how to print google slides with notes on the side: should you consider using a printer at all?

In today’s digital age, many educators and students prefer to create presentations in Google Slides rather than traditional paper formats. However, there are instances where printed materials might be necessary, such as for classroom distribution or for those who learn better with physical copies. This article delves into the process of printing Google Slides while ensuring that any associated notes are also included on the side of the slide, providing multiple strategies and tips for achieving this goal effectively.

Method 1: Using Google Slides’ Built-In Print Functionality

The most straightforward way to print Google Slides is by utilizing the built-in print functionality within the application itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Google Slides: Log in to your Google account and open the presentation you wish to print.
2. Navigate to Print Settings: Click on the ‘File’ menu located in the top left corner of the screen, then select ‘Print’.
3. Adjust Print Settings: In the print dialog box, you can choose from various print options including the number of copies, orientation (portrait or landscape), and page size. Ensure that the ‘Notes’ section is selected under the ‘Show’ dropdown menu. This option will include the notes panel on each slide.
4. Choose Printer: Select your preferred printer and click ‘Print’. The slides, along with their notes, will now be sent to your designated printer.

Method 2: Utilizing Third-Party Tools

While Google Slides provides an excellent default solution, third-party tools can offer additional features and convenience. One popular choice is Adobe Acrobat, which can be used to merge PDFs from Google Slides and add notes.

Steps to Use Adobe Acrobat:

1. Export Slides as PDF: First, export each slide as a separate PDF file. To do this, go to ‘File’ > ‘Download as’ > ‘PDF’.
2. Merge PDFs: Open Adobe Acrobat and go to ‘File’ > ‘Merge PDFs’. Select all the PDF files exported from Google Slides.
3. Add Notes: Adobe Acrobat allows you to add text annotations directly to the merged PDF. Use the ‘Annotate’ tool to highlight important points or add notes.
4. Print: Once your notes are added, simply print the merged PDF document.

Method 3: Custom Scripting

For tech-savvy users, custom scripting solutions can automate the process of printing Google Slides with notes. A simple script can be written using Google Apps Script to automate the merging of slides and notes into a single PDF.

Steps to Create a Custom Script:

1. Access Google Apps Script: Go to Google Drive, create a new Google Sheet, and then click on ‘Tools’ > ‘Script editor’.

2. Write the Script:

   • Open the script editor and paste the following code:

     function printWithNotes() {
       var slides = SlidesApp.getActivePresentation();
       var pdf = SlidesApp.create("Printed Presentation");
     
       // Copy slides and notes to the new PDF
       slides.getSlides().forEach(function(slide) {
         var slideCopy = pdf.insertSlide(slide);
         slideCopy.copyNotes(slide.getNotes());
       });
     
       // Set print settings
       pdf.setOption('printBackground', true);
       pdf.print();
     }
     

3. Run the Script: Save the script and run it via printWithNotes().

This method not only simplifies the process but also ensures that all notes are preserved alongside the slides.

Conclusion

Printing Google Slides with notes on the side can enhance the learning experience, especially for those who benefit from having both visual and textual information available simultaneously. Whether you opt for Google’s built-in functionality, use third-party tools like Adobe Acrobat, or delve into custom scripting, there are multiple effective ways to achieve this goal. Each method has its own advantages, so choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs and preferences.