presentation file format

Understanding Presentation File Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Presentation File Types

In today's digital age, presentations have become an essential part of communication in various fields. Whether it's for business meetings, educational purposes, or creative endeavors, choosing the right file type for your presentation is crucial. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a deep understanding of different presentation file types, their advantages, and how to select the best one for your needs.

The Importance of Choosing the Right File Type

Selecting the appropriate file type for your presentation is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures compatibility across different platforms and devices, allowing your audience to access and view your presentation seamlessly. Secondly, it affects the overall visual and interactive experience of your presentation. Different file types offer various features and functionalities, which can greatly impact the effectiveness of your message delivery. Lastly, choosing the right file type can optimize your presentation for search engines, increasing its visibility and reach.

Common Scenarios for Different Presentation Formats

Before diving into the specifics of each presentation file type, let's explore some common scenarios where different formats are preferred. If you're presenting in a professional setting, such as a business meeting or conference, Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX) is widely used and accepted. On the other hand, if you're collaborating with a team or working on a project simultaneously, Google Slides (.GSLIDES) provides excellent real-time collaboration features. For Apple users, Apple Keynote (.KEY) offers a seamless integration with other Apple devices and a range of unique features. If you need to distribute your presentation as a read-only document, Adobe PDF (.PDF) is a popular choice. Lastly, OpenDocument Presentation (.ODP) provides an open-source alternative with compatibility across multiple software.

Most Popular Presentation File Types

Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX)

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most widely used presentation software globally, making it the go-to choice for many professionals. It offers two file formats: .PPT and .PPTX. The .PPT format is compatible with older versions of PowerPoint, while .PPTX is the newer XML-based format.

Advantages of PowerPoint Presentations

• User-friendly interface : PowerPoint provides a familiar and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create and edit presentations.
• Rich multimedia support : PowerPoint allows you to incorporate various multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio, enhancing the visual appeal of your presentation.
• Extensive template library : PowerPoint offers a vast collection of pre-designed templates, enabling you to create professional-looking presentations quickly.

How to Create and Edit PowerPoint Files

Creating and editing PowerPoint files is a straightforward process. Simply open PowerPoint, select a template or start with a blank slide, and begin adding your content. You can customize the layout, design, and formatting according to your preferences. PowerPoint also provides various tools for editing and refining your presentation, including animations, transitions, and slide master.

Google Slides (.GSLIDES)

Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software offered by Google. It allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online.

Benefits of Using Google Slides

• Real-time collaboration : Google Slides enables multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote collaboration.
• Cloud storage : All Google Slides presentations are stored in the cloud, eliminating the need for manual file backups and ensuring accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
• Integration with other Google services : Google Slides seamlessly integrates with other Google services such as Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets, providing a cohesive productivity suite.

Collaborating with Google Slides

Collaborating on Google Slides is simple and efficient. Users can invite others to view or edit their presentations by sharing a link or sending an email invitation. Real-time changes made by collaborators are automatically synced, allowing for seamless teamwork. Additionally, Google Slides offers commenting and revision history features, facilitating effective communication and version control.

Apple Keynote (.KEY)

Apple Keynote is a presentation software designed exclusively for Apple devices, including Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Key Features of Apple Keynote

• Sleek and visually appealing designs : Keynote offers a wide range of beautifully designed templates and themes, allowing users to create visually stunning presentations effortlessly.
• Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem : Keynote seamlessly integrates with other Apple software and devices, offering features like Handoff, which allows you to start a presentation on one device and continue on another.
• Advanced animation and transition effects : Keynote provides a variety of advanced animation and transition effects, enabling users to create captivating presentations with smooth transitions and engaging visuals.

Compatibility and Sharing Keynote Presentations

Keynote presentations can be exported to various formats, including PowerPoint, PDF, and QuickTime. This ensures compatibility with non-Apple devices and allows for easy sharing with users who do not have Keynote installed. Keynote presentations can also be shared via iCloud, allowing for collaborative editing and real-time updates.

Adobe PDF (.PDF)

Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely used file format for presenting documents in a read-only format.

Using PDFs for Presentations

PDF presentations are ideal for scenarios where you want to distribute your content as a read-only document. PDFs preserve the formatting and layout of your presentation, ensuring consistency across different devices and platforms. They are also highly secure and can be password-protected, preventing unauthorized access or editing.

Tips for Optimizing PDF Presentations

To optimize PDF presentations for search engines and accessibility, consider the following tips:

• Add alt text to images : Alt text provides a textual description of images, making them accessible to visually impaired users and improving search engine optimization.
• Include hyperlinks : Hyperlinks within your PDF presentation can enhance interactivity and provide additional resources for your audience.
• Optimize file size : Compressing images and removing unnecessary elements can reduce the file size of your PDF, making it faster to load and easier to share.

OpenDocument Presentation (.ODP)

OpenDocument Presentation (ODP) is an open-source file format used by various presentation software, including LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice.

Understanding OpenDocument Format

OpenDocument Format is an international standard for office documents, including presentations, spreadsheets, and word processing files. ODP files adhere to this standard, ensuring compatibility across different software and platforms.

