50+ Essential Google Slides Shortcuts to Boost Your Productivity

Posted on by Michael Anderson
autoppt commenter
Michael Anderson
Former journalist turned tech writer with a passion for helping professionals enhance productivity through AI.

Introduction

Imagine 30 minutes until your big pitch. You fumble with Google Slides, clicking menus and dragging items. Time slips away on dull tasks. Been there? Good news: shortcuts save the day. They slash your workload and polish slides fast. Master them to craft sharp presentations with ease. Your stress fades as slides dazzle. Start using shortcuts to boost your flow.
 
In this article, I’ll share over 50 essential shortcuts, organized by function, to help you work smarter, whether you’re a student, professional, or educator. Plus, I’ll throw in tips to make these shortcuts second nature. Ready to boost your productivity? Let’s get started!
 
50+ Essential Google Slides Shortcuts to Boost Your Productivity

Why Google Slides Shortcuts Matter

Google Slides is a go-to tool for millions because it’s free, cloud-based, and perfect for collaboration. But clicking through menus can slow you down, especially when deadlines loom. Shortcuts are like a secret weapon—they let you navigate, format, and present with lightning speed. Imagine duplicating a slide in one keystroke or formatting text without touching your mouse. These tricks save time, keep your focus, and help you create cleaner, more consistent slides. Whether you’re prepping for a class project, a work pitch, or a virtual workshop, shortcuts make you look like a pro. I once watched a colleague struggle to resize images manually during a team edit—after I showed her a few shortcuts, she finished her deck in half the time. You can do the same.

How to Use This Guide

I’ve organized the shortcuts into categories like navigation, formatting, and presentation mode to make them easy to learn. Each shortcut comes with a quick explanation and a note if it differs between Windows (Ctrl) and Mac (Cmd). Don’t try to memorize them all at once—pick a few to practice and build from there. You can also open Google Slides’ shortcut menu (Ctrl + / or Cmd + /) for a handy reference. My advice? Keep this article open in a tab, grab your keyboard, and try the shortcuts as you read. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they stick.

Essential Google Slides Shortcuts

This article’s heart is over 50 Google Slides shortcuts to change your workflow. They’re sorted by task for easy understanding. You’ll find daily must-haves mixed with cool tricks. Ready to jump in?

A. Navigation and General Shortcuts

These shortcuts help you move around Google Slides without reaching for your mouse, saving seconds that add up.
  1. New Slide: Ctrl + M (Windows) / Cmd + M (Mac) Adds a new slide with the same layout. Perfect for quickly building your deck.
  2. Next Slide: Page Down or Right Arrow Move to the next slide in your workspace. Great for skimming your deck.
  3. Previous Slide: Page Up or Left Arrow Jumps back to the previous slide for quick edits.
  4. First Slide: Home (Windows) / Fn + Left Arrow (Mac) Takes you to the first slide, ideal for starting over.
  5. Last Slide: End (Windows) / Fn + Right Arrow (Mac) Skips to the final slide to check your conclusion.
  6. Open Shortcut Menu: Ctrl + / (Windows) / Cmd + / (Mac) Shows all Google Slides shortcuts—your built-in cheat sheet!
  7. Undo: Ctrl + Z (Windows) / Cmd + Z (Mac) Reverses your last action. A lifesaver for accidental deletions.
  8. Redo: Ctrl + Y (Windows) / Cmd + Y (Mac) Restores an undone action. Toggle back and forth as needed.
  9. Save: Ctrl + S (Windows) / Cmd + S (Mac) Ensures changes are saved, even though Google Slides autosaves.
  10. Open File Menu: Alt + F (Windows) / Ctrl + Option + F (Mac) Accesses the file menu for actions like downloading or sharing.
Pro Tip: Practice jumping to the first and last slides (Home/End) to check your presentation’s flow without scrolling.

B. Text and Object Formatting

Formatting text, shapes, and images can be tedious with menus. These shortcuts make it fast and consistent.
  1. Bold: Ctrl + B (Windows) / Cmd + B (Mac) Makes selected text bold for emphasis.
  2. Italic: Ctrl + I (Windows) / Cmd + I (Mac) Italicizes text for quotes or subtle highlights.
  3. Underline: Ctrl + U (Windows) / Cmd + U (Mac) Underlines text, great for titles or links.
  4. Increase Font Size: Ctrl + Shift + > (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + > (Mac) Boosts font size for readability.
  5. Decrease Font Size: Ctrl + Shift + < (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + < (Mac) Shrinks font size to fit more content.
  6. Align Left: Ctrl + Shift + L (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + L (Mac) Aligns text or objects left for a clean look.
  7. Align Center: Ctrl + Shift + E (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + E (Mac) Centers text or objects for titles and images.
  8. Align Right: Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) Right-aligns content for unique layouts.
  9. Copy Formatting: Ctrl + Alt + C (Windows) / Cmd + Option + C (Mac) Copies formatting of selected text or objects.
  10. Paste Formatting: Ctrl + Alt + V (Windows) / Cmd + Option + V (Mac) Applies copied formatting for consistency.
  11. Group Objects: Ctrl + Shift + G (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + G (Mac) Group objects to move or edit together.
  12. Ungroup Objects: Ctrl + Shift + Alt + G (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + Option + G (Mac) Separates grouped objects for individual tweaks.
  13. Rotate Object Clockwise: Alt + Right Arrow (Windows) / Option + Right Arrow (Mac) Spins objects 90 degrees to the right.
  14. Rotate Object Counterclockwise: Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) / Option + Left Arrow (Mac) Rotates objects 90 degrees counterclockwise.
Pro Tip: Use copy/paste formatting to match fonts and colors fast. Try Ctrl + Alt + C/V or Cmd + Option + C/V. It keeps your slides looking the same. Save time with this trick!

