How to Print PowerPoint with Notes (Step-by-Step Guide for Windows & Mac)
Printing slides with notes is one of the most useful features in presentations, especially for teachers, business professionals, and speakers. If you’re using Microsoft PowerPoint, you can easily print slides along with your speaker notes so you have a reference during your presentation.
In simple terms, printing PowerPoint with notes means printing each slide together with the speaker notes written below it. This allows presenters to read key talking points without placing everything directly on the slide.
This guide explains how to print PowerPoint with notes step-by-step for both Microsoft Windows and macOS, along with troubleshooting tips, common mistakes, and useful printing strategies.
What Does “Print PowerPoint with Notes” Mean?
In PowerPoint, speaker notes are additional text written under each slide. They help presenters remember what to say while presenting.
When you print slides with notes:
- The slide appears at the top of the page
- The speaker notes appear below the slide
- Each page typically contains one slide with its notes
This layout is called Notes Pages in PowerPoint.
Printing notes is useful for:
- Presentation scripts
- Teaching materials
- Meeting handouts
- Personal speaking reminders
How to Print PowerPoint with Notes on Windows
If you’re using PowerPoint on Microsoft Windows, follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation
- Launch Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Open the presentation file (.PPT or .PPTX).
- Ensure your speaker notes are written under each slide.
You can add notes by selecting Notes at the bottom of the slide editing window.
Step 2: Open the Print Menu
- Click File in the top menu.
- Select Print.
Alternatively, use the shortcut:
Ctrl + P
This opens the PowerPoint printing panel.
Step 3: Select “Notes Pages”
Under Settings, locate the layout dropdown.
By default it usually says:
Full Page Slides
Click it and choose:
Notes Pages
This setting tells PowerPoint to print slides with the speaker notes underneath.
Step 4: Choose Your Printer
Select the printer you want to use.
For example, if you are using a laser printer like the Samsung ML-2162, make sure it appears in the printer list and is connected properly.
Check:
- Paper size
- Color or grayscale
- Number of copies
Step 5: Print the Slides with Notes
Click Print.
PowerPoint will print:
- One slide per page
- Speaker notes underneath
You now have a printed version of your presentation notes.
How to Print PowerPoint with Notes on Mac
The process is very similar on macOS, but the layout options appear slightly different.
Step 1: Open Your Presentation
- Launch Microsoft PowerPoint on your Mac.
- Open your presentation file.
Confirm that your speaker notes are already written.
Step 2: Open the Print Dialog
Click:
File → Print
Or press:
Command (⌘) + P
The print settings window will appear.
Step 3: Select the Notes Layout
In the layout options:
- Look for Layout
- Choose Notes
This ensures each slide prints with the notes below it.
Step 4: Adjust Print Settings
Before printing, review:
- Printer selection
- Orientation
- Number of copies
- Paper size
If needed, select Black & White to save ink.
Step 5: Print the Presentation
Click Print.
PowerPoint will print each slide with its corresponding speaker notes.
Tips for Printing Multiple Slides with Notes
Sometimes you may want to print presentations more efficiently. Here are useful tips.
1. Print Only Specific Slides
If you only need certain slides:
- Open Print settings
- Under Slides, enter the slide numbers
Example:
1-5, 8, 10
This prints only selected slides with notes.
2. Print Notes for Handouts
If you are distributing materials to students or colleagues:
- Use Notes Pages
- Add clear explanations in notes
- Keep slides simple
This creates a presentation + study guide in one document.
3. Convert to PDF First
Many professionals prefer printing from PDF.
Steps:
- In the Print menu choose Save as PDF
- Select Notes Pages
- Save the file
Benefits:
- Better formatting
- Easier sharing
- Prevents layout issues
4. Use Grayscale to Save Ink
Slides with images can consume a lot of ink.
To reduce printing cost:
- Select Grayscale
- Avoid background graphics
- Use white slide backgrounds
Troubleshooting: PowerPoint Not Printing Notes
Sometimes PowerPoint prints only slides and ignores the notes section. Here are common fixes.
Problem 1: Notes Pages Option Not Selected
This is the most common issue.
Solution
Check the layout again:
Print → Settings → Notes Pages
Problem 2: Notes Section Is Empty
If notes do not print, check if they exist.
Solution:
- Go to Normal View
- Expand the Notes panel
- Add text below the slide
PowerPoint cannot print notes that were never added.
Problem 3: Printer Formatting Issues
Some printers may cut off notes or scale the page incorrectly.
Solution:
- Set Paper Size = Letter or A4
- Enable Fit to Page
- Update printer drivers
Problem 4: Notes Are Too Long
If your notes are very long, they may be truncated.
Solution:
- Keep notes concise
- Use bullet points
- Avoid long paragraphs
Common Mistakes When Printing PowerPoint Notes
Many users make small mistakes that cause printing problems.
Here are the most common ones.
1. Printing “Full Page Slides”
This prints only slides without notes.
Always choose:
Notes Pages
2. Not Checking Print Preview
Always check Print Preview before printing large presentations.
This helps avoid wasting paper.
3. Forgetting to Add Notes
Some presenters assume notes exist, but the section is empty.
Always verify each slide contains notes.
4. Printing the Entire Presentation
Large presentations can waste paper.
Instead:
- Print selected slides
- Or save as PDF first
FAQ: Printing PowerPoint with Notes
Can I print multiple slides with notes on one page?
No. PowerPoint prints only one slide per page when using Notes Pages. This is necessary because the notes section needs enough space.
Can I export PowerPoint notes to Word?
Yes.
In PowerPoint:
File → Export → Create Handouts → Send to Microsoft Word
This allows you to edit and print notes in a document format.
Why are my notes not showing when I print?
Usually because Notes Pages layout is not selected in the print settings.
Double-check the layout option.
Can I print notes without the slide?
PowerPoint does not provide a direct option for this.
However, you can:
- Export notes to Word
- Print the text only
Is it better to print notes or presenter view?
If you are presenting from a computer, Presenter View is better.
If you need paper reference or meeting handouts, printing notes is the best option.
Conclusion
Printing PowerPoint with notes is a simple but powerful feature that helps presenters stay organized and confident during presentations.
To quickly summarize:
- Open your presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint
- Go to File → Print
- Select Notes Pages as the layout
- Choose your printer
- Click Print
This works on both Microsoft Windows and macOS with nearly identical steps.
By using the tips in this guide—such as printing selected slides, saving as PDF, and checking print preview—you can produce clear, professional presentation notes every time.
If you frequently give presentations, printing slides with notes can become an essential part of your workflow.