Software Supporting ODP Files

ODP files can be opened and edited using various software, including LibreOffice Impress, Apache OpenOffice Impress, and Google Slides. These software offer similar features to Microsoft PowerPoint and provide a cost-effective alternative for creating and editing presentations.

Other Presentation Formats

Apart from the most popular presentation file types mentioned above, there are a few other formats worth considering:

Prezi Presentations (.PEZ)

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that offers a unique zooming user interface, allowing for non-linear presentations. Prezi presentations are saved in the .PEZ file format.

HTML5 Presentations

HTML5 presentations are created using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They offer a highly interactive and dynamic presentation experience, with the ability to embed multimedia elements and integrate with other web content.

Flash Presentations (.SWF)

Flash presentations, saved in the .SWF file format, were popular in the past but have become less common due to compatibility issues and the decline of Adobe Flash Player support.

How to Choose the Best File Type for Your Presentation

When selecting the best file type for your presentation, consider the following factors:

Factors to Consider

Audience and accessibility.

Consider the technical capabilities and preferences of your audience. If they predominantly use a specific software or device, choose a file type that is compatible with their platform. Additionally, ensure your presentation is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, by following accessibility guidelines and using compatible file formats.

Software Availability

Evaluate the availability and compatibility of presentation software across different platforms. Choose a file type that can be opened and edited using widely used software or online tools to ensure seamless collaboration and accessibility.

Interactivity and Multimedia Support

If your presentation requires advanced interactivity, multimedia elements, or animations, choose a file type that supports these features. Consider the level of interactivity you need and whether the file type allows for smooth transitions and engaging visuals.

Comparing File Types: Pros and Cons

Each presentation file type has its own advantages and limitations. Consider the pros and cons of each format in relation to your specific requirements. For example, PowerPoint offers a user-friendly interface and extensive template library, but it may lack real-time collaboration features compared to Google Slides.

Converting Between Different Presentation File Types

Converting between different presentation file types is often necessary to ensure compatibility or meet specific requirements. Several tools and software options are available for this purpose.

Tools and Software for Conversion

Online conversion services.

Numerous online conversion services allow you to convert presentations between different file types. Some popular options include Zamzar, Smallpdf, and Convertio. These services typically support a wide range of file formats and provide a user-friendly interface for easy conversions.

Desktop Applications

Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote offer built-in conversion features. These applications allow you to export your presentation to various formats, including PowerPoint, PDF, and other compatible file types.

Best Practices for Managing Presentation Files

Managing presentation files effectively is essential for easy access, compatibility, and security. Consider the following best practices:

Organizing Your Files for Easy Access

Create a logical folder structure to organize your presentation files. Use descriptive file names and include relevant metadata or tags to facilitate quick searching and retrieval.

Ensuring Compatibility Across Different Platforms

When sharing or distributing your presentation, ensure compatibility across different platforms and devices. Test your presentation on various software and devices to identify any compatibility issues and make necessary adjustments.

Security Considerations for Presentation Files

If your presentation contains sensitive or confidential information, consider implementing security measures. Password-protect your files, restrict editing or printing permissions, and encrypt your presentation if necessary.

Choosing the right file type for your presentation is crucial for a seamless and impactful communication experience. By understanding the advantages, features, and limitations of different presentation file types, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs. Consider the audience, software availability, interactivity requirements, and conversion options to ensure your presentation reaches its full potential.

Recap of Key Points

• Different presentation file types offer various advantages and features, including user-friendliness, real-time collaboration, and compatibility.
• Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Apple Keynote, Adobe PDF, and OpenDocument Presentation are among the most popular file types.
• Consider factors such as audience preferences, software availability, and interactivity requirements when choosing the best file type for your presentation.
• Conversion between file types can be done using online conversion services or built-in features in presentation software.
• Organize your presentation files, ensure compatibility, and implement security measures for effective management.

Final Thoughts on Selecting the Right Presentation File Type

Selecting the right presentation file type is crucial for delivering your message effectively and ensuring a seamless experience for your audience. By considering the specific requirements of your presentation and the features offered by different file types, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the impact of your presentation. Remember to regularly update and optimize your presentation files to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of presentations.

FAQs About Presentation File Types

Which presentation file type is the most widely used? Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX) is the most widely used presentation file type globally.

Can I collaborate on a presentation using Google Slides? Yes, Google Slides offers real-time collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously.

Are Apple Keynote presentations compatible with non-Apple devices? Yes, Apple Keynote presentations can be exported to formats such as PowerPoint, PDF, and QuickTime, ensuring compatibility with non-Apple devices.

What is the advantage of using Adobe PDF for presentations? Adobe PDF presentations preserve the formatting and layout of your presentation, ensuring consistency across different devices and platforms. They are also highly secure and can be password-protected.

What are some online tools for converting presentation file types? Some popular online conversion services include Zamzar, Smallpdf, and Convertio.

