How to Create a Microsoft Sway Presentation

Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.

What to Know

• Go to Sway online or to the Sway desktop app. Select Create New. Enter a title on Title card. Select Backgrounds to add a background.
• Select + to add a Text, Media, or Group card, and add content to the card. Repeat for additional cards.
• Rearrange cards if needed. Select Play to view.

This article explains how to create a Microsoft Sway presentation using the the Sway desktop version in Windows 10 or the online version of Microsoft Sway. Additional information for using templates, adding text and images, and sharing and collaborating on the Sway is included.

How to Create a Microsoft Sway Presentation

You can create an array of content types using Microsoft Sway, the digital storytelling app available online or with Microsoft 365. While there are some differences between the versions, making a basic presentation is essentially the same whether you use Microsoft Sway on your desktop or online.

Once you log in to or open the Sway app, you can start from scratch or base your design on one of the many templates provided.

1. Go to sway.office.com and log in with your Microsoft account to use Sway online. Type sway into the Windows Search box and select the Sway app to open Sway on your desktop if you have it installed.

Select a template that corresponds with the presentation you want to make, such as Business Presentation. Then choose Start Editing This Sway. A new presentation template opens.

Alternatively, select Create New to open a new, blank Sway.

Work With Cards in the Storyline

The Storyline is what makes Sway unique. Unlike other Office applications, Sway uses cards in which you create or import a variety of content. A card is a container that holds content within a Sway presentation, similar to a placeholder in PowerPoint.

The arrangement of the cards determines the appearance of your Sway presentation. You can easily rearrange the cards whenever you want to modify the way your Sway looks.

1. Open Sway and select Create New.

Enter a title into the Title card.

Select Backgrounds to add a background image.

Select the + button to add a new card.

Use Templates in Sway

Like other Microsoft applications, Sway offers built-in templates you can use to make polished presentations quickly.

1. Open Sway and select a template under Start from a Template.

Select the Design tab in the upper-left corner and then choose Styles in the upper-right corner.

Change the Sway layout by choosing between Vertical, Horizontal, and Slides in the right pane.

Choose the Customize button to select custom colors, typography, or textures.

Text and Images

Enter the text and photos or graphics you want to use to create the bones of your Sway presentation. You can enhance your Sway by incorporating a range of content types from numerous sources.

1. Select the template title and replace it with the title you want to give your Sway presentation. The title you give your Sway is the first thing others see when you share your presentation.

Select the + button at the bottom of any card to add content such as text, images, or videos.

Alternatively, select the Insert tab in the upper-right corner to find content.

If you use Sway as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, you see additional options in the content pane, such as OneDrive.

Preview and Edit

Give your Sway presentation a good look before you share it with others. Customize the appearance further by changing the style.

1. Select the Design tab to preview your Sway presentation.