Google Slides Shortcuts: Master Presentations & Gemini AI

Google Slides isn’t just for bullet points anymore; it is a visual storytelling engine. In 2026, with Gemini Image Generation built right into the editor, you can design stunning decks and present them effortlessly without ever touching a mouse.

Whether you are building a pitch deck or presenting live on stage, knowing the right keys allows you to focus on your audience, not your interface.

This guide covers the essential shortcuts for designing faster and presenting better.

Need to record your talk? Check out our guide on the new Slides Recording Studio.

 

Download the Google Slides Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

Useful Google Slides Shortcuts (Desktop)

These shortcuts are divided into two modes: Editor Mode (building the deck) and Presenter Mode (delivering the talk).

🎨 Editor Mode: Creation & Layout

Shortcut	What It Does
Ctrl + M	Insert a new slide.
Ctrl + D	Duplicate selected object (image, shape).
Ctrl + Shift + D	Duplicate the entire slide.
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + G	Group selected objects.
Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down	Move slide up or down in order.

📝 Text & Formatting

Shortcut	What It Does
Ctrl + Shift + C	Copy formatting (paint format).
Ctrl + Shift + V	Paste formatting.
Ctrl + K	Insert hyperlink.
Alt + /	Search menus (Tool Finder).

🎤 Presenter Mode: Live on Stage

These shortcuts only work while you are presenting. Master these to look professional.

Shortcut	Action
L	Laser Pointer: Toggles a red laser cursor.
S	Speaker Notes: Open the notes window.
B / W	Black / White Screen: Pauses the presentation.
[Number] + Enter	Jump to specific slide (e.g., 5 + Enter).
Ctrl + Enter	Play from beginning.

Gemini AI in Google Slides

 

Gemini is now a built-in designer. It can generate original imagery and refine your text content.

• Create an Image: Click “Create image with Gemini” and type a prompt like: “A futuristic city skyline in cyberpunk style, purple and teal.” Gemini will generate original art for your slide background.
• Create with Prompt: Click the ✨ icon in a new deck and type “Create a 5-slide deck on Chromebook productivity” to generate a full draft.
• Rewrite Slide Content: Highlight any text and select “Refine with Gemini” for options like Rephrase, Shorten, or Bulletize.

Google Slides on Mobile

Presenting from your phone? Here is how to control the room.

• Cast to TV: Use the Chromecast icon to project your slides to a TV, while your phone acts as the remote and speaker notes display.
• Draw on Slide: When presenting from mobile, tap the “Pen” icon to circle important data with your finger in real-time.
• Quick Layout Picker (Android): Tap the layout icon to change structure with one tap.

---

Want more cheat sheets and productivity guides?

• Gmail Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Calendar Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Docs Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Sheets Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Forms Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Drive Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools

Each guide includes mobile tips, Gemini AI usage, and a free downloadable cheat sheet.