Creating Multiple Custom PowerPoint Shows

Custom Shows in PowerPoint allow you to create tailored presentations from a single slide deck. Instead of duplicating slides or creating multiple files for different audiences, you can build multiple custom presentations within one file—each with its own sequence of selected slides. This is ideal for delivering targeted messages to different groups, like clients, departments, or training levels.

🔷 1. What is a Custom Show in PowerPoint?

A Custom Show is a feature that enables you to create a customized subset of slides from your full presentation. It lets you reuse content efficiently and present only the slides relevant to a specific audience or purpose.

You can:

• Create multiple custom shows within one presentation.

• Choose the order and selection of slides for each show.

• Seamlessly switch between the main presentation and custom shows.

🔷 2. Use Cases for Custom Shows

🔷 3. How to Create a Custom Show in PowerPoint

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open your full presentation in PowerPoint.

2. Click on the Slide Show tab in the Ribbon.

3. Click Custom Slide Show > Custom Shows.

4. In the dialog box, click New.

   A new window titled Define Custom Show will appear.

5. Give your show a Name (e.g., “Sales Pitch – North Region”).

6. Select the slides from the left-hand list and click Add >> to include them in the custom show.

   • You can change the order using the Up and Down arrows.

7. Click OK, then Close the dialog box.

✅ Repeat the process to create multiple custom shows, each with different slides or arrangements.

🔷 4. How to Run a Custom Show

To run a specific custom show:

1. Go to the Slide Show tab.

2. Click Custom Slide Show > Custom Shows.

3. Select the desired show from the list.

4. Click Show.

PowerPoint will start the slideshow using only the selected slides in the order you specified.

🔷 5. Linking to Custom Shows in Your Presentation

You can create a navigation system using action buttons or hyperlinks to allow branching into custom shows from your main presentation.

🖇️ To Insert a Link to a Custom Show:

1. Select text, shape, or button on a slide.

2. Right-click and choose Link or go to Insert > Link.

3. In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box:

   • On the left, choose Place in This Document.

   • Select Custom Shows, then pick the one you want.

   • Check Show and return (if you want to come back to the main slide after the custom show ends).

4. Click OK.

This creates a clickable link that jumps directly to a custom show, useful for interactive or kiosk-style presentations.

🔷 6. Editing or Deleting Custom Shows

To modify existing custom shows:

1. Go to Slide Show > Custom Slide Show > Custom Shows.

2. Select a show and click:

   • Edit to change slide selection or order.

   • Remove to delete the custom show.

🔷 7. Advantages of Using Multiple Custom Shows

• ✅ Single File: No need for multiple versions of the same file.

• ✅ Consistent Branding: All custom shows use the same design and theme.

• ✅ Efficiency: Update content once, and all custom shows reflect the changes.

• ✅ Interactive Presentation: Use navigation to move between different shows.

🔷 8. Limitations and Considerations

• ❌ Custom Shows do not support animations per show—slide animations are global.

• ❌ Navigation can become complex if too many custom shows are used.

• ❌ Hyperlinked custom shows don't support transition effects when navigating in/out.

• ❌ PowerPoint Web App and some mobile versions may not fully support Custom Shows.

🔷 9. Tips for Best Use

• 📝 Name shows clearly: Use names like “Client A Demo,” “Manager Briefing,” etc.

• 🧭 Use a Menu Slide: Create a master menu slide with links to each show for easy navigation.

• 🛠️ Test Navigation: Ensure all hyperlinks work smoothly, especially when presenting live.

• 📦 Bundle Multimedia: If your custom shows include videos or audio, ensure files are embedded or saved together.

🔷 10. Summary