what is powerpoint presentation mode

• Slidesgo School
• PowerPoint Tutorials

How to Use the Presentation Modes and the Screen Recording Features in PowerPoint

After designing all the slides for your presentation, the next and last step is presenting in front of your audience. In this new Slidesgo School tutorial, you’ll see how the presenter view works and how you can record your presentation .

Presentation Modes

Presentation modes — set up slide show, presentation modes — record slide show.

• There are different presentation modes in PowerPoint, besides the one you can find at the bottom of the screen.
• To access the presentation modes, go to the Slide Show tab.
• The first two options allow you to start the presentation from the beginning or from the currently selected slide.

• If you choose Present Online, an URL will be generated, which you can then share with your potential online viewers. After clicking this button, a new window will open, displaying info about the Microsoft Office online presentation service and a checkbox to enable remote download for your online audience. To enjoy this service, you need an Office 365 account. When you’re ready, click Connect to generate the URL.
• If you choose Custom Slide Show, you can select which slides to display in your presentation.  First, create a new custom slide show and select the slides that you want to display. Then, click Add, enter the name of the presentation and click OK. This new custom presentation will appear on the list. Select it and click Show to begin the presentation.
• In the Set Up group you’ll find options to set up the presentation, hide slides, rehearse your presentation and even record it.
• Click Set Up Slide Show to adjust several settings regarding your presentation. You’ll find more information in the next section of this tutorial .
• If you click Hide Slide, the selected slide won’t show up during your presentation. Hidden slides will appear faded out on the list and their numbers will be crossed out.
• If you click Record Slide Show, you’ll be able to record your presentation from the beginning or from the current slide. We’ll go into detail in the last section of this tutorial.
• There are several checkboxes regarding whether to play narrations, use timings and show media controls.

• In the Monitors group you can choose which screen to display your presentation.
• The last group, Captions & Subtitles, is only available in Office 365. You’ll find options to enable subtitles, which will be generated out of your speech (so you’ll need to have a mic). There are settings to change the language and the position of the subtitles.
• Open your presentation in PowerPoint.
• Go to the Slide Show tab.
• In the Set Up group, click Set Up Slide Show. A new window will open, where you’ll find several options.
• In the top-left corner, under “Show type”, you can choose whether the presentation will be in fullscreen with speaker notes, windowed, or in fullscreen without speaker notes or the menu bar.

• Under “Show options” you can choose whether to show the presentation without narration or animations, or disable the hardware graphics acceleration (for better performance). You can also set the pen and laser pointer color.

• Under “Show slides”, you can choose which slides to show in your presentation. You can select all of them, a specific range or a custom slideshow.
• There are other settings to determine how to advance slides (manually or using timings), what the resolution will be and whether to use the presenter view.
• Click Record Slide Show. From the drop-down menu, select From the Current Slide or From the Beginning.
• A new window will open, along with the presentation in fullscreen mode. At the top-left you’ll find a button to start recording.

Do you find this article useful?

Related tutorials.

How to Use the Presenter View in Google Slides

Google Slides, like PowerPoint, has different presentation modes that can come in handy when you’re presenting and you want your slideshow to look smooth. Whether you’re looking for slides only, speaker notes or the Q&A feature, in this new Google Slides tutorial, you’ll learn about these and their respective settings. Ready? Then let’s explore the presenter view! 

How to Download Google Slides Templates

When preparing a presentation, many people start panicking because they realize how much time it will take to edit each and every slide. Creating them from scratch, filling them in, looking for pictures, moving the elements...How stressful! But there is a solution that saves you a lot of time. We're sure that you've browsed the internet for templates, or basically, pre-established designs and elements, that can be downloaded for free and can be edited to your liking. Are we right? Then, we have some good news for you!

Discover our collection of printable templates

With the advance of technology, printing has become something that is no longer a necessity. Smartphones have made the paper format less and less frequent, but there are still certain cases in which having physical resources is much more convenient. Whether it's for taking notes, handing out assignments, making worksheets or handing out business cards or invitations, it's necessary to print your customized designs.From now on, in every Slidesgo printable presentation that you download, you will find the instructions for printing on the third slide. Depending on the style, colors or format of each presentation, we will tell you if you can...

How to Add Superscript and Subscript in Google Slides

Let’s take the most famous formula: E=mc^2, Einstein’s relativity equation. It wouldn’t be the same if it was E=mc2, right? Okay, yes, some people write it like that because it’s very famous and it won’t be misunderstood. But technically… It can! This is where the sophistication of superscript or subscript enters the room! Do you know how to write them in equations, copyright brands or even footnotes in your presentations? Let’s figure out how.

Powerpoint Assist

Tips for Powerpoint by Regina Griffin

How To Get Into Presentation Mode In PowerPoint

Are you looking to take your PowerPoint presentations to the next level?

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is a powerful tool that can help you create engaging and professional presentations.

We will discuss why you should use Presentation Mode, how to enter it, its key features, and how to navigate through your slides.

Explore the ins and outs of Presentation Mode in PowerPoint, brought to you by teacher Regina Griffin from Oregon, US. Enhance your presentation skills!

Key Takeaways:

• Presentation mode in PowerPoint allows for a more engaging and organized presentation, resulting in a better experience for both the presenter and the audience.
• To enter presentation mode, simply click on the “Slide Show” tab and select “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide”.
• Presentation mode offers features such as a full-screen display, laser pointer/pen tool, and presenter view with notes and slide previews, making it easier to navigate through slides and deliver a professional presentation.

What Is Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint refers to a feature that allows presenters to display their slides in a full-screen view, enhancing the visual impact of their presentation.

This mode is particularly useful during formal presentations, as it eliminates distractions and ensures that the audience’s focus remains on the content being discussed. In Presentation Mode , presenters can navigate through their slides smoothly, interact with their content, and make annotations in real time. One notable advantage of this mode is the Presenter view , where speakers can see upcoming slides, and speaker notes, and even manage time effectively without disrupting the flow of the presentation.

Why Use Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

Using Presentation Mode in PowerPoint offers numerous advantages, such as creating a more engaging and professional presentation experience for both the presenter and the audience.

When in Presentation Mode, your PowerPoint transforms into a seamless slide show that eliminates distractions and focuses solely on your content. This feature optimizes the screen view for your audience, ensuring they stay engrossed in your message.

Presentation Mode allows the presenter to navigate slides effortlessly, maintaining a smooth flow of information that keeps the audience’s attention intact. The ability to preview slides on a separate monitor while presenting ensures that the speaker remains in control of the presentation pace and content delivery.

Allows for a more engaging and professional presentation

One of the key reasons to use Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is that it allows presenters to deliver a more engaging and professional presentation by providing advanced control over their slides, including features like a laser pointer .

