If your presentation contains a long list, you can make it easier for your readers by dividing it into columns. This approach not only enhances organization but also facilitates faster content creation.
To create Google Slides columns, begin by creating or opening your presentation. Then, navigate to the “Layout” option and select “Title and Two Columns.” This will modify the formatting of your current slide.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to add columns in Google Slides and effectively split text into two columns.
Table of Contents
How To Create Columns in Google Slides
Columns are a great way to organize your slides so your audience can grasp the information presented more easily. Here’s how you can format the current slide into a column:
- Create or open the presentation you want to edit, and navigate to the desired slide where you want to add columns.
- Go to the “Layout” option and select “One column text.” This will format the slide with a single column and a Title bar.
After following these steps, your current slide should appear as shown below:
Related: How To Make Columns in Google Docs
How To Make Two Columns in Google Slides
Sometimes, you want to break texts into two parts, especially when making lists. Fortunately, Google Slides allows you to easily make two columns.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to split text into two columns in Google Slides:
- Create or open your Google Slides presentation and navigate to the desired slide, or create a new slide where you want to add the columns.
- Go to the “Layout” option and select “Title and two columns.”
- After performing these steps, the current slide will be formatted with two columns alongside the Title box.
How To Make Three Columns in Google Slides
Creating a three-column slide in Google Slides can be a bit challenging since the Layout menu only offers options for one- or two-column slides. You just have to be inventive. Here’s how you can make a three-column slide in Google Slides:
- Create a new slide, which is typically formatted as “Title and body” by default. Since this slide already has a text box, you can modify it by scaling it.
- Click on the text box, and then drag the rightmost blue square border all the way to the left to extend it.
- Right-click on the modified text box and select “Copy.”
- Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + C for Windows or Cmd + C for Mac.
- Paste the copied text box on the same slide using the Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) keys to duplicate it.
- Repeat this step until you have three text boxes available.
- After pasting the text boxes, arrange them symmetrically to create the desired three columns.
And voila! You should now have a slide with three columns.
Related: How To Change Slide Size in Google Slides
How To Create a Table in Google Slides
Another way to split text is by creating a table. This allows you to create three columns or more and is quite helpful when comparing different data. Simply follow the steps outlined below:
- To create a table, click on “Insert” and select “Table.”
- A grid will appear, allowing you to choose the number of rows and columns for your table.
Note: The maximum table size is 20×20, but you can adjust this later. For now, let’s create a simple 2×2 table as an example. Click and drag to select the desired number of rows and columns.
- If you have a template available, you can import it into your presentation. Go to “File,” click on “Import slides,” and choose the slide or file you want to import. You can select multiple files at once.
- After creating the table, you can add more rows and columns as needed. Simply select the table, right-click anywhere on it, and choose the appropriate option from the context menu. You can add rows above or below and columns to the left or right. There is no limit to the number of rows and columns you can add.
- Additionally, you can delete individual rows, columns, or the entire table from the same context menu.
- Once the table is set up, you can add text to each cell. Simply click on the desired cell and enter your text. Each column can contain a different text set, allowing you to create a large list or organize content accordingly.
Related: How To Make Google Slides Vertical
Benefits of Using Columns in Google Slides
Adding columns to your presentation can have several benefits:
1. Makes Your Presentation Look Professional
Adding columns enhances your presentation’s overall look and feel, giving it a more professional and organized appearance. It helps both you and your audience easily navigate and understand the information being presented.
2. Great for Comparing Data
Columns are particularly useful when comparing different sets of data. By separating the text into distinct columns, you can easily analyze and compare the information side by side, making it easier to identify patterns, trends, and differences.
3. Makes Long Lists More Readable
When dealing with long lists, splitting them into two columns can greatly improve readability. By dividing the content into smaller chunks, you and your audience can quickly scan and comprehend the list without feeling overwhelmed by a wall of text.
Final Thoughts
Columns in Google Slides make your presentation look professional and organized. There are various methods to create columns, and sometimes you need to be creative, such as when making three-column slides. Using columns makes reading easier for your audience, and you can highlight important information easily as well.
If you have a long list or a set of data to compare, don’t hesitate to make columns to make an easy-to-follow workflow that would benefit you and your audience.
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