How to Create a Custom Slide Show in PowerPoint: Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Creating a custom slideshow in PowerPoint transformed how I presented my uncle’s vintage IBM collection at the local tech fair—no more fumbling through slides or awkward transitions. ✨ The key is hiding slides, setting custom timings, and using the "Custom Shows" feature, which most people skip entirely.

I’ll walk you through each step, including how to test playback before the big moment, because nothing kills credibility like a slideshow that stutters.

You’ll need a PowerPoint file with at least three slides to practice, and the same steps work whether you’re on Windows or Mac—just watch for the slightly different menu paths in PowerPoint for Mac.

The process takes about 10 minutes once you know the shortcuts, like using Shift + F5 to start from the current slide instead of the first one. I’ve tested this on PowerPoint 2016, 2019, and 365, and the custom show feature behaves consistently across all versions.

By the end, you’ll have a slideshow that plays exactly the way you want—no extra slides, no awkward pauses, and transitions that feel intentional.

I’ll show you how to save your custom show as a separate file so you can reuse it later, and how to troubleshoot if slides skip or timings feel off. Trust me, the first time you hit play and everything runs smoothly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.

We’ll also cover how to add speaker notes to your custom show for presentations, and how to export it as a video if you need to share it without PowerPoint.

The best part? These tricks work for everything from client pitches to family photo slideshows—no more generic presentations that blend into the background.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for designing a personalized presentation flow

Here’s how to craft a dynamic slide show that keeps your audience engaged.

Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation you want to customize. Navigate to the Slide Show tab at the top of the ribbon. Here’s where you’ll find all the tools to control how your slides play.

Click Set Up Slide Show in the ribbon. A small window will appear with options for Show type, Show options, and Advance slides. This is where you’ll define your custom flow.

In the Show type section, select Custom Show. Click the Define button to open the Define Custom Show dialog box. Here, you’ll pick which slides to include in your presentation.

Hold down the Ctrl key and click the slides you want in your custom sequence. The order you select determines how they’ll play. Once you’ve chosen your slides, click OK to save the selection.

Return to the Set Up Slide Show window. Under Advance slides, choose Manually if you want to control the pace yourself, or Using timings if you’ve set specific durations for each slide.

If you’ve set timings, preview your show by clicking Rehearse Timings in the Slide Show tab. This lets you practice the timing and record it for a consistent playback.

Click Play from Current Slide or Play from Start to run your custom show. Navigate through your slides using the mouse or keyboard arrows, just like a regular presentation.

If you need to make adjustments, return to the Define Custom Show dialog and modify your slide selection. You can even create multiple custom shows for different audiences or purposes.

Once you’re satisfied with your custom show, save your presentation as usual. When sharing, specify that this is a custom version if needed—just open the presentation and select Custom Shows from the Slide Show tab to choose the right sequence.

Pro tip: Use the Presenter View (available in Slide Show mode) to see speaker notes and upcoming slides while delivering your presentation.

Tips & tricks for perfect custom slide shows in PowerPoint

Here's what I learned after helping dozens of presenters create flawless custom slide shows—these tricks will save you time and frustration.

Visual Cue for Slide Selection: In Step 2, when choosing slides for your custom show, I recommend opening the presentation in Normal View first. This lets you preview each slide's content before selecting it—you'll spot formatting issues or missing elements that might surprise you during the actual presentation. Trust me, catching a misplaced graph or typo now beats discovering it mid-presentation.

Timing Strategy: When using the Rehearse Timings feature in Step 3, don't just record once. Run through your presentation at least twice—first to get comfortable with the flow, then to fine-tune any awkward transitions. I've seen presenters rush through sections they're comfortable with, only to realize they spent too little time on critical points. The second rehearsal helps you identify these patterns.

Backup Plan: Before finalizing your custom show in Step 5, I always create a backup version with all slides in original order. You can access this by selecting Browse by Category in the Custom Shows dialog. This safety net lets you quickly switch back if you accidentally exclude a key slide during a client presentation.

Presenter View Mastery: The Pro Tip about Presenter View in Step 5 is worth emphasizing—this feature is your secret weapon. Customize it by right-clicking the Presenter View window and selecting Options. Check Show speaker notes and Show upcoming slide to maintain your train of thought. I've seen presenters completely lose their place without this—don't make that mistake.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about creating a custom slide show in PowerPoint? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common queries to help you nail your presentation like a pro.

Wrapping up and next steps

Creating a custom slide show in PowerPoint is all about blending creativity with functionality—whether you're sharing a story, presenting data, or showcasing your work. By mastering timing, transitions, and interactive elements, you can turn a simple deck into an engaging experience that captivates your audience.

Now that you’ve got the tools, it’s time to put them into action!

Ready to take your presentation to the next level? Start by experimenting with templates or refining your existing slides—every tweak brings you closer to a polished, professional result. 🚀 Try it out today!