With Presentation Mode, presenters can seamlessly navigate through their slides, controlling the flow of information and keeping the audience’s attention focused. The ability to access advanced controls such as animations, transitions, and speaker notes enhances the overall delivery quality.

The built-in laser pointer feature enables presenters to highlight specific points on the slides, emphasizing crucial information and guiding the audience’s focus. This interactive element adds a dynamic touch to the presentation, making it more engaging and memorable.

Helps the presenter stay on track and organized

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint aids presenters in maintaining focus, organization, and efficiency throughout their presentation by offering tools like Presenter View, where notes and slide previews can be accessed.

This feature is particularly useful as it allows presenters to keep an eye on upcoming slides while also referring to their speaking notes discreetly, enhancing the flow of the presentation. The ability to adjust display settings such as screen mirroring or extending desktops simplifies the setup process, ensuring that the presentation runs smoothly. The note-taking capabilities within Presentation Mode enable presenters to jot down important points or reminders directly within the application, eliminating the need for external notes and promoting a more organized approach to presenting.

Provides a better experience for the audience

Engaging Presentation Mode in PowerPoint not only benefits the presenter but also enhances the audience’s experience by ensuring a seamless and visually appealing display of the content.

When toggling to Presentation Mode, the display settings undergo a transformation that optimizes the presentation for viewer interaction. The ability to seamlessly swap displays allows the presenter to effortlessly navigate through slides, ensuring a smooth transition between different sections of the presentation. This elegant integration of features not only captivates the audience but also enables a more fluid and engaging delivery of the content. The visual appeal of the slides is enhanced, making it easier for viewers to follow along and grasp the key points being presented.

How to Enter Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

To enter Presentation Mode in PowerPoint, follow these simple steps: open your presentation, click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab in the menu bar, and select ‘From Beginning’ or ‘From Current Slide’ to start your presentation.

If you want to ensure a seamless transition into Presentation Mode, it’s essential to set the right display options. First, check your display settings by going to the ‘Slide Show’ tab and clicking on ‘Set Up Slide Show.’ Here, you can choose whether to present your slides on the primary monitor, a secondary monitor, or in a window. Make sure to select the appropriate display mode based on your setup to guarantee a professional and effective presentation.

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation

The first step to enter Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is to ensure that your presentation file is open and ready for display.

To do so, open PowerPoint and locate the file containing your presentation. Click on the file to open it. Review that the slides are arranged in the correct order and that any speaker notes or animations are set up as desired. Check the slide sorter view to confirm the flow of your presentation. Ensure that the current slide is the one you want to begin with when Presentation Mode is activated. This initial setup is crucial for a seamless transition into your presentation.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab in the top menu bar

Once your presentation is open, navigate to the ‘Slide Show’ tab located in the top menu bar of PowerPoint to access presentation controls and features like zooming into specific slides.

Once you’re on the ‘Slide Show’ tab, you’ll find a variety of essential controls that aid in delivering a seamless presentation experience. Here, you can click on ‘From Beginning’ to start the slide show from the very first slide. You can choose ‘From Current Slide’ to begin from the slide you’re currently on.

You’ll notice the ‘Slide Show’ tab offers options to toggle various functionalities like accessing presenter view or setting up custom slide shows. This tab is a hub of useful tools that elevate your presentation delivery.

Step 3: Select ‘From Beginning’ or ‘From Current Slide’ to start the presentation

After accessing the ‘Slide Show’ tab, choose between the ‘From Beginning’ or ‘From Current Slide’ options to initiate your presentation in Presentation Mode, ensuring the desired display settings and presenter view are selected.

When you opt for ‘From Beginning,’ your presentation will start from the very first slide, whereas selecting ‘From Current Slide’ allows you to start your presentation from the slide you are currently on. This choice depends on whether you want to begin at the start of the presentation or jump in at a specific point.

It is crucial to carefully review and adjust the display settings to ensure that your content appears as intended on the screen during the presentation. Make sure to enable the presenter view option for a more dynamic and organized delivery of your content, offering you control over what the audience sees and what you see on your screen.

What Are the Features of Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

The features of Presentation Mode in PowerPoint are designed to enhance the presenter’s experience and engage the audience, offering functionalities such as Presenter view with notes, laser pointer integration, and slide previews.

Presenter view with notes allows speakers to refer to their talking points discreetly, ensuring a seamless delivery. The incorporated laser pointer feature permits highlighting key areas on slides, directing the audience’s focus effectively. Slide previews provide a comprehensive overview of the presentation flow, aiding in smoother transitions between topics. The option to hide or reveal slides as needed enhances the element of surprise and control during the presentation, captivating the audience’s attention. These combined features transform the presenter’s performance into a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants.

Full-screen display of slides

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint offers a full-screen display of slides, ensuring that the audience can focus solely on the content being presented.

This feature eliminates distractions and directs attention to the key points of the presentation. By seamlessly transitioning between slides, the flow of information is maintained, keeping the audience engaged throughout the talk. The full-screen view enhances the visibility of multimedia elements, such as images and videos, making them more impactful.

Ability to use a laser pointer or pen tool

Presentation Mode enables presenters to use a laser pointer or a pen tool to highlight key points on slides, enhancing the clarity and impact of their presentation.

The laser pointer, a staple in traditional presentations, offers a precise way to direct attention to specific details, aiding in engaging the audience. On the other hand, the pen tool, usually found in digital platforms like smartphone apps or presentation software, allows for more creativity and flexibility in drawing emphasis without the need for physical devices like remote controls. This versatility caters to different presenter preferences and presentation styles, ensuring a dynamic and interactive delivery of content.

Presenter view with notes and slide previews

Presenter view in PowerPoint provides presenters with a comprehensive overview of their slides, including notes and slide previews, facilitating better organization and seamless delivery.

When utilizing the Presenter view, presenters gain the advantage of accessing notes discretely without them being displayed to the audience, allowing for a more professional and polished delivery. In addition, having a live preview of the upcoming slides enables the presenter to seamlessly transition between points, enhancing the flow of the presentation. Through system preferences or the displays app, customization options such as adjusting the layout to suit individual preferences or toggling between speaker notes and slide previews can be easily configured, providing a tailored experience for each presenter.

Option to hide the presentation controls

One convenient feature of Presentation Mode is the ability to hide presentation controls , providing a cleaner and more immersive viewing experience for both the presenter and the audience.

By opting to hide presentation controls, presenters can focus on delivering their content without any distractions or overlays obstructing their view. This is especially beneficial when engaging in live demonstrations, showcasing visual content, or utilizing mirror displays for a seamless and professional presentation.

In scenarios where presenters are utilizing a two-monitor setup for advanced display configurations, such as showing notes on one screen while presenting on the other, hiding presentation controls on the main display ensures that only the essential content is visible to the audience, maintaining a neat and streamlined appearance.

How to Navigate Through Slides in Presentation Mode?

