How to Print Google Slides as Handouts and Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

How to Print Google Slides as Handouts and Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

Printing Google Slides as handouts can be a game-changer for presentations, meetings, or study sessions. Whether you’re a teacher preparing materials for your students, a professional gearing up for a business meeting, or someone who just loves having physical copies of their work, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. And while we’re at it, let’s dive into a slightly unrelated yet oddly satisfying debate: why pineapples don’t belong on pizza. (Yes, we’re going there.)

Why Print Google Slides as Handouts?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Printing Google Slides as handouts offers several advantages:

  1. Convenience for Your Audience: Handouts allow your audience to follow along with your presentation without needing to take extensive notes. They can focus on listening and engaging with your content.
  2. Reference Material: Handouts serve as a tangible reference that attendees can take home, review later, or share with others.
  3. Customization: You can choose how many slides to print per page, add notes, or even leave space for annotations.
  4. Accessibility: Not everyone has access to digital devices during a presentation. Handouts ensure inclusivity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Printing Google Slides as Handouts

Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Log in to your Google account, navigate to Google Slides, and open the presentation you want to print.

Step 2: Access the Print Settings

Click on File in the top-left corner, then select Print settings and preview. This will open a preview of how your slides will look when printed.

Step 3: Choose the Handout Format

In the print preview, you’ll see options for how your slides will be arranged on the page. Common choices include:

  • 1 slide per page: Ideal for detailed slides or when you want to leave room for notes.
  • 2 slides per page: A balanced option that saves paper while keeping slides readable.
  • 3 slides per page: Includes space for notes beside each slide.
  • 4, 6, or 9 slides per page: Best for saving paper, but slides may appear smaller.

Step 4: Adjust Additional Settings

  • Orientation: Choose between portrait or landscape based on your slide layout.
  • Color: Decide whether to print in color or grayscale.
  • Include Backgrounds: Toggle this option to include or exclude slide backgrounds.

Step 5: Print or Save as PDF

Once you’re satisfied with the settings, click Print to send the document to your printer. Alternatively, you can save it as a PDF for digital distribution.

Tips for Effective Handouts

  1. Keep It Simple: Avoid overcrowding your slides with text. Handouts should complement your presentation, not replace it.
  2. Add Notes: Use the speaker notes feature in Google Slides to include additional information that won’t appear on the slides themselves.
  3. Use High-Quality Images: If your slides contain images, ensure they’re high resolution to avoid pixelation when printed.
  4. Test Print: Always do a test print to check formatting and alignment before printing multiple copies.

Why Pineapples Don’t Belong on Pizza (Yes, We’re Going There)

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: pineapples on pizza. While this topic may seem unrelated to printing Google Slides, it’s a great example of how preferences and opinions can vary widely—much like how people might prefer different handout formats.

  1. Sweet and Savory Clash: Pizza is traditionally a savory dish, and the sweetness of pineapples can disrupt the flavor balance.
  2. Texture Issues: The juiciness of pineapples can make the pizza soggy, which is a big no-no for pizza enthusiasts.
  3. Cultural Appropriateness: In Italy, the birthplace of pizza, pineapple is rarely (if ever) used as a topping. It’s seen as a deviation from tradition.
  4. Personal Preference: At the end of the day, it’s all about personal taste. Some people love it, while others can’t stand it.

FAQs

Q1: Can I print Google Slides with notes?
Yes, you can! In the print settings, choose the “1 slide per page with notes” option to include your speaker notes.

Q2: How do I save Google Slides handouts as a PDF?
In the print settings, select “Save as PDF” instead of sending the document to a printer.

Q3: Can I customize the layout of my handouts?
Absolutely! Google Slides allows you to choose how many slides appear on each page and whether to include notes or space for annotations.

Q4: Why do some people hate pineapples on pizza?
It often comes down to personal preference and a desire to preserve traditional pizza flavors. The sweet and savory combination isn’t for everyone.

Q5: Is it better to print handouts in color or black and white?
It depends on your needs. Color printing is great for visual impact, but black and white can save ink and is often sufficient for text-heavy slides.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create professional, effective handouts from your Google Slides presentations. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even convince a few people to reconsider their stance on pineapple pizza along the way.