C. Slide and Layout Management

These shortcuts make building slides quick and fun. They help you stay organized when time is short. Sorting slides becomes super easy. Deadlines won’t stress you out as much.
  1. Duplicate Slide: Ctrl + D (Windows) / Cmd + D (Mac) Copies the current slide for reusing layouts.
  2. Delete Slide: Ctrl + Shift + D (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + D (Mac) Deletes the current slide (no warning, so watch out!).
  3. Move Slide Up: Ctrl + Up Arrow (Windows) / Cmd + Up Arrow (Mac) Shifts the slide earlier to the deck.
  4. Move Slide Down: Ctrl + Down Arrow (Windows) / Cmd + Down Arrow (Mac) Moves the slide later in order.
  5. Apply Layout: Alt + Shift + L (Windows) / Option + Shift + L (Mac) Opens the layout menu to change the slide’s template.
  6. Hide Slide: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H (Windows) / Cmd + Option + Shift + H (Mac) Hides a slide without deleting it.
  7. Select All Slides: Ctrl + Shift + A (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + A (Mac) Selects all slides for bulk actions.
  8. Paste and Match Style: Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + V (Mac) Pastes content matching the destination slide’s style.
  9. Insert Text Box: Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + T (Mac) Add a text box for fast notes or titles.
  10. Insert Image: Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + I (Mac) Open the image insertion menu.
Pro Tip: Use the hide slide shortcut (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H or Cmd + Option + Shift + H) to skip unfinished slides during a meeting.

D. Presentation Mode Shortcuts

These shortcuts give you full control during live presentations, making you look polished and prepared.
  1. Start Slideshow: F5 (Windows) / Cmd + Enter (Mac) Launches the presentation from the first slide.
  2. Start from Current Slide: Ctrl + F5 (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) Begins from the slide you’re editing.
  3. Next Slide (in Presentation): Spacebar or Right Arrow Advances to the next slide.
  4. Previous Slide (in Presentation): Left Arrow Goes back to the previous slide.
  5. Exit Slideshow: Esc Ends the presentation and returns to edit mode.
  6. Open Presenter View: Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + P (Mac) Shows notes, timer, and thumbnails during the presentation.
  7. Toggle Laser Pointer: L Activates a laser pointer for highlighting.
  8. Toggle Captions: Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + C (Mac) Turns on real-time captions for accessibility.
  9. Skip Slide (in Presentation): S Skips the current slide without showing it.
  10. Open Q&A: Q Opens the Q&A panel for audience questions.
Pro Tip: Use the laser pointer (L) in virtual presentations to highlight key points—it’s a small trick that impresses.

E. Collaboration and Sharing

Google Slides is great for group work. These shortcuts make teamwork faster. They help with tasks like commenting or sharing. You’ll save time working together.
  1. Add Comment: Ctrl + Alt + M (Windows) / Cmd + Option + M (Mac) Opens a comment box for feedback.
  2. Next Comment: J Jumps to the next comment in the deck.
  3. Previous Comment: K Moves to the previous comment for reviews.
  4. Resolve Comment: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R (Windows) / Cmd + Option + Shift + R (Mac) Marks a comment as resolved.
  5. Open Sharing Settings: Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + S (Mac) Opens the sharing menu to adjust permissions.
  6. Switch to Grid View: Ctrl + Alt + 1 (Windows) / Cmd + Option + 1 (Mac) Shows all slides in a grid for team edits.
Pro Tip: Use comment shortcuts (J/K) to quickly review team feedback without clicking through slides.

