How to Show Speaker Notes in Google Slides
Short Answer
How do you show speaker notes in Google Slides?
While editing, press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S (⌘ + Option + Shift + S on Mac) to open the speaker notes panel. While presenting, press S, or start with Presenter view from the arrow next to Slideshow. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then W N.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: View › Show Speaker Notes. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Open the speaker notes panel | Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S | ⌘+Option+Shift+S |
| Open speaker notes while presenting | S | S |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Slides.
Using the Menus
- In the top right, next to Slideshow, click the down arrow.
- Click Presenter view.
- Click Speaker notes.
The PowerPoint-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Slides presentation.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). PowerPoint-style key-tips appear.
- Press W, then N. ShortieCuts runs “Show Speaker Notes”.
When the ALT route helps: Alt, W, N (View › Show speaker notes) is easier to remember than Google's four-key combo, and it's the same on Windows and Mac (Option on Mac).
More Google Slides How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HL | Change Layout |
| Alt HGG | Group ObjectsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + G |
| Alt NSN | Slide Numbers |
| Alt GB | Change Background |
| Alt H4 | StrikethroughBuilt-in: Alt + Shift + 5 |
| Alt HI | New SlideBuilt-in: Ctrl + M |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to show speaker notes in Google Slides?
Open the speaker notes panel: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S on Windows; ⌘ + Option + Shift + S on Mac. Open speaker notes while presenting: S on Windows and Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + W + N work in Google Slides?
Not on its own. Google Slides has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + W + N there won't show speaker notes. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then W, then N, and ShortieCuts runs its "Show Speaker Notes" command.
How do I show speaker notes in Google Slides on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Option + Shift + S (Open the speaker notes panel). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then W, then N.
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.