Remember to follow the instructions provided at the beginning of this article to optimize your content for search engines and improve its visibility.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding PowerPoint File Formats

It’s possible to use PowerPoint for years without ever thinking about the various file formats that are available to you. By learning about PowerPoint’s file formats and options, however, you can do a much more effective job of creating presentations, backing them up, sharing them with colleagues, and protecting the information that they contain.

Ordinary PowerPoint Presentations

When you save a simple PowerPoint presentation, you give it a name, and PowerPoint adds the file extension .pptx. Your Sales Presentation file becomes Sales Presentation.pptx .

If your PowerPoint presentation contains one or more macros, PowerPoint will automatically detect their presence and save your presentation as a .pptm file. You can force PowerPoint to save a presentation that includes macros as a .pptx file, but PowerPoint won’t let you play the macros that you’ve included in your slide slow. So it’s best to let it save your file with the .pptm extension.

If you need to share your presentation with a colleague who is using an older version of PowerPoint, then save your slides as a .ppt file. PowerPoint 97 through 2003 cannot open and process .pptx or .pptm files.

If you’re using PowerPoint 2007 or newer, you should always save your work in .pptx format (or in .pptm format if you’ve used macros in your presentation). The options described below are additional ways to save your work. Be sure to save them first as ordinary .pptx or .pptm files before you save them in any of these other formats.

PowerPoint Shows

If you want to give your PowerPoint presentation to a friend or colleague, and you don’t want them to change anything, then save your presentation as a PowerPoint Show file. Your colleagues can display your slides, but they will be unable to change any part of your presentation.

There are three types of PowerPoint Shows: Save an ordinary presentation as a .ppsx file. If you’re using macros in your presentation, save it as a .ppsm file. If you’re sending your slide show to somebody who is using PowerPoint 97 through 2003, then create a .pps PowerPoint Show file.

Be sure to save your presentation as a plain vanilla (.pptx) file or as a macro-enabled (.pptm) file. If you’ve only saved the Show file, you won’t be able to make changes to your presentation.

PowerPoint Picture Presentations

Picture Presentations add an additional layer of protection to your work. To the casual observer, a PowerPoint Picture Presentation looks like an ordinary PowerPoint slideshow. But when you save your work as a Picture Presentation, each slide is converted to a simple image.

Slides contain text objects, image objects, animations, transitions, and many other special effects. By contrast, Picture Presentations contain only snapshots of your slides.

If somebody wants to copy your work, they can see each of the images and retype the text. They can even grab (and re-crop) the images. But they cannot capture any of the magic that is PowerPoint.

If you create a Picture Presentation, be sure to give it a unique name. If you only save the Picture Presentation .pptx file, you won’t be able to modify your presentation in the future.

Windows Media Videos

You can convert your PowerPoint presentation to an ordinary Windows Media Video (.wmv) file, and play it using the built-in Windows Media Player or any other video player. Your .wmv file can be enjoyed by any Windows or Mac user, even if they don’t have PowerPoint installed on their computer.

As always, don’t make your .wmv file the only version of your slideshow or you’ll be very disappointed when you want to make changes to the presentation.

Outline/RTF

PowerPoint lets you turn your slideshow into plain text. This is handy if you want to move some of the presentation’s text to your website or blog.

When you create a rich text format (.rtf) file, you save only the text. You lose all of the images, animations, slide-to-slide transitions, and other non-text objects.

It’s easy to save your presentation as a portable document format (.pdf) file. These .pdf files can be opened on any Windows, Mac, Unix/Linux, iOS, or Android device. The resulting file, however, is a static document. Don’t expect to see slides fade in and out. All of your animated objects will become static.

You can save your slides as an XML Paper Specification (.xps) file. That’s a fancy way to say that if you double-click your .xps file in Windows Explorer, the operating system will open your file using its built-in XPS Viewer.

The XPS format is ideal for sending your slideshow to users who have neither PowerPoint nor Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on their computers. As with the .pdf format above, .xps files have text and images, but no animation.

If you’re happy with this year’s Financial Results slideshow, and you want to create next year’s presentation using the same colors and fonts, then save your current presentation as a template, and use it over and over.

As you may have guessed, save your work as a .potx file for use in PowerPoint 2007 and newer, as a .potm file for a 2007 or newer macro-enabled presentation, and as a .pot file for use on PowerPoint 97 through 2003.

Office Themes and Backups

Because Microsoft PowerPoint is part of Microsoft Office, you can use two Office file types to make your PowerPoint work easier and safer.

You can save your presentation theme as an Office .thmx file. Future PowerPoint presentations, as well as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, can use this Office theme to set their fonts and colors. This results in a consistent look and feel to all of the Office documents that you present to prospects and customers.

Autosave is built into most Office applications, including PowerPoint. If you experienced a power outage and hadn’t saved your PowerPoint presentation before you lost power, it’s possible that there’s a recent version of your slideshow in the Office Autosave library. If you click File , click Open , and click Recover Unsaved Presentation , you may be pleased by the information that PowerPoint saved for you.

The Bottom Line

There’s no need to memorize all of the PowerPoint file extensions and options that are available. But be sure that you’re including all of these files when you do your regular on-site and off-site backups. And bookmark this blog page so that you can return to it when you need to save or open a PowerPoint presentation in one of the less popular file formats.

