conference presentation aspect ratio

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Correct PowerPoint Aspect Ratio: 4:3 or 16:9

Nov 16, 2015 | Articles , How-To

During the day I had a business meeting and when I arrived back at the hotel in the evening, I immediately noticed that the professional video playback was replaced by a simple PowerPoint slideshow. The presentation welcomed a specific company to the bar of the hotel, for a kind of reception or celebration of something. The contrast between that initial video and now this PowerPoint presentation, could not have been bigger.

• First of all was this PowerPoint, that was set up like so many people do with PowerPoint. They use PowerPoint like Microsoft Word. Start with an empty white sheet, add a title, add some text as bullets and optionally, insert a picture to the right of it. 70% of the PowerPoint presentations are built like that.
• The second problem that I noticed, was a professional earthquake. The slideshow was set up as a standard size of 4:3 on a wide screen 16:9 television screen. You recognize this problem when you see those black bars at the left and at the right of the slideshow, in order to equally center the slideshow on the larger screen or resolution.

The first problem can be fixed by investing in a professional PowerPoint design agency or freelancer. Let them set up a PowerPoint template with your logo, a given font, your style and so on. Force everyone in your company to start with this template. It is so much easier to start off with a good template. Don’t trust yourself with the promise that the white presentation will be enhanced later on when you have time. Don’t fool yourself. The second problem can be easily fixed. When you start with a new presentation, you will first have to know; what is the aspect ratio of the device where I will show my slideshow or presentation? When you don’t know the aspect ratio, don’t start with the presentation. Changing the aspect ratio after the design of the presentation, could easily ruin your design. There are two commonly used aspect ratio’s:

• Wide screen aspect ratio, or 16:9 screens. Since a year of 5, almost all computer screens are wide screens, with the resolution aspect ratio of a television screen. The current HD computer screens have a resolution of 1920 pixels in width by 1080 pixels in height.

PowerPoint followed this evolution. From the beginning, a new PowerPoint presentation was created with a 4:3 slide setup. Since PowerPoint 2013, a new presentation is now created with 16:9 slides. So when people are still using PowerPoint 2010 nowadays, they tend to always create 4:3 presentations, for playback on the recent 16:9 television screens. People still use PowerPoint 2010 while you can’t buy 4:3 monitors anymore. This results in the slide show aspect ratio problem, as I experienced at this hotel. So as an AV professional, let me teach the 2 things that the user should know before start typing the first words on the slides . Both are related to the device where the user will run the slideshow:

• Check the orientation of the screen. Most common orientation is landscape like a television screen. But there are exceptions; at shopping malls, airports and exhibition halls, the user often see television screens in portrait mode.
• Know the resolution of the playback device and see if it is a standard monitor or wide-screen monitor.

When the user knew the orientation and size of the playback device, the user can start with the presentation. In PowerPoint, click File , New , Blank Presentation from the menu. Then click the  Design tab and click on the Slide Size button.

Here the user can choose between a portrait or landscape orientation and set the width in pixels or inches or centimeters. Now with these correct settings, you can add slides and add your messages. Remember not to start with those empty white slides like in a Microsoft Word document and be creative. Good luck…

10 Ways to Optimize PowerPoint for Information Screens

Common mistake: wrong aspect ratio used at information screens

10 Comments

Sorry, but this is no solution because placed images, like company logos, become distorted!

That is completely correct Michael. Doing this action on an existing presentation, has an influence on the images. That is also stipulated in the article that you always know upfront the orientation and the resolution of the final output device BEFORE you start a presentation. When you don’t know the resolution, then you best have to create a 4:3 and a similar 16:9 presentation, to serve both most important aspect ratios.

That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Be certain to keep writing.

Our client requires full-size landscape hard-copy handouts on letter-size paper (8-1/2″ x 11″) which of course is 4:3 in addition to 16:9 presentation slides. So we prepare both aspects for them and bill accordingly!

Thanks fot this post.It’s a helpful information for professional presentations desigency. wwww.powerpoint.geek

Thanks for this post. It’s a helpful information for professional presentations.

iDealshare VideoGo also works great to convert 4:3 to 16:9 by Click “Setting…” -> Advanced ->Aspect Ratio where you can directly overwrite the original 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9 or directly select 16:9 as the final aspect ratio.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention!

longrifle, not true, 11 x 8.25 is 4:3, if you insert an 11 x 8.5 background on a standard ppt deck, it will not fit.

Sorry but I can’t reproduce what you are saying here. And your valid email address is needed for a dialog so that you get notifications:-)

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Best aspect ratio for conference presentations?

As it is relatively easy to setup an arbitrary aspect ratio for my Beamer presentation, I am wondering what would be the best aspect ratio for my presentation slides?

I think the 4:3 aspect ratio would be suitable for lecture notes as it leaves no blank margins when I print out 4 on 1 handouts. But for screening purpose, would it be necessary to go for 16:9? As suggested by this online article , in most cases 16:9 is more suitable, however in the end it is a matter of preference.

Any suggestions besides that?

• presentation

• 1 Why not contact the organising committee/chair? and just ask what the projector is? –  Frames Catherine White Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 13:59
• 1 @Oxinabox I did ask and the answer is 16:10...my question is mainly to ask for some general suggestion. My problem arises since I use heavily customized vector art background. Dont want to screw up the aspect ratio. –  Troy Woo Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 14:53
• 1 @TroyWoo - well, perhaps there is the problem. Why do you feel you need to use a heavily customized background? Does it help convey the point of your talk, or do you think it looks cool? If the latter, consider that it might just be distracting to many members of your audience. –  Jon Custer Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 15:31
• A 16x9 aspect ration will fit into a 16x10 projection... –  Raydot Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 18:13
• @JonCuster Thanks for your concern but perhaps you jumped to your conclusion. Heavily customized does not necessarily mean heavily colored or decorated, or cool. The reason that I choose to customize my Beamer background is for aesthetic reason. Of course I would bear in mind that it must remain within the boundary of not distracting or offending any of my audience. For your concern, I do believe that no matter what I did with my presentation, I may always end up distracting someone unintentionally, just like my post. –  Troy Woo Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 23:08

In the following, when talking about displaying a presentation with a certain aspect ratio on a projector with a certain aspect ratio, I always assume that the presentation’s aspect ratio is preserved and black bars are added at the appropriate sides. Never have the projector digitally warp your presentation: It destroys hinting ¹ and may make fine lines invisible.

The best aspect ratio is the one of the very projector you are presenting on, as you can make best use of the space. In particular with projectors, you do not want any content to be unnecessarily downscaled as their resolution is very low to begin with and the projection area may be rather small (and thus difficult to see for the audience). An okay 16:9 presentation may be rendered unreadably small, if displayed on a 4:3 projector.

Now, depending on your presentation and how dynamical you program it, adapting to a different solution may be a rather simple thing with Beamer (apparently in contrast to Powerpoint, going by the article you linked). I once changed a presentation of mine from 4:3 to 16:9 in about half an hour, and this included recompiling complex animations and a lot of perfectionism – a “normal” presentation could be adapted much faster.

If you do not want to adapt, the choice essentially depends on the average age and purpose of projectors in your conference venues (I would guess that newer projectors or projectors mainly used for movies are rather 16:9). Thus it depends on your field and probably also your continent. Anyway, most projectors I have encountered so far had a 4:3 resolution and most of those who hadn’t had a resolution very close to it. I’ve only encountered a single 16:9 projector. I thus use 4:3 as the default.

¹ To give you an idea, the following shows this sentence as natively rendered by my computer (with hinting) and the same text digitally stretched or squeezed:

• 3 If a 4:3 gets stretched horizontally, it won't lose legibility, though it may look lousy. Going the other way, text may suffer and graphics may lose fine detail altogether ... or, worse, lose some vertical lines. –  keshlam Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 9:34
• 2 @keshlam: Actually, if you (digitally) stretch a fully rendered presentation, you destroy hinting, which may severely impede legibility – see the edit to my answer. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 10:39
• Well said. Thanks. In fact, my only concern is that I used a customized background, and might need to adjust the aspect ratio in some 3rd party software. So for one presentation, I have to prepare two suites of backgrounds. –  Troy Woo Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 11:04
• Hinting: Hmmm... –  keshlam Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 11:59
• @keshlam I dont know man...I guess it is a valid point. I never heard of hinting before...now I learned something new. Can't complain XD. –  Troy Woo Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 14:49

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Laura M. Foley Design

Cheat Death by PowerPoint!

What size should my slides be, 16:9 or 4:3?

July 3, 2017 by Laura Foley 2 Comments

Deciding on a slide format used to be easy when there was only one choice. Nowadays, you can choose between 4:3 format or 16:9. What do these numbers mean and which size should you choose for your presentations?

What the numbers mean

The above notation is called the “aspect ratio,” or the ratio of the width to the height of the slide. In the 4:3 aspect ratio, the dimensions are 1024 x 768 pixels (10.67″ x 8″); the height is 3/4 of the width. Back in the Ye Olde Days of PowerPoint, it was your only choice. Why? Because that’s the aspect ratio of actual slides, pictured above, television screens, and early computer monitors.

When high-definition screens came on the scene in the early 2000s, they were built in a 16:10 aspect ratio. But as more and more high-definition screens were manufactured, it became clear that screens with a 16:9 aspect ratio were cheaper to manufacture. So the 16:9 aspect ratio (1920 x 1080 pixels or 13.3″ x 7.5″) became the new standard.

What size should you choose?

From boardrooms to computer monitors to smartphone screens, 16:9 is the default screen aspect ratio so that’s the slide size I always go with. The 16:9 format gives you a lot of slide real estate to play around with! The legacy 4:3 aspect ratio, while still used, creates smaller slides and doesn’t look that great on newer screens.

How do you change an old 4:3 deck to the new 16:9 format?

Oh, this is super-fun to do and you’re a lucky duck if it becomes your job.

To resize your slides go to the Design tab on the ribbon and select Slide Size/Widescreen on the right side of the screen.

After you select the new size, this window will appear:

Now you’re faced with either everything on the slides being stretched out or squished to fill the space. Oh boy! Either way, after you make your selection you’ll need to go through the presentation slide by slide to ensure that everything looks good. This can be fairly straightforward if the creator of the presentation stayed within the template or a real pain in the rear if he/she didn’t. But do go through the deck to ensure that everything looks right.

If you’re a production artist that charges by the hour, reformatting an organization’s slides from 4:3 to 16:9 could be a nice little gig for you!

Other slide sizes for special events

Now, the 16:9 format is great for everyday use but what if you’re designing a presentation for an event? Last year, I was designing slides for a corporate conference where the setup included multiple, massive screens. For that event, the slides measured 52″ x 17″ and had a “leave this space blank” area on the bottom. Each event is different, so if you’re working on slides like these you need to become friends with the AV folks and find out what size slides they recommend for optimal viewing on that particular setup. The last thing you want to see on a gigantic stage are distorted graphics!

Bottom line

Unless you’re told otherwise, use the 16:9 format. You get a lot more space on each slide for your visuals and it’s really the way things are going.

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Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials PowerPoint Slide Size: What is the Best Size for a Presentation

PowerPoint Slide Size: What is the Best Size for a Presentation

Whether you’re a business professional, educator, or public speaker, understanding what are the optimal slide dimensions can enhance the impact of your presentation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the size of your PowerPoint presentation, from the basics to advanced tips.

What is the PowerPoint Slide Size?

PowerPoint slide size refers to the dimensions of the slides within your PowerPoint presentation. These dimensions determine how your content is displayed in a monitor or projector, and can significantly affect the overall look and feel of your presentation.

The most common slide sizes in PowerPoint are 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard).

Choosing the right slide size is essential as it impacts how your content is perceived and ensures compatibility with various display devices. Once you define the optimal slide size for your next presentation, you can change the slide dimensions in PowerPoint following the steps described in our article.

It is important to understand the differences between Aspect Ratio and Pixel Dimensions.

