Printing a presentation can be a convenient way to have a hard copy of your slides to reference or present in situations where a digital device is not available. However, printing a presentation can present its own set of challenges. In this article, we will go over some tips for printing a presentation to ensure that your slides look as professional and polished on paper as they do on screen.
Check Your Slide Layout
The first thing you should do when preparing to print a presentation is to check your slide layout. Ensure that the elements of your slides are well-organized and that there is ample white space. If your slides are cluttered, it may be difficult to read the text when it is printed.
Adjust Slide Size
PowerPoint has a default slide size of 16:9, which is optimized for displaying slides on a widescreen. If you’re printing a presentation, you may want to adjust the slide size to 4:3, which is better suited for printing. To do this, navigate to the Design tab, click on Slide Size, and select Standard (4:3) from the drop-down menu.
Check Margins and Orientation
Before printing your presentation, ensure that the margins are set correctly. This can be found in the Page Setup menu under the File tab. Select the Margins tab and ensure that there is enough space between the edge of the paper and the content of your slides.
You should also ensure that the orientation of the slides is correct. Most presentations will be in landscape orientation, but it is essential to double-check this setting before printing.
Print Preview
Before printing, take advantage of the print preview function. This will give you an idea of what the presentation will look like when it’s printed. If you notice any issues, you can go back and adjust your settings before printing. To access the print preview function, click on the File tab and select Print Preview.
Choose a High-Quality Printer
When printing a presentation, it’s essential to choose a high-quality printer. If possible, use a laser printer, as these printers produce high-quality text and images. Additionally, they are faster and have a lower cost per page than inkjet printers. If you do not have access to a laser printer, select the highest quality setting on your inkjet printer.
Use High-Quality Paper
The type of paper you use can also affect the quality of the printed presentation. For the best results, choose a high-quality paper that is designed for printing presentations. This type of paper is typically thicker and has a glossy finish that enhances the colors and images on your slides.
Print Double-Sided
Printing double-sided is an excellent way to save paper and reduce printing costs. Most modern printers have a duplex printing option that allows you to print on both sides of the paper. This can be found in the printer’s settings or through the print dialog box.
Consider Printing Handouts
If you’re giving a presentation to a large audience, you may want to consider printing handouts. Handouts are smaller versions of your slides that can be given to your audience. They provide a quick reference to the information in your presentation and can be useful for taking notes.
To print handouts, select the Handouts option under the Print menu. You can choose how many slides per page and whether to print them in color or black and white.
Conclusion
Printing a presentation can be a convenient way to have a hard copy of your slides. However, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure that the printed presentation looks professional and polished. This includes checking slide layout, adjusting slide size, setting margins and orientation, previewing the print, using a high-quality printer and paper, and considering printing handouts.