F. Bonus: Lesser-Known Shortcuts

These cool tricks turn you into a Google Slides pro. They wow your friends and save time. You’ll shine in group projects. Your slides will look awesome fast.
  1. Insert Special Character: Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + U (Mac) Open the special character menu for symbols or emojis.
  2. Zoom In: Ctrl + Alt + = (Windows) / Cmd + Option + = (Mac) Zooms in for precise editing.
  3. Zoom Out: Ctrl + Alt + – (Windows) / Cmd + Option + – (Mac) Zooms out to see the full slide.
  4. Fit Slide to Screen: Ctrl + Alt + 0 (Windows) / Cmd + Option + 0 (Mac) Adjusts zoom to fit the slide in view.
  5. Clear Formatting: Ctrl + (Windows) / Cmd + (Mac) Removes all formatting from text for a clean slate.
  6. Select Next Object: Tab Cycles through objects on a slide.
  7. Select Previous Object: Shift + Tab Moves backward through objects.
Pro Tip: Use clear formatting (Ctrl + or Cmd + ) when pasting text from another source to avoid messy styles.

Tips for Mastering Shortcuts

To weave shortcuts into your habits, begin small. Select 5–10 from one group, like navigation. Use them for a week. Muscle memory will sprout fast. Peek at Google Slides’ shortcut menu (Ctrl + / or Cmd + /) for more. Print a cheat sheet of top picks for your desk. Blend shortcuts with features like templates or add-ons. Duplicate a slide (Ctrl + D or Cmd + D), then slap on a template for a sleek look. Test shortcuts in small projects to lock them in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shortcuts can swamp you. Don’t tackle all 50+ at once. Grab a few to start. Check your device—Windows or Mac. Keys like Ctrl and Cmd vary. Mixing them sparks frustration. Google tweaks shortcuts sometimes. Visit their help page every few months. Stay sharp. Practice daily cement skills.

Conclusion

Google Slides shortcuts boost speed for everyone. They zip through slides and fix text fast. Over 50 shortcuts save time and make presentations pop. Try some, like copying slides (Ctrl + D or Cmd + D) or bolding text (Ctrl + B or Cmd + B). Use them daily to nail your routine. You’ll whip through slides like a pro soon. Build a quick presentation with just shortcuts. Notice the time you save right away. These tips cut work and make slides shine.
FAQ: Google Slides Shortcuts Demystified
Q1: How can I see all shortcuts fast while working?
A: Tap Ctrl + / (Windows) or Cmd + / (Mac) to flash the shortcut menu. It beams a guide onto your screen. Use it when edits stump you. Find tips to zip through tasks.
 
Q2: I keep forgetting shortcuts. Any tips for memorizing them?
A: Start with 3–5 shortcuts you’ll use daily, like Ctrl/Cmd + M (new slide) or Ctrl/Cmd + Z (undo). Practice them for a week until they feel automatic. Write sticky notes with your top picks and stick them near your monitor.
 
Q3: Do these shortcuts work differently on Windows vs. Mac?
A: Most shortcuts swap Ctrl (Windows) for Cmd (Mac). Exceptions include navigation:
  • Home/End (Windows) → Fn + Arrow keys (Mac)
  • Page Up/Down → Arrow keys work similarly on both.
Q4: What if I accidentally delete a slide?
A: Hit Ctrl/Cmd + Z immediately to undo. If you closed the file, check version history (File > Version history > See version history) to restore earlier drafts.
 
Q5: How do I skip a slide during a presentation without deleting it?
A: Use the Hide Slide shortcut (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H on Windows, Cmd + Option + Shift + H on Mac). Hidden slides stay in your deck but won’t show during the slideshow.
 
Q6: Can I collaborate faster using shortcuts?
A: Absolutely! Try these:
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + M: Add comments
  • J/K: Jump between comments
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + S: Share the deck instantly.
Q7: How do I fix messy text formatting fast?
A: Pick text and hit Ctrl + (Windows) or Cmd + (Mac) to zap formatting. It scrubs chaos from copied text. Use it to tidy slides. Keep designs clean and sharp.
 
Q8: How do I highlight something during a live presentation?
A: Press L to turn your cursor into a laser pointer. No more awkwardly saying, “See that chart on the left… no, the other left.”
 
Q9: Why won’t my font size shortcuts work?
A: Ensure you’ve selected text first! Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + >/< adjusts size only when text is highlighted. If it still fails, check for conflicting browser extensions.
 
Q10: Any trick to align objects perfectly without dragging?
A: Use alignment shortcuts like Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + E (center) or Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L/R (left/right). For precise spacing, hold Shift while resizing objects to maintain proportions.
 
Q11: Can I present without showing my notes or toolbar?
A: Start the slideshow with F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Enter (Mac). For presenter view (notes + timer), use Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P.
 
Q12: How do I quickly add symbols like © or →?
A: Press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + U to open the special characters menu. Search for keywords (e.g., “arrow”) or draw the symbol with your mouse.
 
Q13: What’s the easiest way to duplicate complex layouts?
A: Copy the slide (Ctrl/Cmd + D), then swap content. Bonus: Use Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + C/V to copy-paste formatting between objects for consistency.
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