In presentation graphics software (like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote), views refer to the different modes in which users can create, edit, organize, and display presentation content. Each view is designed for a specific aspect of the presentation process, from editing individual slides to managing the overall structure. Here’s an overview:
1. Normal View
- Purpose: The default view for creating and editing individual slides.
- Features:
- Divided into three main panes:
- Slide Pane: Shows the slide you’re editing.
- Thumbnail Pane: Displays a list of all slides for navigation.
- Notes Pane: Allows you to add speaker notes.
- Divided into three main panes:
- Best For: Adding and editing content like text, images, animations, and layouts.
2. Slide Sorter View
- Purpose: Displays all slides as thumbnails to provide an overview of the entire presentation.
- Features:
- Drag-and-drop functionality for reordering slides.
- Options for duplicating or deleting slides.
- Useful for organizing the flow and structure of the presentation.
- Best For: Managing slide order and transitions between slides.
3. Reading View
- Purpose: Allows you to view the presentation as the audience will see it but within the application window.
- Features:
- Displays slides in full-screen or windowed mode.
- Includes navigation controls for moving between slides.
- Best For: Reviewing the presentation without entering full slideshow mode.
4. Slide Show View
- Purpose: The mode for delivering the presentation to an audience.
- Features:
- Full-screen view of slides as they appear to viewers.
- Allows interaction with animations, transitions, and embedded media.
- Presenter tools for navigation, annotations, and timing.
- Best For: Presenting the final version of your slides.
5. Outline View
- Purpose: Displays the text content of the slides in a hierarchical, outline format.
- Features:
- Focuses solely on the slide titles and main text.
- Allows easy editing of text without being distracted by visuals.
- Best For: Reviewing or editing the structure and content of the presentation.
6. Notes Page View
- Purpose: Allows you to add and view detailed speaker notes for each slide.
- Features:
- Displays one slide at a time with a larger area for notes.
- Notes are not visible to the audience during the presentation but can be printed or viewed by the presenter.
- Best For: Preparing detailed speaking points or supplementary information.
7. Master View
- Purpose: Provides control over the global design and layout of the presentation.
- Types:
- Slide Master View: Edit the overall design template, including fonts, colors, and placeholders.
- Handout Master View: Customize how handouts will appear when printed.
- Notes Master View: Adjust the layout and design of printed speaker notes.
- Best For: Applying consistent formatting and design across all slides.
8. Presenter View
- Purpose: A specialized view for the presenter, often displayed on a secondary screen.
- Features:
- Displays the current slide, upcoming slides, and speaker notes.
- Includes tools like a timer and a pointer for managing the presentation.
- Best For: Delivering a professional presentation with additional controls.
9. Grid View (or Zoom View)
- Purpose: Allows users to zoom in on or rearrange slides visually.
- Features:
- Similar to Slide Sorter but sometimes with more detailed zoom controls.
- Best For: Examining layouts and spacing of content across multiple slides.
10. Handout View (or Print Layout View)
- Purpose: Prepares slides for printing as handouts for the audience.
- Features:
- Configures the number of slides per page.
- Options to include or exclude notes and headers/footers.
- Best For: Creating printed materials to accompany the presentation.
Summary
Each view in presentation graphics software is tailored to a specific task, whether it’s creating content, organizing the structure, or delivering the final presentation. Switching between views efficiently can enhance productivity and ensure the presentation is polished and professional.