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How to Print PowerPoint Slides as Handouts

Tap a step to see it in order.

  1. Go to "File > Print"

    Open the "File" tab, then select "Print" from the menu.

  2. Choose "Handouts" from the "Full Page Slides" dropdown

    Open the layout dropdown and pick a handout option, choosing how many slides to fit on each page -- 2, 3, 6, and so on.

  3. Check the slide border and note-lines options

    Choosing the "3 Slides" layout automatically adds ruled lines beside each slide so the audience has room to jot notes.

  4. Check the preview, then print

    Review the layout in the preview pane on the right, then click "Print".

  5. Why it is worth doing

    Printing one slide per page burns through paper fast, while a handout layout fits several slides on a single page, giving you a paper-saving takeaway to hand out to attendees.

Handing out a presentation on paper

When you need to distribute a presentation to an audience in physical form, printing every slide full-size wastes paper and makes for an unwieldy stack. A handout layout condenses multiple slides onto each sheet, producing something people can actually hold onto and reference afterward.

Picking a layout that fits how it will be used

If people will want to take notes during the talk, the "3 Slides" layout is worth the extra page since it comes with built-in note-lines. If the handout is purely a reference copy with no need to write on it, "6 Slides" packs the most content into the fewest pages and saves the most paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many slides per page is generally best?

For a handout meant to be written on, "3 Slides" is the standard choice since it includes note-lines. If it is purely for reference, "6 Slides" saves the most paper.

How do I print a colorful deck in black and white?

In the print settings, open the color options and choose "Grayscale" or "Pure Black and White" -- either setting cuts ink use noticeably compared to printing in full color.