Google Slides

Last updated

Google Slides
Developer(s) Google LLC
Initial releaseMarch 9, 2006;18 years ago (2006-03-09)
Written in JavaScript
Operating system Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Wear OS
Platform Web application
Available in83 languages [1]
Type
Website google.com/slides

Google Slides is a presentation program included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs suite offered by Google. Google Slides is available as a web application, mobile app for: Android, iOS, and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS. The app is compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint file formats. [2] The app allows users to create and edit files online while collaborating with other users in real-time. Edits are tracked by a user with a revision history presenting changes. An editor's position is highlighted with an editor-specific color and cursor and a permissions system regulates what users can do. Updates have introduced features using machine learning, including "Explore", offering and "tasks to other users." [3]

Contents

History

In September 2007, Google released a presentation program for the Google Docs suite, [4] [5] which originated from the company's acquisition of Zenter on June 19, 2007 [6] and Tonic Systems on April 17, 2007. [7] In March 2010, Google acquired DocVerse, an online document collaboration company that allowed online collaboration between multiple users on Microsoft PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office-compatible document formats such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. [8] Improvements based on DocVerse were announced and deployed in April 2010. [9] In June 2012, Google acquired Quickoffice, a freeware proprietary productivity suite for mobile devices. [10] In October 2012, Google Presentations was renamed Google Slides and a Google Chrome app was released, which provided shortcuts to Slides on Chrome's new tab page. [11]

Platforms

Google Slides is available as a web application supported on the Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari web browsers. [12] Users can access presentations, as well as other files, through the Google Drive website. In June 2014, Google rolled out a dedicated website homepage for Slides that contained only files created using the Drive suite. [13] In 2014, Google launched a dedicated mobile app for Slides for the Android and iOS mobile operating systems. [14] [15] [16] In 2015, the mobile website for Slides was updated with a "simpler, more uniform" interface and while users can read files through the mobile websites, users trying to edit presentations will be redirected towards the dedicated mobile app for Slides, thus preventing editing on the mobile web. [17]

Features

Editing

Collaboration and revision history

Google Slides serves as a collaborative tool for cooperative editing of presentations in real time. Presentations can be shared, opened, and edited by multiple users simultaneously and users can see slide-by-slide and character-by-character changes as other collaborators make edits. Changes are automatically saved to Google's servers and a revision history is automatically kept and users have the option of reverting to previous versions. [18]

An editor's current position is represented with an editor-specific color/cursor, so if another editor happens to be viewing the same slide, they can see edits as they occur. A sidebar chat functionality allows collaborators to discuss edits. The revision history allows users to see the additions made to a document, with each author distinguished by color. Only adjacent revisions can be compared and users cannot control how frequently revisions are saved. Files can be exported to a user's local computer in a variety of formats, including HTML, .jpg, and PDF.

Explore

Launched in September 2016, "Explore" provides additional functionality to the Google Drive suite through machine learning. [19] [20] [21] In Google Slides, Explore dynamically generates design suggestions based on the contents of each slide. The "Explore" features in the Drive suite follow the launch of a more basic research tool originally introduced in 2012. [22] [23] [24]

Action items

In October 2016, Google announced the addition of "action items" to Slides. If a user writes the name of a person the presentation is shared within a comment, the service will intelligently assign that action to the person. Google states this will make it easier for other collaborators to see who is responsible for individual tasks. When a user visits Google Sheets or any of the other Google Drive applications, any files with tasks assigned to them will be highlighted with a badge. [25]

Offline editing

To view and edit presentations offline, users need to be using the Google Chrome web browser. A Chrome extension, Google Docs Offline, allows users to enable offline support for Slides files on the Google Drive website. [26] The Android and iOS apps natively support offline editing. [27] [28]

