Using PowerPoint for 35mm Slides
Although computer-generated and controlled slide displays have become a standard for most on-screen projection, it may sometimes be necessary to produce 35mm slides in a 2 inch by 2 inch (2 x 2) format for use with a mechanical slide projector. If you usually use PowerPoint (PPT) to create slides, you will need to follow certain steps in order to best prepare an existing presentation for a 35 mm slide format.
When you open PPT to start your file, the default is set for a PPT presentation.
- To set up 35mm slides, go to File > Page Setup > Slides Sized For and click the down arrow. Select 35mm slides from your option menu.
The height to width ratio is different for PPT and 35mm slides. Consequently, if you do not format the presentation for 35mm slides, your mounted slides will show black edges around your active area.
- Use guides (see Access Guides under #3) to mark ½ inch margins on all four sides of your slide. ½ inch margins are necessary to allow room for film to be mounted onto the produced slides.
- Access Guides by right clicking outside your slide area and selecting Guides. Also, right click outside the slide area and select Ruler to help you place guides on each side ½” from the edge.
- To create more guides (one for each side of your slide), click on a guide, depress the control key (CTRL) and drag the guide. You can create up to eight horizontal and eight vertical guides.
Local photo developing services may also be able to produce 35 mm slides from PPT, but you should ask in advance if this specific process is available.
If you need more in-depth assistance with content development,
CITES invites you to contact one of the following members of the CITES Instructional Development Team:
Robert Gringle, Instructional Development Coordinator ~ rgringle@email.unc.edu
Lee Smith, Educational Media Specialist ~ smithl@email.unc.edu
Helen Hall, Graphic Designer ~ hallh@email.unc.edu