From Google Sheets to beautiful online presentations: how to embed with Gamma

When creating presentations, visuals can make all the difference. A compelling graph or illuminating table can provide the evidence you need to bolster your argument or better convey vital information. 

Traditionally, the process to include a chart, graph, or table in a presentation is quite clunky. You’ll need to first create it in a spreadsheet app, then take a screenshot, then insert it in your presentation. If data needs to be modified after the fact, you’ll need to repeat the process all over again. It’s a time consuming process. 

Gamma makes it easier by enabling you to embed your Google Sheet directly into your online presentation, reducing your manual labor and creating a professional final result. 

Read on to learn why and how to embed Google Sheets in your online presentation. 

Benefits of embedding Google Sheets in online presentations

Embedding a spreadsheet from Google Sheets into presentations is an effective way to bring data to life. In cases where data is required to support your argument, Google Sheets creates polished and presentable tables, charts, and graphs that are easily embedded directly into your presentation. No need to switch applications mid-presentation or open a second window; important elements from Google Sheets blend seamlessly with your slides. 

Another great benefit unlocked by connecting Google Sheets to your online presentation is the ability to make real-time updates. Last minute modifications to data, charts, or tables will instantly update in your Gamma presentation, without the need for manual updates or new versions. Just be sure to click out of the cell you’ve edited to see the change reflected in Gamma. 

Embedding Google Sheets in your presentation also adds a layer of data security. When it comes time to share your presentation with your clients, they’ll only have access to the embedded elements, rather than all of your raw data. This can help organizations remain compliant when handling potentially sensitive data. 

How to embed Google Sheets in your presentation

Gamma makes it easy to embed Google Sheets into any card of your presentation. Read on to learn the step-by-step process. 

Prepare your Google Sheet for embedding 

Begin the process by preparing your Google Sheet: 

• Open the Google Sheet you want to embed

• Click on "File" > "Share" > "Publish to web"

• In the pop-up window, select the "Embed" tab

• Choose the sheet you want to embed (or select "Entire Document")

• Copy the generated embed code or the sharing link

For this to work properly, you’ll need to ensure the sharing permissions are set to allow "anyone with the link" to view your sheet.

Embed in Gamma 

Now that you’ve generated your embed code or sharing link, it’s time to embed your Google Sheet in your presentation app, Gamma. 

There are a few different ways to do so. First, you can simply drop the URL into Gamma. You can also use the “Slash” command, a type of text command that’s triggered by typing a forward slash, then a term. Here’s how to use it: 

• In your Gamma card, type /sheet or /drive

• Paste the sharing link or the embed code you copied from Google Sheets

You can also embed your Google Sheet in your slide template using the Insert menu: 

• In your Gamma card, click on the "Insert" menu

• Navigate to "Embed apps & webpages"

• Select "Google Drive" (or "Google Sheets" if specifically listed)

• Drag and drop the component into your card

• Paste the sharing link or embed code into the designated field

It’s as simple as that. The spreadsheet will instantly appear in your presentation

How to customize Google Sheets in your presentation

While you can stop there, you may find that you’d like to customize the appearance of your Google Sheet within Gamma to better match your branding, slide, and more. Use these customization options to refine your presentation: 

• Change your table or chart’s title, description, or thumbnail: Click on your embedded Google Sheet, then select “Advanced” on the bottom left. Make any desired changes. 

• Change the way your sheet is displayed: If you’d prefer your sheet be displayed as a link, button, or preview, you can make that change by clicking on the sheet. On the top right, change the dropdown to your preferred view. 

Embedding Google Sheets in online presentations: FAQ 

Do viewers need access to my Google Sheet to see it in Gamma?

Yes, users will need to have access to your sheet to see the embedded element. You can give them access by adding each individual viewer to your Google Sheet, or you can simply change the link sharing settings to “Anyone with the link can view.”

How do I change the size of an embedded Google Sheet in Gamma?

Gamma will automatically size your embedded sheet for your presentation. If you’d like to modify it, just resize the block within Gamma. You can embed your sheet or display it as a link, button, or a preview. 

What happens if I update my Google Sheet after sharing the presentation? 

That’s the great thing about embedding a Google Sheet into your presentation, rather than embedding a screenshot of a sheet. Because Google Sheets provides up-to-date edits, any modifications made to your Sheet at any point will be automatically reflected in your Gamma presentation.