Body
Questions
- How do I create a full-screen image for digital signage in PowerPoint?
- How do I export a PowerPoint slide as an image at 1080p or 4K?
- How do I make a portrait (vertical) image for a sideways display?
- Why does my exported slide look blurry or low-resolution on the display?
- How is exporting an image different on PowerPoint for Mac versus Windows?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff using Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365) on macOS or Windows 11 who want to export a single slide as a full-screen image for a Carousel display. The goal is a PNG or JPG at either 1080p (1920 × 1080) or 4K (3840 × 2160), in landscape or portrait.
Why the slide size matters: PowerPoint exports slides as images at 96 dots per inch (DPI) by default, so the exported pixel size equals the slide size in inches multiplied by 96. Setting the slide to the right size makes the export land on exact pixel dimensions, and this method works the same on both macOS and Windows.
Resolution
Step 1: Set the slide size
- Open PowerPoint and go to the Design tab.
- Select Slide Size, then Custom Slide Size (on Mac, Slide Size then Page Setup).
- Enter the Width and Height for the resolution and orientation you need:
| Target |
Width |
Height |
Exported pixels |
| 1080p landscape |
20 in |
11.25 in |
1920 × 1080 |
| 1080p portrait |
11.25 in |
20 in |
1080 × 1920 |
| 4K landscape |
40 in |
22.5 in |
3840 × 2160 |
| 4K portrait |
22.5 in |
40 in |
2160 × 3840 |
Tip: You can type a unit after the number in the size boxes. Entering 20in and 11.25in works, and so does typing the pixels directly as 1920px and 1080px, which PowerPoint converts to inches for you.
If PowerPoint asks whether to Maximize or Ensure Fit when resizing, either is fine for a new design. Select Ensure Fit if you want existing content to stay fully on the slide.
Step 2: Design the slide full-bleed
- Fill the entire slide with your background so there are no unintended borders.
- Keep important text and logos away from the very edges.
- Use large, high-contrast text so the message is readable on a display.
Step 3: Export the slide as an image
On Windows:
- Select File, then Export, then Change File Type.
- Choose PNG (best for text and graphics) or JPEG (best for photos), then select Save As.
- Choose a location and select Save. When prompted, select Just This One to export only the current slide.
On macOS:
- Select File, then Export.
- Set File Format to PNG or JPEG.
- Choose Save Current Slide Only, then select Export.
Step 4: Verify the pixel dimensions
- Windows: Right-click the exported file, select Properties, then the Details tab, and check Dimensions.
- macOS: Select the file and press Command + I (Get Info), or open it in Preview and choose Tools then Adjust Size, to see the pixel dimensions.
Important: If the exported file does not match the target pixels in the table, your version of PowerPoint may export at a different default resolution. Adjust the slide size proportionally and export again until the file matches.
Differences between Windows and Mac
Windows advanced option: If you prefer to keep a standard 16:9 slide (13.333 in × 7.5 in) instead of resizing it, you can raise PowerPoint's export resolution by adding the ExportBitmapResolution value in the Windows registry (144 for 1080p, 288 for 4K). Editing the registry is an advanced step and may require help from the Service Desk. The slide-size method above avoids the registry entirely.
Mac note: PowerPoint for Mac cannot use the registry setting. Some versions of the Mac Export dialog let you type Width and Height in pixels directly, so you can enter 1920 × 1080 or 3840 × 2160 there. The slide-size method works on every version.
Step 5: Upload to Carousel
Once you have the image file, upload it as a full-screen image bulletin. See the Create and Publish a Bulletin in Carousel article in the Related Articles section.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources
AI-assisted content: This article was drafted with the assistance of an AI writing tool and reviewed by Bowdoin IT staff for accuracy.