• September 20, 2014

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PowerPoint 101: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Are you struggling with PowerPoint? You need a quick design in PowerPoint but don't know where to start? Don't worry, you have nothing to be ashamed of.

In this article, we're going to refresh the most important PowerPoint basics so you can take advantage of this Microsoft software and create high-impact presentations at any time!

Millions of users worldwide use Microsoft 365 services , making PowerPoint the presentation design software with the highest market share. And with good reason! PowerPoint's features stand out for its usability and originality . We can tell you that PowerPoint is pretty intuitive software, and it's a great option to choose when working with presentations on a daily basis. So, are you ready for a quick PowerPoint 101 class?

Let ' s see what you ' re going to learn today with this PowerPoint Guide :

What is PowerPoint?

What are the best uses of powerpoint, powerpoint basics: what are the components of powerpoint workspace, mastering powerpoint: what are the main features of powerpoint, what are powerpoint templates and where to find them, time to practice how to make a presentation in powerpoint.

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation design software that is part of Microsoft 365 . This software allows you to design presentations by combining text, images, graphics, video, and animation on slides in a simple and intuitive way.

Over time, PowerPoint has evolved and improved its accessibility to users. For this reason, it has been adapted to the main operating systems and modalities:

• PowerPoint Online

Additionally, you can use Word and Excel in this online version. That way, you'll be able to make real-time changes in the cloud without fearing losing your files. Sounds great, right?

PowerPoint has a versatile range of uses. Here's a list of the different tasks you can complete with this presentation design software:

• Business presentations or Pitch decks.
• Marketing, Sales and HR plans.
• Project briefs and timelines.
• Inductions to new employees.
• Seminars and educational classes.
• Professional portfolio of photos or designs.
• Presentations of a research summary.
• Presentations for special occasions.

These are just a few examples of the multiple possibilities this Microsoft software offers. Your imagination is the only limit!

Stay tuned as we continue with this PowerPoint 101 Guide...

In order to deeply understand this presentation design software, you need to recognize its main components. Now it's time to learn about the PowerPoint basics!

A quick note before going any further: when opening PowerPoint, some of the commands in the ribbons will look grayish and won't be highlighted when you hover the mouse over them.

This happens since some commands need to be selected in order to function. For example, if you want to change the color of a text, you first need to select it.

That being said, let's start with this Guide for PowerPoint beginners:

PowerPoint Main Window

The first aspect to learn is PowerPoint Main Window. To facilitate the explanation, we've organized its main elements with numbers from 1 to 10:

Based on that, the main components of PowerPoint window are the following:

1. Quick Access Toolbar: allows you to customize commands to have them at hand. You only have to select it and go to "More commands."

2. Title Bar: shows you the name of your file and other "Suggested options" like Slide Master View . These options will vary depending on the use you give to the commands.

3. File Tab: you will see the Home Menu (PowerPoint backstage) by selecting it. There, you can create a new presentation, save it, print it, export it, and many other options.

4. The Ribbon: it's where PowerPoint tabs and tools are. These tools can also be called "commands" or “features.”

5. More Button or Down Arrow: these arrows allow you to view more tools or layout options in PowerPoint.

6. Slides Pane: shows your slides in thumbnail size. By right-clicking, you can access additional options for customizing each slide. Perfect for PowerPoint beginners!

7. Slide: PowerPoint's blank canvas and the frame to be seen when presenting the file.

8. Placeholders: they are dotted boxes that will store your content.

9. Status Bar: allows you to view the slide number, grammatical errors, speaker notes, and the comments on your file.

10. Zoom: allows you to enlarge or minimize your PowerPoint workspace. The range goes from 10 to 400%.

PowerPoint Tabs

The PowerPoint tabs are the control desk of your presentation . Since PowerPoint's features are too many, they're organized in tabs.

You can come and go between tabs as you need. Once you click on a tab, it will open its ribbon, and there, you'll be able to see all the tools related to that particular category.

This PowerPoint tutorial for beginners will give you an overview of all PowerPoint tabs . Pay attention to the following list:

• Transitions Tab
• Animations Tab
• Slide Show Tab
• Recording Tab

1. Home Tab

The Home tab is the most common tab of PowerPoint. This is the tab you'll probably use the most if you're designing a presentation deck from scratch.

It allows you to add new slides and change the text characteristics : font, size, boldness, underlining, alignment, etc. If you've ever used Microsoft Word, these features will be familiar to you.

Also, you will find commands to edit the characteristics of the geometric shapes you insert. This includes: fill color, line color, sharpe effects, among others.

2. Insert Tab

The Insert tab is exactly what its name says it is. In this ribbon, you'll find all the options concerning adding a new element to your PowerPoint presentation .

You can insert a picture, some geometric shapes, icons, WordArt graphics, among others. We can tell you that this tab is really helpful for PowerPoint beginners!

For example, if you have a lot of data in PowerPoint , you could add a chart or diagram to show your information in a more visual way. Also, you can embed videos or music into PowerPoint really easily.

