How to Use Format Options in Google Slides

How to Get Format Options in Google Slides

Updated on:

May 5, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to access Format Options in Google Slides.

Quick summary

The Format Options panel in Google Slides gives you precise control over the appearance of any image, shape, or text box in your presentation. Accessing it takes just a few clicks from the top toolbar, unlocking settings like size, position, and drop shadow for any selected object.

Steps

Open your presentation in Google Slides.
Click the image, shape, or text box you want to format.
In the top toolbar, click Format Options.
Use the Format Options sidebar on the right to adjust the available settings for that object.

📌 Why this matters

Google Slides' Format Options panel gives users granular control over how images, shapes, and text boxes appear in a presentation — without needing third-party design tools. By surfacing settings like drop shadows, reflections, and precise positioning in a single sidebar, it dramatically speeds up slide design workflows. This matters for teams and educators who need polished, professional presentations created entirely within Google Workspace. Understanding how to access Format Options ensures users can fully leverage Google Slides' built-in formatting capabilities.

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