May 16, 2023 | SlideUpLift

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:

  1. Open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.image_2023_05_15T13_08_45_414Z
  2. Click on the “Slide Number” option in the “Text” group.
  3. Check the “Slide number” box and select the location on the slide where you want the slide number to appear.
  4. Click on “Apply to All” to add slide numbers to all slides in your presentation.image_2023_05_15T13_08_17_267Z

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:

  1. You have to navigate to the slide to which you want to add the slide number.image_2023_05_15T13_08_23_723Z
  2. Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
  3. Click on the “Slide Number” option in the “Text” group.image_2023_05_15T13_08_10_803Z
  4. Check the “Slide number” box and select the location on the slide where you want the slide number to appear.
  5. Click on “Apply” to add slide numbers to the specific slide.image_2023_05_15T13_08_33_493Z

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:

  1. Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
  2. Click on the “Slide Number” option in the “Text” group.image_2023_05_15T13_08_10_803Z
  3. Click on the “Slide Number” button to open the “Header and Footer” dialog box.image_2023_05_15T13_08_52_397Z
  4. Click on the “Slide” tab and select the desired format for your slide numbers, such as font size, color, and style.
  5. Click on “Apply to All” to apply the formatting to all slides in your presentation.image_2023_05_15T13_08_59_091Z

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:

  1. Click on the “Design” tab in the customizable group.
  2. Click on Slide size, in the customize group.image_2023_05_15T13_09_28_570Z
  3. Click on “Custom slide size” in the dialogue box of Slide size, there will be a Number slide dialogue box, enter the number you want to to show on the first slide.image_2023_05_15T13_09_32_445Z
  4. Then click “OK”
    image_2023_05_15T13_09_38_113Z

Tips for How to Insert Page Numbers in PowerPoint

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

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

Issue Solution
Slide numbers not appearing on all slides
  1. Go to the “Slide Master” view and ensure that the slide master you want to use is selected. 
  2. Go to the “Insert” tab, click “Slide Number,” and select “Apply to All”
Slide numbers appearing in the wrong location Go to the “Slide Master” view and adjust the location of the slide number placeholder to a location that does not conflict with other layout elements.
Slide numbers appearing in a font or size that is not consistent with the rest of the presentation Go to the “Slide Master” view and adjust the font and size of the slide number placeholder to match the rest of your presentation.

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.

FAQs

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

    Yes, you can add slide numbers to your PowerPoint presentation without using the “Slide Number” feature by inserting a text box and manually typing in the slide number. However, this method may not update automatically when slides are added or deleted.

  2. How can I make my slide numbers more visually appealing?

    To make your slide numbers more visually appealing, you can customize the font, size, and location of the slide number placeholder in the “Slide Master” view. You can also add additional formatting, such as color or effects, to make the slide numbers stand out.

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