Topics Map > Software Guides > Google Slides

Google Slides: Adding Content

This article covers instructions for using the web version of Google Slides. Be aware that other versions, such as the mobile app, will vary in functionality.

Text, images, and other content can be added to slides within the layout's default fields or new fields can be added. Content can be added from the toolbar, as well as from the Insert tab in the top menu bar. 

Expand each section below to see its content.


Available options in the toolbar will depend on the selected content.

Document and View Options
doc and view tools
1. New Slide
2. Undo and redo the most recent edits
3. Print
4. Copy the formatting of highlighted text and apply it to other text in the document.
5. Zoom level

Insert Objects

6. Select (basic cursor function)
7. Text box
8. Insert Image
9. Shape
10. Line

Border Options

11. Border Color
12. Border Weight
13. Border Dash

Text Options
text options toolbar
14. Text font and size
15. Text weight (bold, italic, underline)
16. Text color (fill, highlight)
17. Insert a link or comment
18. Text alignment and spacing
19. Create a bulleted or numbered list
20. Text indentation
21. Remove formatting

Image Options

22. Crop and Mask
23. Reset Image (removes cropping)

Stylization Options

24. Change Background
25. Apply Layout
26. Change Theme
27. Change Transition


To edit text in existing fields, click within the text box and type the new text. Click outside of the box when done.
edit text

To add a new text box:
  1. Click the Text Box button from the toolbar, which has the letter "T."
  2. Click within the slide in the approximate desired location. A new text box will appear.
  • Alternatively, click-and-drag within the slide to draw the text box of the desired size.
  • Type the desired text.
  • Highlight the text and use the formatting options from the toolbar to adjust the text style (font, size, etc).
  • Click outside of the text box when done.
  • new text box

    Speaker notes, which are hidden from the audience during presentation, can be entered into the field below the slide. Navigate to View > Show Speaker Notes to turn this feature on/off.


    To add an image to a slide:
    1. Navigate to Insert > Image, and select an option:
    • Upload from computer: upload an image thats stored on your computer.
    • Search the web: search Google for an image. 
    • Drive: use an image uploaded to your Google Drive.
    • Photos: use an image uploaded to your Google Photos.
    • By URL: paste a previously copied image URL from an online source.
    • Camera: use your webcam to capture and insert a new image.
  • Select the desired image, and click Insert or Open. The image will appear on the slide.


  • Most content can be edited in similar ways, as described below. Additional formatting options for some content types are available in the toolbar.
    • Move: select it and then click-and-drag it to reposition. Some content, such as text, may need to be grabbed by the frame.
    • Resize: select it and then click-and-drag the blue handles that appear along the frame. For images, use the corner handles instead of the top/bottom and sides handles to prevent distortion.
    • Rotate: select it and then click-and-drag the circular handle that appears left or right.
    • Re-order: right-click it, hover over Order in the pop-up that appears, and select an object. Objects in the front will appear on top of other objects, and objects in the back will appear below other objects.
    tiger reframed 2




    iTech logo
    Need support? Contact itech@plu.edu or visit www.plu.edu/itech.



    KeywordsPowerPoint, Presentation, Google, Slides, online   Doc ID107587
    OwnerJanelle B.GroupPacific Lutheran Univ
    Created2020-12-03 16:28:41Updated2023-08-04 15:28:19
    SitesPacific Lutheran University
    Feedback  0   0