I need to create a PowerPoint that is 7296 x 1080

Question

I need to create PowerPoint slides that are 7296 by 1080. When I try to enter either number as a custom slide size, PowerPoint gives a “Formatting Error” and says “Please provide a valid value.” I was able to create this size in Keynote, but I would prefer to build the slides in PowerPoint. What am I missing? Thank you for any help.

Answer 1

PowerPoint's internal measurements are in inches and centimeters, not pixels.The program allows you to enter measurements in pixels, but in the background those a translated into physical measure at the resolution of the specific device on which the presentation is display. If it's Windows, count on a resolution of 96 d.p.i., but under other operating systems, default d.p.i. will vary. This is not a reliable way to size presentations.

Instead, use physical measurements. PowerPoint was invented originally to create slide overlays on overhead projectors, an old technology which you may not have experienced. It was then revised to create 35mm slides, another old technology. Both used physical measurements as the native formats.

Both Metric and American measurement are acceptable, but that will be set in your operating system.

Answer 2

Dear @Stephanie S,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Based on your description, I ran the same test on my MacBook and saw the identical “Formatting Error, please provide a valid value” when trying to set a slide to 7296 pixels × 1080 pixels (~76 inches x 11.25 inches).

This is because PowerPoint has a hard limit: no custom slide dimension can exceed 56 inches on either edge. When you enter a size in pixels, PowerPoint converts those pixels to inches behind the scenes; your requested width becomes greater than 56 inches, so PowerPoint rejects it. Microsoft documents this limit here: Change the size of your PowerPoint slides

Therefore, the workaround that you can consider using design at a scaled‑downsize, then export to PDF and scale to final. This keeps your exact ultra‑wide aspect ratio while staying within PowerPoint’s limits. It’s the approach I recommend and use:

1.Set a custom slide size that preserves the 7296 × 1080 ratio:

• The aspect ratio is ~ 6.756 : 1.
• Use 56 inches x 8.29 inches (because 56 : 6.756 ~ 8.29).
• In MacOS: go to Design >Slide Size > Page Setup > Custom, enter Width = 56 in, Height = 8.29 in; confirm the scaling prompt. Reference for the 56 inches maximum is in the Microsoft Support article above.

2.Design normally at that size:

• Use vector shapes and text wherever possible.
• For images, aim for an effective resolution > or = 130 ppi at 56 inches width (because 7296 pixels : 56 inches ~ 130 ppi). That ensures they stay crisp when the PDF is scaled to your final size.

3.Export to high‑quality PDF:

• macOS: File > Export (or Save As) > choose PDF format > Export.
• PDFs preserve layout and vector fidelity; the slide size limit doesn’t apply to the printer/player that consumes the PDF.

4.Scale the PDF to the final output size:

• For print/signage vendors: Send the PDF and specify the final physical dimensions you need. They will scale the PDF proportionally during RIP/print (e.g., if your final width should be ~101.33 inches, they’ll apply a scale factor of 101.33 : 56 ~ 1.81×).
• For digital signage/screens: If the user needs an image, convert the PDF to an image at the exact target pixel resolution (e.g., 7296 × 1080 pixels). Most signage tools let you set the output width in pixels; the height will follow automatically to maintain the aspect ratio.

Additionally, I found an idea that you may design the slides in another application that supports larger dimensions and then:

• Export the design as a high-resolution image (PNG/JPEG) or PDF.
• Insert that image or PDF into PowerPoint if you need to combine it with other content or deliver in a PowerPoint format.

However, you should keep in mind:

• Once imported into PowerPoint, the slide itself will still be constrained by the 56-inch limit, so you won’t be able to edit the layout at full size inside PowerPoint.
• This approach is best if the design is finalized and you only need PowerPoint for packaging or presentation.

I hope this information can help you to understand the limit of slide in PowerPoint. Wish you a pleasant day!

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Answer 3

PowerPoint has specific limitations on slide sizes, and the maximum dimensions for custom slide sizes are typically 56 inches by 56 inches (which translates to 1400 x 1400 pixels at 25.4 DPI). The dimensions you are trying to set (7296 x 1080) exceed these limits, which is likely why you are encountering a "Formatting Error."

To create slides with a similar aspect ratio, you might consider using a smaller size that maintains the same ratio or adjusting your design to fit within the maximum allowable dimensions in PowerPoint. Alternatively, you could create your slides in a different software that supports larger dimensions and then import them into PowerPoint if necessary.

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References:

• Working with presentations
• SlideSize Class