How to create a Google Slides Presentation from very Scratch

Creating a Google Slides presentation from scratch gives you full control over your content, design, and delivery style.

Whether you're preparing for a school project, business meeting, or personal portfolio, starting from a blank slide deck allows you to build a unique and impactful presentation.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the complete process from opening Google Slides to customizing your content and finalizing your slides for presentation.

How to Create a Google Slides Presentation from Scratch | Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Google Slides

Go to https://slides.google.com.

If you're logged into your Google account, you’ll land on the Google Slides homepage.

Click on the “Blank” option to start a new presentation from scratch.

Alternatively, type slide.new in your browser for a shortcut to open a blank deck.

Step 2: Name Your Presentation

Click on the default title in the top-left corner (e.g., “Untitled presentation”).

Rename it to something relevant, such as “Marketing Strategy Q1” or “Physics Project.”

Step 3: Choose or Skip a Theme

A theme sidebar will appear on the right.

Choose a predefined theme if you want a quick design layout.

Or click the “X” on the theme panel to build your design completely from scratch.

Step 4: Add a Title Slide

Click on the first slide and edit the placeholders to include:

Title of your presentation
Subtitle or your name, date, or subject

Use formatting tools in the toolbar to adjust font, color, and alignment.

Step 5: Add New Slides

Click the “+” icon in the top-left or press Ctrl + M to insert a new slide.

Use the dropdown arrow next to the “+” to choose different layouts like Title and Body, Title Only, or Blank.

Step 6: Add Content to Slides

In each slide, insert your content such as:

Headings and bullet points
Images (Insert > Image)
Charts, tables, and diagrams (Insert > Chart/Table/Diagram)

Keep slides focused on one idea per slide for clarity.

Step 7: Format and Customize Slides

Change background colors using Background in the toolbar.

Customize fonts, sizes, and alignments using the top toolbar.

Use the Slide > Apply Layout option if you want to apply a consistent layout.

Step 8: Add Transitions and Animations

Go to Slide > Transition.

Choose transitions between slides for a smoother flow.

Click on individual elements in slides to add entrance or exit animations.

Step 9: Reorder or Delete Slides

In the left-side slide panel, drag and drop slides to change the order.

Right-click on a slide to delete, duplicate, or skip it.

Step 10: Present Your Slides

Click the Present button in the top right to view your presentation full screen.

Use arrow keys or your mouse to navigate slides during your presentation.

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Conclusion

Starting a Google Slides presentation from scratch gives you complete freedom to shape your message and design.

By following these steps, you can create a clean, well-structured, and visually appealing slide deck that effectively communicates your ideas.

With time and practice, building presentations from a blank slate will become second nature, enabling you to present like a pro.

FAQs are here to guide!

Do I need a Google account to use Google Slides?

Yes, a Google account is required to access and save presentations created with Google Slides.

Can I use custom fonts in Google Slides?

Google Slides supports only web-safe fonts by default, but you can explore more via the “More Fonts” option in the font dropdown.

Is it possible to collaborate with others on the same presentation?

Absolutely! Click the “Share” button in the top-right corner to invite others via email or share a link for real-time collaboration.