Files

Supported file formats and limits

.GSLIDESGoogle Slides Shortcut
.JPGJPEG Image
.ODPOpenDocument Presentation
.PDFPortable Document Format File
.PNGPortable Network Graphic
.POTMicrosoft PowerPoint Template (Legacy)
.POTMMicrosoft PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation Template
.POTXMicrosoft PowerPoint Presentation Template
.PPSMicrosoft PowerPoint Slide Show (Legacy)
.PPSMMicrosoft PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Show
.PPSXMicrosoft PowerPoint Slide Show
.PPTMicrosoft PowerPoint Presentation (Legacy)
.PPTMMicrosoft PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation
.SVGScalable Vector Graphics File
.TXTPlain Text File

Google Slides presentation files converted to .gslides Slides format cannot be larger than 100 MB. Images inserted cannot be larger than 50 MB and must be in either .jpg, .png, or .gif formats. [29] [30]

Google Workspace

Google Slides is free to use for individuals, but it is also available as part of the business-centered Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) service by Google, which is a monthly subscription that enables additional business-focused functionality. [31]

Other features

A simple find and replace tool is available and like all Google Drive suite programs, Slides includes a web clipboard tool that allows users to copy and paste content between Slides and the other Drive apps. The web clipboard can also be used for copying and pasting content between different computers. Copied items are stored on Google's servers for up to 30 days. For most copying and pasting, Google Slides also supports keyboard shortcuts, but sometimes due to them supporting this they will only let you use keyboard shortcuts. [32]

Google offers an extension for the Google Chrome web browser called Office editing for Docs, Sheets and Slides that enables users to view and edit PowerPoint documents and other Microsoft Office documents on Google Chrome, via the Google Drive suite apps. The extension can be used for opening Office files stored on the computer using Chrome, as well as for opening Office files encountered on the web (in the form of email attachments, web search results, etc.) without having to download them. The extension is installed on ChromeOS by default. [33]

Discontinued features

Google Cloud Connect was a plug-in for Microsoft Office 2003, 2007, and 2010 that could automatically store and synchronize any PowerPoint presentation to Google Docs (before the introduction of Drive) in the Google Slides or PowerPoint formats. The online copy was automatically updated each time the PowerPoint document was saved. PowerPoint documents could be edited offline and synchronized later when online. Google Cloud Connect maintained previous document versions and allowed multiple users to collaborate by working on the same document at the same time. [34] [35] Google Cloud Connect has been discontinued as of April 30, 2013, as, according to Google, Google Drive achieves all of the above tasks, "with better results". [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microsoft Office</span> Suite of office software

Microsoft Office, or simply Office, is a family of client software, server software, and services developed by Microsoft. It was first announced by Bill Gates on August 1, 1988, at COMDEX in Las Vegas. Initially a marketing term for an office suite, the first version of Office contained Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Over the years, Office applications have grown substantially closer with shared features such as a common spell checker, Object Linking and Embedding data integration and Visual Basic for Applications scripting language. Microsoft also positions Office as a development platform for line-of-business software under the Office Business Applications brand.

iWork Office suite of applications created by Apple Inc.

iWork is an office suite of applications created by Apple for its macOS, iPadOS, and iOS operating systems, and also available cross-platform through the iCloud website.

A collaborative real-time editor is a type of collaborative software or web application which enables real-time collaborative editing, simultaneous editing, or live editing of the same digital document, computer file or cloud-stored data – such as an online spreadsheet, word processing document, database or presentation – at the same time by different users on different computers or mobile devices, with automatic and nearly instantaneous merging of their edits.

The following tables compare general and technical information for a number of office suites:

This is an overview of software support for the OpenDocument format, an open document file format for saving and exchanging editable office documents.

