Applies ToPowerPoint for Microsoft 365 PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 for Mac PowerPoint 2024 PowerPoint 2024 for Mac PowerPoint 2021 PowerPoint 2021 for Mac PowerPoint 2019 PowerPoint 2016

The ruler provides visual cues to help you place text and slide objects. When you don't need it anymore, you can hide the ruler.

There are two rulers in PowerPoint: one displays horizontally at the top of the active slide, and the other displays vertically along the left edge of the slide (shown below).

Rulers

To show the ruler, click View, and in the Show group, check Ruler.

Show ruler.

To hide the ruler, click View, and in the Show group, clear the Ruler box.

To permanently hide the vertical ruler, click File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the Display section, and clear the Show vertical ruler box.

Show vertical ruler check box

Tip: The ruler is not available in all views, such as Slide Sorter view. If the Ruler box is grayed out, try switching to Normal view.

See also

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.