1. Design for the Projector

  2. Order
  3. Academic program
  4. Becoming Visual
  5. Design for the Projector

Optimize your PowerPoint presentation for the projector rather than a tablet, paper handouts, or computer screen.

Aspect ratio

Set the aspect ratio to 16:9 or 16:10 for widescreen projectors and 4:3 for standard displays. Most projectors are configured to project on a 16:10 aspect ratio. A proper aspect ratio enables the slide to fill the screen’s width. This maximizes the screen real estate for showing slides and other content.

Look at Figure 1.1, which shows a slide with the improper aspect ratio for the projector. Notice the slide includes two black bars on either side of the slide. The projector aspect ratio is set for 4:3 instead of a 16:10 display. Figure 1.2 shows the slide expanded to fill the entire screen.

Figure 1.1: Improper aspect ratio of 4:3 used for a wide screen projector

Figure 1.2 illustrates using the proper 16:10 aspect ratio.

Figure 1.2: Proper aspect ratio of 16:10 used for a widescreen projector

In PowerPoint, go to the File menu > Page Setup > Select the appropriate slide size based on the projector. Figure 1.3 shows the Page Setup window in PowerPoint and the settings for 4:3 versus 16:10 displays.

Figure 1.3: Comparison the aspect ratio settings

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