Astronomy and Cosmology - Slide-based Presentations
From Help Wiki
Learning Objectives
- How to create screenshots (image files) and screencasts (video recordings) of a computer screen
- How to add/embed image and video files into a slide-based presentation
Includes an overview of the different methods available depending on what application and/or operating system one is using.
How to Take Screenshots
Mac OS X: Screenshot
- To take a picture of the entire screen: Press command+shift+3
- To select an area/portion of the screen: Press command+shift+4, produces a crosshair, then draw a box around the area you would like a screenshot of.
- To select a single window: Use command+shift+4 then press the spacebar - after the crosshair turns into a camera icon, click on the window you would like a screenshot of.
NOTE: Mac’s default location for saving screenshot files is the Desktop.
Windows: Screenshot
- Use the Snipping Tool (Windows 8-10)
Stellarium: Screenshot (Mac or Windows)
- To save what is on the screen, press command+s.
- Screenshots are taken in .png format, and have filenames like: stellarium-000.png, stellariuim-001.png (which can be edited)
- Stellarium saves screenshots in different directories depending on your system type. For example, on a Mac, screenshots may save to your default Pictures folder.
How to Record a Screencast (Make a Video Recording of the Computer Screen)
Using QuickTime (Mac or Windows)
Quicktime is a built-in application in Mac OS X and is available as a free download for Windows users.
- Go to File, select New Screen Recording
- If you would like to include an audio component, select a microphone from the record window by clicking on the small arrow at right for a list of options
- Click the red button to start recording video.
- You can stop the recording using either of these methods (and depending on what version you are using):
- click the stop button in the Mac menu bar, upper right
- press command+control+escape at same time
- click the stop button in the record window
NOTE: On Mac, the video file will save to the default Movies folder.
How to Insert/Embed a Media File into Your Presentation
GOOGLE SLIDES
Add Screenshot/Image File
- Drag-and-drop to place an image in a slide
- From the Slides menu, click on Insert > select Image... and choose Upload to browse files on your computer or Your albums if you use Google Photos
Add/Embed Video:
From the Slides menu, click on Insert > select Video...
- Use Video search to locate a video on YouTube and embed it into the slide (be mindful of copyright/use permissions)
- Upload your own video to YouTube, then at Google Slides, use the URL tab to enter the URL for your video
Creating a Google Drive Account
- Use your existing Gmail/Google account or create a new/additional account
POWERPOINT
Insert Screenshot/Image File: use either of the following methods
- Drag-and-drop to place an image/screenshot file in a slide
- Click on Insert in the Slides menu and select Image: choose an image/screenshot to upload or drag an image into the upload window
Insert Screencast/Video File: use either of the following methods
- Drag-and-drop to place video file in a slide. TIP: If needed, adjust size from a corner to keep video in proportion.
- From the Home menu, click on Media and select either Movie Browser or Movie from File to browse for a file on your computer.
Overview of the PowerPoint User Interface
- Menu Bar Items: File, Edit, and View
- Standard Toolbar and Buttons: Save, Open, and Print TIP: Hover cursor over a button to identify its use
- Ribbon and Tabs (for quick access to features and tools): Home is used to insert and format slides
- Left pane view: if it does not appear, go to View > make sure there is a checkmark next to Normal
- Side Layout: placeholders
- Notes pane: only the presenter can see this section when presenting
Additional Resources
Taking screenshots in Mac OS X
The Complete Guide to Mac OS X Screenshots
How to record quick, easy screencast videos with Mac OS X
Embed media into PowerPoint (Mac): Add a movie to a slide
Insert or link to a video that is stored on my PC
Need Help?
- Call the Computer Center and talk with a live person at 360-867-6227.
- Submit a Support Ticket.