Google Workspace is a collection of cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools, software and products developed and marketed by Google. It consists of Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, Meet and Chat for communication; Currents for employee engagement; Drive for storage; and the Google Docs Editors suite for content creation. An Admin Panel is provided for managing users and services. Depending on edition Google Workspace may also include the digital interactive whiteboard Jamboard and an option to purchase add-ons such as the telephony service Voice. The education edition adds a learning platform Google Classroom and today has the name Workspace for Education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OneDrive</span> File hosting and synchronization service operated by Microsoft

Microsoft OneDrive is a file hosting service operated by Microsoft. First released in August 2007, it allows registered users to store, share and sync their files. OneDrive also works as the storage backend of the web version of Microsoft 365 / Office. OneDrive offers 5 GB of storage space free of charge, with 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available either separately or with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quickoffice</span> Discontinued freeware proprietary productivity suite for mobile devices

Quickoffice, Inc. is a discontinued freeware proprietary productivity suite for mobile devices which allows viewing, creating and editing documents, presentations and spreadsheets. It consists of Quickword, Quicksheet, QuickPoint and QuickPDF. The programs are compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, but not the OpenDocument file format.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Docs.com</span> Public document sharing service from Microsoft

Docs.com was a website where users could discover, upload and share Office documents. Supported file types included Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, Mix video presentations and Sways. Users could also add PDFs and URLs on to their page. Docs.com was a part of Microsoft Office Online.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Cloud Connect</span> Cloud computing plug-in for Microsoft Office

Google Cloud Connect was a free cloud computing plug-in for Windows Microsoft Office 2003, 2007 and 2010 that can automatically store and synchronize any Microsoft Word document, PowerPoint presentation, or Excel spreadsheet to Google Docs in Google Docs or Microsoft Office formats. The Google Doc copy is automatically updated each time the Microsoft Office document is saved. Microsoft Office documents can be edited offline and synchronized later when online. Google Cloud Sync maintains previous Microsoft Office document versions and allows multiple users to collaborate, working on the same document at the same time. Google Cloud Connect was discontinued on April 30, 2013, as according to Google, all of Cloud Connect's features are available through Google Drive.

Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. Launched on April 24, 2012, Google Drive allows users to store files in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, and share files. In addition to a web interface, Google Drive offers apps with offline capabilities for Windows and macOS computers, and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Google Drive encompasses Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, which are a part of the Google Docs Editors office suite that permits collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms, and more. Files created and edited through the Google Docs suite are saved in Google Drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Drawings</span> Cloud-based diagramming software

Google Drawings is a diagramming software included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. The service also includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Google Sites, and Google Keep. Google Drawings is available as a web application and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS. The app allows users to create and edit flowcharts, organisational charts, website wireframes, mind maps, concept maps, and other types of diagrams online while collaborating with other users in real-time.

Google Forms is a survey administration software included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. The service also includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Sites, and Google Keep. Google Forms is only available as a web application. The app allows users to create and edit surveys online while collaborating with other users in real-time. The collected information can be automatically entered into a spreadsheet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Sheets</span> Cloud-based spreadsheet software

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet application included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. Google Sheets is available as a web application; a mobile app for: Android, iOS, and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS. The app is compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats. The app allows users to create and edit files online while collaborating with other users in real-time. Edits are tracked by which user made them, along with a revision history. Where an editor is making changes is highlighted with an editor-specific color and cursor. A permissions system regulates what users can do. Updates have introduced features that use machine learning, including "Explore", which offers answers based on natural language questions in the spreadsheet. Sheets is one of the services provided by Google that also includes Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms, Google Sites and Google Keep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Docs</span> Cloud-based word processing software

Google Docs is an online word processor included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google, which also includes Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms, Google Sites and Google Keep. Google Docs is accessible via an internet browser as a web-based application and is also available as a mobile app on Android and iOS and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OfficeSuite</span> Computer program

OfficeSuite is a cross-platform office suite application developed by MobiSystems. It has versions for Android, iOS and Microsoft Windows (PC) and adds extensive PDF abilities to its compatibility with the most frequently used Microsoft Office file formats. The software has over 220 million downloads on Google Play and is among the top Android business applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collabora Online</span> Online office suite based on LibreOffice

Collabora Online is an open source online office suite built on LibreOffice Technology, enabling web-based collaborative real-time editing of word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and vector graphics. Optional apps are available for desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and Chromebooks.