Navigating through slides in Presentation Mode can be done efficiently using keyboard shortcuts, mouse controls, or specific commands within PowerPoint.

One handy method to quickly move to the next slide during a presentation is by pressing the Spacebar or Enter key on your keyboard. Conversely, to go back to the previous slide, you can use the Backspace key. You can effortlessly jump to a specific slide by entering the slide number followed by pressing the Enter key. For a more visual approach, you can click on the slide thumbnails on the left sidebar or use the scroll wheel to navigate through the slides.

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard

Utilize the arrow keys on your keyboard to seamlessly advance through slides in Presentation Mode, ensuring a smooth and controlled flow of your presentation.

With the simple and intuitive collaboration of the arrow keys, you can effortlessly navigate through your slides, enabling precision in delivering your content. The arrow keys allow you to move forward or backward with ease, keeping the focus on your message during the presentation. This feature is especially useful in Presenter View, where you can see upcoming slides and speaker notes, maintaining a seamless delivery. When you record a slide show, the arrow keys help you pace your narration perfectly, ensuring synchronization between your speech and slide transitions.

Click on the arrows in the bottom left corner of the screen

For a more interactive navigation experience, users can click on the directional arrows located in the bottom left corner of the screen to progress through their presentation while having access to speaker notes and animations.

Users can enhance their presentation experience by utilizing the fullscreen mode . By entering fullscreen, viewers can keep the focus solely on the presentation content, removing any distractions from the surrounding interface elements. This feature is particularly useful when showcasing detailed slides or when presenting to a larger audience, allowing for a more immersive and engaging delivery.

Use the scroll wheel on your mouse

Another seamless way to navigate through slides in Presentation Mode is by utilizing the scroll wheel on your mouse, providing smooth and intuitive control over slide transitions and content progression.

The scroll wheel allows users to effortlessly advance slides without the need to click buttons or use keyboard shortcuts, enhancing the overall presentation experience.

With its responsive nature, the scroll wheel ensures quick and precise movements, enabling presenters to fluidly transition between slides with the utmost ease.

This feature is particularly handy when presenting slides with high resolution , allowing for a seamless display of detailed content in a visually appealing manner.

How to Exit Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

Exiting Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is a simple process that involves pressing the ‘Esc’ key on your keyboard, clicking on the ‘End Show’ button, or selecting ‘End Show’ from the drop-down menu to return to the normal viewing mode.

To exit Fullscreen mode in PowerPoint, you can simply press the ‘Esc’ key, the keyboard shortcut that is universally used to escape full-screen views across various applications. This action will promptly take you out of the immersive mode and back to the regular interface.

Another convenient way to exit the Presentation Mode is by navigating to the bottom left corner of the screen and clicking on the ‘End Show’ button. This button serves as a quick exit route from the full-screen display, offering an immediate transition back to the standard PowerPoint screen.

Step 1: Press the Esc key on your keyboard

The first step to exit Presentation Mode is to press the ‘Esc’ key on your keyboard, which will promptly exit the full-screen display and return you to the standard PowerPoint interface.

Exiting Presentation Mode using the ‘Esc’ key is a simple maneuver that can swiftly transition you back to your familiar workspace. Once you press the ‘Esc’ key, the fullscreen effect will dissolve, and any Speaker Notes you might have been glancing over will no longer dominate your screen, ensuring a seamless flow as you exit the presentation. This action provides an effortless way to shift the focus back to the general view of your PowerPoint, facilitating a smooth continuation of your usual workflow.

Step 2: Click on the ‘End Show’ button on the top left corner of the screen

To exit Presentation Mode, users can also click on the ‘End Show’ button located in the top left corner of the screen, providing a direct and visible method to conclude the presentation.

Once you are ready to end your presentation and exit the immersive Presentation Mode, simply direct your attention to the top left corner of the screen where the ‘End Show’ button awaits your command. By clicking on this button, you seamlessly transition back to the regular view, enabling you to navigate your presentation’s content, check additional details, or record the slide show for future reference. This function provides an effortless way to not only conclude your speech but also to review or amend content from the current slide onward, ensuring a smooth transition and accessibility for your audience.

Step 3: Select ‘End Show’ from the drop-down menu

For a more detailed exit process, users can select ‘ End Show ‘ from the drop-down menu within PowerPoint, ensuring a controlled and comprehensive conclusion to their presentation.

Once ‘End Show’ is chosen, users can seamlessly transition back to PowerPoint’s standard interface, bidding farewell to the presenter view. Exiting this mode allows presenters to access additional options to end their presentation smoothly and efficiently.

Upon choosing ‘End Show’, users can review their content, make final adjustments, and conclude their presentation with confidence, maintaining professionalism throughout the process. This method ensures a polished and professional exit from Presentation Mode, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i enter presentation mode in powerpoint.

To enter presentation mode in PowerPoint, click on the Slideshow tab in the top menu and then select “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide” depending on where you want to start your presentation.

Can I customize the way I enter presentation mode in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can customize the way you enter presentation mode by going to the Slideshow tab and selecting “Set Up Slide Show.” From there, you can choose options such as looping, presenter view, and more.

Is there a shortcut to enter presentation mode in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can press the F5 key on your keyboard to enter presentation mode in PowerPoint. You can also press Shift+F5 to start from the current slide.

Can I use a different display for presentation mode in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can use a different display for presentation mode by going to the Slideshow tab and selecting “Set Up Slide Show.” From there, you can choose to present on a secondary monitor or projector.

How do I exit presentation mode in PowerPoint?

To exit presentation mode in PowerPoint, press the Escape key on your keyboard or right-click and select “End Show.” You can also press the B key to go back to the previous slide.

Can I add speaker notes while in presentation mode in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can add speaker notes while in presentation mode by clicking on the Notes section at the bottom of the screen. This will allow you to add notes that only you can see while presenting.

Similar Posts

How to save image without background in powerpoint.

