Google's Gemini Canvas can now generate complete presentation decks from a simple text prompt or uploaded files. Instead of starting with blank slides, you get a themed, structured presentation that you can refine and export to Google Slides.

Here's what a Gemini-generated presentation looks like straight out of the box:

A fully editable presentation created for you

This tutorial shows you how to create presentations quickly, whether you're building sales pitches, lesson plans, or project proposals.

What You'll Need

  • Gemini access (gemini.google.com) with one of the following:

    • Google Workspace (Business, Enterprise, Education, or Nonprofits)

    • Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription

  • Source materials (optional): Project notes, sales briefs, articles, or any document related to your presentation topic

  • A topic or idea you want to present

  • Cost: Included with Google Workspace or Google AI Pro/Ultra subscriptions

  • Time to create: 2-5 minutes for initial generation, 10-20 minutes for refinement

  • Skill level: Beginner-friendly

The feature is available on Gemini web and mobile web now, with the Gemini app for Android and iOS coming soon.

Step 1: Open Gemini Canvas

Go to gemini.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

In the toolbar at the top of the chat interface, click Canvas.

This switches Gemini to Canvas mode, which is designed for creating documents, presentations, and other structured content.

Step 2: Request a Presentation

In the Canvas chat box, type a prompt that starts with "create a presentation" followed by your topic.

Examples of effective prompts:

create a presentation about quarterly sales results for Q4 2025

create a presentation on the benefits of AI in healthcare

create a presentation for a product launch of our new mobile app

The more specific you are about your topic, audience, and purpose, the better your initial results will be.

Press Enter to submit your prompt.

Step 3: Upload Source Materials (Optional)

If you have existing documents, you can upload them to give Gemini more context.

Before or after requesting the presentation, click the attachment icon and upload:

  • PDFs

  • Word documents

  • Google Docs links

  • Meeting notes

  • Research articles

  • Sales briefs

Example prompt with files:

create a presentation for our new product launch using the attached product brief and market research

Gemini will extract key information from your files and incorporate it into the slides.

Step 4: Review the Generated Presentation

Gemini will generate a complete slide deck with:

  • Title slide with your topic

  • Content slides organised into logical sections

  • A visual theme with colours and formatting

  • Relevant images (placeholders or AI-generated visuals)

The presentation typically includes:

  • Introduction or overview

  • Main points broken into separate slides

  • Supporting details and examples

  • Conclusion or next steps

Scroll through the slides to see what Gemini created.

Step 5: Refine With Follow-Up Prompts

Light mode

Changing colour scheme to dark mode

You can customise the presentation using conversational prompts:

  • Add more content: add a slide about pricing tiers

  • Change the structure: move the benefits section before the features section

  • Adjust the tone: make the presentation more formal for executive stakeholders

  • Update specific slides: make slide 3 more concise

  • Change the design: use a blue and white colour scheme

Gemini will update the presentation based on your requests whilst keeping the overall structure intact.

Step 6: Export to Google Slides

Once you're happy with the presentation, export it to Google Slides for final editing.

Click the Export button (or equivalent option in Canvas) and select Google Slides.

The presentation will open in a new Google Slides document where you can:

  • Replace placeholder images with your own

  • Adjust fonts and formatting

  • Add animations and transitions

  • Share with collaborators

  • Present directly or download as PDF/PowerPoint

Your Gemini-generated deck becomes a fully editable Google Slides presentation.

Finishing Touches

After exporting to Google Slides, consider these enhancements:

  1. Replace AI-generated images: Use your own photos, charts, or branded graphics for a polished look.

  2. Add speaker notes: Include talking points or additional context for each slide.

  3. Adjust pacing: Combine or split slides to match your presentation timing.

  4. Brand alignment: Update colours, fonts, and logos to match your company style guide.

  5. Proofread: Check for accuracy, especially if Gemini interpreted your source materials.

Prompt Customisation Tips

Export to Google Slides

For Sales Pitches

Upload your product brief and competitive research, then prompt: 

create a sales pitch presentation for enterprise clients highlighting ROI and case studies

For Educational Content

Specify your audience level: 

create a presentation explaining photosynthesis for Year 7 students with visuals and examples

For Internal Updates

Include data or reports: 

create a quarterly business review presentation using the attached performance data

For Workshops or Training

Focus on actionable takeaways: 

create a workshop presentation on time management with practical exercises and tips

Real-World Applications

For Business Owners

  • Create investor pitch decks from business plans

  • Generate client presentations from project proposals

  • Build training materials for new employees

For Educators

  • Turn lesson plans into engaging classroom presentations

  • Create parent-teacher conference slides from student progress notes

  • Generate lecture slides from research papers or textbooks

For Marketing Teams

  • Build campaign presentations from creative briefs

  • Create social media strategy decks from market research

  • Generate event presentations from planning documents

For Consultants

  • Turn client reports into executive summaries

  • Create workshop materials from training outlines

  • Build proposal presentations from RFP responses

For Project Managers

  • Generate stakeholder update presentations from status reports

  • Create kickoff presentations from project charters

  • Build retrospective slides from team feedback

Try It Yourself

Start with a simple presentation topic you need this week. Upload any relevant documents you have, then ask Gemini Canvas to create the deck.

Experiment with different prompt styles to see how Gemini interprets your requests. The more you refine your prompts, the closer the initial output will be to what you need.

This works best when you treat Gemini as a first-draft generator rather than a final product. You'll still customise and polish, but you'll skip the hardest part: staring at a blank slide wondering where to start.

© 2025 The Meta.

Privacy policy

Terms of use

Powered by beehiiv