Google Slides can save any single slide as an image, which is handy for sharing a chart on social media, adding a slide to a document, or using it as a thumbnail. The built-in download option saves the current slide as a PNG, JPEG or SVG file. This guide shows how, how to get a higher-resolution image, how to save every slide as images, and what to do on a phone.
Quick Answer
Select the slide in the left panel, then click File > Download > PNG image (.png, current slide) or JPEG image (.jpg, current slide). The image is saved to your Downloads folder.
Download One Slide as a Picture
- Open the presentation in Google Slides on a computer.
- Click the slide you want in the filmstrip on the left.
- Click File > Download.
- Choose one of these:
- PNG image (.png, current slide): best for text, charts and graphics.
- JPEG image (.jpg, current slide): smaller files, good for photos.
- Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg, current slide): scales to any size without losing quality, for designers and web use.
- Find the image in your browser’s downloads (usually the Downloads folder). It’s named after the presentation.
Get a Higher-Resolution Image
PNG and JPEG downloads use the slide’s page size, which may look soft when enlarged. Options for sharper images:
- Download as SVG and convert it to PNG at a larger size in an image editor.
- Increase the page size: File > Page setup > Custom and set a larger size in pixels (for example 1920 × 1080 or larger). Content scales with it, and downloaded images will be larger.
- Download as PDF (File > Download > PDF) and export the page as a high-resolution image from a PDF app.
Save Every Slide as an Image
- PowerPoint: download the deck as Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx), open it in PowerPoint, and choose File > Export > Change File Type > PNG, then All Slides.
- PDF: download as PDF and export all pages as images using a PDF editor.
- One at a time: repeat File > Download for each slide.
On iPhone, iPad or Android
The Slides app doesn’t have an image download option. Choose one of these:
- Open the slide in Present mode and take a screenshot.
- Tap ⋮ > Share & export > Send a copy and choose PDF, then save or share the page.
- Open slides.google.com in your mobile browser in desktop mode and use File > Download.
Copy a Slide Image Without Downloading
To paste a slide into Google Docs, copy the slide thumbnail (Ctrl + C) and paste it in the Doc. Docs offers to link it to the presentation so it updates when the slide changes.
Troubleshooting
- Download option grayed out: the owner may have disabled downloading for viewers and commenters. Ask for edit access or a copy.
- Wrong slide downloaded: make sure the slide is selected in the filmstrip, not just visible.
- Animations missing: images capture the final state of the slide; animations and videos aren’t included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a slide with a transparent background?
Not directly. Use SVG export or remove the background in an image editor.
What resolution is the PNG?
It depends on the page size in Page setup. A standard 16:9 deck exports at a resolution suitable for screens, but increasing the page size gives larger images.
Does this work in Google Drawings?
Yes. Drawings has File > Download > PNG, JPEG or SVG for the whole drawing.
Summary
- Select the slide.
- File > Download > PNG or JPEG (current slide).
- Use SVG or a larger page size for sharper images.
- Export via PowerPoint or PDF to save all slides.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.