The specific pixel dimensions for a standard 16:9 slide are 1920 pixels in width by 1080 pixels in height.

Understanding Aspect Ratio vs. Pixel Dimensions

Aspect ratio vs. pixel dimensions: what’s the difference.

When defining the optimal slide size for your presentation, it’s important to understand the difference between aspect ratio and pixel dimensions, as these terms often cause confusion but are critical for creating well-designed presentations.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of your slide. It’s expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, such as 4:3 or 16:9. The aspect ratio defines the shape of your slide and how it will appear on different screens.

Pixel Dimensions:

Pixel dimensions, on the other hand, specify the total number of pixels in the width and height of your slide. This measurement determines the resolution and quality of your images and text in your PowerPoint slide size. For example:

• 1920 x 1080 pixels: This is a common dimension for a 16:9 aspect ratio, known as Full HD. It provides high clarity and detail, making it suitable for large screens and high-resolution displays.
• 1024 x 768 pixels: This dimension matches a 4:3 aspect ratio and is often used for smaller screens or lower resolution displays. It’s less detailed than 1920 x 1080 but can be effective for standard printouts or older projectors.

Why both slide size definitions matter? Understanding both aspect ratio and pixel dimensions is important because they impact how your PowerPoint slide size is viewed across different devices and formats. Here’s why:

• Consistency Across Devices: Ensuring your aspect ratio is compatible with the display device prevents issues like black bars on the sides (letterboxing) or content being cut off (cropping).
• Clarity and Detail: Choosing appropriate pixel dimensions ensures that your images and text appear sharp and clear, avoiding pixelation or blurriness.
• Professional Appearance: Matching the right aspect ratio and pixel dimensions helps maintain a polished and professional look, whether you’re presenting on a large screen, sharing a PDF handout (as we will see later), or displaying your slides online.

The Impact of Slide Size on Different Industries

Different industries have unique needs when it comes to presentation slide sizes. For instance:

• Business: Corporate presentations often require widescreen formats (16:9 slide size) to showcase detailed charts and data on modern projectors and screens. However, in some environments there are still projectors using the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio format for slide sizes.
• Education: Lectures and workshops benefit from both 16:9 and 4:3 formats, depending on the teaching aids and screen setups used.
• Design: Creative professionals need to create visually appealing slides that may require custom dimensions to stand out and effectively communicate their ideas.

Best Practices for Choosing a Proper Slide Size for your Presentation

When selecting an optimal PowerPoint slide size, consider the following:

• Audience and Venue: Tailor your slide size to the screen size and setup of your presentation venue. Widescreen (16:9) is typically best for large screens, while standard (4:3) works well for print distributions.
• Presentation Type: Webinars and online presentations held via Zoom or Teams , for example, often benefit from widescreen formats, while in-person meetings might require flexibility.
• Aesthetics vs. Functionality: Balance visual appeal with readability and content integrity.

When creating PDF handouts from your PowerPoint presentation, it’s also important to choose a convenient slide size that ensures readability and clarity in print.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is generally preferred for printed handouts as it aligns well with standard paper sizes such as A4 or Letter. This format ensures that your content fits neatly onto the page without excessive margins or cropping.

Additionally, using 4:3 for print ensures that text and graphics are appropriately scaled, maintaining the legibility and professional appearance of your handouts. This consideration is essential for creating effective printed materials that complement your live presentations.

Overcoming Challenges with Slide Size

Adapting content for different slide sizes.

Resizing images and adjusting layouts can be challenging. Here are some tips:

• Resizing Images: Ensure that images maintain their aspect ratio to avoid distortion.
• Text Adjustments: Modify font sizes and text boxes to fit the new slide dimensions without compromising readability.
• Consistency: Keep a consistent layout throughout your presentation to maintain a professional look.

Dealing with Mixed Slide Sizes in a Presentation

Sometimes, you may need to integrate slides with different dimensions. Here’s how:

• Transition Techniques: Use smooth transitions to blend slides of varying sizes seamlessly.
• Tools and Add-Ins: You can use PowerPoint add-ins that help manage and standardize slide sizes across your presentation.

Advanced Tips for Custom Slide Sizes

When it is time to innovate, the PowerPoint slide size can also play an important role. If you are considering to create a presentation for digital signage, or non traditional devices, choosing a custom PowerPoint slide size can help to achieve this. Here are some ideas and ways you can innovate by choosing a different slide size:

• Unique Dimensions: Create custom slide sizes for branding or special events.
• Custom Branding: Use non-standard slide sizes to align with your brand identity and marketing materials.
• Innovative Uses: Experiment with different dimensions to create unique visual experiences.

For example, to create high-quality digital signage content, you’d need to set the PowerPoint slides to a 1920×1080 resolution in vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) mode, which are the typical digital sign screen sizes.

Understanding what is the optimal slide size and how to configure it is essential for creating effective and engaging presentations. By optimizing your slides, and overcoming common challenges, you can ensure your visual aids are impactful and professional. Keep experimenting with different sizes and formats to find what works best for your needs. Remember, the key to a successful presentation lies in the details—choosing the right slide size is one of them.

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What Are the Right Dimensions (Size) for Your PowerPoint PPT Slides? (+ Video)

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How important are PowerPoint slide dimensions? Consider the following. Ever plugged your laptop in, and your slides didn't look quite right? Were they cut off on the edges, or boxed in on the screen, like this? Changing PowerPoint slide size can avoid this.

You've spent time doing research, crafting your message and creating visuals. Now you're ready to give a PowerPoint presentation. In PowerPoint, changing slide size ensures that you maximize your screen space.

Knowing your PowerPoint slide dimensions helps your presentation look right on the screen. In this tutorial, I'll teach you how to choose the right PowerPoint dimensions. I'll also share some top PowerPoint slide designs  from Envato Elements. These have slide designs and dimensions already set for you!

Learn More About Presentations

Before you dig into this tutorial, be sure to download our free eBook:  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations .  It'll help you master the complete presentation process. 

What Are the Right Dimensions (Size) for Your PowerPoint Slides? (Video)

Are you unsure of how to set up PowerPoint dimensions? The wrong dimensions can have a very real impact on the success of your presentation. Before you connect to a big screen monitor or projector to share your hard work, check the  size and aspect ratio  of your presentation. 

Watch the video below for a quick walk-through on how to set up PPT slide size:

Continue reading to learn even more about PowerPoint size. Discover which sizes to use for which screens, and more.

Jump to content in this section:

What's the Right Size for Your PowerPoint?

• How to Change the Size of Your PowerPoint

Top PowerPoint Templates (With Ready-Made Slide Dimensions)

5 quick powerpoint presentation format tips, find more great powerpoint templates: 5 top designs, more powerpoint slide size templates (for 2023 slide designs), learn more about using microsoft powerpoint, make great presentations (free ebook download).

Choosing PowerPoint slide size is a key part of your presentation setup. It ensures that your content looks its best in the way that you want to share it. 

You might present PowerPoint presentations on a variety of screens, such as:

• laptop screens
• conference room projectors
• iPads and tablets
• widescreen, large format displays

Each of these displays has a different shape or aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is a measure that describes the width versus height of a screen. The same PowerPoint slides will appear differently on each device. That's because the aspect ratio can vary. 

This brings us to the first step. Begin by choosing a size for PPT slide layouts by deciding what device your slides are most likely to appear on. This drives the slide size in PPT that you’ll want to use for best results. 

The specific setting depends on the device you'll use. Here are rules of thumb for which one to choose:

These aren't the only options, of course. PowerPoint slide size change features like Letter Paper or Ledger Paper are also available. These are meant for printed slides, so that they fit perfectly on different sizes of paper.

The key is to choose the size that works for your audience. It's how to change slide size in PPT in a way that works best for you and your work.

How to Change the Size of Your PowerPoint 

We've learned the basic rules for slide size in PPT. Now, let's put this knowledge to work. Read on to learn how PowerPoint slide size change works. We'll work through it step-by-step. In moments, you'll know how to change slide size in PPT.

1.  How to Change the Size of PowerPoint Slides

You've chosen the screen you'll present on. And you've chosen the right size for your PowerPoint presentation. Now, it's time to change your PowerPoint file to match.

Click on the  Design  tab on PowerPoint's ribbon. The available options will change on the ribbon. Find the  Customize  section on the ribbon and click on the  Slide Size  icon. 

A drop-down menu opens with several options. Click on Custom Slide Size  to open the Slide size menu and change your presentation's dimensions.

The Slide Size  menu opens, and now we can change the PPT slide size using the dropdown options.

It may not always be possible to choose the perfect size for your presentation. If you send and share your presentation, then you can't control the device that your audience will open your presentation on. 

You can optimize the presentation for most viewers. Let’s look at the process for PowerPoint changing slide size.

2. Setting Slide Size in PPT (Quickly and Easily)

Let's see how to PPT change slide size. Start by clicking on the drop-down box under the Slides sized for: option. The slide size in PPT you choose should be based upon the screen it'll appear on.

There are several choices on this drop-down menu. The most common choices that I use are On-screen Show (4:3) , On-screen Show (16:9) , and On-screen Show (16:10).  Think of these as the choices for PPT size of slides.

I use each of these settings often. That's because they match the most common devices PowerPoint presentations are shown on. Refer to our handy table earlier in the tutorial to decide which to use. 

After you select a slide size in PPT, press OK on this menu. PowerPoint will show a new menu that gives you a choice of how to change slide size in PPT. Let's take a closer look at which PPT change slide size option will be right for you.

PowerPoint Slide Settings: "Maximize" Versus "Ensure Fit"

When we size for PPT slides, PowerPoint presents us with two unique options. These are drastically differing options for changing PowerPoint slide size. We already have content on our slide, so it makes sense that we need to think about how to handle changing the slide.

The menu shows two options for PPT change slide size:

• Ensure Fit 

Choose one of these PPT size of slide options. They've got different approaches for PowerPoint slide size changes.

• Choosing  Maximize zooms in on the slide so that the content fills the slide. The downside to this approach is that some content may be clipped off if you've got elements on the slides' edge.
• Ensure fit makes sure that everything stays on the slide after you adjust the slide size in PPT. But it might leave horizontal bars above and below your content.

When you use a PowerPoint slide size change, give your presentation a thorough look. This is to make sure the content hasn't been altered after the PPT change slide size.

I typically choose to Maximize Slides . But it might take some re-working of the slides to fit properly. Learning how to change slide size in PPT requires reviewing your deck after this adjustment.

When to Use Special Case Sizes

The Slide Size options window can change your presentation size for practically any situation.

Imagine that presentation will be viewed on a portrait orientation device. Portrait orientation implies that a screen is taller than it's wide. Maybe the viewer is viewing it on a tablet in portrait mode, or on a monitor that's rotated in portrait mode.

To change a PowerPoint presentation to Portrait orientation, change the  Slides  option to  Portrait  as shown above.

You may not use these options often but remember that they exist. PowerPoint truly accommodates. 

3. Remember to Test

The success of a presentation comes down to the preparation behind it. Giving a presentation to an audience is daunting. But doing a " dry run " (practice presentation) reduces surprises.

This is especially key when you've changed PowerPoint slide size.  The PowerPoint slide size may make unexpected adjustments. They're easy to correct, but you can't fix them until you find them! You never want to first see issues in the real production.

Doing a dry run of your presentation will ensure two things: 

• That you've got all the cables and connections you need to display your presentation. 
• It's a great time to compare the dimensions of your file to the screen you'll use. That way, you can re-work your slides dimensions as needed. You can also rearrange content in case you find something out of place. 

Don't forget to include testing your PowerPoint file on the display you'll use for your pitch. It's another variable you can control for while preparing. This helps reduce the uncertainty of your presentation.

What if you didn't have to worry about the dimensions of your PowerPoint slide? You know how to change slide size in PPT, but you can avoid the adjustment altogether. Instead of guessing at the PowerPoint slide size , you can use a pre-built template from Envato Elements.