• PowerPoint tip for beginners: To be able to write text on your slides, you need a text box. So, if you're designing your presentation from scratch, remember to go first to the Insert tab and add a text box to start writing.

3. Design Tab

If you are one of those people who enjoy choosing the design of a PowerPoint presentation, this tab will be your favorite.

The Design tab offers a wide range of premade designs , allowing you to get more polished slides. Even better, if you explore its ribbon, you can adjust the color palette and change the overall style of your PowerPoint deck.

The PowerPoint interface, as this basic PowerPoint Tutorial, is really intuitive. We believe that you won't have any problem with this tab!

4. Transitions Tab

Using transitions in PowerPoint is a dynamic way to move from one slide to the next during a presentation. This feature is PowerPoint's stamp, so don ' t miss it!

Some PowerPoint transitions are really classic, like wiping the old slide to present the new one. Others are somewhat over the top, like the “Vortex” or the “Airplane” effect.

If you click on each kind of transition, you'll see a preview on how it would look when presenting. Really cool, right?

5. Animations Tab

In case you want to add special effects for certain elements in your slides , the Animations tab in PowerPoint will interest you.

Like the Transitions tab, you will find various animation effects in this ribbon. It's a matter of trying and choosing the best one according to your needs!

6. Slide Show Tab

As its name says, the Slide Show tab is about presenting your slides . We really like that it gives you several options to show up your presentation!

Considering that you're a PowerPoint beginner, you're not likely to use the Slide Show tab very much.

But if you're curious about this command, you must read our article: How to Make a PowerPoint Slideshow that Runs Automatically?

7. Review Tab

The Review tab is not often used by PowerPoint beginners either.

However, if your job is related to writing or if you work at an international company, this tool can be extremely useful!

With this tab, you can check the slide's spelling, translate the text in real-time, and add comments to your slides . This last function can be helpful to give feedback to a colleague.

8. View Tab

This View tab allows you to change the view of your PowerPoint slides and make handouts from them, among other things.

As you can see, the majority of its commands are really specific. So you won't have any issues while designing, test and see!

In this section, our favorite command for PowerPoint beginners is Slide Master . Explore more about this tool in our guide!

9. Recording Tab

In the last versions of this design presentation software, PowerPoint added the Recording tab. As its name says, it allows you to record all your presentation slides .

This ribbon has advanced commands, so the most common action for a PowerPoint beginner is to take a screenshot or record the screen sequentially .

10. Help Tab

Finally, there is the Help tab. If you have any problem or question concerning how to use PowerPoint, you may go here to look for a solution.

In the latest versions, Windows has added a “Show Training” option. You can click this command to practice the PowerPoint basics since it will download training templates.

As a beginner in PowerPoint, you must recognize the objective of each PowerPoint tab to be able to master the software . But, in order to conduct an outstanding presentation deck, you also need to dominate its most important features. Let's see some of them in the next section!

If you feel ready to delve deeper into PowerPoint's tools, this section is for you.

As you may know , 24Slides specializes in creating outstanding presentations for any Design Project . So, we asked one of our experts about her favorite PowerPoint features, and we want to share them all with you!

Carmen Navarrete , Graphic Designer at 24Slides, highlighted the following features that will make your presentations stand out from the crowd:

PowerPoint Feature #1: Crop to Shape

This first PowerPoint feature is simple but effective!

Let's see how to use it:

• First, choose an image you want to cut and insert it into your workspace.
• Once inserted, select it with the mouse.
• Go to the "Picture Format" tab.
• Press the arrow of the "Crop" button (right side of the screen).
• Select "Crop to Shape."
• Choose your favorite shape and customize your PowerPoint presentation!

PowerPoint Feature #2: Merge Shapes

If you don't like any figure enough, you can create one from scratch!

This is possible thanks to the "Merge Shapes" option. Follow these steps to unleash your creativity:

• First choose an image you want to cut.
• Check the list of PowerPoint shapes (Insert tab > Shapes).
• Choose two or three figures you want to merge (they can be the same figure).
• Select the figures you are going to merge (see the image).
• Once selected, go to the "Shape Format" tab.
• Press the "Merge Shapes" option and the type of merge you want (test and choose!).

• A new figure will appear, and you must fill it with the image from the first step.
• Stay on the Shape Format tab and go to "Shape Fill" (button in the middle of the ribbon).
• Select "Picture Fill" and browse for your image.
• Select the image to fill your new figure, and that's it!

• PowerPoint tip for beginners: When your merged figure is ready, paste the image to the background of your slide to achieve a better result. This way, you can use your image as a canvas and see if both elements fit well.

PowerPoint Feature #3: Insert Icons

This PowerPoint feature is quite easy to follow for PowerPoint beginners!

Just follow these steps:

• Go to the Insert tab.
• Select the "Icons" option.
• A Microsoft 365 library will open, where you can search for the required icon.
• Now, you must insert it into your presentation and adapt it to your design.
• If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you'll have access to a larger number of icons in PowerPoint.

