How to Easily Add Page Numbers in Google Slides

Adding page numbers in Google Slides can feel confusing, especially when you have a long presentation. Many people struggle to keep track of their slides, which can make sharing or presenting a polished deck stressful. Missing numbers can lead to disorganized slides and wasted time.

Fortunately, there’s a simple way to fix this problem. With just a few clicks, you can add page numbers to every slide, making your presentation easier to follow and more professional. In the next sections, we’ll show you how to enable slide numbers, customize them, and make sure your slides stay perfectly organized from start to finish.

Enabling Slide Numbers in Google Slides

Adding slide numbers to your Google Slides presentation can make it easier to navigate, especially in longer presentations. This simple task can help keep your slides organized and ensure viewers can quickly reference specific sections. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to enable slide numbers in Google Slides.

Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Start by opening the presentation where you want to add slide numbers.

Go to the "Insert" Menu

On the top menu bar, click on “Insert.” This will open a drop-down list of options.

Select “Slide numbers”

In the drop-down menu, choose “Slide numbers.” A small dialog box will appear.

Choose Your Slide Number Settings

You can select either to add slide numbers to all slides or to exclude the title slide. Make your selection based on what you prefer.

Click "Apply"

Once you’ve set your preferences, click the “Apply” button. The slide numbers will automatically appear on your slides.

Additional Context

You can apply slide numbers in two ways, depending on your needs.

Apply to selected slides only: To add numbers to specific slides, go to the slide sorter (on the left side), click on the slides you want, and follow the same steps. The numbers will only appear on the selected slides. With these easy steps, you can quickly add slide numbers and make your presentation more organized and easier to follow for everyone.

Apply to all slides: If you want every slide to have a number, select the "Apply to all slides" option during the setup. This will automatically add numbers to every slide in the presentation.

Editing Slide Numbers

Slide numbers help your audience follow your presentation. They also make it easier to reference specific slides. Knowing how to edit them ensures your slides stay organized and consistent.

Editing Individual Slide Numbers

Start by opening your Google Slides presentation. Click the slide where you want to change the number. Then, select the text box that contains the slide number. You can type a new number directly or adjust its format using the toolbar. This method is useful when a single slide needs a different number.

Using the Master Slide for Bulk Changes

For multiple slides, use the master slide. Go to the View menu and select Master. This opens the master slide editor. Click the slide number placeholder on the master slide. Make your changes here, such as repositioning, resizing, or changing the font style. The edits will apply to all slides using that layout.

To change slide numbers for specific layouts only, select the corresponding layout in the master view and adjust the number placeholder there. This keeps other layouts unchanged while applying consistent edits where needed.

Exiting the Master Slide Editor

Once your edits are complete, click the X or Close button in the top-right corner to exit the master slide editor. All changes will save automatically and update across your presentation. Return to the normal view to review the slides and confirm that the numbers display as intended.

Final Thoughts

Adding page numbers in Google Slides may seem like a small task, but it makes a big difference in keeping your presentation organized and easy to follow. Whether you’re working on a quick presentation or a lengthy one, slide numbers help your audience stay on track and reference information more efficiently.

By following the steps above, you can quickly add, customize, and edit slide numbers to fit your needs. Now, your slides are not only polished but also structured in a way that makes presenting a breeze.

FAQS:

How do I add page numbers in Google Slides?

Open your presentation and click on “Insert” in the top menu. Select “Slide numbers,” then check the box for “On.” Click “Apply” to add numbers to all slides.

Can I skip adding page numbers to the title slide?

Yes. When you open “Slide numbers,” check the box for “Skip title slide.” This will keep the first slide number-free while numbering the rest.

How do I remove page numbers from Google Slides?

Go to “Insert” and select “Slide numbers.” Uncheck the box next to “On” and click “Apply.” All slide numbers will be removed.

How can I change the position of slide numbers in Google Slides?

Slide numbers follow the layout set by the master slide. To move them, go to “View” → “Master,” then drag the number box to the position you want.

Can I apply slide numbers to only selected slides?

Google Slides does not let you number individual slides directly. You can skip numbering on certain slides using the “Skip title slide” option or by editing the master layout for specific slides.

What is the default position for page numbers in Google Slides?

By default, slide numbers appear in the bottom-right corner of each slide.

How do I edit the appearance of slide numbers in Google Slides?

Use the master slide to change the font, size, or color of the number. Open “View” → “Master,” select the number box, and make your edits.

Can I add additional elements like a logo next to the slide numbers?

Yes. On the master slide, you can place a logo, icon, or other element near the number box. This will appear on all slides using that layout.

Do slide numbers automatically update if I add or remove slides?

Yes. Numbers adjust automatically when you insert or delete slides, keeping the order correct without extra work.