Not only does it feature templates with the perfect PowerPoint slide sizes, but it also does so with excellent designs. Many of the templates contain more than one PowerPoint slide size so that you always have what you need. 

What's even better is that Envato Elements helps you keep costs low. That's thanks to an unlimited download model. With one subscription, you unlock  everything.  Not only does that include perfectly sized PowerPoint slides, but stock photos, graphics, and more.

Many Envato Elements PowerPoint slide size templates have many aspect ratios built in. So, you can work with great slide designs at the common sizes you're likely to need for your presentation. They make it even easier to use PPT change size slide options.

Other presentation designs are made at Full HD (16:9) aspect ratio, which is a popular display size. Or they come with extra dimensions supported. Discover more in our curated selection of the best below, and then continue with this tutorial: 

No matter your skill level in PowerPoint, it always helps to have a few extra tips. Let's check out five more top tips for PowerPoint slide sizes, including PowerPoint dimensions.

1. Edit the PowerPoint Dimensions First

Earlier in this tutorial, you worked with PowerPoint slide dimensions. But the most important part of doing so is the order of your steps. 

Make sure your first step is  Design > Slide Size.  When you set the size of your PPT as soon as you open the presentation, you won't clip or stretch your slides.

This is the best way to avoid re-work while working with PowerPoint slide sizes. Set your PowerPoint dimensions first!

2. Use the PowerPoint Rulers

Many presenters (myself included) use PowerPoint to create printed, products too. And the size of your PowerPoint slide  really  matters when you're trying to fit them to a printed page.

That's why it helps to check your PPT slide size with rulers (in inches.) To view them, go to the  View > Ruler  menu option.

Of course, you can scale the PowerPoint slide size while you're printing to match the paper. Check out our guide to printing, no matter the size of your PowerPoint slides.

3. Edit the Slide Master

Slide masters control several slide designs at the same time. Instead of setting layouts and PPT dimensions on each slide, consider editing the slide. Set the PPT slide size and dimension on the master on the  View > Slide Master  menu.

Learn more about editing slide masters and presentation slide sizes in the tutorial below:

4. Simulate a Preview

Earlier in this tutorial, I recommended checking your presentation as a rehearsal. Ideally, you check your PowerPoint slide size on the exact display you'll use for the real thing.

Unfortunately, you won't always have the option to rehearse in the presentation room. But you can check it on your computer screen. You can preview your PowerPoint presentation and see how it uses the screen real estate.

Go to the Slide Show > From Beginning menu option to preview your presentation. Then, review if you can see any bars or lines on your screen. 

Most computer screens are 16:9 or 16:10. If you know your final screen has the same dimensions, this is a good check for PowerPoint dimensions.

5. Use Slide Layouts

You shouldn't have to set the PowerPoint slide size on each slide. You can set the dimensions of your PowerPoint presentation, but the presentation slide size matters too. Set the PowerPoint slide size with layouts that position elements perfectly.

In a template like The X Note , every slide layout carefully considers the size of the PPT. Use a layout for the size of PowerPoint slides on the  Home > Layout menu.

Use the Layout  drop-down to select the dimensions of your PowerPoint slide.

Here's an even better way to nail your PowerPoint dimensions . Start with a template. Most PowerPoint templates from Envato Elements have several versions of PowerPoint dimensions.

These are five of the best PowerPoint templates on Elements. Check them out to create a presentation with perfect PowerPoint dimensions:

1. Style Multipurpose PowerPoint Template

This template is packaged with two colors and one PowerPoint slide size, but I find it easily adjustable in my testing. It features the 16:9 aspect ratio that's the classic PowerPoint slide size. Use the 100 unique designs, each with perfect PPT slide sizes.

Agio is a clean and minimal PowerPoint template. You'll find that the 16:9 PPT slide sizes are perfect for most screens. Not only are the presentation slide sizes set nicely, but the designs are also simply stunning. Fill out these slide blueprints for a professional presentation.

3. Ever PowerPoint Template

When you open this presentation, you'll find two PowerPoint dimension options: 4:3 and 16:9. It's these two PPT size options that give this template extra value. There are beautiful slide designs for both PowerPoint slide sizes. Use the hand-designed infographics for business-friendly illustrations.

4. Sprint PowerPoint Template

Life might be a marathon instead of a sprint but designing a presentation shouldn't be. The aptly named Sprint presentation is a 4:3 design with a bright orange color scheme. Choose this if your PPT slide size should be in the more traditional 4:3 size.

Rounding out our options, MaxMax is a 16:9 PowerPoint dimension template. With 234 unique slide designs, there are options for practically every design you could need. The size of your PPT is already set and you can use the free icons for a bit of extra flair.

Need the perfect PPT size of slide? Premium templates from Envato Elements are perfect for you. Here are several collections of the very best available now:

In this tutorial, we learned how to set the right size for PowerPoint files. It all comes down to how and where your recipient will view the presentation. 

You may not be able to perfectly format your PowerPoint for every screen. But sticking to the PowerPoint standard sizes will work most of the time. You can also save time by working with a great PowerPoint template that's already set up with the PPT slide dimensions you need.

At Envato Tuts+, we've put together a deep resource of PowerPoint tutorials. Make sure to check out our guide, How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide.)  This single resource is comprehensive to learn the app, including PowerPoint sizes.

To keep learning more PowerPoint, check the helpful tutorials below:

For another helpful resource, be sure to grab this helpful eBook: 

We've got the perfect complement to this tutorial. It'll walk you through the complete presentation process. 

Download our eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It's available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. 

Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.

Design a Presentation With Perfect PowerPoint Slide Size Today

This tutorial showed you how to set your PowerPoint slide size. With the proper dimensions for your PowerPoint slide, your slides will look stunning as they fill the screen. Set your slide size before you start designing to avoid costly re-work.

Also, don't forget that you can save hours of design work. Envato Elements features unlimited downloads with the perfect PowerPoint slide size . 

With these tips in mind, design confidently today! You now know how to set the dimensions of a PowerPoint slide to make the best use of the screen space.

Editorial Note : This post was originally published in June of 2017. It's been comprehensively revised to make current, accurate, and up-to-date by our staff—with special help and a video from Andrew Childress .

• Presentation Hacks

16:9 or 4:3? Aspect Ratio Tips For Presentations

• By: Leslie Belknap

Let me save you a headache. Before you start designing your next presentation , make sure you know how you are going to share your slides with your audience. Specifically, know what size your slides should be for an optimal viewing experience. Why? Because changing dimensions is almost the same as starting over; there is not a magical button to transform your slides into a different size.

So, before you sit down at your desk and open PowerPoint, know the answer to this question: should your slides be designed with 16:9 or 4:3 dimensions ?

Most likely your slides should be designed in the 16:9 format since almost all modern projector screens, televisions, and computers display in a 16:9 layout.

4:3 is known as the standard aspect ratio, and 16:9 is commonly referred to as widescreen . With recent changes in technology, widescreen is actually the standard these days, and standard is becoming less common.

PowerPoint 2013 and later versions default to the 16:9 aspect ratio to encourage presenters to present with this format.

The 16:9 suggestion has at least two exceptions though: mobile devices and SlideShare .

If you plan to go mobile with your presentation , 16:9 might not be the best option for you. Check the exact dimensions of your device to determine the ideal size for you. For example, many tablets display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, so 16:9 presentation slides would not fill the entire screen.

Check out this article to prepare your Keynote slides for an iPad presentation:

Keynote for Mac: Optimizing your presentation for iOS compatibility

Also, presentations on SlideShare look best when they are designed with the 4:3 aspect ratio. For this reason, 4:3 is often the best aspect ratio for presentations that will be used for online marketing, or multiple purposes.

Sometimes your display method is not a perfect match for either 4:3 or 16:9.

For example, I recently received this question from a presenter:

I’m making a presentation in January and received an email from the hotel’s AV department stating that the screen is 10 x 14.  So what I am confused about is what size PowerPoint to build to best fit that screen.  Would that size screen best accommodate a 4:3 PowerPoint?  Any help/advice is most appreciated…

Here is the advice from an Ethos3 PowerPoint designer:

It’s really just a matter of preference. I’d say go with 4:3, because it is closer to the size of the screen.

Conclusion: Know how you will display your slides before you start designing your presentation . Let your display method(s) dictate your slide dimensions. If you need help designing your slides, contact us today .

Leslie Belknap

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Dimensions for PowerPoint Slides: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Impactful Presentations

Slide dimensions.

Dimensions For Powerpoint Slide – PowerPoint presentations are an effective way to communicate ideas and information. The dimensions of your slides play a crucial role in determining the impact and readability of your presentation.

PowerPoint offers both standard and custom slide dimensions to cater to different presentation needs.

Standard Slide Dimensions

The standard slide dimensions in PowerPoint are:

• 4:3 aspect ratio: 10 inches wide by 7.5 inches high (25.4 cm x 19.05 cm)
• 16:9 aspect ratio: 13.33 inches wide by 7.5 inches high (33.86 cm x 19.05 cm)

The 4:3 aspect ratio is the traditional slide format, while the 16:9 aspect ratio is becoming increasingly popular due to its widescreen compatibility.

Custom Slide Dimensions

PowerPoint also allows you to create custom slide dimensions. This can be useful for presentations that require a specific size or shape.

To create a custom slide dimension, go to the “Design” tab in the ribbon and click on “Slide Size”. In the “Custom Slide Size” dialog box, you can enter the desired width and height of your slide.

If you’re working on a presentation and need to ensure the dimensions of your PowerPoint slide are just right, there are a few simple steps you can follow. However, if you find yourself needing to convert your PowerPoint presentation to Google Slides, you can follow our comprehensive guide How To Convert Powerpoint To Google Slides . Once you’ve made the switch, you can then adjust the dimensions of your Google Slides to your liking.

Benefits and Limitations of Custom Dimensions

Using custom slide dimensions offers several benefits:

• Flexibility: You can create slides that fit any size or shape, allowing you to optimize your presentation for specific purposes.
• Impact: Custom dimensions can help you create visually striking presentations that stand out from the crowd.

However, there are also some limitations to using custom dimensions:

• Compatibility: Custom slides may not be compatible with all devices or software, which can lead to display issues.
• Consistency: Using multiple custom dimensions within a single presentation can make it difficult to maintain consistency and readability.

Overall, the choice of whether to use standard or custom slide dimensions depends on the specific requirements of your presentation.

Aspect Ratio

In the realm of slide design, aspect ratio plays a pivotal role in determining the shape and proportions of your slides. It refers to the ratio of the width to the height of a slide, and understanding its significance is crucial for creating visually appealing and effective presentations.

Dimensions are a key aspect of creating effective PowerPoint slides. By understanding the different dimensions available in PowerPoint, you can customize your slides to fit any screen size or aspect ratio. Whether you’re working on a presentation for a small audience or a large conference, changing the size of your PowerPoint slide can help ensure that your content is displayed clearly and effectively.

Additionally, customizing the dimensions of your slides can help you create a more visually appealing and engaging presentation.

PowerPoint offers a range of aspect ratios to choose from, each suited to different purposes. The most common aspect ratios used in presentations are:

• 4:3 (Standard): This is the traditional aspect ratio used in older projectors and monitors. It provides a square-shaped slide that is ideal for displaying text-heavy content.
• 16:9 (Widescreen): This aspect ratio is commonly used in modern laptops and monitors. It offers a wider slide that is well-suited for displaying images, videos, and other visual elements.
• 16:10 (Wide): This aspect ratio is similar to 16:9 but provides a slightly taller slide. It is often used for presentations that require a more vertical orientation, such as scrolling documents or websites.

The choice of aspect ratio depends on the content you plan to present and the intended audience. A 4:3 aspect ratio is suitable for presentations with a focus on text, while a 16:9 aspect ratio is ideal for presentations with more visual content. By carefully considering the aspect ratio, you can ensure that your slides are visually appealing, easy to read, and effectively convey your message.

Page Orientation: Dimensions For Powerpoint Slide

Page orientation refers to the direction in which a document is displayed or printed. In PowerPoint, you can choose between three page orientations: landscape, portrait, and custom.

