PowerPoint offers several shortcuts to start and manage slide shows efficiently. These shortcuts save time and provide a smoother experience when delivering presentations. You can also test your keyboard.
1. Start Slide Show from the Beginning
- Shortcut:
- Windows:
F5 - Mac:
Command (⌘) + Shift + Return
- Windows:
What It Does:
This shortcut starts your presentation from the very first slide, regardless of which slide you are currently viewing in PowerPoint.
2. Start Slide Show from the Current Slide
- Shortcut:
- Windows:
Shift + F5 - Mac:
Command (⌘) + Return
- Windows:
What It Does:
Starts the slide show from the currently selected slide. This is especially useful during practice sessions or when resuming a presentation midway.
3. Use Presenter View
- Shortcut:
- Windows:
Alt + F5 - Mac:
Option + Return
- Windows:
What It Does:
Starts the slide show in Presenter View, showing the current slide to the audience and presenter notes on your screen. Ensure you are using dual monitors for this feature.
4. Open the Slide Show Tab
- Shortcut:
- Windows:
Alt + S - Mac:
Control + Option + S
- Windows:
What It Does:
Opens the Slide Show tab in PowerPoint’s Ribbon, where you can quickly select options like starting the slide show or setting up timings.
5. Rehearse Timings
- Shortcut:
- Windows:
Alt + S, thenT - Mac:
Control + Option + T
- Windows:
What It Does:
Launches the Rehearse Timings feature, which allows you to practice and record the time spent on each slide before delivering your presentation.
Bonus Tips for Managing Slide Shows
- Pause/Resume Slide Show:
- Windows:
S - Mac:
S
Freezes the current slide, useful during Q&A sessions.
- Windows:
- Exit Slide Show:
- Windows/Mac:
Esc
Instantly exits the slide show mode.
- Windows/Mac:
By using these PowerPoint shortcuts, you can efficiently start and manage your presentations, ensuring a professional delivery while saving time. Practice these shortcuts to make them second nature!