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Microsoft Sway is a presentation creation app, which can be used to create eye-catching and informative presentations. You can start from scratch, or use a template to create anything from newsletters and resumes to portfolios and blogs. Incorporate images, text, and videos in one easily sharable, online application.
Start Creating
You can create a new Sway from scratch, from content in an existing file, or from a topic.
- Go to sway.office.com, or select the Sway app from your Office 365 app launcher.
- Select Get started.
- On the Welcome to Sway page, select one of the following:
- Create New - to start from scratch.
- Start from a topic - to have Sway provide base content for you. Type your topic in the Enter a topic box, and then select Create outline.
- Note: If Sway can’t find enough public data for the topic, Sway suggests related topics. Select the most relevant topic, and then select Create Outline.
- Start from a document - to import content from an existing file. Browse to and select the file, and then select Open.
The Sway Storyline
The Storyline is where you type, insert, edit, and format the content that tells your story. Here are the Storyline basics:
- Content is arranged in sequential order by adding cards.
- Each of which holds the type of content you want — such as text, images, videos, and even Office documents.
- The order of cards can be rearranged at any time to suit your needs.
Work with Cards in a 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.
- Go to sway.office.com, or select the Sway app from your Office 365 app launcher, 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.
- Select the type of card you want to add. Options include Text, Media, or Group.
- Choose the subtype of the card to add, such as Heading, Image, or Grid. Sway also suggests cards.
- Add content to the new card. Continue adding cards and content until you have completed your Sway.
- Select a card to see more options. For instance, on some cards, you can select focus points. On others, you can set the emphasis for the entire card.
- Rearrange cards if desired. Select a card and drag it to the position you want it to appear.
- Select Play to view your Sway at any time.
Use Templates in Sway
Like other Microsoft applications, Sway offers built-in templates you can use to make polished presentations quickly.
- Open Sway and select a template under Start from a Template.
- Select Start Editing This Sway. Wait for the template to prepare. It opens as a new Sway with sample content in place.
- 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.
- Select an alternative style or variation at the bottom of the Styles pane.
- Select the Remix button at the top of the pane to let Sway change the design and layout for you. Keep selecting Remix to view more options.
- Tip: Select the Undo button or press Ctrl+Z to go back to a previous option.
- View or share the Sway when you're ready.
Add Text, Images, and More
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.
- 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.
- Select the Background area of a card to open the content pane. Search for public domain images and videos to insert in your presentation.
- Alternatively, select the Insert tab in the upper-right corner to find content.
- Sway can also search the Web for the most relevant content, such as videos, and add it to your Sway. On the menu bar, click Insert, select your preferred content source from the menu, and then enter any search keyword or phrase into the Search sources box.
- Rearrange cards by dragging and dropping a card.
Change the Style and Layout of Your Sway
Sway lets you focus on what you’re trying to communicate by taking care of the formatting, design, and layout of your content. You can keep Sway’s suggested default design, select and apply your own, and even customize the layout.
- To choose a style for your Sway, click Design on the menu bar, and then select Styles.
- To choose a random look and mood for your Sway at any time, click the Remix! button until you find a design and layout you like.
- You can also adjust a specific part of the currently applied style, such as color, font, and textures, by clicking the Customize button in the Styles pane.
- If you want to control how others will view and navigate your Sway once you’ve shared it, select whether your content should scroll vertically, horizontally, or appear like a presentation.
Preview and Edit
Give your Sway presentation a good look before you share it with others. Customize the appearance further by changing the style.
- Select the Design tab to preview your Sway presentation.
- Select Play in the upper-right corner to preview how it will appear to others.
- Select the Settings icon in the upper-right corner to choose a different layout.
- Select Edit to return to the Storyline.
- Choose Styles to view alternate styles. Select a style to apply it to your presentation.
Collaborate on a Sway Presentation
Microsoft Sway is ideal for collaborative designs. Whether you need to pitch in with classmates on a school project or work with colleagues on a departmental report, everyone involved can work together on a Sway presentation. It doesn't matter where they are located, provided they have internet access.
One of the sharing options is to Add an Author. When you use this feature, Sway generates a unique link. You can share this link by email, social media, or any other way you want with the people you want to collaborate with on the presentation. They can view the Sway using this link, and they can edit the file. Suppose you change your mind. You can manage editing permissions on any Sway presentation.
- Open the Sway presentation on which you want to collaborate with someone else.
- Select Share in the upper-right corner.
- Select the Edit button next to Invite People to. Sway generates an edit link.
- Select More Options.
- Choose Require a Password to View or Edit This Sway if you want to protect the presentation with a password.
- Select Viewers Can See Share Buttons if you want other users or viewers to be able to share the Sway.
- When you want to revoke access to your Sway, select Reset the Share Settings in the Share menu. The web address of your Sway is permanently changed, so the link you shared previously won't work for anyone. You can create a new link to reshare with whomever you choose
Share Your Sway
You can share your design with others on a variety of platforms using numerous methods.
Select Share in the upper-right corner to view sharing options, including:
- A shareable link.
- A visual link with a preview of the Sway.
- Direct share to Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
- An embed code.
For a more detailed look at all available sharing options, see Share your Sway.
Discover Accessibility Features in Sway
The browser that is used to author and view a Sway determines the Accessibility features that are available. For best results, Microsoft recommends Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.
You can use Sway in a high-contrast mode with full keyboard functionality and screen reader access to your content. Click More Options ( . . . ) on the top menu bar, and then click or tap Accessibility view. To quit the Accessibility view, use the same command again.
For more information about Sway Accessibility, please read the following: