When it comes to creating professional-looking presentations, clarity and organization are key. Adding footnotes in Google Slides is one great way to provide extra details without overwhelming your audience with too much information on the slide. While Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in footnote feature, there are simple workarounds to achieve this. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps in a simple, beginner-friendly way. And if you’re using free Google Slides templates, these tips will work seamlessly with them, too!
What Are Footnotes, and Why Use Them?
Footnotes are those small pieces of text at the bottom of a slide that give additional details, sources, or explanations about something mentioned on the slide. They’re perfect for adding:
- Citations for data or quotes.
- Explanations for specific terms or concepts.
- Contextual notes to avoid cluttering your main content.
They keep your slides clean and perfect while letting you dive deeper into your topic when needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Footnotes in Google Slides
Here’s how you can add footnotes in Google Slides:
1. Insert a Text Box
- Open your Google Slides presentation.
- Go to the slide where you want the footnote.
- Click “Insert” in the top menu, then select “Text box.”
- Place the text box at the bottom of your slide.
2. Type Your Footnote Text
- In the text box, write the footnote using a smaller font size (e.g., size 10 or 12) so it doesn’t dominate your slide.
- Add a superscript number in your slide’s content that corresponds to your footnote. For example: “The sky is blue¹” and your footnote might say: “¹According to XYZ study.”
3. Format for a Professional Look
- Align the text to the left or center, depending on your design.
- Use a subtle font color (like gray) to make it visually distinct but readable.
4. Duplicate for Consistency
- If you need footnotes on multiple slides, copy the formatted text box and paste it onto the next slide. This maintains uniformity across your presentation.
Bonus Tips for Presentation Hacks
If you’re into presentation tricks, there’s a lot more to explore! For instance, learning how to print Google Slides with notes can help you share detailed handouts with your audience. And don’t miss out on our tips & tricks page for more ways to elevate your presentations effortlessly.
Wrap-Up
Adding footnotes in Google Slides might take a few extra steps, but the effort is worth it for creating polished presentations. Whether you’re citing sources, explaining key points, or adding context, footnotes keep your slides clean and impactful.
Now, it’s your turn—try these steps in your next presentation and impress your audience!