Landscape orientation is wider than it is tall, while portrait orientation is taller than it is wide. Custom orientation allows you to specify the exact width and height of your slide.

How to Set the Page Orientation

To set the page orientation in PowerPoint, go to the “Design” tab and click on the “Slide Size” drop-down menu. From there, you can select the desired orientation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Custom Page Orientations, Dimensions For Powerpoint Slide

Custom page orientations can be useful for creating slides that are not standard size. For example, you might want to create a slide that is wider than it is tall to accommodate a wide image or table. However, custom page orientations can also be more difficult to work with, as they may not fit well with your presentation template or the screen size of your audience.

Margins and Safe Zones

In PowerPoint, margins refer to the empty space around the edges of the slide, while safe zones are the areas within the slide where text and objects should be placed to ensure they are visible and readable. Setting appropriate margins and safe zones is crucial for maintaining consistency and visual appeal in your presentations.

To set margins, go to the “Design” tab in PowerPoint and click on “Slide Size”. In the “Custom Slide Size” dialog box, you can adjust the margins by changing the values in the “Left”, “Right”, “Top”, and “Bottom” fields. It’s generally recommended to use a margin of at least 0.5 inches on all sides to provide sufficient space for text and graphics.

Safe zones are equally important as they ensure that your content is visible on different devices and platforms. The safe zone is typically set at 0.5 inches from the left, right, and bottom edges of the slide, and 1 inch from the top edge. This means that any text or objects placed within these safe zones will be visible on most screens and projectors.

Maintaining Consistency

Maintaining consistency in slide margins and safe zones is essential for creating a cohesive and professional presentation. By using consistent margins and safe zones throughout your slides, you ensure that all your content is presented in a uniform and visually appealing manner. This helps improve readability, enhances the visual flow of your presentation, and ensures that your audience can focus on the content rather than being distracted by inconsistent spacing.

Grid and Alignment

Utilizing a grid and alignment tools in PowerPoint offers a multitude of benefits, including enhanced organization, visual appeal, and consistency across slides. These features facilitate the precise arrangement of text, images, and other elements, ensuring a professional and polished presentation.

To enable the grid and alignment features, navigate to the “View” tab in PowerPoint and select “Gridlines” and “Guides.” This will overlay a grid and alignment guides onto your slide, providing visual cues for aligning and organizing content.

Best Practices for Grid and Alignment

When organizing slide content using grid and alignment, consider the following best practices:

• Establish a consistent grid: Determine the appropriate grid size and spacing to ensure a cohesive layout throughout your presentation.
• Align elements intentionally: Use alignment guides to align text, images, and other elements vertically, horizontally, or both, creating a sense of order and balance.
• Utilize white space effectively: Leave ample white space around elements to enhance readability, prevent clutter, and draw attention to key information.
• Consider visual hierarchy: Position and size elements strategically to create a visual hierarchy, guiding the audience’s attention to the most important content.

Best PowerPoint Aspect Ratio for Zoom: Standard or Widescreen?

By: Author Shrot Katewa

Given that online meetings have been thrust upon us due to the pandemic, using applications like Zoom has become quite a norm. But, that makes many of us wonder how that has affected the way we give presentations, especially on a Zoom call? For instance, one common question that people often wonder is what aspect ratio should be used for a PowerPoint presentation for a Zoom call!

The best slide size for your PowerPoint while giving a presentation on Zoom is 16:9 or a widescreen layout. The Zoom application is designed to display content in the widescreen layout by default. Therefore, using a 4:3 standard layout will result in blank space on both sides of your slides!

For many of you, this answer may not come as a surprise! Nevertheless, in this article, I’ll answer some of the common questions that you may have regarding the aspect ratio of the slides in PowerPoint for a zoom call. Plus, I will also share with you how you can convert the aspect ratio of your existing presentation to 16 by 9 or a widescreen format!

So, without further delay, let’s get started!

What is the Best PowerPoint Size for Zoom?

The two most popular PowerPoint formats are Standard size and Widescreen size.

In general, the Zoom videoconferencing application displays in widescreen mode with an aspect ratio of 16:9. However, do keep in mind that when we share a presentation through Zoom the preferred PowerPoint size depends on the dimensions of the display or the output screen.

Remember! Do consider the resolution of the screen display that acts as an output for your presentation. If the output screen is 4:3, you would be better off creating a presentation in the standard mode.

Zoom can run on various devices such as computers, laptops, iPad, tablets, or mobiles, all of which have a widescreen display. To add, for modern projectors such as boardroom projectors, LCD screens or large format tend to display an aspect ratio of 16:9 or the widescreen layout.

Thus, the recommended PowerPoint size for Zoom is a 16:9 or Widescreen layout .

However, the selection of the PowerPoint size depends on various factors such as the content of the presentation, personal preference, or even the display screen dimensions.

Mentioned below are a few examples in which Standard Size is preferred.

• A PowerPoint that is to be presented across different platforms ranging from a meeting room to an auditorium.
• A presentation prepared for a specific platform that requires an aspect ratio of 4:3, such as Slideshare.

On the other side, below are a few examples in which Widescreen Size is preferred.

• A PowerPoint that has been made to be viewed on a widescreen display such as a laptop, LED TV, etc.
• A presentation prepared for a specific platform that requires an aspect ratio of 16:9, such as YouTube.

What is the Difference between Standard and Widescreen Size in PowerPoint?

In PowerPoint presentation, Standard Size refers to a slide size wherein the length and breadth of the slide are in the ratio of 4:3. Commonly, this ratio is called the aspect ratio of a presentation. In other words, length of the slide is 1.33 times the breadth, irrespective of the units of measurement.

In case of a Widescreen size, the aspect ratio of length and breadth of the slide is 16:9. To reframe, the length of the slide is 177.78% of the breadth.  

• When one looks at a standard size slide it appears almost a square. On the other hand, view of a Widescreen size slide is almost a rectangle.
• Standard is the default slide size for power point prepared in Windows 2003 or higher versions. Whereas in Windows 2013 or higher versions, Widescreen is the default slide size for power point.
• Standard Size is preferred when presentation is to be made in smaller spaces such as a meeting room. Compared with this, Widescreen is more compatible with larger spaces such as a convention hall.
• The aspect ratio of Standard size fits well with the screen size of tablets, old monitors or projectors. As against it, Widescreen size fits well with laptops, modern projectors or monitors that usually have a wide screen display.

How to Save PowerPoint as 16 by 9 Size?

A PowerPoint presentation is generally either prepared with Windows or Mac. As both the software run on a distinct operating system, steps to save a PowerPoint presentation in either software are slightly different.

Furthermore, as PowerPoint has evolved as a software, the steps in the older version are also different from the modern day PowerPoint application.

Saving a PowerPoint in Widescreen format (2003 – 2010)

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to save a PowerPoint presentation in a widescreen format in Office 2003 to Office 2010 versions.

• Click on the “ Design ” tab in the Quick Access toolbar. A ribbon appears.
• Click and select “ Page set up ” on the extreme left of the ribbon. A dialog box will pop up.
• In the dialog box under the option for “Slides sized for”, click on dropdown. The dropdown list contains a number of pre-defined sizes.
• Click and select the option “ On-Screen show (16:9) “. Do not change other dimensions reflecting in the dialog box.
• Click on “ OK ” in the right corner of the dialog box.
• Click on the Office button and select Save
• Click on save icon (next to office button).
• Press Ctrl + S simultaneously on keyboard.

Saving PowerPoint in Widescreen Format (2013 and Higher Versions)

If you are using Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019 or even Office 365, you need to follow the below mentioned steps –

• Go to “ Slide Size ” on the right side of the ribbon and click on dropdown.
• In the dropdown list click and select “ Widescreen (16:9) “.
• If a dialog box appears, choose “ Ensure fit “. 
• Save the PPT using any of the below three methods:

Converting a PowerPoint to Widescreen Size on Mac

If you are using a Mac, the process of converting a PowerPoint to widescreen layout is not that different. Nevertheless, here’s a step-by-step process –

• Click on the “ Design ” tab.
• Then, click on “ Slide Size ” on the top right corner of your screen.
• A dropdown menu appears. You will be presented with two different options.
• Click on the “ Widescreen 16:9 ” option to convert your presentation in the widescreen layout.

How to Convert an Existing PowerPoint Presentation from Standard to Widescreen Size?

If you have already created the presentation in a standard format, and you now need to convert it into a widescreen layout, the steps to do that are the same as described above.

However, one thing you do need to keep in mind is that while changing the layout of the slides from standard to widescreen (or vice-versa), the elements present on the slide may change its position or even the aspect ratio.

There is no shortcut to circumvent this issue. You will have to adjust all the objects manually once the slide layout has been changed.

The best thing that you can do though is to choose the correct layout before you begin creating the presentation.

Here are some additional points that you should keep in mind with regards to the slide layouts in PowerPoint –

• A presentation is either made in Standard size or Widescreen size. One single presentation cannot accommodate both formats. To elaborate, all the slides in a single presentation are of the same size, either standard or widescreen. 
• On converting Standard size to Widescreen Size presentation the spacing of content, dimensions of images, or graphics may change. These need to be resized and reshaped as per the requirements. 
• Though except for older versions of MS Office, in Windows 2013 or higher versions and Mac Widescreen is the default slide size. However, a PPT file can be prepared in standard size.

More Related Topics

• How to Lock Aspect Ratio for Images in PowerPoint
• How to Give a Presentation on Zoom [A Complete Guide!]
• How to Fix Your PowerPoint When it is Frozen!
• How to Update your Microsoft PowerPoint Application?

Credit to Cookie_Studio for the Featured Image of this article

Presentitude

Presentitude creates visual and powerful presentations using effective and visual PowerPoint templates.

What slide size should you use?

November 19, 2014

When PowerPoint 2013 came along, the size of the default presentation changed from 4:3 to 16:9. So – what size should you use for your slides? This is a quick guide to choosing the right size – and a brief explanation of the difference between the sizes in different versions of PowerPoint.

Why is there even different sizes of slides? The 4:3 slide dimension is the historical size – it stems from the age of analog TV screens and was the standard screen size up until about 10 years ago when widescreens started to become a more common size for TVs and computer screens. The last couple of years, the two slide sizes have started to be used side by side – with different consequences.

“4:3” and “16:9” refers to the aspect ratio of the slide. But the actual size of a slide with the same aspect ratio can differ. A 4:3 slide is 33% wider than it is high. A 16:9 slide is 78% wider than it is high.

So what slide size should you use for a presentation? It really depends on what you are trying to create – and partly personal preference.

Here are some scenarios:

• Use 4:3 if your are creating multi-purpose content that is going to be shown across different platforms and to be printed as documentation
• Use 16:9 if you are creating highly visual content that is only going to be shown on a screen – for a keynote or a conference presentation.
• Use 4:3/Letter/A4 size for content that is only going to be distributed/printed as a sliduement and never really to be shown on a screen.
• Use 4:3 for content created for specific platforms that shows best in 4:3 such as Slideshare and iPads.
• Use 16:9 when creating content for specific platforms that shows best in 16:9 such YouTube and widescreens.
• Use 4:3 for content created in an environment where most current presentations and the main organizational template in use is 4:3.
• Use 16:9 for content created for an environment where the other presentations are created in 16:9.

In general, 4:3-slides works for most projectors BUT when projected on LCD screens, the slide will not fill the screen and you might have black bars on the sides of the slide or the content will stretch and be distorted. 16:9-slides works for projectors, LCD screens and widescreen projectors (most boardroom projector shows 16:9).

Regardless of what size you are using – always make sure you plan ahead and are familiar with the settings on the computer being used to project and what aspect ratio a specific projector (or webinar system if you are presenting online) can support.

The “new” 16:9 size

In PowerPoint 2013 a 16:9 slide has a different size compared to PowerPoint 2010. The standard size for a 16:9 slide changed from 10×5.63″ in PowerPoint 2010 to 13.33×7.5″ in PowerPoint 2013 (the aspect ratio is still the same – but the size changed).

