How to Add Audio to Google Slides
Short Answer
How do you add audio to a slide in Google Slides?
Select the slide, click Insert › Audio, choose an .mp3 or .wav file from your Google Drive, and click Select. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then N U.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Insert › Audio. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Select the slide you want to add the audio file to.
- Click Insert › Audio.
- Choose an audio file and click Select.
Google Slides takes .mp3 and .wav files stored in your Google Drive, so upload the file to Drive first.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides has no shortcut for this.
The PowerPoint-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Slides presentation.
- Select the slide you want to add audio to.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). PowerPoint-style key-tips appear.
- Press N, then U. ShortieCuts runs “Audio”.
When the ALT route helps: Audio sits next to video in ShortieCuts' Insert group: Alt, N, U for audio and Alt, N, V for video.
More Google Slides How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt DD | Duplicate SlideBuilt-in: Ctrl + D |
| Alt HGG | Group ObjectsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + G |
| Alt GH | Change Theme |
| Alt NA | Add Animation |
| Alt H4 | StrikethroughBuilt-in: Alt + Shift + 5 |
| Alt DX | Delete SlideBuilt-in: Delete or Backspace |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to add audio to a slide in Google Slides?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides doesn't include one. Select the slide, click Insert › Audio, choose an .mp3 or .wav file from your Google Drive, and click Select. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then N, then U.
Does Alt + N + U work in Google Slides?
Not on its own. Google Slides has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + N + U there won't add audio to a slide. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then N, then U, and ShortieCuts runs its "Audio" command.
How do I add audio to a slide in Google Slides on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then N, then U.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.