Google Slides has various tools to help a budding graphic designer use three principles of design:
- Alignment
- Balance
- Rule of Thirds
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to apply these three principles to create an original graphic design in Google Slides.
Graphic Design
What is graphic design? Watch the videos below to learn more.
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
- What is Graphic Design? Ep1/45 by Gareth David Studio
- Beginning Graphic Design: Fundamentals by GFCLearnFree.org
Alignment
Alignment is how objects and/or text line up. Alignment creates structure and balance, which gives your design a professional look. Google Slides has multiple tools to help you align text, images, and objects.
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
- ‘Alignment’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep11/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design] by Gareth David Studio
- Understanding Alignment & Proximity | Adobe Design Principles Course by Adobe for Education
Snap to Guides
- Select View.
- Click on Snap to.
- Select Guides.
- When an object is moved, a red alignment indicator appears.
- Release the object when the red indicator line is aligned.
Ruler
- Select View.
- Click on Show Ruler.
- Use the ruler to move the objects with precision.
Suggestion: Combine the Ruler with Snap to Guides red indicator lines as you move the images or text boxes.
PNG files have a transparent background. The sand and three palms tree images come from www.freepngs.com.
Position
- Click on the object.
- Select Format options. (Sometimes you need to click on the 3 dots to see Format options).
- Click on Position.
- Type the desired x and y coordinates.
Align
- Select two or more objects. Use the Shift key as you select multiple items.
- Click on the Arrange menu.
- Select Align.
- Select Top, Middle, or Bottom to align the objects.
- The final product is aligned.
Balance
When objects such as images, shapes, Word Art, and text are placed on a Slide without structure, the result is a jumbled mess. This is where the Arrange menu comes in handy. Equal distribution creates symmetrical balance and a professional look. Center on page Horizontally or Vertically is awesome!
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
- ‘Balance’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep12/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design] by the Gareth David Studios
- Principles of Design: Balance by Ctrl+Paint
Distribute
- Select a minimum of 3 objects.
- Click Arrange on the menu.
- Select Distribute.
- Select Horizontally for across or Vertically for up and down.
- The objects will now be evenly spaced between the first and last object.
Click on the first object and then use the Shift to select multiple objects.
Center object on page
- Select the object.
- Click on Arrange.
- Select Center on page.
- Choose between Horizontally or Vertically.
- The image will move to the center of the slide.
The light bulb and horse images come from www.freepngs.com.
Rule of Thirds
Imagine a grid with 9 boxes. The focal point is where the lines intersect. This is the rule of thirds in the simplest of terms. The design becomes more striking and effective when the elements of design are placed around the four corners of the central rectangle.
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
- Understanding the Rule of Thirds | Adobe Design Principles Course by Adobe for Education
- The Rule of Thirds in Action | Adobe Design Principles Course by Adobe for Education
Guides should not be confused with Snap to guides. The user can insert Guides on the ruler or Edit guides in the View menu.
Math for Rule of Thirds
x = width
y = height
- Vertical line 1 = (x/3)
- Vertical line 2 = (x/3) + (x/3)
- Horizontal line 1 = (y/3)
- Horizontal line 2 = (y/3) + (y/3)
Rule of Third Measurements for a 16:9 Google Slide
- Vertical line 1 = 3.33
- Vertical line 2 = 6.67
- Horizontal line 1 = 1.87
- Horizontal line 2 = 3.75
NOTE: I noticed that when I type in a number such as 3.33 into the guide, the number changes to 3.32. If I type 3.32, the number changes to 3.31. I consider this a glitch. I am sure that Google will fix it soon.
Determine Page Size to set up Rule of Thirds Guide lines
You can look at the ruler to determine the size of the slide or you can get the exact measurements with these directions:
- Select File.
- Look for Page setup.
- Arrows mean "there is more, go explore." Select the arrow.
- Select Custom.
- View the page size in inches and select Done after you write down the numbers.
Edit Guides
- Open View.
- Select Guides.
- Click on Edit guides.
- Select Add new guide in the Vertical tab.
- Type the number and repeat 4 if creating multiple vertical lines.
- Add the measurements for horizontal guides.
- Select Done.
- Use the guide lines to position objects and text on the slide.
Add or remove guide lines
Heart png and bicycle png from pixaby.com.
Practice Google Slides Design Tools
Practice the tools and skills taught on this page with the Design Tools Lesson. Open the previous link and select Use template to begin the lesson.
YouTube Playlist
- Beginning Graphic Design: Fundamentals
- What is Graphic Design? Ep 1/45
- ‘Alignment’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep11/45
- Understanding Alignment & Proximity
- 'Balance" Design principles of Graphic Design Ep 12/45
- BALANCE in Art | The Principles of Design EXPLAINED!
- Understanding the Rule of Thirds | Adobe Design Principles Course
- The Rule of Thirds in Action | Adobe Design Principles Course
- Guides in Google Slides and Drawings
- How to use guides and rulers in Google Slides
Websites
- 8 basic design principles to help you make awesome graphics by Adobe.com
- Alignment Principles in Graphic Design by Study.com
- What is the golden ratio? What you need to know and how to use it by Rebecca Gross
- How to Use the Rule of Thirds Effortlessly by Vladimir Gendelman
SlidesCarnival
If you would like a fresh look for your Google Presentation, use the original SlidesCarnival.com website.
Updated September 25, 2022.