# Convert PowerPoint Presentations in Handout Mode Using PHP

> Convert presentations to handouts in PHP. Set slides per page, keep notes, export to PDF or images with Aspose.Slides for PHP, with sample code. Try it free.

Source: https://docs.aspose.com/slides/php-java/convert-powerpoint-in-handout-mode/
Updated: 2026-08-02


## **Introduction**

Aspose.Slides provides the ability to convert presentations into various formats, including creating handouts for printing in Handout mode. This mode allows you to configure how multiple slides appear on a single page, making it useful for conferences, seminars, and other events. You can enable this mode by setting the `setSlidesLayoutOptions` method in the [PdfOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/pdfoptions/), [RenderingOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/renderingoptions/), [HtmlOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/htmloptions/), and [TiffOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/tiffoptions/) classes.

## **Handout Mode Export**

To configure Handout mode, use the [HandoutLayoutingOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/handoutlayoutingoptions/) object, which determines how many slides are placed on a single page and other display parameters.

Below is a code example showing how to convert a presentation to PDF in Handout mode.

```php
// Load a presentation.
$presentation = new Presentation("sample.pptx");

// Set the export options.
$slidesLayoutOptions = new HandoutLayoutingOptions();
$slidesLayoutOptions->setHandout(HandoutType::Handouts4Horizontal);  // 4 slides on one page horizontally
$slidesLayoutOptions->setPrintSlideNumbers(true);                    // print slide numbers
$slidesLayoutOptions->setPrintFrameSlide(true);                      // print a frame around slides
$slidesLayoutOptions->setPrintComments(false);                       // no comments

$pdfOptions = new PdfOptions();
$pdfOptions->setSlidesLayoutOptions($slidesLayoutOptions);

// Export the presentation to PDF with the chosen layout.
$presentation->save("output.pdf", SaveFormat::Pdf, $pdfOptions);
$presentation->dispose();
```

{{% alert color="warning" %}} 

Keep in mind that the `setSlidesLayoutOptions` method is available only for certain output formats, such as PDF, HTML, TIFF, and when rendering as images.

{{% /alert %}} 

## **FAQ**

### What is the maximum number of slide thumbnails per page in Handout mode?

Aspose.Slides supports [presets](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/handouttype/) up to 9 thumbnails per page with horizontal or vertical ordering: 1, 2, 3, 4 (horizontal/vertical), 6 (horizontal/vertical), and 9 (horizontal/vertical).

### Can I define a custom grid, such as 5 or 8 slides per page?

No. The number and ordering of thumbnails are controlled strictly by the [HandoutType](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/handouttype/) class; arbitrary layouts are not supported.

### Can I include hidden slides in the Handout output?

Yes. Enable the hidden slides using the `setShowHiddenSlides` method in the export settings for the target format, such as [PdfOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/pdfoptions/), [HtmlOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/htmloptions/), or [TiffOptions](https://reference.aspose.com/slides/php-java/aspose.slides/tiffoptions/).