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How to change your Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow orientation to portrait mode

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  • To change your PowerPoint slideshow orientation, you must access the "Slide Size" feature under the "Design" tab. 
  • You can then adjust your PowerPoint slideshow from the horizontal landscape to portrait mode through the "Orientation" option. 
  • The process looks about the same on both the PowerPoint app and the web browser version, though the menu options will be labeled differently.
  • Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

While we're all used to seeing PowerPoint slideshows in landscape orientation, every so often, a presentation may need to be in portrait format.

The process to change your slide orientation looks about the same on both the PowerPoint app and the web browser versions. However, the menus will differ slightly due to spacing, as will the labels. 

For example, when adjusting slide content to fit the new orientation, the app version will ask if you want to scale items up or down, while the online version will ask if you want to maximize items or ensure fit. Despite using different language, the options mean the same thing.

If you want to change your PowerPoint presentation from landscape to portrait, here's how to adjust slide orientation.

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How to change portrait orientation in the PowerPoint app

1. Open PowerPoint on your Mac or PC. You can open a presentation you already started or create a new one.

2. Navigate to the "Design" tab.

3. Click the "Slide Size" icon toward the right side of the toolbar. This will immediately open a drop-down menu highlighting your current selection. 

4. Click "Page Setup…" to open a pop-up menu.

Open the "Slide Size" menu to change a presentation from the default landscape orientation. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

5. Under the "Orientation" section, select the upward-facing portrait option. You'll notice arrows showing which way the text is facing. 

It's important to note this option is different from notes, handouts, and outlines. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

6. Click "OK" when you're done.

7. This will immediately prompt another, smaller pop-up. If there are already items — such as text, charts, or photos — on your slide, you'll be asked if you want to scale content up or down to fit the new slide shape. 

Choose to scale content up or down to fit your new slideshow orientation. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

8. Your choice should immediately return you to the slide screen. You'll notice it's been flipped. You may need to adjust content if it's no longer centered or sized to your liking.

Your slideshow in portrait orientation. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

How to change portrait orientation in PowerPoint online

1. Launch your PowerPoint presentation. 

2. Click the "Design" tab.

3. Select "Slide Size."

4. Choose "Custom Slide Size…" next to the gear icon.

Access the "Slide Size" menu on the PowerPoint web version. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

5. Select "Portrait." You'll also have the option to change the slide size.

6. Click "OK."

Choose the portrait option. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

7. Choose how you'd like to scale your content to fit the new slide size: maximize or ensure fit. 

Select your option by clicking the appropriate button below the sample photos. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

8. Your choice will take you back to your slideshow. You may have to adjust any text or shapes that no longer fit on screen.

A slideshow successfully switched to vertical portrait settings. Marissa Perino/Business Insider
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Marissa Perino is a former editorial intern covering executive lifestyle. She previously worked at Cold Lips in London and Creative Nonfiction in Pittsburgh. She studied journalism and communications at the University of Pittsburgh, along with creative writing. Find her on Twitter: @mlperino. Read more Read less

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