PowerPoint 2010 is a presentation software that allows you to create dynamic slide presentations that may include animation, narration, images, videos and more. In this lesson, you will learn your way around the PowerPoint 2010 environment, including getting to know the new Backstage view.

We will also show you how to use and modify the Ribbon and the Quick Access Toolbar, in addition to learning how to create new presentations and openexisting files. After this lesson, you will be ready to get started on your first presentation.

If you are familiar with PowerPoint 2007, then you will notice that there are not too many changes to the 2010 interface, other than theBackstage View, which we will cover later in this lesson.  

However, if you are new to PowerPoint, you will first need to take some time to learn about slides and how to navigate through PowerPoint.

PowerPoint uses slides to build a presentation. In order to create an engaging presentation, PowerPoint allows you to add text, bulleted lists, images, charts, video and more to your slides. You can add as many slides as you like to a presentation and at any time you can view or playback your presentation by selecting one of the Slide Show play options.

Working with Your PowerPoint Environment

The Ribbon

To Customize the Ribbon:

1. Right-click the Ribbon and select Customize the Ribbon. A dialog box will appear.
   Right-clicking the Ribbon to customize it
2. Click New Tab. A new tab will be created with a new group inside it.
3. Make sure the new group is selected.
4. Select a command from the list on the left, then click Add. You can also drag commands directly into a group.
5. When you are done adding commands, click OK.
   Customize Ribbon Dialog Box

To Minimize and Maximize the Ribbon:

1. Click the arrow in the upper-right corner of the Ribbon to minimize it.
   Minimize the Ribbon button
2. To maximize the Ribbon, click the arrow again.
   

The Quick Access Toolbar

To Add Commands to the Quick Access Toolbar:

1. Click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Quick Access Toolbar.
2. Select the command you wish to add from the drop-down menu. To choose from more commands, selectMore Commands.
   Adding a command to the Quick Access toolbar

   Backstage View

   Backstage view gives you various options for saving, opening a file, printing, or sharing your document. It is similar to the Office Button Menu from PowerPoint 2007 or the File Menu from earlier versions of PowerPoint. However, instead of just a menu, it is a full-page view which makes it easier to work with.

   To Get to Backstage View:

   1. Click the File tab.
      Backstage View
   2. You can choose an option on the left side of the page.
   3. To get back to your document, just click any tab on the Ribbon.
      

   Use the interactive below to learn about the different things you can do in Backstage view.

   

   Creating and Opening Presentations

   Watch the video (1:44). Need help?

   Watch the video to learn how to create and open a presentation.

   To Create a New, Blank Presentation:

   1. Click the File tab. This takes you to Backstage view.
   2. Select New.
   3. Select Blank presentation under Available Templates and Themes. It will be highlighted by default.
   4. Click Create. A new, blank presentation appears in the PowerPoint window.
      Creating a new presentation

   To save time, you can create your presentation from an Office.com template, which you can also select under Available Templates and Themes.

   To Open an Existing Presentation:

   1. Click the File tab. This takes you to Backstage view.
   2. Select Open. The Open dialog box appears.
      Opening a presentation
   3. Select your desired presentation and then click Open.
      

   If you have opened the existing presentation recently, it may be easier to choose Recent from the File tabinstead of Open to search for your presentation.

   Opening a recent presentation