Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions - PowerPoint

Is it confusing to have the slides numbers of all the different files start over at 1?
Do you use a lot of bulleted lists in PowerPoint? Or a way to promote and/or demote items in the list?

Is it confusing to have the slides numbers of all the different files start over at 1?
To alter the number of the first slide in a presentation, go to the File menu and choose Page Setup. When the Page Setup window opens, take a look at the bottom left corner. See the Number Slides From field - it is here that you will enter the number you want for the first slide in the presentation and click OK. There you have it - a quick fix to the duplicate number confusion dilemma.

Do you use a lot of bulleted lists in Word?
To demote an item one level in your list place the cursor somewhere in the item then use Alt + Shift + Right Arrow (PC users) or Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow (Mac users) . Need to move another level yet? Then repeat the key combination to demote again. You can also use the Tab key to demote (the emphasis here is that you need to have the cursor at the very left of the information).

To promote something one level use Alt + Shift + Left Arrow (PC users) or Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow (Mac users). And repeat to move up another level.You can also use the Shift + Tab key to demote (again, remember to have the cursor at the very left of the information).

Now there's the dilemma of moving items up and down through the list. Place the cursor within the item to move. Use Alt + Shift + Up or Down Arrow (PC users) or Ctrl + Shift + Up or Down Arrow (Mac users). Instantly the bulleted item begins to climb or drop down through the list without the need for a cut/paste.

PC Users Only - Moving to those who are more "mouse" inclined - there are quick maneuvers at your disposal. You can run your mouse pointer over the bullet of the item to move until it becomes a 4-way arrow. Once you have the arrow, click and hold. Now you can drag in the direction you need the item to move. Left or right will promote or demote and up or down will rearrange the list.

Some quick ways to manage bulleted lists without a single toolbar button or menu in sight...