Are you looking to enhance your presentations with professional-looking images? Want to save time and create customized designs in PowerPoint? In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to Save Image Without Background In PowerPoint. Learn how to insert an image, remove the background, and customize your designs. We’ll also share tips and tricks…

How To Text In Powerpoint

In this comprehensive PowerPoint tutorial by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, US, you will learn everything you need to know about adding, formatting, editing, and animating text in your presentations. From using text boxes to adding bullets and numbering, changing font styles, and utilizing text animations, this article covers all the essential steps to…

How To Use Eyedropper In PowerPoint

Have you ever struggled with finding the perfect color for your PowerPoint presentation? Look no further than the Eyedropper Tool. This tutorial by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, US, will teach you all about the Eyedropper Tool in PowerPoint. Learn how it works and why you should use it. Discover how to access and…

How To Use Turning Point In PowerPoint

Are you looking to enhance your PowerPoint presentations with interactive polls and quizzes? Look no further than Turning Point! We will explore what Turning Point is and how it works in PowerPoint. From getting and installing Turning Point to using it effectively in your presentations, we will cover all the steps. Discover some tips and…

How To Add Answer In PowerPoint

Are you looking to create interactive and engaging PowerPoint presentations? Adding answers to your slides can be a great way to keep your audience engaged and test their knowledge. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to add answers in PowerPoint, from inserting text boxes to using visual aids. We will also…

How To Copy Slide In PowerPoint With Background

Looking to streamline your PowerPoint presentations and maintain a cohesive design throughout? Copying slides can save you time and effort while ensuring consistency in design and format. In this tutorial by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, US, we’ll walk you through the steps of copying slides in PowerPoint, including how to copy multiple slides…

Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials How to Work with Presenter View in PowerPoint

How to Work with Presenter View in PowerPoint

Not all presenters have excellent memory recall or the ability to speak flawlessly to the audience without any cues. However, many of them are good at hiding it by using Presenter View in PowerPoint. It is a presentation mode that enables the presenter to hide speaker notes and presentation controls from the audience while leveraging the various handy features offered by PowerPoint.

How to Use Presenter View in PowerPoint

To start using Presenter View, ensure it’s enabled before you begin your slideshow. If you are new to this feature, we recommend using this option to familiarize yourself with the various navigation options for this presentation mode. This might also be helpful if the PowerPoint templates you are accustomed to using might have animations that you might want to preview in this mode to understand when to give the next visual cue.

How to Enable Presenter View in PowerPoint

To enable PowerPoint presenter view, go to the SlideShow tab and make sure the Use Presenter View option is enabled. This will ensure that you can access Presenter View when you switch your slides to SlideShow mode.

Adjust Display Settings

You can swap between the presenter view and slideshow mode or duplicate the slideshow to exit the Presenter View from the Display Settings menu from the top toolbar.

Navigate Slides in Presenter View

Like any standard PowerPoint presentation in SlideShow mode, you can navigate between slides by using the arrow keys or with a presentation remote. Presenter View also provides slide navigation buttons to move the slides back and forth.

View Taskbar in Presenter View

The Show Taskbar option at the top enables viewing the taskbar. This can be helpful if you require using the taskbar, such as to view your battery charge, see the time, enable or disable another app from the taskbar menu, etc.

Reset or Pause the Timer

Once you start your presentation in Presenter View, a timer starts showing how much time you have spent in slideshow mode. This is an excellent way to understand how much time you have consumed for your session and to keep an eye out for good timekeeping. You can also hit Pause or reset the timer anytime.

Change the Size of the Speaker Notes

How to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting? If you have any speaker notes added to your slides, they will appear in Presenter View on your screen. You can increase or reduce the size of the text via the two options at the bottom of the speaker notes pane.

Using Annotation Tools in Presenter View

PowerPoint annotation tools can be accessed from the bottom toolbar in Presenter View. The Pen and Laser Pointer Tools button gives you access to the pen, ink colors, laser pointer, and eraser and also allows you to show or hide the mouse pointer via Arrow Options .

View All Slides in Presenter View

If you need to go back and forth to find a relevant slide for an ongoing discussion or query during your presentation, you can view all slides in Presenter View via the See all slides option.

Zoom Slides using Presenter View

PowerPoint’s Zoom feature lets presenters quickly pick a portion of the slide to zoom into. Presenter View allows you to leverage this feature by instantly selecting a portion of the slide to enlarge it after selecting Zoom into the slide option. To exit the Zoom mode or hit the Esc key.

Black or Unblack SlideShow

Sometimes, you might want to turn the screen blank for a while, such as during a mid-presentation break. The Black or Unblack SlideShow option blanks the slides for your audience while continuing to show you all navigation options via Presenter View.

Toggle Subtitles in Presenter View

One of the most revolutionary features introduced by Microsoft for PowerPoint over the past decade has been Live captions. This feature enables subtitles by converting speech to text as you present. You can toggle Live subtitles on or off while in presenter view to help your audience read what you speak.

Toggle Camera in Presenter View

Like subtitles, you can also toggle the camera on or off in Presenter View.

End Slideshow in Presenter View

There are different ways to end or exit a SlideShow from Presenter View. You can hit the Esc key or click End Slide Show . Similarly, you can click the three dots at the bottom and select End Show .

More Slideshow Options

Other than the various visibility prominent menus available to navigate, annotate, and present your slides, you can also find a few additional options via More slideshow options , which are accessible via the three dots at the bottom toolbar. These include adjusting the position of the subtitles, turning your screen white or black, ending the slideshow, etc.

How to Use Presenter View on a Single Screen

While Presenter View can be enabled to work with dual monitors, you can also use Presenter View on a single monitor with remote meeting apps like Zoom. A simple method for switching to Presenter View on a single monitor is to click the three dots ( More slideshow options ) at the bottom in SlideShow mode and select Show Presenter View .

You can also switch to Presenter View on a single monitor anytime using the ALT+F5 hotkey.

The presenter can easily manage a PPT in presentation mode, with the utility to view speaker notes, annotate or zoom slides, toggle subtitles or camera on or off, and keep your audience engaged via better slideshow management. However, if you’re new to this presentation mode, a bit of practice might help you avoid confusion when presenting before an audience in Presenter View for the first few times. For more information, check our article about PowerPoint presentation shortcuts .

Like this article? Please share

PowerPoint Tools, Presentation Skills Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials

Related Articles

Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials • November 11th, 2024

How to Create and Use PowerPoint Triggers

Customize your presentation slides by mastering how to use PowerPoint triggers. Ideal for creating engaging slide decks.

Filed under Presentation Ideas • October 23rd, 2024

Formal vs Informal Presentation: Understanding the Differences

Learn the differences between formal and informal presentations and how to transition smoothly. PPT templates and tips here!

Filed under Education • October 21st, 2024

Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Building your presentation skills is a must-do in the career of any professional presenter. Cultivating some of these practices can guarantee an impact on the performance of your delivered message, so join us to discover how you can train for the required presentation skills.

Leave a Reply

How to Do Presentation Mode in PowerPoint

If you’ve ever had to give a presentation, you know that PowerPoint can be a lifesaver. It’s like your trusty sidekick, helping you illustrate your points with just the right mix of images, text, and sometimes even a little humor. But when it comes to actually presenting your slides, you want everything to go smoothly. That’s where Presentation Mode comes in.

In this article, we'll look at how to use Presentation Mode in PowerPoint effectively. We'll cover everything from setting up your slides, using presenter view, to nifty tips that can help you present like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just getting started, there's something here for everyone.

The Basics of Presentation Mode

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what Presentation Mode actually is. In simple terms, it’s a feature in PowerPoint that allows you to display your slides full-screen. This way, your audience gets a clean, professional view, free from any distractions like your taskbar or desktop icons.