• PowerPoint tip for beginners: If you want to learn more about icons in PowerPoint, read our article on How to Use Icons to Make Amazing PowerPoint Presentations .

PowerPoint Feature #4: Insert SmartArt

PowerPoint's SmartArt is one of the most popular and accessible tools to dominate while learning about PowerPoint basics.

To use it in your slide deck, you must:

• Select SmartArt.
• See all SmartArt categories and choose your favorite based on your needs.
• Add the text you have prepared and adapt it to your presentation.

We want to give you some ideas to master this SmartArt tool in PowerPoint: you can make timelines , flowcharts , and even a Venn diagram in just a few seconds. Try and see!

PowerPoint Feature #5: Remove Background

If you don't know how to use Photoshop and want to remove the background from an image, in this PowerPoint 101 Guide, we show you how:

• First choose the image you want to remove the background from.
• Insert the image in the PowerPoint workspace.
• Select the image and go to the "Picture Format" tab.
• Select "Remove Background" (first option on the left).
• You can keep and remove parts of the image with the first two tools of the ribbon (see image).
• Keep in mind that all the sections highlighted in purple will be deleted.

• We recommend zooming in to keep or remove parts of the image with more detail.
• Once you're done, press the "Keep Changes" button.
• Finally, adapt the new image to your PowerPoint presentation.

• PowerPoint tip for beginners: Choose a high-contrast photo or image for best results. In other words, the outline of the person or object you want to cut out must have clear edges and cannot blend with the image's background color.

PowerPoint Feature #6: Add Speaker Notes

The latest PowerPoint feature is a command you can use to prepare your speech before presenting to an audience.

Learning how to add speaker notes in PowerPoint is simple:

• Select the slide that needs some notes.
• Usually, there is a footer below the slide, but if not, you will have to activate it.
• Go to the View tab and select "Notes."
• The Speaker Notes section will appear, and you can add whatever you want!

• PowerPoint tip for beginners: In case you want to practice your entire presentation and have a lot of notes, go to the View tab and select "Notes Page" (fourth command). You'll be able to see all your Speaker Notes faster!

PowerPoint Feature #7: PowerPoint Translator

If you've ever wondered how to translate your PowerPoint Slides, we'll explain the step by step here:

• Go to the Review tab.
• Select the text you want to translate.
• Press the “Translate” button.
• A panel will open on the right side of the screen.
• Choose the language you need and you'll see the translation in real-time.
• If you press Insert, the text will change to the new translation!

PowerPoint Feature #8: Screen Recording

The process of recording your screen in PowerPoint is straightforward and intuitive. Let's see:

• Go to the “Record” or “Recording” tab.
• Press the "Record Slide Show" button or the “From Beginning” button (depending on your PPT version).
• A new window will open.
• Select the red record button and start recording!
• When you're done, select “Export.”
• By default, the video will be 1080p. If you want to lower the video quality, go to "Customize export."
• Name the video, save it to a folder and that's it!

As you may have noticed, this software has endless PowerPoint design options for beginners. We encourage you to try and test each functionality!

However, we're clear that PowerPoint has different features, so it can be hard to know where to start. That's why understanding PowerPoint basics is crucial if you truly want to master this software!

Our PowerPoint 101 Guide continues; stay tuned to discover more great stuff about this Microsoft software. Keep reading!

A PowerPoint template is a pre-made design that you can use for your own means, and that will save you a lot of time!

Templates in PowerPoint are a great resource for designing since all the structure is already done, and you only have to update the content . We can tell you they're the perfect resource for PowerPoint beginners!

They can be incredibly specific. For example, there are templates for a SWOT analysis or a complete Marketing report. Otherwise, templates can also be very general, with several slides with a similar design.

If you struggle with the artistic part of designing presentations, downloading PowerPoint templates will be a life changer!

How to download PowerPoint templates for free?

If you didn't know, 24Slides has an extensive repository of PowerPoint templates. But how to obtain them? It's really simple:

• First, create an account on our Free Templates Website with the button “Register” (that way, you can download everything without problems!).
• Think about the graphics you need and the ideal structure for your presentation deck (you can also change the color palette later!).
• Download it in PowerPoint format (if you prefer it in Google Slides format, you'll also find this type in our repository).
• Edit and change everything you need for your PowerPoint presentation!

24Slides Designers specialize in business and corporate PowerPoints, but you'll also find other types of templates on our website: Data templates, Timelines, Roadmaps, Matrixes, Diagrams, and more.

Keep in mind that a well-designed PowerPoint deck helps you communicate stronger messages to your audience . Don't waste this opportunity to make your presentation shine!

If you want to learn more about how to master PowerPoint, do not miss the last section. We'll show you some PowerPoint basics from the software itself!

A PowerPoint 101 Guide wouldn't be that useful with no examples. So, if you enjoy the step-by-step guides, this section is for you.

