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How to Select All Slides in PowerPoint [A Step-by-Step Guide]

November 3, 2023 3.4K views

In the world of presentations, time is of the essence. Imagine being able to transform an entire set of slides with just a few clicks, streamlining your creative process. This guide is tailored to empower content creators like you, who understand the value of precision and convenience in crafting impactful presentations. We aim to demystify the process of selecting all slides at once, from keyboard shortcuts to the visual finesse of the Slide Sorter.

Part1 How to Select All Slides in PowerPoint

Method1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

The quickest way to select all slides in PowerPoint is by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. Simply press Ctrl + A on your keyboard, and watch as all your slides are instantly highlighted. This method ensures swift and efficient selection without the need for extensive manual clicking.

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 2: Click anywhere in the slides area to ensure the program is active.

Step 3: Press Ctrl + A simultaneously.

Step 4: Witness all your slides becoming highlighted.

This is the fastest and most convenient way to select all slides in PowerPoint. I use it most of the time.

Method2: Use the Slide Sorter

The Slide Sorter view offers a visual approach to selecting multiple slides. Here's how:

Step 1: Click on the "View" tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.

Step 2: Select "Slide Sorter" from the options.

Step 3: Click and drag your cursor to encompass all the slides you want to select. They will be highlighted.

Step 4: Additionally, you can move the selected slides as a group by clicking, holding, and dragging them to the desired location.

 I use the Slide Sorter view when I want to get an overview of my entire presentation and make changes to the order of the slides. I also find it useful for selecting multiple slides at once.

Method3: Use Normal view

In Normal view, you can select multiple slides by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on the slides you wish to include. To move the selected slides as a group, click, hold, and drag them to the desired position.

Step 1: Navigate to Normal view.

Step 2: Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Click on the slides you want to select.

Step 4: Release the Ctrl key.

I use Normal view for most of my work, including editing and adding content to slides. I find it easy to select multiple slides in Normal view by holding down the Shift key and clicking on the slides I want to select.

Comparison of methods:

  • Keyboard shortcuts: Fastest and most convenient method.

  • Slide Sorter: Good for getting an overview of the presentation and making changes to the order of the slides. Also useful for selecting multiple slides at once.

  • Normal view: Good for editing and adding content to slides. Easy to select multiple slides by holding down the Shift key.

Overall, I recommend using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A to select all slides in PowerPoint. It is the fastest and most convenient method.

Part2 How to Select Multiple Slides in PowerPoint

In this section, we delve into the art of selecting multiple slides in PowerPoint, a pivotal skill for efficient editing and customization. Whether you need to apply universal changes or group specific slides, these methods will be your guiding light. We'll walk you through the steps, accompanied by illustrative images, ensuring you have a comprehensive grasp of the process.

Steps

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 2: In the left-hand pane, click on the first slide you want to select.

Step 3: Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.

Step 4: While holding Ctrl, click on each additional slide you want to include. They will all be highlighted.

How to Deselect Some Slides After Selecting All Slides in PowerPoint

If you've selected all slides but now want to deselect a few, follow these steps:

Step 1: Ensure your PowerPoint presentation is open.

Step 2: Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Click on the slides you want to deselect while keeping Ctrl pressed. They will no longer be highlighted.

Part3 Tips for Selecting All Slides in PowerPoint

  • Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A. This is the fastest and most efficient way to select all slides in PowerPoint.

  • Use the Slide Sorter view. This view can be helpful for selecting multiple slides, especially if you have a large presentation.

  • Use the Shift key. You can hold down the Shift key and click on the first and last slides in a range to select all of the slides in between.

  • Use the Ctrl key to deselect slides. If you have selected all slides and want to deselect some of them, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the slides you want to deselect.

Common Issues About Selecting All Slides in PowerPoint

  • Not being able to select all slides. If you are unable to select all slides, make sure that you are in Normal view or Slide Sorter view. You can also try restarting PowerPoint.

  • Selecting hidden slides. To select hidden slides, go to the Home tab and click the Select drop-down menu. Then, select Select All Hidden Slides.

  • Deselecting all slides. To deselect all slides, press the Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut again. This will deselect all selected slides.

Part4 Best Free Free Alternative to PowerPoint – WPS Presentation

In this section, we're introducing WPS Presentation, a robust alternative to PowerPoint that offers a host of features for crafting dynamic presentations. We'll guide you through the seamless process of downloading WPS Office, ensuring you're all set to explore its capabilities

WPS Presentation is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet editor, presentation software, and PDF reader. It is a popular alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, especially for users who are looking for a free and compatible option.

How to Download WPS Office

Step 1: Go to the WPS Office website: wps.com: https://www.wps.com/

Step 2: Click the Download button.

Step 3: Select the version of WPS Office that is compatible with your Mac device.

Step 4: Double-click on the downloaded file to install WPS Office.

Using WPS Presentation to Select All Slides

Step 1: Open your WPS Presentation file.

Step 2: Click on the Home tab.

Step 3: In the Select group, click the Select All button.

All of the slides in your presentation will be selected.

Benefits of Using WPS Office

WPS Office has many benefits, including:

  • It is free and open-source.

  • It is compatible with Microsoft Office files.

  • It has a wide range of features, including WPS AI, which can help you with tasks such as generating content, translating languages, and writing different kinds of creative content.

  • It is compatible with the Mac system.

Features and benefits of WPS Presentation

WPS Presentation is a powerful presentation software that offers a wide range of features, including:

  • A variety of slide templates and themes

  • A wide range of transition and animation effects

  • The ability to insert images, videos, and audio files into slides

  • The ability to draw and annotate slides

  • The ability to collaborate on presentations with others

Compared with PowerPoint:

WPS Presentation is very similar to PowerPoint in terms of features and functionality. However, WPS Presentation is free, while PowerPoint requires a subscription. Additionally, WPS Presentation is compatible with the Mac system, while PowerPoint is not.

WPS AI is a unique feature of WPS Presentation that is not available in PowerPoint. WPS AI can help you with tasks such as generating content, translating languages, and writing different kinds of creative content.

Overall, WPS Presentation is a great free alternative to PowerPoint. It offers a wide range of features and is compatible with the Mac system.

FAQs about how to select all slides in powerpoint

How do you edit multiple slides at once in PowerPoint?

To edit multiple slides at once in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open your presentation.

Step 2: Hold down the Ctrl key (Command key on Mac) and click on the slides you want to edit.

Step 3: Apply your edits - this could be changes in text, colors, backgrounds, or adding objects.

Step 4: That's it! Your edits will now apply to all the selected slides.

How do I drag slides from one PowerPoint to another?

To drag slides from one PowerPoint presentation to another, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Open both presentations.

Step 2: View the slides in thumbnail format.

Step 3: Select the slide you want to move.

Step 4: Drag it over to the other presentation.

Step 5: Release the mouse button to drop the slide.

Summary

This comprehensive guide illuminates the art of efficiently selecting all slides in PowerPoint, a vital skill for any content creator seeking to enhance presentations. Techniques ranging from convenient keyboard shortcuts to the visual finesse of the Slide Sorter are explored, offering a spectrum of options. Moreover, the guide underscores the remarkable capabilities of WPS Presentation, a free alternative to PowerPoint, emphasizing its seamless integration and standout features. With this guide, you're equipped to elevate your presentation game, all while highlighting the power of WPS Office in streamlining your creative process.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.