Understanding Story Size and Canvas Dimensions
- ✓Default Slide Size
The preset slide size in Articulate Storyline is 720 pixels wide by 540 pixels high (a standard 4:3 aspect ratio).
- ✓Customization
Story size is fully customizable. You can change it to widescreen (16:9, such as 1280×720 or 1920×1080) or enter custom dimensions.
- ✓Global Application
The slide size applies to the entire project file. Individual slides within the same project cannot have different slide sizes.
- ✓Dimensions vs. Media Quality
Slide size sets your visual canvas dimensions and aspect ratio. Increasing slide size expands your workspace; image and video quality are governed by asset quality and your export quality settings during publishing.
How to Change Your Story Size in Articulate Storyline
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01
Open the Design Tab
Go to the Design tab on the ribbon.
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02
Click Story Size
Click the Story Size button (located on the far left side of the Design ribbon).
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03
Select a Story Size
In the Change Story Size dialog box, open the Story Size drop-down menu and select Custom (or choose a preset ratio).
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04
Enter Width and Height
Enter your desired Width and Height in pixels.
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05
Lock the Aspect Ratio (Optional)
Check the Lock aspect ratio box if you want width and height to adjust proportionally when changed.
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06
If Increasing Slide Size
Select Scale to fit to expand existing slide content, or Fill background to expand the canvas while keeping content at its original size and selecting anchor positions.
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07
If Decreasing Slide Size
Select Scale to fit to shrink content down, or Crop to define a specific visible canvas area for each slide using the green crop window.
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08
Apply the New Story Size
Click OK to apply the new slide size to your project.
Articulate Storyline Version History
Articulate Storyline has evolved through several major releases to enhance the e-learning content development experience for instructional designers:
- ✓Articulate Storyline 1 (2012)
The initial version that established the foundation for interactive e-learning development.
- ✓Articulate Storyline 2 (2014)
Introduced enhanced animations, motion paths, upgraded slider controls, and improved mobile playback support.
- ✓Articulate Storyline 3 (2017)
A standalone perpetual-license version with modern HTML5 rendering, updated accessibility features, and an upgraded user interface.
- ✓Articulate Storyline 360 (2016–Present)
Part of the Articulate 360 subscription suite. It receives continuous feature updates, includes access to Content Library 360 assets, and provides seamless cloud collaboration via Review 360.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to select the right slide size before creating content?
Choosing the correct aspect ratio (such as 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 standard) ensures your course displays cleanly across target screen sizes and modern display monitors without letterboxing or unintended scaling.
What is the recommended slide size for modern Articulate Storyline courses?
While the default is 720×540 (4:3), modern e-learning courses commonly use widescreen dimensions (16:9) such as 1280×720 or 1920×1080 for high-definition displays.
Can I change the slide size of individual slides within a single project?
No. In Articulate Storyline, the Story Size is a global setting that applies to every slide and layer within that .story project file.
Where can I find the "Story Size" option in Articulate Storyline?
The Story Size option is located on the Design tab of the main top ribbon.
How can I set the player options for web browsers?
To adjust how the course player scales inside a browser window upon publishing, go to the Home tab, click Player, select Custom window settings or Other, and configure browser sizing options (such as Resize browser to fill screen).
How can I preview the course before publishing?
Go to the Home tab, click Preview, and choose This Slide, This Scene, or Entire Project to verify how your slide layout and canvas dimensions appear.