Powerpoint has become a common tool for multimedia presentations, but sometimes it is too linear for the exploration of ideas. Prezi is an on-line presentation tool that allows users to show part/whole relationships through its “zoomable canvass.” Like Google Docs and Google Sites, Prezi lives “in the cloud” and allows for multiple collaborators in the creation of the presentation. This tutorial serves as a guide to making a simplified presentation using Prezi.
- Open Prezi and login with Facebook or create a new account.
- Once logged in, click on the New Prezi button.
- You will have the option of creating a BLANK template or selecting from pre-made template, BLANK templates allow you to design your own presentation, so for the purpose of this tutorial, a BLANK template will be used. Choose “Start blank prezi”.
- The circle that appears is what prezi calls a FRAME. Click on the edge of a frame to drag it to your desired location. To add text to a frame simply click on the inside of the frame.
- The ‘tool box’ bar is located above the grid where the frame is. You can upload images, video, and transform a previously made powerpoint into your prezi using the respective features on the toolbar.
- To add frames to your presentation, select ‘Frames & Arrows’ and choose the shape you want. An invisible frame is used to create a ‘path’ to objects (images, or free standing text) other than frames in your presentation.
- To change the color scheme of your presentation select “Themes”, and choose from the various options.
- If you ever zoom in too much or want to see the overall look of your presentation, run the cursor over the right side of the screen and select the home button; you may also zoom in and out of parts of your presentation using this menu.
- When you add new frames to your presentation a new PATH is made. If you want to rearrange the order of your presentation, select ‘Edit Path’ on the left hand side of the screen. You can change the order of paths using this, and also select new objects to add paths for.
- Prezi has an automatic save feature, but to be safe, there is also a save button in the upper left (floppy disk).
- If you are creating a Prezi for a group project you may send the presentation by clicking the “Share” button on the upper right menu and sending it to their emai using the “Share prezi…” option. To exit the presentation select the box that says “Exit”.
Advice for making a successful Prezi:
- Use SCALE to your advantage by placing objects within each other. Presentations that utilize the zoom-in and zoom-out by scaling can be more visually interesting, but beware of distracting or nauseating your audience by using this feature poorly.
- Think about the spatial relationships of objects in your presentation. Remember, unlike Powerpoint, Prezi does not have to be linear.
- Or view this video introduction from Prezi.