How to Make a Google Slide Vertical (Step-by-Step Guide)

Want to make a Google Slide vertical? Here’s the quick answer:

  1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
  2. Click File > Page setup.
  3. Select Custom from the dropdown.
  4. Enter your dimensions (8.5 x 11 inches for portrait mode).
  5. Click Apply—your slides are now vertical!

That’s it. Super simple.

But if you want best dimensions, formatting tips, and common fixes, keep reading.

Why Change Google Slides to Vertical?

Most people think of Google Slides as a PowerPoint alternative, but it’s actually way more flexible.

Here are some common reasons you might want vertical slides:

✅ Making printables like worksheets, posters, or infographics.
✅ Designing social media stories (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest).
✅ Creating mobile-friendly slides for easy scrolling.
✅ Formatting documents that need more vertical space.

If any of these sound like what you need, let’s switch those slides to portrait mode.

Can You Make Google Slides Vertical?

Short answer: Yes, but it’s not obvious.

By default, Google Slides sets up all presentations in widescreen (16:9) or standard (4:3) format.

There’s no built-in “portrait mode” button like in Google Docs. Instead, you need to manually adjust the slide dimensions.

Luckily, it takes less than 30 seconds to do.

How to Make a Google Slide Vertical (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation

  • If you don’t have one yet, go to Google Slides and start a blank presentation.

Step 2: Click ‘File’ > ‘Page Setup’

google slides page setup
  • In the top menu, click File.
  • Scroll down and select Page setup.

Step 3: Choose ‘Custom’ and Set Your Dimensions

custom slide size
  • A small box pops up showing the default slide size.
  • Click the dropdown and select Custom.
  • Enter your preferred dimensions:
    • 8.5 x 11 inches (standard portrait size).
    • 9 x 16 inches (perfect for social media).
    • A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches) if you need international print sizes.

Step 4: Click ‘Apply’ – Now Your Slides Are Vertical!

vertical slide

Boom. Your Google Slides are now in portrait mode.

Best Dimensions for Portrait Mode

If you’re not sure what size to use, here are some common vertical slide dimensions and their best use cases:

📄 8.5 x 11 inches – Standard letter size (flyers, printables).
📱 9 x 16 inches – Perfect for Instagram or TikTok stories.
📊 A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches) – Ideal for European print layouts.
🎨 1080 x 1920 pixels – Best for high-resolution digital content.

Pick the one that works for you, and you’re good to go.

How to Format Content for Vertical Slides

Once you switch to portrait mode, things might look… off.

Here’s how to fix it:

Resize text and images – Elements designed for landscape mode might be too wide. Adjust them to fit the new layout.
Use the ‘Arrange’ tool – Align objects properly by selecting them, clicking Arrange, and choosing Center on Page.
Duplicate and tweak slides – If you already have content, it may need adjustments. Duplicate a slide, resize elements, and move things around for better flow.

Alternative Tools If Google Slides Won’t Work

If Google Slides doesn’t give you what you need, try these:

🔥 Microsoft PowerPoint – Has built-in portrait mode (File > Page Setup > Choose Portrait).
🔥 Canva – Lets you create custom designs with full control over dimensions.
🔥 Adobe Express – Great for quick, professional vertical graphics.

Google Slides is free and easy, but these tools give you more control if you need advanced design features.

Common Issues & How to Fix Them

🔴 Slides look stretched after switching to vertical.

Fix: Resize text boxes and images manually. Google Slides won’t auto-adjust them.

🔴 Objects are misaligned after changing orientation.

Fix: Use Arrange > Center on Page to fix alignment.

🔴 Text spills off the page after switching.

Fix: Adjust font size, line spacing, or column width to fit the new layout.

🔴 Can I change only one slide to vertical?

No. Google Slides applies the change to the entire presentation. If you need both portrait and landscape slides, PowerPoint is a better option.

FAQs

1. Will changing the slide size mess up my content?

Not always, but some elements might shift. Be ready to adjust text, images, and layouts.

2. Can I print vertical Google Slides?

Yep! After setting it to 8.5 x 11 inches, go to File > Print. It’ll print just like a regular document.

3. Can I make a Google Slide vertical on mobile?

Nope. You’ll need a desktop or laptop to change page setup settings.

Final Thoughts

Switching Google Slides to portrait mode isn’t obvious, but it’s super easy once you know how.

  • Go to File > Page Setup.
  • Choose “Custom” and enter your dimensions.
  • Click Apply, and boom—vertical slides!

Now you’re set to create tall presentations, printables, and social media designs without any hassle.

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