logo
search
Others

How to Change Microsoft Sway from Horizontal to Vertical Scrolling

Algirdas JasaitisAlgirdas Jasaitis Sep 25, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to change the scrolling direction of a Microsoft Sway presentation from horizontal to vertical.

How to Change Microsoft Sway from Horizontal to Vertical Scrolling
Product
Microsoft Sway
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Viewing or presenting a Microsoft Sway document where the layout needs adjustment.
Observed behavior
The presentation content moves horizontally from left to right instead of vertically from top to bottom.
Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account and have the necessary permissions to view or edit the specific Sway presentation.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Layout to Vertical Scrolling via Playback Settings

Adjust the playback layout settings within Microsoft Sway to instantly switch the presentation back to a vertical scrolling view.

Microsoft Sway provides flexible layout options to suit different presentation styles. If your presentation is scrolling horizontally, you can quickly override this behavior directly from the playback view without modifying the underlying content.

1
Play the Sway presentation

Open your Microsoft Sway document and select the 'Play' button located at the top right of the screen to enter viewing mode.

2
Open the settings menu

Click on the gear icon located at the top right corner of the screen to access the presentation's playback and layout options.

3
Select vertical scrolling

In the settings menu, locate the 'Layout' section and click on the vertical scrolling option, usually depicted by an icon with a downward arrow or stacked rectangles.

4
Verify the layout change

Scroll through your Sway presentation to confirm that the content now moves smoothly from top to bottom.

Change Layout to Vertical Scrolling via Playback Settings
Layout Saved: The vertical layout preference is immediately applied to your current viewing session, making the presentation easier to navigate.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create Professional Presentations with WPS Office

While Microsoft Sway offers unique web-based layouts, WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative to traditional presentation software like PowerPoint. Enjoy a familiar interface, offline editing capabilities, and rich slide designs without the high subscription costs.

  1. 1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
  2. 2. Open Presentation: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Presentation' on the home screen to start a new project.
  3. 3. Create and save: Select a professional template, build your slides, and save the file in .pptx format for seamless compatibility.
Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx) formatsExtensive library of free presentation templates and slide layoutsLightweight software that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and LinuxFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Microsoft Sway presentation switch to horizontal scrolling?

Sway sometimes automatically adjusts the layout based on the specific template design you selected or the screen size and orientation of the device you are currently using to view the presentation.

Can I set vertical scrolling as the default layout for all my Sways?

Currently, Microsoft Sway applies layout settings on a per-presentation basis. You will need to manually adjust the scrolling direction in the layout settings or storyline design menu for each individual Sway.

Does changing the scrolling direction alter my Sway's text or images?

No, switching between horizontal and vertical scrolling only changes how the content is displayed and navigated during playback. Your actual text, images, and embedded media remain completely unaffected.