How to Insert a Shape in Google Slides
Short Answer
How do you insert a shape in Google Slides?
Go to the slide, click Insert › Shape at the top, and choose the shape you want. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then N S H.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Insert › Shape. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Go to the slide where you want the shape.
- At the top, click Insert › Shape.
- Choose the shape you want.
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.
- Go to the slide where you want the shape.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). PowerPoint-style key-tips appear.
- Press N, S, then H. ShortieCuts runs “Shape”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt HSH | Insert ShapeHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: PowerPoint opens its Shapes gallery with Alt, N, S, H. ShortieCuts maps the same letters to Google's shape menu.
More Google Slides How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HL | Change Layout |
| Alt AR | Rotate ObjectsBuilt-in: Alt + Right arrow |
| Alt GS | Slide Size |
| Alt SC | Present (Slideshow)Built-in: Ctrl + F5 |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt HI | New SlideBuilt-in: Ctrl + M |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to insert a shape in Google Slides?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides doesn't include one. Go to the slide, click Insert › Shape at the top, and choose the shape you want. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then N, then S, then H.
Does Alt + N + S + H work in Google Slides?
Not on its own. Google Slides has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + N + S + H there won't insert a shape. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then N, then S, then H, and ShortieCuts runs its "Shape" command.
How do I insert a shape 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 S, then H.
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.