To activate Presentation Mode, all you need to do is hit the F5 key on your keyboard. You can also click on the "Slide Show" tab at the top of the PowerPoint window and then select "From Beginning" or "From Current Slide." Voila! You're in Presentation Mode.

But wait, there's more. Presentation Mode isn't just about showing your slides. It also offers a range of tools to make your presentation more interactive. You can use a laser pointer, draw on slides with a pen, or even zoom in on specific details. These features are especially handy when you want to emphasize particular points or keep your audience engaged.

Setting Up Your Slides for Success

Now that you know how to enter Presentation Mode, let’s make sure your slides are ready to shine. A well-prepared set of slides can make all the difference, turning a good presentation into a great one.

First things first, focus on your slide design. Use a clean, consistent layout that complements your content. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or too many images. Instead, aim for a balanced mix that supports your main points without overwhelming your audience.

Next, consider the color scheme and fonts. Choose colors that are easy on the eyes and ensure your text is legible. Stick to two or three fonts at most, and use them consistently throughout your presentation. Remember, simplicity is key.

Lastly, rehearse your presentation multiple times. Familiarize yourself with the flow of your slides and practice using the tools available in Presentation Mode. This will help you deliver your presentation confidently and smoothly.

Understanding Presenter View

Presenter View is like a secret weapon for anyone using PowerPoint. It allows you to see your notes, upcoming slides, and a timer, all while your audience only sees the current slide. It’s like having a cheat sheet that no one else can see.

To enable Presenter View, you need to have a second monitor or projector connected to your computer. Once you have that set up, go to the "Slide Show" tab and check the "Use Presenter View" box. When you start your presentation, you'll see the Presenter View on your screen while the audience sees just the slides.

In Presenter View, you can also use the thumbnail strip to jump to a specific slide without scrolling through all of them. This is particularly useful if you need to skip ahead or revisit a slide for questions or discussion.

Using a Laser Pointer and Other Tools

One of the coolest features in Presentation Mode is the ability to use a laser pointer. This virtual tool lets you point out specific parts of your slide, just like a real laser pointer, but without the risk of blinding anyone!

To activate the laser pointer, simply hold down the "Ctrl" key and left-click your mouse. Move the mouse around to point at different areas of your slide. If you prefer, you can also switch to pen or highlighter mode by right-clicking on the slide and selecting "Pointer Options."

These tools can help you engage your audience and emphasize key points. Just be careful not to overuse them, as too much pointing or drawing can become distracting.

Recording Your Presentation

Sometimes, you might need to record your presentation for later use. Maybe you want to share it with colleagues who couldn't attend, or perhaps you’re preparing a video tutorial. Whatever the reason, PowerPoint makes it easy to record your presentation.

To start recording, go to the "Slide Show" tab and click on "Record Slide Show." You can choose to start recording from the beginning or from the current slide. As you present, PowerPoint will capture your voice and any annotations you make on the slides.

Once you’ve finished recording, you can save your presentation as a video file. This way, you can share it with ease, and your audience can watch it at their convenience.

Handling Audience Questions

Presentations are often more engaging when there’s interaction with the audience. Encouraging questions can make your presentation more dynamic and help clarify points that might not be immediately obvious.

In Presentation Mode, you can easily pause your slide show to address questions. Simply press the "B" key to black out the screen or the "W" key to white out the screen. This shifts the focus from the slides to the discussion, making it easier for your audience to engage with you.

When you're ready to continue, press the same key again to return to your presentation. This little trick helps maintain the flow of your presentation while allowing for interactive moments.

Rehearsing Timings and Transitions

Timings and transitions can greatly enhance your presentation’s flow. PowerPoint lets you rehearse these elements to ensure everything runs smoothly.

To rehearse timings, go to the "Slide Show" tab and click on "Rehearse Timings." As you go through your slides, PowerPoint will record the time you spend on each one. This helps you gauge the overall length of your presentation and make adjustments as needed.

Transitions, on the other hand, are the animations that occur when moving from one slide to the next. You can customize these by selecting the "Transitions" tab and choosing from various options. A smooth transition can keep your audience engaged and amplify the message you’re conveying.

Dealing with Technical Glitches

Even the best-prepared presentations can be interrupted by technical glitches. Whether it’s a stubborn projector, a frozen slide, or a microphone that decides not to work, it’s essential to stay calm and have a plan.

One quick fix for frozen slides is to press "Esc" to exit Presentation Mode and then restart it. This often resolves minor glitches. If you're using external equipment like projectors, check all connections and make sure everything is plugged in securely.

It's also a good idea to have a backup of your presentation on a USB drive or cloud storage. That way, if your computer fails, you can quickly switch to another device without losing valuable time.

Adding Interactivity to Your Presentation

Lastly, let's talk about making your presentation interactive. Interactive elements can transform a static presentation into an engaging experience for your audience.

Consider adding hyperlinks to your slides. You can link to websites, other slides, or even documents. This allows you to navigate seamlessly and provide additional resources or information to your audience.

Another idea is to incorporate polls or quizzes. These can be done using third-party apps or software that integrates with PowerPoint. Real-time interaction can make your presentation more memorable and provide valuable feedback from your audience.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! We've covered the essentials of using Presentation Mode in PowerPoint, from setting up your slides and utilizing Presenter View, to recordings and handling technical glitches. With these tips and tricks at your disposal, you're well on your way to delivering a presentation that not only informs but also captivates your audience.

And if you're looking for a tool that can take your productivity to the next level, Bricks might just be what you need. By integrating spreadsheets, docs, and presentations, Bricks offers a unified platform where AI can help write formulas, clean data, or even create visuals based on your data. Whether you're building dashboards, reports, or presentations, Bricks makes it all seamless and efficient.

Get the spreadsheet powered by AI

You shouldn't have to be a spreadsheet expert to get your work done. Bricks makes it easy to create docs, reports, presentations, charts, and visuals backed by your data.

Share this post:

Other posts you might like, how to show timeline in powerpoint.

How to Make Pictures the Same Size in PowerPoint

How to put music in powerpoint, how to change picture shape in powerpoint, how to embed an excel file in powerpoint, how to use ruler in powerpoint, inspiration for every use case.

Get started fast with pre-built templates made by industry experts.