Below, we'll show you how to make a simple PowerPoint presentation. But first, here are some tips to be more efficient in the process:

• Be clear about what type of presentation you're going to create (is it corporate, playful, or more creative?).
• Make a draft with the most important information you need to add and, thus, generate a good structure in your presentation .
• Get inspired by examples on the internet , but adapt them to your needs and audience.
• If you will create a business presentation, keep in mind your brand identity .
• Make sure your PowerPoint works , you may need to update to the latest version or pay for the subscription.

Step 1: Make a draft to structure your presentation

As we said before, writing a draft or script of your content will be vital to start on the right foot as a PowerPoint beginner.

This advice is so important that we choose it as the first step to learning how to make a PowerPoint presentation. Remember: Planning is key!

Regarding the process of planning, we share some good practices:

• If your presentation will be very long , write down all subtitles and content in a Word document. This will help you organize your ideas and give a correct sequence to your narrative. In addition to avoiding redundancies in the message you want to communicate.
• If your presentation will use many visual resources , we recommend choosing high-quality images. This will help you have a starting graphic base. Some good free image repositories are Freepick , Unsplash , and Adobe Stock .
• If your presentation is based on data , have all your results summarized or your most relevant conclusions at hand. The idea of making a PowerPoint presentation is to show your information in the simplest way possible for your audience.

Step 2: Create a new document in PowerPoint

Once you check that all the functions are working fine with the software, please open it and go to the File tab. If you've ever used Word or Excel, you'll probably find this Home Menu familiar.

In short, this is the main page of PowerPoint, where you can create a new presentation or open an older one. Let's see:

In order to follow this part of our PowerPoint Tutorial correctly, take into consideration the following points:

• On the lower side of the screen, you'll find your recently opened PowerPoint files. This option is great for saving some time.
• If you don't find the presentation you're looking for, click on the “Open” option at the left bar and find older files.
• Don't forget to save your presentation with a relatable name so you won't lose sight of it!

Step 3: Choose the perfect design for your presentation

With your information ready in a draft, it's time to choose the design of your PowerPoint slide deck. You must imagine that the available design options are endless!

For practical reasons, you have three options regarding the design:

• Start a design from scratch (very difficult for a PowerPoint beginner).
• Choose an established PowerPoint design or layout.
• Download a PowerPoint template and modify some details.

Don't worry if you don't know how to continue! In this PowerPoint 101 class, we're going to explain step by step the second option:

How do you set a default design in PowerPoint?

• First, go to the Design tab.
• Open the list of options by clicking on the third arrow.
• Choose the design you like the most for your PowerPoint presentation.

If you want to explore more PowerPoint designs, there is a way to research online. For that, you only need to:

• Go to the File tab (first tab, next to the Home tab).
• Select "More themes" (see image).

• Use the search engine and write the keyword you want (it can be related to your business or it can be a color).
• Check the list of PowerPoint themes and choose your favorite.
• Wait a few minutes while it loads and keep designing in PowerPoint!

How do you change the layout of one slide in PowerPoint?

In this PowerPoint 101 Guide, you will also learn how to configure the layout of each slide.

Keep in mind that to have a high-impact presentation, you must adapt your slides' design to the type of content you'll add. And using layouts is perfect for this purpose.

To change the layout type in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the slide you want to change.
• Select the "Layout" option.
• You will find more than ten layout models.
• Choose the one that best suits your content.
• Repeat these steps for each slide (if you wish or require).

How do you customize your slides in PowerPoint?

The design process in this PowerPoint 101 Guide doesn't stop there.

You also can customize your presentation's color palette , font style, background format , and graphics effects .

Just go to:

• Design tab > Variants.
• Select Colors, Fonts, Effects or Background Styles (as you need).
• If you're inspired and want to create your own background in PowerPoint, select Background Styles > Format Background.
• Finally, custom your slides as you want!

Step 4: Add all your information to your presentation

Now, it's time to add all your information to your slides. If your script is long, take your time to copy each part of it.

In this PowerPoint Tutorial, we're going to show how our design is going so far. We design at your side!

Step 5: Add transitions or animations to your presentation

The stamp of PowerPoint is its transitions and animations! Naturally, our PowerPoint 101 has considered these essential commands.

If you want to add them to your presentation and make your speech more fluid, follow these steps:

• Go to the tabs section of PowerPoint.
• Select "Transitions" or "Animations" and try your favorite effects.
• Remember that if you select Transitions, these will modify the entire slide, while Animations can be added to each element individually.

When choosing one Animation, you can eliminate it if you aren't 100% convinced. You only need to:

• Select the Animation number that appears on the corner.
• Press the "Delete" or "Backspace" button on your keyboard.
• Choose another Animation in PowerPoint if you want!

This “PowerPoint for dummies” is full of tips and tricks! So here is one more: Don't overuse transitions or animations in PowerPoint ; they can make your presentation slower and unprofessional . Use this tool in a subtle way!

Step 6: Refine the final details

As always, every final product must be reviewed. Especially if you're learning the PowerPoint fundamentals with us.

We recommend reviewing each slide of your PowerPoint presentation one final time. In this process, you will be able to:

• Add icons if your presentation requires it.
• Change any image or illustration if they don't convince you.
• Change transitions or animations.
• Customize your presentation's color palette .
• Proofread your slides' text or add more information.
• Add speaker notes to your presentation.