What does the difference really mean for a PowerPoint user designing slides and redesigning older slide decks? If you had content on a 4:3 slide, which as been a standard for so many years, in PowerPoint 2010 and changed it to a 16:9 slide, your content had to be resized and repositioned, which is a time-consuming hassle.

In PowerPoint 2013, if you take your content from a 4:3 slide and move it to a 16:9 slide, the content will fit better on the slide, which means it is easier to change the size of your presentation (not that you want to sit and do this manually – you really want to design for the right slide size from the start – but you know – in case of a presentation emergency or when merging decks with different sizes).

If you are still working in previous versions of PowerPoint, you can still use the “new” 16:9 size. Just set the custom size for your presentation to 13.33” (width) and 7.5” (height) in Slide Size menu on the Design Tab, and voila, you are working in the future!

And – if you are creating a presentation template for your organization – plan ahead and create both a 4:3 and a 16:9 template so users can choose the appropriate one.

In sum – these are the relationships between the different PowerPoint sizes.

(image inspired by Echo Swinford of EchosVoice )

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Understanding Aspect Ratio: Ultimate Guide

Aspect ratio is one factor that stands out in the technology world. This concept actually influences how we engage with digital content. Knowing about aspect ratio is not just about technical details, but it opens the door to more engaging and immersive experiences on different devices and platforms.

In fact, aspect ratio is a key concept in visual communication. It affects how you compose photos and format videos and presentations. Understanding aspect ratio helps people navigate the various screens and content formats found in today's technology-driven world.

In our guide, we will explore what aspect ratio means, its uses, and its connection to video resolution.

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What does aspect ratio mean?

The aspect ratio is an important idea in visual media. It decides how wide or tall an image or screen is.

The aspect ratio is a way to compare the width and height of a screen. For example, widescreen displays often have an aspect ratio of 16:9. This means the width is 16 units and the height is 9 units.

The aspect ratio is the key factor in deciding whether a screen or picture appears more rectangular or square. Understanding aspect ratio is essential as it directly impacts the way devices and platforms display content.

Where do we use aspect ratio?

Aspect ratios are essential because they can change your viewpoint and impact content creation.

Let's explore a few scenarios where you could apply them:

• Computer monitors and displays: Aspect ratio determines the shape of computer monitors, laptops, and other digital displays. It basically tells the screen how to present content.
• Mobile devices: Different gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices have different shapes on their screens. This can change how you make and use apps, websites, and cool content like videos and pictures. The people who create and design these things have to think about the shape of the screen so they can make it look and work on all the different devices.
• Television and film: Aspect ratio is essential in entertainment because it decides how big and in what shape movie screens and TV sets are. Different types of content, like movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms, use different aspect ratios.
• Projection systems: The aspect ratio is also essential for projectors in conference presentations , conferences, and events. Projectors have to be able to show different aspect ratios so that everything looks right and nothing gets cut off or squished.
• Digital signage and advertising: The shape of a screen affects how things look on it. This is essential for things like signs, billboards, and ads. When people make pictures or videos for these advertisements, they have to think about the shape of the screen.
• Virtual and augmented reality: The aspect ratio is essential for making a really unique experience and deciding how much we can see in the virtual world. The people who make VR and AR content have to make sure the aspect ratios match up with the virtual places we go to.

What are the most common aspect ratios for video?

Video creators can improve their videos by knowing about different aspect ratios. This will help them choose the right framing, composition, and presentation for their videos. This knowledge helps them produce video content that appeals to various audiences and platforms:

1. 16:9 (Widescreen)

The 16:9 aspect ratio is a rectangular format that people use in modern digital media. You will usually see it on TV or computer screens. The 16:9 aspect ratio gives you a wider and more panoramic experience. 

This style got really popular when digital TV started to become more common and they started showing high-definition videos. Its benefits include a more engaging viewing experience, compatibility with wide screens, and consistency across different platforms and devices.

2. 9:16 (Vertical)

The vertical aspect ratio is different from the regular widescreen format. It's taller than it is wide, with the width being 9 units and the height being 16 units. People mainly use this format for portrait-oriented content like smartphone videos and social media stories.

This ratio has become popular because more people are using mobile devices and social media. Vertical videos and pictures are made to look good on smartphones and tablets. This way, creators can use the whole screen and connect with people who are using handheld devices.

3. 4:3 (Fullscreen)

The 4:3 aspect ratio is a common format that people use in older TVs and early digital videos. In this ratio, the screen is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, making it look more like a square frame instead of the wider 16:9 formats.

During the time when cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions and analog broadcasting were popular, many people used this ratio. But as we moved towards digital television and widescreen formats, it has become less common in modern digital media. Nevertheless, the 4:3 aspect ratio still holds historical importance and is sometimes relevant in specific situations, like older television shows and video games.

4. 1:1 (Square)

The square aspect ratio is a unique format where the screen's width and height are identical. This implies that both dimensions of the screen are equal when creating a square shape.

This ratio became popular due to social media platforms like Instagram. Square-shaped pictures and videos became really popular because they look visually pleasing and are easy to share. The square format is perfect for showing off all kinds of content, like pictures, drawings, and quick videos.

5.  3:2 (Rectangle)

The 3:2 aspect ratio has a screen width of 3 units and a height of 2 units. This creates a rectangular shape. Many photography professionals prefer this ratio when using digital or film cameras.

Digital cameras such as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras usually have the 3:2 aspect ratio as their standard format. This format works well for capturing various subjects. Some concepts include landscapes, portraits, street photography, and still life. It helps make the picture look balanced and nice.

What is video resolution? What is the connection with aspect ratio?

The number of pixels shown on the screen determines the video resolution . So, it basically means the width and height of the image in pixels. 

For example, a common display’s resolution is 1920x1080. This means that the image has a width of 1920 pixels and a height of 1080 pixels. The video resolution will change the sharpness and details in a video.

The connection between video resolution and aspect ratio is about how they change the video’s appearance. Aspect ratio decides how wide or tall the video frame is. On the other hand, video resolution decides how many pixels are in that frame. Overall, aspect ratio and video resolution determine how a video appears on various screens.

How to change aspect ratio?

You can alter the appearance of a video or picture by resizing it or cropping certain parts to match a different shape.

Here are some ways to do this:

• Use video editing software: There are some video editing programs that let you change the shape of a video when you're editing it. These are Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. You can make the video bigger or smaller or remove the sides.
• Aspect ratio converters: There are lots of websites where you can edit videos and do basic editing. Some of these websites are Kapwing, Clipchamp, and FlexClip. You can upload your video files to these websites and then use the drag-and-drop feature to change the shape of your video.
• Manual cropping: You can manually cut the video using easy video editing software or even image editing tools like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Simply select the part of the video you want to keep and remove the rest to achieve your desired aspect ratio.
• Smartphone apps: There are apps for iOS and Android that let you change the shape of your videos. iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, and InShot are some of the apps you can use to cut and resize videos on your phone or tablet.

Final thoughts

Aspect ratio is essential when it comes to how we see and use digital content. It changes how we watch videos, like if we're using a smart TV or our phones. Video creators and people who make content can create different feelings. They can also make movies look better and make their content work well on different platforms and screens by picking the right size and shape for their videos.

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How To Choose the Perfect Conference Room Screen Size – The Ultimate Guide

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Selecting the proper size for the conference room screen is essential to establishing a productive and interesting meeting space. While a screen that is too big might be intimidating and distracting, one that is too small may make it impossible for participants to notice essential information.

We’ll go over the things you should think about in this in-depth guide to choose the right display size for your conference room so that your meetings are effective, clear, and productive. We’ll go over everything you need to know to make an informed choice, from comprehending viewing distances and room measurements to taking aspect ratios and resolution into consideration.

This guide will provide you with the information and resources you need to select the ideal conference room screen size for your area, whether you’re putting up a brand-new room or remodeling an old one.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Conference Room Screen Size for Your Conference Room

Having the right conference room screen size is essential for several reasons:

• Visibility: Regardless of where they are seated, everyone in attendance can easily watch the information when the screen is the right size. This increases participation and keeps participants’ eyes from straining or from missing important details.
• Professionalism: A thoughtfully selected screen size exudes expertise and attention to detail, all of which may enhance the legitimacy and reputation of your company.
• Productivity: Attendees can comprehend and remember the material better and make better decisions in meetings when they can clearly see the information being given.
• Functionality: The ideal screen size lets you make the most of the available area, enhancing the conference room’s effectiveness and guaranteeing that it accomplishes its intended goals.

Understanding the Factors That Influence Conference Room Screen Size Selection

When selecting the right conference room screen size, there are a number of important considerations to take into account. Among them are:

• Room Dimensions: The ideal screen size will mostly depend on the actual dimensions of your meeting room. Larger screens are usually needed in larger venues in order to guarantee visibility from a wider angle.
• Viewing Distance: The necessary screen size will depend on how far away the viewer is from the screen. In general, a bigger screen is required for a given viewing distance.
• Resolution and Aspect Ratio: The amount of information and visual quality that is displayed will depend on the resolution and aspect ratio of your screen. Larger screen sizes may be required to properly enjoy the additional detail and reduce distortion when using higher resolutions and widescreen aspect ratios.
• Content Type: The appropriate screen size might vary depending on the kind of material you intend to display, including presentations, films, and data visualizations. For instance, in order to maintain readability, presentations with a lot of text may need a bigger screen.
• Number of Attendees: The necessary screen size may also depend on how many people attend your meetings. A bigger screen is usually required for events with more guests to guarantee that everyone can see it.
• Ambient Lighting: Screen visibility may be impacted by the conference room’s ambient lighting. Bigger displays or brighter settings could be needed in rooms with a lot of ambient light to offset possible washout.
• Upgrading Room: As mentioned above the screen size may vary according to various factors here’s another important factor to consider. When you are upgrading your conference room , you will need to consider a bigger and better quality screen. 

These elements can help you choose the ideal conference room screen size for your area, along with your own requirements and preferences.

Determining the Optimal Viewing Distance for Your Conference Room Screen

One of the most crucial factors to take into account when choosing the size of the conference room screen is making sure you have the appropriate viewing distance. The viewing distance is the furthest distance from the audio visual screen at which visitors may easily watch the content.

To determine the optimal viewing distance, consider the following guidelines:

• Standard Viewing Distance: The recommended viewing distance for the majority of conference room configurations is thought to be six to eight times the screen height. This distance guarantees that viewers may comfortably and clearly perceive the information without suffering from undue eye strain.
• Minimum Viewing Distance: Standard practice is to maintain a minimum viewing distance of twice the screen’s height. Staring intently at a screen can cause eye strain and pain, especially if it is done for extended periods of time.
• Maximum Viewing Distance: If there isn’t a set maximum distance for viewing, it’s still advised to keep the furthest viewers at a distance of around 10 to 12 times the screen height. Your presentations will be less successful if the material on the screen is too tiny or difficult to view after this point.
• Screen Resolution: Increased clarity and detail from higher screen resolutions may result in an increase in the maximum permitted viewing distance. For the best visibility, a balance between screen size and resolution is needed.

These suggestions and the size of your conference room might help you determine the ideal viewing distance range for your setup. This will help you select a screen size so that each visitor may enjoy a comfortable and pleasurable viewing experience.