Spread sheets

Project Management

• Slide Library
• Slide Library for PowerPoint
• Elements, Slides and Shapes Library
• Icon Library
• Slide Library search
• Search Library via shortcut keys
• Slide Library update alerts
• Rename or delete objects
• Share Slide Library
• Save slides or shapes to Slide Library
• Save presentation to Slide Library
• Manage Templates
• View all templates and set default
• Agenda Wizard
• Create Agenda Slides
• Update Agenda Slides
• Agenda Slide Numbering
• Navigate via Agenda
• Table of Contents
• Import Agenda Items
• Save Agenda Format
• Manage Colors
• Color Palette Toolbar
• Customize Color Toolbar
• Apply fill with outline color
• Recolor Charts
• View RGB color values & names
• Theme Color Tints and Shades
• Share Color Palette with team
• Insert Shapes
• Standard PowerPoint shapes
• Callouts / Speech Bubbles
• Hand Drawn Circles
• Harvey Balls
• Create Mini Slides
• Move to Multiple Slides
• Right Facing Centered Triangle
• Status Indicators
• Arrange and Align Shapes
• Select same color or size
• Select shapes by attribute
• Align shapes
• Align to first selected shape
• Choose Align anchor point
• Align using shortcut keys
• Copy paste position multiple shapes
• Straighten Lines
• Swap positions
• Distribute evenly
• Set Horizontal Gaps
• Set Vertical Gaps
• Squeeze or expand gaps
• Remove gaps
• Group Objects by Row
• Group Objects by Column
• Send to back, bring to front
• Send backward, bring forward
• Flip or rotate
• Group, ungroup and regroup
• Edit Shapes
• Same height, same width
• Copy paste position, size
• Resize shapes
• Slice shapes
• Multiply shapes
• Stretch shapes and fill gaps
• Toggle line weight and style
• Change margins toggle
• Chevrons same angle
• Paragraph Styles
• Save Paragraph Styles
• Apply Paragraph Styles
• Use PowerPoint Indent Increase/ Decrease to apply bullet styles
• Reset Paragraph Styles
• Ticks and Crosses bullets
• Paint Formatting
• Advanced Format Painter
• Position & Size Painter
• Table Format Painter
• Style Painter
• Text Format Painter
• Change Shape Painter
• Chart Format Painter
• Angles & Curves Painter
• Animation Painter
• Cycle Accent Colors
• Format Text
• Fit text to textboxes
• Wrap Text Toggle
• Merge Textboxes
• Split Textboxes
• Increase/ Decrease Font size
• Change Text Case
• Color Bold Text
• Delete Text or Replace
• Insert Superscript text
• Format Tables
• Create table from text boxes
• Convert table to text boxes
• Convert text to table
• Insert columns and rows
• Paste Excel data without source formatting
• Paste Excel data into text box tables
• Export Table or Box Table Data to Excel
• Set cell margins
• Express Table layout
• Table stripes
• Autofit columns
• Evenly space columns
• Align shapes over tables
• Harvey Balls for Tables
• Status Indicators for Tables
• Sort Table data
• Customizable PowerPoint Shortcut Keys
• Extra PowerPoint shortcuts
• Add PowerPoint shortcuts
• Search shortcut keys
• Reassign PowerPoint shortcuts
• Reset PowerPoint shortcuts
• McKinsey PowerPoint shortcuts
• F4 or Ctrl+Y redo or repeat
• Printable PowerPoint Shortcuts PDF
• How to Print a Custom Shortcuts list
• Search Shortcut Keys
• Searchable PowerPoint Shortcuts list
• Format Toolbar Overview
• Format Toolbar Layout Options
• Lock or Unlock Objects
• Lock objects
• Lock objects to the Slide Master
• Unlock objects
• Proofing Tools
• Fix Lines & Outlines
• Fix Layout, Transitions, Animations
• Fix Punctuation & Language
• Fix Margins, Bullets, Indents
• Check for Confidential items
• Reduce File Size
• Check Slide Master
• Sync Template Settings
• Replace Fonts
• Set Proofing Language
• Change set language for PowerPoint presentations
• Flip PowerPoint Slides
• Flip Slides for Translation
• Slide Numbering
• Manage Slide Numbering
• Slide Numbers with totals
• Add words to Slide Numbers
• Change Starting Slide Number
• Skip Slide Numbers on Hidden Slides
• Slide Navigator
• Footers & Footnotes
• Filename Footer
• Enlarge Footnotes
• Refine Slides
• Add summary slide
• Format slide title
• Display No Fly Zone
• Send slide to appendix
• Camouflage mode
• Format Painter
• Set Grayscale
• Format Images
• Compress file size
• Format Charts
• Charts Toolbar
• Config Options
• Customize Settings
• Dark Mode Display
• Review Slides
• Customizable Status Stamps
• Sticky Notes
• Tag slides with filename and page number
• Share Slides
• Email selected slides in PPT or PDF format
• Print selected slides
• Save selected slides
• Slide Library for Teams
• Team Slide Library
• Create multiple Team Slide Libraries
• Synchronize Team Slide Libraries
• Synchronize Team Slide Library to your company Dropbox/ Box/ OneDrive folder
• Updating your Team Slide Library
• Import entire presentation to the Slide Library
• Share Slide Library with a colleague
• Share Custom Settings
• Share Custom Settings with Team
• Getting Started
• Getting started with PPT Productivity add-in for PowerPoint
• Downloadable PowerPoint Elements for Slide Library
• Tutorial - How to Create Custom Paragraph Styles for PowerPoint
• Can I use PPT Productivity on a Mac?
• PPT Productivity Basic Tools Tutorial
• PPT Productivity Plus Tools Tutorial
• New Features
• August 2023 update: Color Toolbar enhancement, new icons and more
• February 2023 update: New Slide Libraries available to download!
• January 2023 Update: Agenda Wizard, Format Painters + More
• How to copy and paste formatting in PowerPoint
• PowerPoint How To
• What are the most popular PowerPoint shortcuts?
• Where are PPT templates stored? Finding templates in PowerPoint
• Pasting data into a PowerPoint table without source formatting?
• Consulting Toolkit
• How to create effective consulting slides using Minto Principles
• Missing the McKinsey PowerPoint Shortcuts?
• Missing the Accenture QPT for PowerPoint?
• Missing the BCG PowerPoint Tools?
• Missing the Bain Toolbox for PowerPoint?
• How to add Stamps or Stickers to PowerPoint slides?
• Looking for a Consulting PowerPoint Toolbar?
• Top 10 PowerPoint Hacks / Shortcuts used by strategy consultants
• PowerPoint Tips

Mastering Presenter View in PowerPoint for Online Presentations

• June 6, 2024
• Last updated: July 3, 2024

Microsoft PowerPoint's Presenter View, also known as Presenter Mode in PowerPoint, is a great tool for maintaining your presentation flow and engaging your audience. This guide will walk you through the steps for how to use presenter view in PowerPoint, tailored for both single and dual monitor setups, and provide tips for presenting on Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. We’ll also cover common troubleshooting tips to ensure a seamless presentation experience.

Setting Up Presenter View in PowerPoint

Step 1: preparing your presentation:.

• Open your PowerPoint presentation.
• Click on the “Slide Show” tab on the Ribbon.
• Check the “Use Presenter View” box (refer to the image below for guidance).

