Changing a PowerPoint presentation to a handout layout is a breeze! All you need to do is go to the ‘View’ tab, select ‘Master Views’, and click on ‘Handout Master’. This will open up a new view where you can choose the layout, number of slides per page, and more. You can even add headers, footers, and your company logo for a professional look. Once you’re happy with your design, simply print or save it for your audience.
After you’ve finished setting up your handout layout, you’ll be ready to distribute it to your audience. Whether you’re printing it out for a face-to-face meeting or sharing it online for a virtual presentation, your handouts will help your audience follow along and take notes.
Introduction
Have you ever sat through a PowerPoint presentation and wished you had a printout to follow along? Or maybe you’re the one giving the presentation, and you want to provide your audience with a physical copy of your slides. Either way, turning a PowerPoint into a handout layout can be incredibly useful.
Handouts are not just a courtesy for your audience; they’re a powerful tool to reinforce your message. By providing a handout, you allow your listeners to engage with the content on a deeper level, jot down notes, and have a reference to review after the presentation is over. This is especially handy in educational settings, business meetings, or any situation where you want your information to stick.
But why should you care about handouts? Well, think about the last time you tried to remember something from a presentation without any reference material. It’s tough, right? Handouts solve that problem. Plus, they’re a great way to show professionalism and preparedness. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or an educator, knowing how to convert your PowerPoint into a handout layout is a skill that will definitely come in handy. So, let’s dive in and learn how to do just that!
Step by Step Tutorial: Changing a PowerPoint to a Handout Layout
Let’s get started on transforming your PowerPoint slides into an easily distributable handout layout!
Step 1: Open the ‘View’ Tab
First things first, open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the ‘View’ tab at the top of the screen.
In the ‘View’ tab, you’ll find everything you need to switch up how you see your PowerPoint. This is where the magic happens for creating handouts.
Step 2: Select ‘Master Views’
Next, within the ‘View’ tab, look for the group labeled ‘Master Views’ and click on ‘Handout Master’.
The ‘Handout Master’ is the behind-the-scenes control panel for setting up your handout layout. It allows you to make changes that will apply to all your handout pages.
Step 3: Choose Your Layout
Once you’re in the ‘Handout Master’ view, you can select your preferred layout from the options provided.
Do you want each page to display one slide, two slides, or more? This is where you decide. Think about how much detail each slide has and how much note-taking space your audience will need.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Audience Engagement | Providing handouts during a presentation can significantly boost audience engagement. People have something tangible to refer to, which helps them follow along and stay focused. |
| Better Information Retention | A handout layout allows the audience to write notes alongside the relevant slides. This act of note-taking can improve retention and understanding of the material presented. |
| Professionalism | Handouts give a polished and prepared look to your presentation. They communicate to your audience that you value their time and want to give them resources to succeed. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Additional Preparation Time | Converting your PowerPoint to a handout layout and customizing it takes time. You’ll need to plan ahead to ensure your handouts are ready for your presentation. |
| Potential Waste | If you’re printing your handouts, there’s always the potential for waste. Whether it’s leftover copies or incorrect prints, it’s something to consider. |
| Information Overload | Sometimes, too much information on one page can be overwhelming. It’s important to find a balance in your handout layout to avoid overwhelming your audience. |
Additional Information
When it comes to changing a PowerPoint to a handout layout, a few extra tidbits of information can make the process smoother and the end result more effective. For instance, did you know you can customize the headers and footers in your handout? This is a great place to add your contact information, the date of the presentation, or a custom message.
Also, consider the quality of your printouts. If you’re using a handout layout with multiple slides per page, make sure the text is still readable and the images are clear. You might need to adjust the size of your fonts and visuals in your original PowerPoint to accommodate this.
And what about color? While color handouts can be eye-catching and engaging, they can also be costly to print. If you’re working with a tight budget, it might be smarter to go with a grayscale handout. Plus, it’s easier on your audience’s printer ink if they decide to print a copy for themselves.
Remember, the goal is to provide a useful resource, not just a direct copy of your slides. Your handout should complement your presentation, not compete with it. Keep your audience in mind, and you’re sure to create a handout layout that enhances your presentation and leaves a lasting impression.
Summary
- Open the ‘View’ tab in PowerPoint
- Select ‘Master Views’ and then ‘Handout Master’
- Choose your preferred handout layout
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add page numbers to my handout?
Yes, when you’re in the ‘Handout Master’ view, you can insert page numbers by selecting the ‘Insert’ tab and clicking on ‘Page Number’.
How do I save my handout as a PDF?
After setting up your handout layout, go to ‘File’, click ‘Save As’, and choose ‘PDF’ from the ‘Save as type’ dropdown menu. This will create a PDF of your handout that you can share digitally.
Can I customize the background of my handout?
Absolutely! In the ‘Handout Master’ view, you can select ‘Background Styles’ to choose a design or format the background as you see fit.
Is it possible to print handouts with lines for notes?
Yes, when selecting your layout in the ‘Handout Master’ view, choose one that includes space for notes. These layouts provide lines alongside each slide where the audience can jot down their thoughts.
Can I change the handout layout after I’ve already created slides?
Definitely. You can switch to the ‘Handout Master’ view and adjust the layout at any time, even if you’ve already designed all your slides.
Conclusion
Changing a PowerPoint presentation to a handout layout is a fantastic way to enhance your audience’s experience. It’s a simple process that can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your presentation. Whether you’re in a classroom, a business meeting, or presenting at a conference, handouts can help your audience engage, understand, and remember your message long after the presentation is over.
Remember, the key is to design your handouts with your audience in mind. Consider the balance of information, the readability of your content, and the overall look and feel of your handout. With just a few clicks and a bit of creativity, you can transform your PowerPoint into a valuable resource that complements your spoken presentation and leaves a lasting impression. Now go ahead, give it a try, and watch your presentations come to life!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.