Google Slides has a built-in feature for adding slide numbers — but it's hidden in an unexpected place. This quick guide shows you how to add page numbers in Google Slides, how to customize their position and style, and how to skip numbering on the title slide.
- Insert → Slide numbers → toggle on. Done — numbers appear on every slide.
- To skip the title slide: check "Skip title slides" in the same dialog.
- Below: step-by-step, customization (position, font, color), and "X of Y" format.
How to Add Slide Numbers in Google Slides
- Open your presentation in Google Slides.
- Click Insert → Slide numbers.
- A dialog box appears with options:
- Select "On" to add numbers to all slides.
- Optionally check "Skip title slides" — this hides the number on any slide using a title slide layout.
- Click Apply.
- Slide numbers appear in the bottom-right corner of every slide (or every slide except title slides).
How to Remove Slide Numbers
- Click Insert → Slide numbers.
- Select "Off".
- Click Apply.
- All slide numbers are removed.
The slide number position is determined by the theme's master layout. In most themes, it appears in the bottom-right corner. If you need to move it, you'll have to edit the master slide (Slide → Edit theme).
How to Customize Slide Numbers
| Customization | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Change position | Slide → Edit theme → find the slide number placeholder (small text box in the corner) → drag it to a new position. Changes apply to all slides using that layout. |
| Change font / size | In the master slide editor: click the slide number placeholder → change font, size, and color using the toolbar. Or: on an individual slide, click the number and change formatting (applies to that slide only). |
| Change color | Click the slide number on any slide → change the text color in the toolbar. For all slides: edit the master slide. |
| Skip title slide | Insert → Slide numbers → check "Skip title slides." Only works for slides using title slide layouts. |
| Start from a different number | Google Slides always starts from 1 (or 2 if you skip the title). There is no option to start from a custom number. |
How to Show "Slide X of Y" Format
Google Slides doesn't have a built-in "X of Y" format (e.g., "3 of 15"). Here's a workaround:
- Add slide numbers normally (Insert → Slide numbers → On).
- On each slide, add a text box next to the slide number.
- Type "of [total]" — e.g., "of 15."
- Position it right after the automatic slide number so it reads "3 of 15."
This is manual — you'll need to update the total if you add or remove slides. For an automatic solution, PowerPoint handles "X of Y" natively.
Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: Slide Numbers
| Feature | Google Slides | PowerPoint |
|---|---|---|
| Add numbers | Insert → Slide numbers → On | Insert → Header & Footer → Slide number |
| Skip title slide | ✅ "Skip title slides" checkbox | ✅ "Don't show on title slide" checkbox |
| Custom start number | ❌ Not available | ✅ Design → Slide Size → Number slides from |
| "X of Y" format | ❌ Manual workaround only | ✅ Insert slide number + total field |
| Change position | Edit master slide | Drag on slide or edit master |
💡 Pro tip: Slide numbering, footers, and consistent formatting are the kind of details that eat time but don't add value. Tools like Gamma.com.ai handle numbering, layout, and design automatically — so you spend your time on the message, not the formatting.
Conclusion
Adding slide numbers in Google Slides takes 3 clicks: Insert → Slide numbers → On → Apply. Check "Skip title slides" to hide the number on your opening slide. Customize font, color, and position by editing the master slide (Slide → Edit theme). For "X of Y" format, you'll need a manual workaround — or switch to PowerPoint, which handles it natively.
FAQs
How do I add slide numbers in Google Slides?
Insert → Slide numbers → select "On" → Apply. Numbers appear in the bottom-right corner of every slide. Check "Skip title slides" to hide the number on the first slide.
Can I change where the slide number appears?
Yes — but you need to edit the master slide: Slide → Edit theme → find the slide number placeholder → drag it to a new position. This changes the position for all slides using that layout.
Can I start slide numbering from a number other than 1?
No — Google Slides always starts from 1 (or 2 if you skip the title slide). PowerPoint allows custom starting numbers via Design → Slide Size → "Number slides from."
How do I show "Slide 3 of 15" format?
Google Slides doesn't support "X of Y" natively. Workaround: add a text box next to the auto-generated number and type "of [total]" manually. Update the total when you add or remove slides.
Do slide numbers show during the presentation?
Yes — slide numbers are visible during the slideshow, just as they appear in the editor. If you want numbers visible only in the editor (not during presenting), you'll need to remove them before presenting.
