Learning shortcuts is always a fun part of PowerPoint training. I like having a range of ways of accessing commands, opening programmes and files, and changing the view of my work – without constantly reaching for the mouse.
Shortcuts are also called Key Tips – but whichever name you prefer, they are nifty little things.
The Alt key is the star of the show. whichever tab you are in, press and hold down the Alt key. The shortcut options appear and select the one you want.
For example,
Alt plus H will take you to the home tab, from here, you can insert a new slide using Alt plus I
Holding down the Alt key in the Home tab gives you quick ways to add a new slide. Alt plus I = new slide.
The last time I used a PowerPoint presentation, I was using 2003. Today is a fresh start with 2010. And from opening of the program, the screen looks sleeker and is designed to make it easier for me to access the commands.
There are three things that stand out at this stage and this is a quick introduction to the differences between PowerPoint 2010 and 2003.
The first difference is (drum roll please) The Ribbon. It sounds fancy, but don’t be intimidated. It’s a smarter, easier and more intuitive way to locate the commands you want. The big advantage over 2003, is that the Ribbon makes more commands visible and accessible for you to use.
In PowerPoint 2003, the file menu had lots of sub-menus and hidden tabs. This made it cumbersome to access commands, with selecting a menu, scrolling down to locate a sub menu and then locate a command that was tucked away in a long list.
The Ribbon gives me a clear visual cue to my work and the process I will follow to create my presentation and then edit, insert clips or images, practise the presentation before the big day etc….so here it is…my sleek, new 2010 PowerPoint screen.
The Ribbon in PowerPoint 2010 is the most visible change from 2003.
Tabs are located along the Ribbon. The names will be familiar as they match the file menu and commands in the 2003 version. Click on any of these tabs, and you are given quick access to the commands you need.
The Ribbon has a series of tabs, for quicker access to the key commands you need to create and edit your presentation.
The backstage view sounds a bit dramatic, but this is what it is…
Backstage View in PowerPoint 2010.
The backstage view is where you manage your files and manage the program. This is where you access your files, can save and send, print them, or manage permissions.
If you are upgrading from 2003 to 2010, or just a bit rusty in PowerPoint, it’s worth a looking at our introduction course syllabus. It can identify the areas you can refresh and build on – and one day on a training course can translate into faster and more professional looking presentations. https://www.stl-training.co.uk/powerpoint-2010-introduction.php