Google Docs Editors is a web-based productivity office suite offered by Google within its Google Drive service. The suite includes Google Docs, Google Sheets (spreadsheet), Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms, Google Sites, and Google Keep. It used to also include Google Fusion Tables until it was discontinued in 2019.

References

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  2. ↑ "About Fusion Tables". Fusion Tables Help. Google Inc. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  3. ↑ "See and use suggested layouts in a presentation - Computer - Docs Editors Help". support.google.com. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
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  5. ↑ Trapani, Gina (September 18, 2007). "Google Docs Adds Presentations". Lifehacker . Univision Communications . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Google Acquires Zenter; Y Combinator Gets Another Payday". TechCrunch. June 19, 2007. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  7. ↑ Schillace, Sam (April 17, 2007). "We're expecting". Official Google Blog. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  8. ↑ Jackson, Rob (March 5, 2010). "Google Buys DocVerse For Office Collaboration: Chrome, Android & Wave Implications?". Phandroid. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
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  10. ↑ Warren, Alan (June 5, 2012). "Google + Quickoffice = get more done anytime, anywhere". Official Google Blog. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  11. ↑ Sawers, Paul (October 23, 2012). "Google Drive apps renamed "Docs, Sheets and Slides", now available in the Chrome Web Store". The Next Web. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  12. ↑ "System requirements and browsers". Docs editors Help. Google Inc. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Dedicated desktop home pages for Google Docs, Sheets & Slides". G Suite Updates. June 25, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  14. ↑ Levee, Brian (April 30, 2014). "New mobile apps for Docs, Sheets and Slides—work offline and on the go". Official Google Blog. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  15. ↑ Tabone, Ryan (June 25, 2014). "Work with any file, on any device, any time with new Docs, Sheets, and Slides". Google Drive Blog. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
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  17. ↑ "A new look for the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides viewers on the mobile web". G Suite Updates. July 27, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  18. ↑ "See the history of changes made to a file". Docs editors Help. Google Inc. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  19. ↑ Ranjan, Ritcha (September 29, 2016). "Explore in Docs, Sheets and Slides makes work a breeze — and makes you look good, too". Google Docs Blog. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  20. ↑ Novet, Jordan (September 29, 2016). "Google updates Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides with machine intelligence features". VentureBeat . Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  21. ↑ Allan, Darren (September 30, 2016). "Google wants to better challenge Microsoft Office with these new features". TechRadar . Future plc . Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  22. ↑ Duddu, Sarveshwar (May 15, 2012). "Find facts and do research inside Google Documents". Official Google Cloud Blog. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  23. ↑ Robertson, Adi (May 15, 2012). "Google Docs Research sidebar looks up terms, adds images, quotes, and citations". The Verge . Vox Media . Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  24. ↑ Weber, Harrison (May 15, 2012). "Useful! Google Docs introduces new sidebar research tool". The Next Web. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  25. ↑ Weber, Ryan (October 19, 2016). "Five new ways to reach your goals faster with G Suite". The Keyword Google Blog. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Work on Google files offline". Drive Help. Google Inc. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Work on Google files offline". Drive Help. Google Inc. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Work on Google files offline". Drive Help. Google Inc. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Files you can store in Google Drive". Drive Help. Google Inc. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  30. ↑ "Insert or delete images or videos". Docs editors Help. Google Inc. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  31. ↑ "G Suite - Choose a Plan" . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  32. ↑ "Copy and paste text and images" . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides". Chrome Web Store . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  34. ↑ Sinha, Shan (February 24, 2011). "Google Cloud Connect for Microsoft Office available to all". Google Drive Blog. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  35. ↑ White, Charlie (February 24, 2011). "Now Anyone Can Sync Google Docs & Microsoft Office". Mashable . Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Migrate from Google Cloud Connect to Google Drive". Apps Documentation and Support. Google Inc. Archived from the original on March 17, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
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