Step 2: Configuring Display Settings

Additional steps if you are using dual monitors:

• Connect your second monitor.
• In PowerPoint, go to the “Slide Show” tab and click “Set Up Slide Show.”
• Under “Multiple monitors,” select your primary display as “Automatic” or select the monitor you want to use for Presenter View.
• Click “OK.”

Presenting on Zoom with PowerPoint Presenter View

Presenting in zoom via dual monitor setup.

• Start your Zoom meeting and share your screen.
• Select the window with your PowerPoint presentation (the one that shows your Presentation).
• When you have a share screen active in Zoom, a thin green bar will display around the window being presented - it's worth checking to make sure you can see the thin green bar around the screen you are presenting, rather than your Presenter view)
• Start your presentation. Your audience will see your slides, while you see the Presenter View.

Presenting in Zoom via Single Monitor Setup

How to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting with one monitor - in Zoom:

• Open your PowerPoint presentation and start the slide show.
• In Zoom, select “Share Screen” and choose your presentation window.
• When you have a share screen active in Zoom, a thin green bar will display around the window being presented.
• You can use Alt+Tab to switch between Zoom controls and Presenter View.

Presenting on Google Meet with Presenter Mode in PowerPoint

Presenting in google meet with dual monitor setup.

• Start your Google Meet call and click the “Present now” button (refer to the image below)
• Choose the “Window” option and select your PowerPoint presentation from the available windows (refer to the second image below for an example).
• Start your presentation. Your audience sees the slides, while you see the Presenter View.

Presenting in Google Meet with Single Monitor Setup

How to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting with one monitor - in Google Meet:

• Start your presentation in Presenter View.
• Use Alt+Tab to navigate between Google Meet and Presenter View.

Presenting on Microsoft Teams with PowerPoint Presenter View

Dual monitor setup.

• Start your Microsoft Teams meeting.
• Click the “Share” button.
• Choose the window with your PowerPoint presentation (the one that shows Presenter View).

Single Monitor Setup

• Select your entire screen or the window with your PowerPoint presentation.
• Use Alt+Tab to switch between Microsoft Teams and Presenter View.

How to turn off Presenter View in PowerPoint

Once you have completed presenting, you can turn off presenter view

Tips for a Seamless Presentation with PowerPoint Presenter View

• Practice Beforehand: Familiarize yourself with Presenter View’s features, such as the timer, notes, and navigation controls.
• Use Notes Wisely: Presenter View allows you to see your notes without displaying them to the audience. Keep notes concise and relevant.
• Engage with Your Audience: Maintain eye contact with the camera, not the screen. Use the pointer or annotation tools to highlight key points.
• Check Your Setup before the event: Test your audio, video, and internet connection before the presentation. Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in PowerPoint Presenter View

Here are some troubleshooting suggestions for common issues when presenting using PowerPoint presenter mode:

• Go to the “Display Settings” in Presenter View and swap displays (refer to the screenshot below for guidance on how to find this option), or simply stop your share and then restart the share so that you can select the correct screen
• Ensure your monitor configuration is correctly set in your operating system settings.

• Close unnecessary applications to free up system resources.
• Ensure a stable internet connection.
• Reduce video resolution in your meeting application if necessary.
•  Check your microphone and speaker settings in your meeting application.
•  Ensure your audio devices are properly connected and selected.
•  Double-check the screen/window you are sharing.
•  Verify permissions and settings in your meeting application.
• Ensure you are using a version of PowerPoint that supports Presenter View (available in Microsoft 365 and certain standalone versions).

See our tools at work

Book a personal demo with our PPT professionals

Start 30 Day Free Trial

Start your 30 day free trial - Microsoft Office for Windows

Download and Install

Existing customers download to install on a new computer

Related productivity tips

How to organize PowerPoint Presentations with PowerPoint Sections

What are PowerPoint Sections? PowerPoint sections are section breaks which you can use to group ...

How do I get more icons in PowerPoint?

This hints and tips post gives you an overview of what icons are, why icons in PowerPoint are ...

How to reduce file size of PowerPoint Presentations?

You’ve spent hours creating an awesome presentation, including lots of well thought-out images and...

View Options in PowerPoint – A Complete Beginner’s Guide!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

There are many different types of presentations view available in PowerPoint including Normal View, Outline View, Presenter View, and Slide Show View to name a few. All these views serve different purposes and it is important to know how to use them appropriately to get the most out of PowerPoint!

In this article, we will talk about what each type of view does in PowerPoint and how to access them so that you can choose the best for your needs! So, let’s get started!

[ A Quick Note Before We Begin – for this article, I will be using one of the presentation templates from Envato Elements . With Envato Elements, you get access to thousands of presentation designs with unlimited downloads so you never run out of options again. Plus, you get free previews so you know exactly what you’re getting before buying! It is also very affordable. Check out their pricing here ]

1. What are the Different Type of View Options Available in PowerPoint?  

Microsoft PowerPoint is equipped with a variety of Slide View options that can be used for different purposes.

These are the different view options available in PowerPoint –

• Normal View
• Slide Sorter View
• Notes Page View
• Reading View
• Outline View
• Slide Show View
• Presenter View
• Slide Master View

2. How to Access the Different View Modes in PowerPoint?

To access the different view modes in PowerPoint, you have to click on the ‘View’ tab in the ribbon. The 2-step process is described below.

Step-1: Click on the ‘View’ tab

At first, select the ‘View’ tab, which is the second to last tab in the ribbon section of your PowerPoint Window.

Step-2: Select your preferred ‘View Mode’

Once you have access to the ‘View’ tab, you can select your preferred view mode such as the Outline View , Slide Sorter view, Slide Master view, etc. from the Presentation View section or the Master View section. (as shown in the image in step 1)

3. What is the Purpose of Various View Modes in PowerPoint?

Each view mode in PowerPoint has its own purpose. Let’s go through the purposes of the different slide view options one by one below –

1. Normal View

The ‘Normal View’ option is the first option in the ‘Presentation Views’ section of the ‘View’ tab. It is the most commonly used viewing option and is also the default slide view for PowerPoint.

The slides appear on the left of the PowerPoint window in the ‘Slide Navigation’ bar. Thumbnails of the slide are represented as boxes in the ‘Slide Navigation’ bar with its consecutive serial number to the left of it.

The main function of normal view mode in PowerPoint is to navigate through slides in a vertical grid while allowing you to add, design, or edit the slides while getting a preview of the slides on the left.

2. Slide Sorter View

The ‘Slide Sorter’ option gives you an overview of all the slides in your PowerPoint presentation.

The slides are represented as thumbnails as a grid of boxes arranged side by side. The serial number of the slide is given on the bottom left corner of the slide thumbnail.

This option serves the purpose of viewing the slides together in one window making it easier to rearrange and organize them in a quick fashion.