Calculating the Ideal Conference Room Screen Size Based on Viewing Distance

Once you’ve determined the optimal viewing distance range for your conference room, you can use simple calculations to find the ideal screen size. Here’s how to do it:

• Measure the Room Dimensions: Your conference room’s length and breadth should be measured in feet or meters.
• Calculate the Maximum Viewing Distance: Determine which possible viewing posture is the farthest away from the screen. This might be the farthest row of seats or the room’s rear wall.
• Use the Viewing Distance Formula: Use the following formula to get the minimal screen size that is advised: Maximum viewing distance (foot) ÷ 6 = Minimum Screen Size (diagonal inches) For instance, the minimum suggested screen size in your conference room would be: if the maximum viewing distance is 24 feet. 24 feet ÷ 6 = 4 feet, or 48 inches, is the minimum screen size (diagonal).
• Consider Larger Sizes: While the formula provides the minimum recommended size, you may want to consider a larger screen size for enhanced visibility and impact. A common guideline is to choose a screen size approximately 25% larger than the minimum calculated size.
• Factor in Aspect Ratio: When selecting the actual screen model, consider the aspect ratio (the ratio of the screen’s width to its height). Common aspect ratios for conference room screens include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (traditional). Widescreen formats are often preferred for their enhanced viewing experience and compatibility with modern content.

By following these steps, you can determine the ideal conference room screen size that strikes the perfect balance between visibility, comfort, and effective content delivery for your specific room dimensions and layout.

Understanding Screen Resolution and Aspect Ratio for Conference Rooms

When choosing a display for your conference room, it’s important to take into account not only the actual screen size but also the significance of screen resolution and aspect ratio.

Screen Resolution:

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the screen’s display. Higher resolutions provide sharper and more detailed images, which can be particularly beneficial for displaying complex graphics, data visualizations, or intricate text.

Common resolutions for conference room screens include:

• Full HD (1920 x 1080): This resolution is a great choice for most conference rooms, offering a balance between image quality and affordability.
• 4K (3840 x 2160): Also known as Ultra HD, 4K resolution provides exceptional image clarity and detail, making it an ideal choice for larger conference rooms or applications that require extremely high-quality visuals.

When selecting a screen resolution, consider the viewing distance and the type of content you plan to display. Higher resolutions may be necessary for larger rooms or when presenting highly detailed content, while smaller rooms or more basic presentations may not require the highest resolutions.

Aspect Ratio:

The aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the screen’s width and height. Common aspect ratios for conference room screens include:

• 16:9 (Widescreen): This is the most widely used aspect ratio for modern displays, providing a wider viewing area that better suits multimedia content and presentations.
• 4:3 (Traditional): While still used in some older setups, the 4:3 aspect ratio is becoming less common as widescreen formats have become the standard.

Choosing the appropriate aspect ratio is essential for ensuring that your content displays correctly and without distortion. Widescreen formats (16:9) are generally preferred as they better align with most modern content and presentation software. When selecting a conference room screen, consider both the resolution and aspect ratio to ensure optimal image quality, compatibility with your content, and an engaging viewing.

Using a Conference Room Screen Size Calculator to Find the Ideal Conference Room Display

While the calculations and guidelines provided can help you determine an appropriate conference room screen size, using a dedicated conference room screen size calculator can simplify the process even further. These handy online calculators take into account all the critical factors like room dimensions, viewing distances, and content types to provide a tailored recommended screen size.

One such excellent resource is the free screen size calculator provided by XTEN-AV . This tool allows you to input specific details about your conference room setup and viewing requirements to calculate the optimal screen size for your needs.

Here’s how to use the XTEN-AV Screen Size Calculator:

• Visit the XTEN-AV Screen Size Calculator page.
• Enter the length and width dimensions of your conference room in feet.
• Input the maximum desired viewing distance from the screen.
• Select the aspect ratio you prefer (16:9 widescreen or 4:3 standard).
• Choose the resolution level you require (720p, 1080p, 4K, etc.).
• Indicate if the screen will be used for basic presentations, video/multimedia, or highly detailed data visualization.
• Click the “Calculate” button.
• The conference room screen size calculator will then analyze your inputs and provide a recommended minimum and maximum screen size range (displayed as the diagonal measurement in inches) tailored to your specific conference room parameters.
• Using a screen size calculator takes the guesswork out of the equation by doing all the calculations for you based on proven formulas and best practices.

Top Conference Room Screens to Consider

Now that you understand the factors involved in choosing the ideal conference room screen size and have the tools to calculate your optimal dimensions, it’s time to start evaluating specific display models. Here is a curated list of some of the top conference room screens worth considering from leading manufacturers in the professional audio visual market :

Large Venue Screens (80″ and Above)

LG 86″ 4K UHD Commercial Display (86BH5C)

• 86″ diagonal screen size
• 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
• IPS panel with wide viewing angles
• Designed for 16/7 operation
• $4,999 MSRP

Samsung QM85D 85″ 4K UHD Display

• 85″ diagonal
• 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution
• Quantum Dot color technology
• Built-in 8W x 2 speakers
• $6,997 MSRP

NEC MultiSync UN551VS2 55″ 4K Display

• 54.6″ viewable diagonal
• SpectraView color calibration
• HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort inputs
• $1,599 MSRP

Medium Conference Room Screens (60″ to 80″)

Sony FWD-65X81CH/P 65″ 4K Display

• 64.5″ viewable diagonal
• TRILUMINOS Display color enhancement
• Built-in speakers and HDMI inputs
• $4,195 MSRP

LG 65SM5KB-B 65″ Full HD Display

• 64.5″ diagonal viewing area
• 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution
• Integrated LAN for management
• $1,299 MSRP

Sharp PN-R603 60″ Professional Display

• 60.1″ widescreen diagonal
• Direct LED backlight technology
• Input/Output panel with HDMI, DVI, RS-232C
• $2,695 MSRP

Small to Medium Conference Rooms (40″ to 60″)

Samsung QM49R 49″ UHD Display

• 48.5″ viewable picture size
• Built-in Wi-Fi and mobile mirroring
• Ultra-slim 24.9mm depth
• $1,099 MSRP

ViewSonic CDE4320 43″ Full HD Display

• 42.5″ viewable diagonal area
• Integrated media player and speakers
• Multiple inputs including HDMI, VGA, and USB

Budget-Friendly Options

BenQ RP653K 65″ 4K UHD Display

• HDR support and 60Hz refresh rate
• HDMI, VGA, USB, and RS232 connectivity

LG 49UT640S0UA 49″ 4K UHD Display

• 48.5″ class widescreen
• Built-in speakers and USB media player
• Multiple HDMI inputs

The right conference room screen size is crucial to creating an engaging and productive meeting area. You may ensure that the shown information is readily viewed and interacted with by considering factors like aspect ratio, resolution, room size, and viewing distance. Choosing the right features and display size for a conference room or small display for a more intimate setting may enhance usefulness, professionalism, and visibility. Utilizing tools like screen size calculators may facilitate decision-making, and investigating the top display models from reputable manufacturers will assist you in selecting the model that most closely matches your needs and budget. With careful planning, you may create a conference space that fosters fruitful dialogue, collaboration, and decision-making.

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Should I use 16:9 vs 4:3 for my presentation?

January 21, 2014.

You open up PowerPoint or Keynote, and the first thing you have to do is choose a slide size. You’ll see two or maybe three options to pick from, but which one should you use? Well, here’s the simple Cliff Notes version to help make a decision on if you should use 16:9 or 4:3 in your next presentation.

4:3 (Standard)

This 4:3 aspect ratio, commonly called four-by-three or standard, derives from actual 35mm film used in the silent film era. We know it more as the “squareish” shape of old tube televisions. When television was birthed, the format was adapted from the movies at the time—a simple transition so that movies viewed on TVs would all look the same as in the theater.

Projection technology in business spaces like boardrooms followed suit, and for a long time this format has been the standard for corporate presentations. You’ll want to use this format if you’ll be presenting in a space that uses a 4:3 only projection system, and someone on-site should be able to let you know if that’s the case.

Pixels or resolution are other terms you might come across when crafting your slides. This unit of measurement determines a display or projectors sharpness. In the case of 4:3 slides, the standard resolution is 1,024 pixels wide x 768 high. Keep this in mind when creating graphics for your slides. In case you were wondering where to start when designing, we created  The 10 Commandments of Presentation Design .

16:9 (Widescreen)

16:10 (Widescreen)

The Bottom Line

Choose a slide format that’s right for the environment. But when in doubt, we recommend using 16:9. Before you jump the gun and dive into designing your slides, make sure you’re spending 87% of your time on developing content that stands out and connects with your audience. Need help? You’re not alone! That’s why we developed Code of Content: A Pirate’s Guide to Creating Amazing Presentations –it’s a free eGuide filled with all the tools you’ll need to craft a great presentation using our content first approach.

What format do you use most often? Do you have any challenges with a particular slide size?

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Taking Your Conference Presentation to the Next Level

By  Carolyn Trietsch

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Carolyn Trietsch recently defended her Ph.D. in entomology at Penn State. You can view her website or follow her on Twitter @carolyntrietsch .

There’s a lot of great advice out there about how to give good presentations at conferences, especially from the “GradHacker” community ( here and here and here ). We’ve written about everything from how to make your presentations exciting with audio-visual elements to using improv to improve your communication skills . But with technology constantly changing, there are always new things to consider and new things you can do to improve your conference presentations and make your research accessible to a broader audience.

Here are some things you might not have thought of.

Promote Your Talk on Social Media

I’ve already suggested making business cards and adding stickers with the date and time of your talk , but this only reaches people you network and talk with. One way to ensure your research reaches a broader audience is by promoting your conference presentation through social media channels like Twitter . Write a post with the time and date of your talk, the title, an image of your first slide, and a brief statement about what you’ll be talking about or what you’re looking forward to (see an example here ). Be sure to use the conference hashtag and any relevant hashtags from your field so that people who are not at the conference can see it.

Make a few different posts to promote your talk and post them in the days leading up to your presentation. Some labs even make fliers to promote on social media that include a list of all the students and faculty from the lab who will be giving talks at that conference. Before your talk, ask your friends in the audience to tweet your presentation live. You can even live-tweet your own talk as you’re giving it by scheduling posts with apps such as TweetDeck , Hootsuite and Sprout Social .

Practice With Peers (or Video)

One of the best ways to practice a presentation is in front of an audience, especially when the audience consists of people who are there to help you. Reach out to your adviser and ask if you can present your talk at your next individual, lab group or committee meeting. They may have valuable input on things you should include based on the theme of the conference and the experts who will be there, or things you should take out, such as preliminary data or findings that aren’t ready to be presented yet.

While your adviser and committee will know the most about your work, also be sure to enlist help from people outside your field or specialty who are not as familiar with what you do. You’ll likely have a broad audience at the conference, and you want to make sure that your talk is clear and understandable to those outside your field as well as those within it. Reach out to your department or your graduate student organization and ask if you can schedule practice talks for those going to the conference. You could even see if your student journal club would be willing to devote a meeting to it.

When practicing your presentation for others, ask one person to take notes for you on what questions or suggestions your audience members give you. If everyone has their computer with them, you can also send them a Google Doc and have them write their questions, comments and suggestions in that while you’re presenting. Be sure to add numbers to your slides in your practice talk for your audience members to refer to (“I liked slide three, but the pictures in slide seven are blurry”).

You can also video yourself giving the talk and then play it back to see how you did. While it might be uncomfortable to watch yourself present, you’ll be able to see firsthand what you do well and what you want to improve on. You’ll also be able to send your talk to others and ask for their feedback as well.

Make Sure Everyone Can See Your Audio-Visual Elements

When designing your talk and figures, keep in mind that you may have audience members who are colorblind. There are different tools and apps (like Color Oracle ) that you can use to see what your screen will look like to people with different types of colorblindness (you can also set your screen to grayscale to see what your figures will look like in print). Likewise, if you are colorblind, it may be useful to have a friend or colleague who is not colorblind check your slides to make sure there are no clashing colors or other issues.

Laser pointers can also pose problems -- red and green lasers can be very difficult to see. There are new devices available that act more like a spotlight, brightening one part of the screen while dimming the rest. Another alternative is to redesign your slides so that you don’t need a laser pointer. Use arrows or animations to point out the important parts of figures or complex diagrams that you want your audience to focus on.

