🧩 1. Introduction to PowerPoint Views
PowerPoint offers several view modes to help users create, organize, and present slides effectively.
Each view serves a specific purpose — from designing individual slides to previewing the entire presentation.
The main views include:
- Normal View
- Slide Sorter View
- Slide Show View
- Notes Page View
- Reading View
🪄 2. Slide Sorter View
Definition:
Slide Sorter View displays thumbnail-sized versions of all the slides in your presentation on one screen.
It allows you to rearrange, copy, delete, or apply transitions between slides easily.
How to Open Slide Sorter View:
- Click on the View tab on the Ribbon.
- Select Slide Sorter.
OR - Click the Slide Sorter icon from the bottom-right view bar.
Features of Slide Sorter View:
- Displays all slides as miniature images.
- You can drag and drop slides to change their order.
- Useful for reordering and organizing the flow of the presentation.
- Allows applying or previewing transitions between slides.
- You can hide or delete unwanted slides easily.
Advantages:
✅ Gives a complete overview of the presentation.
✅ Helps to manage slide sequence quickly.
✅ Ideal for final editing before the presentation.
✅ Enables applying timing and transitions to multiple slides at once.
🎬 3. Slide Show View
Definition:
The Slide Show View is used to present the slides on full screen, one at a time, as you would show to an audience.
It simulates how the presentation will appear during an actual delivery.
How to Start Slide Show:
- Click Slide Show → From Beginning (or press F5).
- To start from the current slide, click From Current Slide (or press Shift + F5).
- Use:
- Arrow keys or Spacebar to move forward.
- Backspace or Left arrow to move backward.
- Esc to exit the slide show.
Features of Slide Show View:
- Shows animations, transitions, sounds, and videos as they will appear to the audience.
- Allows narration and timing rehearsals.
- Presenter can use Presenter View to see notes and upcoming slides.
Advantages:
✅ Provides a realistic preview of your presentation.
✅ Useful for rehearsing timing and animations.
✅ Engages the audience with full-screen visuals.
✅ Allows you to focus on delivery without distractions.
🗒️ 4. Notes Page View
Definition:
The Notes Page View allows you to add speaker notes below each slide.
These notes act as reminders or talking points during your presentation.
Features:
- Each slide appears at the top of the page with a text area below for notes.
- Notes can be printed as handouts for the presenter.
- Helpful for practice and explanation during the presentation.
📖 5. Reading View
Definition:
The Reading View displays the presentation in windowed mode (not full screen), allowing you to view slides with transitions and animations but still access other applications.
Use:
- Best for reviewing slides while multitasking.
- Ideal for presenting online when you want to keep other tools visible.
🧭 6. Summary Table
| View Type | Purpose | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Normal View | Create and edit slides | Ctrl + 1 |
| Slide Sorter View | Rearrange and organize slides | Alt + V + D |
| Slide Show View | Present slides full-screen | F5 |
| Notes Page View | Add speaker notes | Ctrl + Shift + H |
| Reading View | View slides in a window | Alt + W + D |
✅ 7. Conclusion
Different PowerPoint views serve different purposes during the creation, organization, and presentation stages:
- Use Normal View to create slides.
- Use Slide Sorter View to organize them.
- Use Slide Show View to present them.
Mastering these views helps you prepare and deliver professional, engaging, and well-structured presentations.