3. Notes Page View

The ‘Notes Page View’ option gives you the view of each slide and its speaker notes in one page.

In this view, the slides appear at the top and the speaker notes are given on the bottom of the two sections. The serial number of the slide is not shown in this view. You can also edit speaker notes from here.

The main purpose of the notes page view in PowerPoint is to preview what each page will look like before you print the slides with speaker notes.

4. Reading View:

The Reading View option allows you to view your PowerPoint presentation without going into Full Screen mode. All the transitions and animations can be seen in this view. The serial number of the slide is given at the bottom right corner of the window.

It is used to preview the slide and review the slides with full focus. This mode also makes other view options easily accessible, which is not the case in ‘Slide Show’ mode where the presentation is shown in the full screen, and the options are not visible on screen.

The reading mode is actually more useful for word documents, as it allows the reader to focus just on the text. In my opinion, it adds little value to a PowerPoint presentation.

5. Outline View:

The ‘Outline View’ shows you the entire outline of your PowerPoint presentation in the ‘Slide Navigation’ bar.

In this view, there is no thumbnail of the presentation. Instead, there is an outline of all the data present in that slide. The serial number of the slide is at the left followed by a small white box that represents a slide and then the outline of that slide.

You can also create an entire slide in the pane of this view by copy and pasting data from Microsoft Word. However, you will have to design the slide separately once the data has been added to each slide.

6. Slide Show View:

The Slide Show View is the view that your audiences are going to see. This view shows each slide of your PowerPoint presentation in full screen.

All the transitions, animation, and multimedia files in your PowerPoint presentation are played here. Consecutive slides can be accessed using the direction keys on your keyboard or by clicking once on the slide.

7. Presenter View:

This is the view that you as a presenter are going to see while the audience is seeing the ‘Slide Show’ view.

Although you can give a presentation even in the slide show view, but it is always recommend to deliver the presentation using the “Presenter View” mode in PowerPoint as it provides you with additional features and benefits!

This view mode in PowerPoint will split the screen in multiple windows. The window on the left represents the current slide that is being displayed (the one that is visible to your audience).

The window in the top right section indicates the next slide in the queue. Whereas, the notes section displays the notes or key points made by each slide. Both, the notes section as well as the next slides window are only visible to the presenter and not to the audience!

The purpose of the “ Presenter View ” is to give the presenter all the aids to be prepared for the next slide and highlight the key points to be made on the current slide while delivering the presentation.

8. Slide Master View:

This view gives you a view of all the layouts used on the slides of your PowerPoint presentation.

The ‘ Slide Master View ’ option allows you to edit all the aspects of the layouts in your presentation such as fonts, background, color, and pretty much everything you can think of.

You can edit all the slide layouts of the presentation. Furthermore, you can also edit the header and footer of the presentation using the “ Slide Master View ” in PowerPoint.

4. How to Open the Presenter View in PowerPoint?  

There are 2 different ways you can enter into Presenter View in PowerPoint –

• Using Slide Show View
• Using the short cut key i.e. Alt+F5

If you are using the Office 365 version of PowerPoint , you can actually directly access the “Presenter View” in the View section. Simply click on “View”. Then, click on “Presenter View”

Let’s look at both the methods quickly –

Method 1 – Using the Slide Show View

Step-1: Click on the ‘Slide Show’ button at the bottom right corner of the screen

At first, you have to click on the ‘Slide Show’ button that looks like a projector screen which is located at the bottom right corner of your PowerPoint window. (as indicated in the image above)

Step-2: Right-click and choose “Show Presenter View”

Once you are in the ‘Slide Show’ mode, using your mouse right-click anywhere on the screen. From the menu that appears, choose the “ Show Presenter View ” option

Method 2 – Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Alternatively, you can press ‘ Alt + F5 ’ on your keyboard and that will immediately open the ‘Presenter View’ mode.

The keyboard shortcut to open the “Presenter View” in PowerPoint on Mac is “Option+Enter” key.

5. How to Change PowerPoint Back to Normal View? 

To change your PowerPoint back to ‘Normal View’ from ‘Slide Show’ mode, ‘Presenter View’ option or the ‘Reading View’ option, all you have to do is simply press the ‘ESC’ button on the keyboard of your computer. This will take you back to Normal View.

If you are using any other view apart from these 3 view modes in PowerPoint, you need to do the following –

If you are in a different viewing option, such as ‘Slide Sorter’ option, or the ‘Reading View’ option then you have to select the ‘Normal View’ option from the ‘View’ tab instead of the ‘Slide Sorter’ option or the different slide view option you are currently on.  

More PowerPoint Related Topics

• How to Crop a Picture in PowerPoint? [Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial!]
• How to Give a Presentation on Zoom? A Helpful Resource!
• What is a Presentation Clicker? [And How to Use it!]
• How to Convert a PowerPoint to PDF? [A Simple Guide!]
• PowerPoint vs Google Slides: Which is Better? [ULTIMATE Test!]
• How to Change Bullet Style in PowerPoint? A Complete Guide

Credit to Pressahotkey (via Freepik) for the featured image of this article

• PowerPoint Training

Presenter View in PowerPoint

How to Use Presenter View in PowerPoint

PowerPoint Training Features:

Interactive bite-sized lessons

Get Certified

Accurate skill assessments

Customizable, LMS-ready content

4.9 out of 5 on G2

• You can use thumbnails to select slides out of sequence and create a customized presentation for your audience.
• Preview text shows you what your next click will add to the screen, such as a new slide or the next bullet in a list.
• Speaker’s notes are shown in large, clear type so that you can use them as a script for your presentation.
• You can temporarily black out the screen during a presentation and then resume where you left off. This can come in handy during breaks or question and answer periods.

Start Presenter View

• Click the Options button.

The Presenter view fills the screen. The same presentation tools are available below the slide, and it also shows the current time and a thumbnail of the upcoming slide. At the bottom of the screen, use the arrows to move forward or backward in the presentation.

Command Buttons

At the top of the Presenter view, there are command buttons.

• Show Taskbar : Show or hide the Windows taskbar.
• Display Settings : When projecting, swap which display shows the presenter view or duplicate the slide show on both screens.
• End the Slide Show : Return to Normal view.

The timer is located at the top-left corner of the current slide. It keeps track of how long Presenter view has been running.

• Click the Pause button to temporarily stop the timer.

The Notes pane gives you a large look at any notes added to the slide. In Presenter view, you have the flexibility to change the display size.

End Presenter View

You can close Presenter view without ending the presentation entirely.

• Click the Options menu.

You return to the regular slide show view.

To close Presenter View and end the presentation, just press Esc .

FREE Quick Reference

Free to distribute with our compliments; we hope you will consider our paid training.

• LinkedIn-ready certificate
• Skill assessments
• Bite-sized, interactive lessons
• Saved progress