Share and Cite your Presentation

Not everyone who gives a conference presentation has a conference paper they can publish, share and cite afterward. If your presentation consists of a poster, video, slides or other nonwritten media, consider publishing it online in an open-access data repository like figshare or your university’s equivalent (Penn State uses ScholarSphere ). These repositories will give your talk a digital object identifier (DOI) that you and others can cite (for example, check out this talk I gave last year). You can even put the DOI on your poster or on the last slide of your presentation so that those at the conference know where to go to access your talk.

Grant Permission (or Don’t) for Photography and Social Media

Maybe you don’t want your talk shared online or promoted on social media -- maybe you’re talking about a sensitive subject, or presenting preliminary data from research that isn’t finished yet. Make it clear to your audience at the beginning of your talk whether or not you grant permission for others to take pictures of your slides or promote them on social media. You can also add “no photography/social media” or “photography/social media allowed” icons in the corners of your slides as a reminder (see this conference’s social media guidelines for an example). If you do allow your audience to share your talk on social media, make sure to include your Twitter handle, as well as that of your lab and department, so people know who did the work and who to get in touch with if they have more questions.

And Lastly, the Most Important Thing: Read the Presenter Guidelines.

I know this seems obvious, but always check the guidelines for presentations, even if you’ve presented at that conference before, because you never know whether the rules have changed or not. This has happened several times at the large annual conference that my department members and I present at. One year, there were so many student submissions that they reduced the time length of student talks from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. Many students didn’t realize the change until it was too late -- they went over time in their presentations and lost points in the student talk competition.

Another year, the conference organizers changed the slide presentation settings from the 4:3 aspect ratio to the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. While this doesn’t seem like a big difference, it can change the entire look of your presentation; converting from the 4:3 aspect ratio to the 16:9 aspect ratio can shrink or move your text and images. That year, I didn’t realize the change until I got to the presentation upload room at my conference, and then had to fix all of my slides just hours before my talk. Speaking from personal experience, don’t do this to yourself -- save yourself the trouble and check the conference rules ahead of time.

The most important part of giving a presentation is finding what works for you. These are some tips for things you might not have thought of -- if there’s anything that I haven’t thought of, or if you have more ideas, please write them in the comments below!

The author would like to thank Shelby Kilpatrick for her insightful comments and contributions, and Tyler Jones for her photography.

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How To Change Aspect Ratio In PowerPoint Without Stretching

Are you struggling to understand aspect ratio in PowerPoint presentations? Do you find yourself constantly facing issues with stretching when changing the aspect ratio?

Follow the step-by-step instructions, learn the difference between “Maximize” and “Ensure Fit” options, discover common aspect ratios used in presentations, and find out tips to avoid stretching. Let’s dive in and master the art of aspect ratio in Powerpoint!

Key Takeaways:

What is the aspect ratio in powerpoint.

Understanding aspect ratio is crucial in creating visually appealing presentations. The aspect ratio determines how your content will be displayed on various devices and screens. It ensures that your slides appear consistent and properly formatted, avoiding any distortion or stretching of images. For example, if you design a slide with a specific aspect ratio and then project it onto a screen with a different aspect ratio, it may lead to cropping or white spaces. Maintaining a consistent aspect ratio throughout your slide deck is essential for a polished and professional look.

Why is the Aspect Ratio Important in PowerPoint presentations?

Understanding the importance of aspect ratio in PowerPoint presentations is crucial for ensuring that visual elements are displayed correctly and maintain consistency across slides.

It’s like setting the stage for your audience to have the best view of your content – choosing the right aspect ratio can make or break your presentation’s visual impact. When you select the appropriate aspect ratio, be it the standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9, it directly influences how your images and slide templates are structured and sized within the presentation. A mismatched aspect ratio may lead to stretched or distorted visuals, disrupting the flow of your message and distracting your viewers.

How to Change Aspect Ratio in PowerPoint?

When resizing content to fit the new aspect ratio, keep in mind that some elements may need adjustment to maintain a visually appealing layout. Text boxes, images, and other objects may shift or stretch when transitioning between ratios, so it’s essential to review each slide carefully to ensure a polished and professional look.

Step 1: Open the PowerPoint Presentation

To begin changing the aspect ratio in PowerPoint, open the presentation you wish to work on.

It is essential to make sure that you are working on the correct file to avoid any unintentional modifications. Double-check that the file is not currently in use or locked by another user to prevent any editing conflicts.

Step 2: Go to the Design Tab

Navigate to the Design tab within PowerPoint to access various design settings and tools.

Step 3: Click on Slide Size

Once you’ve navigated to the Design tab in PowerPoint, look for the Slide Size button, usually located near the Customize group. Click on this option to reveal a drop-down menu with choices for standard slide dimensions like Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) . This selection impacts the overall layout and proportions of your presentation, ensuring it fits the screen size it will be displayed on. Opting for Widescreen (16:9) , for instance, offers a more modern format, great for showcasing visuals, while Standard (4:3) may be preferred for compatibility with older projectors or devices.

Step 4: Choose the Desired Aspect Ratio

The 4:3 ratio, historically used for older TVs and computer monitors, may appear slightly square on modern screens but can be suitable for certain purposes. On the other hand, the 16:9 ratio, popular for widescreen displays and modern devices, offers a wider canvas for your content, ideal for cinematic presentations or viewing on larger screens.

Step 5: Select ‘Maximize’ or ‘Ensure Fit’ Option

Opt for either the ‘Maximize’ or ‘Ensure Fit’ option based on your preference to adjust the content within the new aspect ratio.

Step 6: Save the Changes

After making the necessary adjustments to the aspect ratio, remember to save your presentation to retain the new dimensions.

What is the Difference Between ‘Maximize’ and ‘Ensure Fit’ Options?

When changing the aspect ratio in PowerPoint, the ‘Maximize’ option stretches the content to fill the slide, while ‘Ensure Fit’ adjusts the content to fit without distortion.

Choosing the ‘Maximize’ option can be beneficial when you want your images or graphics to utilize the full space of the slide, creating an impactful visual presence. Be cautious as this option may result in stretching or cropping of content, especially if your original elements are not proportional to the new aspect ratio.

What are the Common Aspect Ratios Used in PowerPoint Presentations?

Common aspect ratios used in PowerPoint presentations include 4:3 and 16:9 , each offering unique dimensions and visual experiences.

The 4:3 aspect ratio, also known as the standard definition, has been a traditional choice for presentations. It provides a taller, more squared-off screen shape, ideal for older projectors or monitors. This ratio is suitable for content-heavy slides or when compatibility with older devices is essential.

How to Avoid Stretching When Changing Aspect Ratio in PowerPoint?

Another helpful strategy to avoid distortion in your slides is to duplicate your slides before making any changes to the aspect ratio. This way, you can preserve the original content and layout in case you need to revert.

Consider adjusting the text and other content on your slides manually instead of relying solely on the ‘Fit to Slide’ option. This allows for more control over how the content is arranged and displayed.

Use High-Quality Images

Utilize high-quality images to maintain visual integrity and clarity when resizing content to different aspect ratios in PowerPoint.

Use the ‘Crop’ Option

Employ the ‘Crop’ option to selectively adjust image dimensions and remove unwanted elements while maintaining aspect ratio consistency in PowerPoint.

Adjust the Slide Layout

When shifting aspect ratios in PowerPoint, it’s crucial to pay attention to how your content adapts to each layout. To maintain a professional and visually appealing presentation, make sure to utilize the ‘Slide Size’ option in the ‘Design’ tab to adjust the dimensions accordingly.

Use the ‘Fit to Slide’ Option

This feature is especially useful when you are working on presentations that will be displayed on various devices with different screen sizes, such as laptops, projectors, or mobile screens. By enabling ‘Fit to Slide,’ you can ensure that your content stays intact and visually appealing regardless of the display settings. For instance, if you are creating a PowerPoint presentation that will be shown both on a widescreen monitor and a standard 4:3 projector, using ‘Fit to Slide’ can help maintain consistency in how the content appears without any distortion.

Check the ‘Lock Aspect Ratio’ Box

What are the other tips for using aspect ratio in powerpoint presentations.

Plus resizing techniques, consider experimenting with different themes, layouts, and master slides to enhance the visual appeal of your PowerPoint presentations.

Mastering the art of using master slides can save you time and effort in formatting. Create a customized master slide with your preferred layout, fonts, and colors to maintain consistency throughout your presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: how do i change the aspect ratio in powerpoint without stretching the images, to change the aspect ratio in powerpoint without stretching, go to the design tab and click on slide size. then select “custom slide size” and enter your desired width and height. make sure to uncheck the “lock aspect ratio” box to prevent stretching., q2: can i change the aspect ratio of only one slide in powerpoint, yes, you can change the aspect ratio of individual slides in powerpoint. right-click on the slide you want to change and select “slide size.” follow the same steps as mentioned in the previous question to set a custom size for that particular slide., q3: will changing the aspect ratio affect the overall design of my powerpoint presentation, yes, changing the aspect ratio will affect the overall design of your powerpoint presentation. it may cause certain elements to shift or become distorted, so it’s important to preview your slides after making any changes., q4: how do i know which aspect ratio to choose for my powerpoint presentation, the standard aspect ratio for powerpoint is 4:3, which is suitable for most presentation slides. however, if you are creating a presentation for widescreen displays, you may want to choose the 16:9 aspect ratio., q5: can i change the aspect ratio after i have already created my powerpoint presentation, yes, you can change the aspect ratio at any time, even after you have already created your powerpoint presentation. simply follow the steps mentioned in the first question to adjust the aspect ratio., q6: will changing the aspect ratio affect the quality of my images in powerpoint, no, changing the aspect ratio will not affect the quality of your images in powerpoint. however, if you resize your images, it may cause them to become pixelated. it’s best to use high-resolution images to avoid any loss of quality., similar posts, how to update charts in powerpoint from excel automatically, how to make a quad chart in powerpoint, how to make picture appear after click in powerpoint, how to embed a youtube video in powerpoint without title, how to put table under text in powerpoint, how to add music in powerpoint.

What are the correct dimensions for slides in PowerPoint?

What are the correct PowerPoint slide dimensions? Do the measurements of your PowerPoint slides matter? Yes, since when presenting your presentation, it is not convenient for it to appear cropped at the edges. Your presentation should fit on the screen correctly to present the information you want to your audience.

Today, this tool is part of any marketing strategy, and companies in the UK have understood it very well. Therefore, if you want to use PowerPoint presentations as a business owner, in this post, we will explain how to set the dimensions of a PowerPoint slide to create a successful presentation.

What is the size of the slides in a presentation?

There are several screens that you can use for your PowerPoint presentations . These screens maintain a different shape that determines their height. Also, the PPT file may appear different on each device because its aspect ratio may vary.

Let’s see what they are:

• Conference Room Projector
• Laptop Screen
• iPad or tablet
• large format screen

How to change the format of your presentation in PowerPoint?

If you have recently had to make PowerPoint presentations, we will explain the step-by-step steps to resize PowerPoint slides successfully:

Resizing PowerPoint slides.

This will open a dropdown menu with different options. You must click on the custom slide size option to open the slide size option in the menu and make changes to the dimensions of your presentation. In the slide size menu, you will find drop-down options to easily make format changes, although you may not always be able to choose the size you want for your presentation.

For example, if you share your presentation, you cannot take control of the device where the audience will have access to your presentation. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t optimize your presentation to appeal to viewers.

Most common sizes for PowerPoint presentations, PowerPoint slide dimensions.

In this drop-down menu, you will find several options. Also, among the most common options, we can find: (4:3), (16:9), and (16.10). These are often frequently used settings, as they relate to the most common devices used to display PPT presentations .

As we said at the beginning of this post, the specific settings for your PPT presentation will depend on the device, you intend to use. To do this, we will explain some general rules that will serve as a guide to knowing which size suits you:

Most projectors maintain an aspect ratio of (4:3). Others have been designed to simulate widescreen (16:9) laptop screens.

Laptop screens typically come in an aspect ratio of (16:9). Except for the MacBook computer, which has an aspect ratio of (16:10).

