PowerPoint 2013
Getting to Know PowerPoint
Working with the PowerPoint environment
If you've previously used PowerPoint 2010 or 2007, PowerPoint 2013 will feel familiar. It continues to use features like the Ribbon and the Quick Access Toolbar, where you will find commands to perform common tasks in PowerPoint, as well as Backstage view.
The Ribbon
PowerPoint 2013 uses a tabbed Ribbon system instead of traditional menus. The Ribbon contains multiple tabs, each with several groups of commands. You will use these tabs to perform the most common tasks in PowerPoint.
The RibbonExploring the Ribbon
You'll need to move between tabs to perform common tasks in PowerPoint. Knowing where to find the right command will make PowerPoint easier to use.
Click the arrows in the slideshow below to learn more about the different commands available within each tab on the Ribbon.
The Home tab gives you access to the most commonly used commands, including copy and paste, formatting, and the New Slide command. The Home tab is selected by default whenever you open PowerPoint.
The Insert tab allows you to insert pictures, charts, tables, shapes, videos, and more, which can help you communicate information visually and add style to your presentation.
You can apply themes from the Design tab. A theme is a predefined combination of colors, fonts, and effects that can quickly change the look and feel of your entire slide show. Different themes also include different slide layouts.
You can apply slide transitions from the Transitions tab. Transitions are the movements you see between slides when presenting your slide show.
The Animations tab allows you to animate text and objects such as clip art, shapes, and pictures. Animations can be used to draw attention to specific content or make the slide easier to read.
When you're ready to present your slide show, the Slide Show tab gives you tools to make your presentation smooth and professional, including the option to rehearse timings and record narration.
You can use the Review tab to access PowerPoint's powerful editing features, including spell check and comments. These features make it easy to review and collaborate on presentations.
The View tab allows you to switch between several different views for your presentation, including Outline View, Slide Sorter, and Slide Master. These views can help you prepare and organize your slide show.
Contextual tabs will appear on the Ribbon when working with certain items like tables, shapes, and pictures. These tabs contain special command groups that can help you format these items as needed.
To minimize and maximize the Ribbon:
The Ribbon is designed to respond to your current task, but you can choose to minimize it if you find that it takes up too much screen space.
- Click the Ribbon Display Options arrow in the upper-right corner of the Ribbon.
Ribbon display options - Select the desired minimizing option from the drop-down menu:
- Auto-hide Ribbon: Auto-hide displays PowerPoint in full-screen mode and completely hides the Ribbon. To show the Ribbon, click the Expand Ribbon command at the top of screen.
- Show Tabs: This option hides all command groups when not in use, but tabs will remain visible. To show the Ribbon, simply click a tab.
- Show Tabs and Commands: This option maximizes the Ribbon. All of the tabs and commands will be visible. This option is selected by default when you open PowerPoint for the first time.
Auto-hiding the Ribbon
