PowerPoint Grids

For very precise visual option, the PowerPoint grid can help with the alignment on the entire slide. The grid also has a “snap-to” option that will cause the slide elements (pictures, text boxes, etc.) to “snap” to the nearest grid marker. For some, this option is the perfect answer to align objects and for others it can be frustrating depending on your need for control of the elements.

Viewing the PowerPoint Grids

1. Click on View, Grid and Guides… on the menu.
   
   
   
2. In the Grid and Guides dialog box, check the “Display grid on screen” check-box.
   
   
   
   Tip: You can control the size of the grid by adjusting the spacing option above the check-box.
   
3. By default the “Snap-To” feature is turned on when the grids are displayed. You can turn it off, if desired by unchecking the option at the top of the box.
4. Click OK.
5. The grid will be displayed on the screen to help with alignment of your slide elements.
   
   

To turn off the grid, return to the Grid and Guides dialog box, uncheck the grid option and click OK.

PowerPoint Guides

If the grid is too much, you can use the guide option. The PowerPoint Guides are two lines that intersect and create visual quadrants on the slide. The guides will help when you want to visually balance the slide.

Viewing the PowerPoint Guides

1. Click on View, Grid and Guides… on the menu.
   
   
   
2. In the Grid and Guides dialog box, check the “Display guides on screen” check-box.
   
   
   
3. Click OK.
4. The guides will be displayed on the screen to help with alignment of your slide elements.
   
   
   
5. If needed, the guides can be moved from the slide center. To move the guides, point to one of the guide lines, click, drag to the desired position and release the mouse. While you are dragging the guide line, you will see the placement measurement change.
   
   

To turn off the guides, return to the Grid and Guides dialog box, uncheck the guide option and click OK.

Tip: Both the grids and the guides are viewing options for editing purposes only. The WILL NOT print nor will they be seen when running the slide show.