Big Screens

Most modern meeting rooms often have large LCD screens, as the cost of televisions has decreased, and they have replaced projectors. In most cases, its aspect ratio is (16:9). These are some options, as there are many more. Ideally, you should be able to select an aspect ratio that fits your document printed on Letter or Ledger paper or has functionality for your audience.

Prepare the slides before your presentation, the correct PowerPoint slide dimensions.

Also, for preparing your presentation, you must test the file on the device where you will make your presentation. If you can check out the conference room where your audience will meet, feel free to do so.

For the presentation test, we will give you two essential tips:

• Make sure you have all the cables and connections you’ll need when you give your presentation.
• Compare the dimensions of your file on the screen you will use. This way, you can work with the necessary dimensions in your slides.

Tips for changing the format of your PowerPoint presentation

Do an edit of PowerPoint formats

The first step to follow is to go to the slide design and size option. Once you set the size of your presentation when you open it, there is no need to crop or stretch your slides.

This way, you won’t have to work twice as hard when adjusting the size of your slides.

Use PowerPoint rulers, the correct PowerPoint slide dimensions.

Some use PowerPoint for creating print products . If this is the case for you, your slide size should fit on a printed page. To do this, go to the View > Ruler option. However, it is permissible to scale the PowerPoint slide size during printing to match the paper.

Make an edit on the master slides.

Master slides have one advantage, which is that they can control the layout of multiple slides at the same time. So instead of setting PowerPoint dimensions on each slide, you can do an edit in View > Master Slides.

Simulate a preview, the correct PowerPoint slide dimensions.

You must check the size of your PowerPoint slide on the screen where you will present. You will not always have the opportunity to rehearse at the place of the presentation. But if you can preview it on your computer screen. You can preview your presentation in the Slideshow > From the beginning option.

Do you need a perfect PowerPoint presentation?

Our marketing specialists and content creators are at your disposal to design perfect PowerPoint presentations that fit your business goals. Contact us right now, and we will take care of your project to guarantee success. Do you know the benefits of PowerPoint presentations for your business? We will tell you.

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EVENT PROJECTION SCREENS: SIZING UP YOUR OPTIONS

With so much focus put on preparing high-quality content for a presentation, and pairing it with the right projector to deliver that content in the most impactful, effective way, the projection screen often becomes an afterthought. However, the screen is a crucial element in ensuring a visually compelling presentation. Here’s what you need to consider.

Venue & Audience Size

The size of your room will have a major impact on what screen you choose. For larger venues, you might opt for a screen that’s 10-12 feet tall. But keep in mind that a screen of this size will require ceiling heights in excess of 15 feet, since it is recommended that the screen is at least 36 inches off the floor and a minimum of 24 inches from the ceiling. Another consideration is throw distance, which is the amount of space between the projector and the screen. Each projector model will have specific throw distance recommendations to allow for the projection of images that are crisp, clear, and appropriately sized.

Fast-Fold screens can be a great choice for larger venues and audiences, as they allow effective viewing of large-scale content.  If you are planning an event for several hundred or more attendees, a truss screen or custom video wall setup would be ideal. Look for a rental provider that can have technicians on-site for setup, support, and breakdown.

For small to medium-sized venues, you might opt for a screen that’s 6-8 feet tall. A Tripod screen may be your best choice for small events of up to 100 people, as they are portable and provide flexibility in an event space.

Ambient Light

Lighting is also a contributing factor. As long as the room has full lighting control and very little ambient light, you can go with a standard gain white screen with gains from 1 to 1.4 for widest viewing areas. For venues in which you may not have the ability to block out all the room’s ambient light, it would be smart to select a high-contrast gray screen with gains from 0.5 to 1.3. This type of screen can assist the projector in providing a better picture by further rejecting ambient light.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a display screen is the proportional relationship between its width and height. The standard aspect ratio for high-definition widescreen format is 16:9, and the aspect ratio for the somewhat outdated standard-definition content is 4:3. The 1:1 aspect ratio is typically used for displaying data, while the CinemaScope aspect ratios of 2.35:1 and 2.40:1 are generally reserved for cinematic uses.

In order to avoid the appearance of black bars around the displayed content, you should match the size and shape of your screen to the aspect ratio of your content. While most projectors have variable aspect ratio settings, the pixel settings of a native format will ensure the best performance levels. If your content is in a non-standard aspect ratio, speak with your AV team about securing a custom screen size.

Your Projector

If your event calls for a large screen, you will likely need a projector with brighter bulbs to accommodate the larger display area. So for a 10-foot screen, it’s a good idea to look into a 4200-4500 lumen projector . The larger the screen, the more lumens your projector will require to allow for adequate viewing by all attendees at your event.

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This basic knowledge can help you gather the information you need in order to narrow down your projection screen options. It’s best to consult with an expert like SmartSource Rentals who can help you determine which projector and screen rental will ensure the best picture quality at your event whether they are being used for general sessions, breakout rooms, boardrooms or conference rooms, trainings, or galas. If you are planning an outdoor event, stay tuned for our next blog post on choosing the right audio-visual equipment for festivals, banquets, sporting events, and other open-air setups.

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How to Choose the Right Projector Screen Size for Events

Confused about what projection screen size to rent for your meeting, conference, or other event? You’re not alone. Projection screens come in a huge variety of sizes and shapes, and it can get confusing, fast.

But it’s critical to know how big your screen needs to be because there’s no single standard projector screen size. The last thing you want is a screen that can’t be seen by all your attendees, or worse — one that’s not compatible with the space or projector.

Luckily, once you have your basic event details figured out, calculating your screen size comes down to a few simple factors. To figure out the right projector and screen size for your event, you’ll need to know these basics:

• How many people you’re expecting
• Your content’s aspect ratio (We’ll explain.)
• Your venue’s ceiling height
• How bright your projector needs to be

STEP 1: DETERMINE HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU’RE EXPECTING.

First, confirm how many guests you’re expecting, and how many people can fit into your room. If your event is in a hotel, you can often see how many people will fit in different seating arrangements by looking on the hotel’s website.

For smaller meetings of up to 100 people, a teipod screen   is a great option. Tripod screens come in 6′ and 8′ dimensions, can be either 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and are flexible in an event space. They also have adjustable legs so ceiling heights aren’t a concern, and they don’t require technician setup.

But if your audience is larger than 100 people, you’ll probably need a fastfold screen   in the correct size. These screens require a professional to set-up, and you’ll usually need to confirm all the specific details with your AV provider before renting.

STEP 2: FIGURE OUT WHICH ASPECT RATIO YOUR CONTENT IS IN.

The next thing you’ll need to know is if your content is in a  16:9  or  4:3  aspect ratio.

Aspect ratio basically means the shape of the screen, based on a ratio of width to height. For example, a 4:3 aspect ratio for a projection screen means that for every 4 feet of width, there will be 3 feet of height.

These days, almost all content created on a computer is going to be in 16:9. But if you’re really unsure and can’t find the answer from your speaker, go with a 16:9 screen because your AV team can more easily adjust 4:3 content to fit on a 16:9 screen than vice versa.

Quick tip: You can find the aspect ratio of your PPT deck by viewing the “Design” tab and selecting “Page Setup” within your Power Point file. The drop down selected in the “Slides sized for” box will show either 4:3 or 16:9. 

Now that you know your audience size and your aspect ratio, you can use this chart as a starting guide.

Projector Screen Size Chart

STEP 3: CONFIRM YOUR VENUE’S CEILING HEIGHT TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH ROOM.

You’re almost there. You’ve chosen your screen size, and now you just have to make sure your venue’s ceilings are tall enough to accommodate the whole set-up.

For 4:3 screens:   Add three feet of height for the legs. That means a 7.5’ x 10’ screen will have final dimensions of 10.5′ x 10′.

For 16:9 screens:   Add four feet of height for the legs. That means a 5.5′ x 10′ fastfold screen will have final dimensions of 9.5′ x 10′.

This is a good rule of thumb to determine your standard screen height without any kind of dress kit or top valence. Adding a dress kit, which makes screens look a little more polished and professional, will add one more foot of height and four feet of width.

Adding legs and a dress kit means that many larger screens can require ceiling heights of 10′ to 15’+, but the average ceiling height of a meeting room is 8′-10′. That’s why it’s so important to confirm ceiling height.

Most venues have room diagrams or layouts online that clearly state the ceiling height. If you aren’t able to find that information, you can always set up a pre-event site survey for an audio visual technician to ensure the screen will fit into the event layout. If your venue doesn’t have high enough ceilings, consider using multiple smaller screens or additional monitors to make sure every guest can see your content.

A reference for how big your screen will look once legs are added, which add an additional three to four feet.

Some venues aren’t big enough to have enough space between the screen and projector, also called throw distance. You AV provider can help determine your throw distance and the best placement for your projector and screen.

STEP 4: CONFIRM YOUR PROJECTOR AND SCREEN ARE COMPATIBLE.

If you already have a projector that you plan to use, it’s important to remember that not all projectors and screens work together. As screens increase in size, the lumens (aka the brightness) required in a projector increase as well.

Think of projectors like a flashlight: The light spreads out across the surface the further away that you are. So, the bigger the screen and the farther away you projector is for the screen, the brighter the light needs to me. If your projector doesn’t produce enough lumens, you may have trouble seeing the content on the screen.

Here’s the recommended projector brightness matched with screen sizes:

These four steps are a great starting point to choosing the right screen and projector. No two events are alike though, and depending on the full scope of your program, there may be many other factors to take into account.

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LPT: if you are creating a PowerPoint presentation - especially for a large conference - make sure to build it in 16:9 ratio for optimal viewer quality.

As a professional in the event audio-visual/production industry, I cannot stress this enough. 90% of the time, the screen your presentation will project onto will be 16:9 format. The "standard" 4:3 screens are outdated and are on Death's door, if not already in Death's garbage can. TVs, mobile devices, theater screens - everything you view media content on is 16:9/widescreen. Avoid the black side bars you get with showing your laborious presentation that was built in 4:3. AV techs can stretch your content to fill the 16:9 screen, but if you have graphics or photos, your masterpiece will look like garbage.

ASPLOS 2024

San Diego, USA — April 27- May 1, 2024

Remote Presentation Instructions

One author is expected to physically attend the conference and present the work.

If no author can physically attend the conference due to unforeseen circumstances, notify the program chairs immediately. Please ask a colleague or a person familiar with your work to present your talk in person.

Authors of accepted papers who are unable to attend the conference physically and are unable to find an alternate speaker are required to prepare a presentation video of their papers lasting ≤12 minutes. We will play the recorded video at the conference. Following the video presentation, the authors will be able to join the Zoom meeting to answer attendees’ questions.

Your remote talk submission deadline is April 24, 2024.

Video Properties

Format → mp4

Length ≤ 12 minutes

Size ≤ 800 MB

Resolution → 720p (1280×720 pixels)

Orientation → horizontal (width > height)

Aspect ratio → 16:9

Recording Guidelines

• Record using Zoom (see instruction here), PowerPoint (see instructions here and here), or any other software of your choosing capable of generating mp4 files.
• Your video should show the speaker that delivers the presentation in a small window, in a manner that does not hide important presentation elements.
• Record in a quiet room to minimize surrounding noise.
• Ensure that your computer’s fans are spinning at minimum speed, especially when using the built-in microphone for recording.
• Keep a constant distance from the microphone to avoid audio level fluctuation.
• When possible, try to minimize the size of your files.

File Naming

The name of your video file should consist of lowercase characters only, and it is required to adhere to the following format:

[paper_session_ID]_[1st_author_last_name]_[1st_author_first_name]_remote.mp4

Where ‘paper_session_ID’ is the session ID of your paper, which you can find on the ASPLOS’24 website under the main program section. Such a name may, e.g., look like: 1A_knowles_beyonce_remote.mp4

Upload your talk video here (you don’t need to create a box account for this purpose).

If you have questions, please contact Mahbod Afarin < [email protected] >.