more: The 20 Best Mac Apps That Will Improve Your Apple Experience

Method #1: Sign Up For A Free Microsoft Account On The Office Website

Microsoft offers a web-based version of PowerPoint completely free of charge to all users. Here's how you can access it:

• Visit the Microsoft 365 page .
• If you already have a free account with Microsoft, click Sign in. Otherwise, press "Sign up for the free version of Microsoft 365" to create a new account at no cost.
• On the Office home page, select PowerPoint from the side panel on the left.
• Click on "Blank presentation" to create your presentation from scratch, or pick your preferred free PowerPoint template from the options at the top (there's also a host of editable templates you can find on the Microsoft 365 Create site ).
• Create your presentation as normal. Your edits will be saved automatically to your Microsoft OneDrive as long as you're connected to the internet.

It's important to keep in mind, though, that while you're free to use this web version of PowerPoint to create your slides and edit templates, there are certain features it doesn't have that you can find on the paid version. For instance, you can access only a handful of font styles and stock elements like images, videos, icons, and stickers. Designer is also available for use on up to three presentations per month only (it's unlimited for premium subscribers). When presenting, you won't find the Present Live and Always Use Subtitles options present in the paid plans. The biggest caveat of the free version is that it won't get any newly released features, unlike its premium counterparts.

Method #2: Install Microsoft 365 (Office) To Your Windows

Don't fancy working on your presentation in a browser? If you have a Windows computer with the Office 365 apps pre-installed or downloaded from a previous Office 365 trial, you can use the Microsoft 365 (Office) app instead. Unlike the individual Microsoft apps that you need to buy from the Microsoft Store, this one is free to download and use. Here's how to get free PowerPoint on the Microsoft 365 (Office) app:

• Search for Microsoft 365 (Office) on the Microsoft Store app.
• Install and open it.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account. Alternatively, press "Create free account" if you don't have one yet.
• Click on Create on the left side panel.
• Select Presentation.
• In the PowerPoint window that opens, log in using your account.
• Press Accept on the "Free 5-day pass" section. This lets you use PowerPoint (and Word and Excel) for five days — free of charge and without having to input any payment information.
• Create your presentation as usual. As you're using the desktop version, you can access the full features of PowerPoint, including the ability to present in Teams, export the presentation as a video file, translate the slides' content to a different language, and even work offline.

The only downside of this method is the time limit. Once the five days are up, you can no longer open the PowerPoint desktop app. However, all your files will still be accessible to you. If you saved them to OneDrive, you can continue editing them on the web app. If you saved them to your computer, you can upload them to OneDrive and edit them from there.

Method #3: Download The Microsoft PowerPoint App On Your Android Or iOS Device

If you're always on the move and need the flexibility of creating and editing presentations on your Android or iOS device, you'll be glad to know that PowerPoint is free and available for offline use on your mobile phones. But — of course, there's a but — you can only access the free version if your device is under 10.1 inches. Anything bigger than that requires a premium subscription. If your phone fits the bill, then follow these steps to get free PowerPoint on your device:

• Install Microsoft PowerPoint from the App Store or Google Play Store .
• Log in using your existing Microsoft email or enter a new email address to create one if you don't already have an account.
• On the "Get Microsoft 365 Personal Plan" screen, press Skip For Now.
• If you're offered a free trial, select Try later (or enjoy the free 30-day trial if you're interested).
• To make a new presentation, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner.
• Change the "Create in" option from OneDrive - Personal to a folder on your device. This allows you to save the presentation to your local storage and make offline edits.
• Press "Set as default" to set your local folder as the default file storage location.
• Choose your template from the selection or use a blank presentation.
• Edit your presentation as needed.

Do note that PowerPoint mobile comes with some restrictions. There's no option to insert stock elements, change the slide size to a custom size, use the Designer feature, or display the presentation in Immersive Reader mode. However, you can use font styles considered premium on the web app.

Method #4: Use Your School Email Address

Office 365 Education is free for students and teachers, provided they have an email address from an eligible school. To check for your eligibility, here's what you need to do:

• Go to the Office 365 Education page .
• Type in your school email address in the empty text field.
• Press "Get Started."
• On the next screen, verify your eligibility. If you're eligible, you'll be asked to select whether you're a student or a teacher. If your school isn't recognized, however, you'll get a message telling you so.
• For those who are eligible, proceed with creating your Office 365 Education account. Make sure your school email can receive external mail, as Microsoft will send you a verification code for your account.
• Once you're done filling out the form, press "Start." This will open your Office 365 account page.

You can then start making your PowerPoint presentation using the web app. If your school's plan supports it, you can also install the Office 365 apps to your computer by clicking the "Install Office" button on your Office 365 account page and running the downloaded installation file. What sets the Office 365 Education account apart from the regular free account is that you have unlimited personal cloud storage and access to other Office apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Read the original article on SlashGear .