How to Exit Presentation Mode in Google Slides

Updated on:

May 25, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to stop presenting and return to edit mode in Google Slides.

Quick summary

Learn how to exit presentation mode in Google Slides using either the built-in menu or a quick keyboard shortcut. This guide shows the fastest ways to stop a slideshow and return to the normal editing view.

Steps

While presenting in Google Slides, hover your pointer to the bottom left corner of the screen until the option buttons appear.
Click the 3 dots menu in the bottom left corner, then select Exit slideshow to stop the presentation.
Alternatively, press the Esc key on your keyboard to immediately exit the slideshow.
You are now out of the slideshow and returned to the normal Google Slides editing view.

📌 Why this matters

Knowing how to quickly exit presentation mode in Google Slides is essential for presenters who need to switch back to editing, answer questions, or navigate to another application without confusion. Google Slides offers two fast methods — the built-in Exit Slideshow menu and the Esc keyboard shortcut — giving users flexibility during live presentations. Mastering these controls helps reduce interruptions and keeps presentations running smoothly. This skill is fundamental for anyone who regularly delivers slideshows in Google Workspace.

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