Friday tech tip: shortcuts to create your PowerPoint presentation

Friday tech tip: shortcuts to create your PowerPoint presentation

If there was an award for the piece of software misused the most, it would probably go to Microsoft PowerPoint.

There are lots of times when it really isn't the right tool for the job.

Even when it is, plenty of people don't know how to use it properly.

Shortcuts for creating slides

However, when you're putting together your presentation slides, copying and positioning elements can be a hassle. Here are a few shortcuts to make it easier:

• When you want to move an object only horiztonally or vertically - like an image or text box, hold the SHIFT key as you click and drag it. This restricts its movement. It's useful if you want to move one object away from another, but keep it in line with others.
• If you need to copy an object, there's a better option than the normal copy and paste shortcuts. Just hold the CTRL key as you click and drag. This will create a copy of the object, which you can then move into a new position.

For bonus marks, you can combine these shortcuts. Hold SHIFT and CONTROL to create a copy of an object, then move it only horizontally or vertically.

To add polish once you're ready to give your presentation, don't forget to check our shortcuts for when you're presenting too.

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