Click here to Make a copy of the Google Slides Yearbook page

In 1994, my friends and I purchased a yearbook page in the Delano High School yearbook. Our yearbook was aptly called "Del Año," which means "of the year" in Spanish.

My friends and I printed our favorite photos and cut each one by hand before gluing them onto a page. The page was then given to the yearbook class.

Fast forward to 2020. You and your friends only need Google Slides and images on your phone or Google Drive to create your yearbook collage. Make sure you Share it with the yearbook advisor.

Need some guidance to create your masterpiece? Read the directions and watch the videos below. Then have fun creating an informal personal page for the school yearbook.

Setup Yearbook Page

 

Copy the Purchased Page Template

  1. If you have not already make a copy of the template, click on this link.
  2. Select Make a copy.
  3. In the upper right corner, click on the name of the file and add the student's name.
  4. Click on the Share button in the upper right corner.
  5. Type the email address of the yearbook advisor.
  6. In the message, include the student's name and the receipt number. You may want to include your contact information.
  7. Click Send.

SUGGESTION Add email addresses of collaborators.

Insert a Layout, View Guide Lines and Select Layout

  1. Click to add new slide.
  2. Go to View -> Guides -> Show guides.
  3. You will see two sets of guides now.
  4. Go to View -> Guides -> Clear guides to view the needed guides.
  5. Click on Layout to view the different guide choices.

Click here to learn more about guides.

Insert, Resize, Crop and Mask Images 

Insert Images

  1. Click on the Insert image icon.
  2. Select the location of your images. For example, Google Photos.
  3. Select the image(s).
  4. Click Insert.

Insert Images from your Phone

  1. Open the Google Drive app.
  2. Search for the yearbook slide.
  3. Click the + icon to view the Insert menu.
  4. Select Image.
  5. Click on From photos.
  6. Choose the image.
  7. Click off the image.
  8. Repeat steps 3-7 to insert additional images.

Resize Images

  1. Select an image.
  2. Click on Format options.
  3. Select Size & Position.
  4. Change the Width.
  5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each image.

ALWAYS check Lock aspect ratio!!!!

Crop, Mask, Arrange and Move Images

Crop Image

  1. Click on an image.
  2. Select the Crop icon.
  3. Move the black lines to cut out parts of the image.

Mask Image

  1. Select an image.
  2. Next to the Crop icon is the Mask image arrow. Click on it.
  3. Select the shape of your choice.

Because the image is "masked," you can change the shape or revert to the original rectangle shape.

Arrange

You may need to move a shape to the front or to the back.

  1. Click on the image.
  2. Go to Arrange -> Order.
  3. Select one of the four options.
    • Bring to front = a huge step forward
    • Bring forward = one small step forward
    • Send to back = a huge step backward
    • Send backward = one small step backward

Move

Use the arrow keys to move images. Shift + arrow = a half step.

Insert and Format Text Boxes and Shapes for Captions

Insert Captions

  1. Insert a Text box or Shape.
  2. Click and drag.

Format Captions

  1. Choose a Paint fill color for the text background.
  2. Select a Serif or Sans Serif font. Click here to learn more about fonts.
  3. Font size = 11 pt.
  4. Type the caption.

Reuse Caption

  1. Use CTRL + D to duplicate caption.
  2. Use arrow keys to reposition.
  3. If desired, use Format options to change the width. (Keep the Lock aspect ratio unchecked in this case).

Format New Shapes

Insert different shapes but use the same font type, font size, and color.

  1. Click on an already formatted caption.
  2. Click on the Paint format icon.
  3. Click on the new shape.

Distribute Captions Equally

  1. Make sure the outside objects (image or caption) are where you want them.
  2. Hold the Shift key and click on two or more objects.
  3. Go to Arrange -> Distribute.
  4. Select Horizontally.
  5. Repeat Step 3 but select Vertically the second time.

Align Captions with Image

  1. Hold the Shift key and click on the image and caption.
  2. Go to Arrange -> Align.
  3. Select Center.

 

Send Finished Purchased Page to Yearbook Advisor

Email Yearbook Advisor

In the first step, you Shared the purchased yearbook page with the yearbook advisor. Now it is time to let her know that the page is complete.

  1. Double-check that the file name includes the student's name.
  2. Go to File -> Email collaborators.
  3. Type a short message.
  4. Check Send a copy to myself.
  5. Click Send.

The yearbook itself - clubs, activities, events, individual student portraits - will have a more formal feel. Purchased pages are meant to be informal student expressions. So have fun with color, shapes, and design!

Remember to use images and text that you will be proud of both today and in 26 years. All comments and images should be positive to all student body members. Keep this in mind as you make your personal yearbook page.

Click here for a printable letter home. Select Use Template if you want to edit and use the 2-page letter. Do not print the pages back-to-back. The parent or student will need the directions to create and send the yearbook advisor the completed personal page.

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