Step 7: Slideshow your presentation

When your presentation is finished, it's essential to know how to make a PowerPoint slideshow. This way, you can see your slides from the exact same perspective your audience will see them.

To slideshow your presentation in PowerPoint, follow these simple steps for PowerPoint beginners:

• Position yourself on your first slide.
• Go to the bottom right of the software.
• Select the "Slide Show" button (see image).
• Have a look of your presentation by clicking on each slide or pressing the right arrow on your keyboard.
• To go out from the Slide Show mode, you have to press the ESC key.

Now you can present your slides like an expert!

When you master this presentation design software, you'll be able to create amazing things in PowerPoint : infographics, diagrams, charts, pitch decks, business cards, calendars, you name it!

This was our PowerPoint Guide for beginners. We hope that our compilation today will be useful for conducting more professional presentations in the future and, why not, achieve all your goals!

Don't forget to share this PowerPoint 101 Guide with your co-workers or whoever you want!

Want to boost your beginner PowerPoint skills? Check out this content:

• How to Work with Multiple Images in PowerPoint
• How to Add a Timer to Your Powerpoint Presentations
• PowerPoint Charts, Graphs, & Tables Made Easy | Tips & Tricks
• How To Use PowerPoint Design Ideas - All Questions Answered!
• 36 Fun Icebreakers for Your Next Presentation
• The Cost of PowerPoint Presentations: Discover the hidden expenses you might overlook!

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.PPT File Extension

Microsoft powerpoint presentation (legacy).

What is a PPT file?

A PPT file is an editable slide show created by Microsoft PowerPoint or exported by another presentation program, such as OpenOffice Impress or Apple Keynote. It may include formatted text, bullet points, images, movies, sound effects, and music. Users commonly build PPT files from templates with PowerPoint, but they may also create them from scratch.

More Information

When creating, saving, and presenting presentations, you may encounter PPT files in home, school, and business environments. Microsoft introduced the PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) binary format in 1987 when it released PowerPoint. PPT was the primary file type used to save PowerPoint presentations until Microsoft replaced it in PowerPoint 2007 with the Open XML Presentation ( .PPTX ) file format.

While you will most likely see PPTX files more often than PPT files, some users with older versions of PowerPoint may still save their presentations as PPT files. In addition, you may receive PPT files from friends, family members, or co-workers via email or download them from a website or cloud storage service.

Common PPT Filenames

Presentation1.ppt - The default filename Microsoft PowerPoint gives to new presentations prior to PowerPoint 2007, which now uses Presentation1.pptx.

How to open a PPT file

You can open PPT files with Microsoft PowerPoint in Windows and macOS. PowerPoint is the best application for opening PPT files because it fully supports the formatting of the presentations, including the placement of text, slide transitions and effects, and images and shapes in the presentation. PowerPoint is also available for Android and iOS devices.

Many presentation programs can open and edit PPT files, but they may not fully support the formatting of the presentation files. Alternative programs include Corel Presentations (Windows), Apple Keynote (Mac), and Apache OpenOffice Impress (multiplatform). If you are a Mac user simply looking to view a PPT file, you can use Apple Preview , which comes bundled with macOS.

You can also open PPT files with various web programs. For example, Google Slides is a free option you can access with a Google account. The web tool allows you to upload a PPT file and view, edit, save, and convert the presentation.

How to convert a PPT file

Many presentation applications, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, and LibreOffice Impress, can convert PPT files to other formats.

For example, select File → Save As in the Windows and Mac versions of Microsoft PowerPoint to convert PPT files to one of the following formats:

• .PPTX - Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation
• .PDF - Portable Document Format
• .ODP - OpenDocument Presentation
• .XPS - XML Paper Specification (Windows only)
• .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
• .WMV - Windows Media Video
• .JPEG - JPEG Image
• .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
• .GIF - Graphical Interchange Format (Animated)
• .TIF - Tagged Image File Format
• .SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
• .RTF - Rich Text Format

Programs that open PPT files

Verified by fileinfo.com.

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (Legacy) file format and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know .

PAGE CONTENTS

What Is a PPT File: The Basics and Using Them

Do you know what a PPT file is? Find out here!

In this article, we’ll explain the basics of PPT files, how to open them, and the differences between variations of PPT windows file formats.

You’ll also learn about compatibility issues and conversion options.

Plus, we’ll show you how to embed PowerPoint into a website.

So, if you’re curious about PPT files, keep reading to expand your knowledge!

Key Takeaways

• PPT files are digital file formats used for creating and delivering presentations.
• PPTX is the newer file format introduced with PowerPoint 2007, offering advantages like smaller size and improved graphics.
• Compatibility issues can arise between different versions of PowerPoint, and it is important to ensure compatibility with the file format.
• There are different methods of embedding PowerPoint into a website, including using embedding code, converting to HTML5 format, and using plugins for platforms like WordPress.

Overview of PPT files and their importance

You’ll learn about the three key components of a PPT file and why it’s important for presentations.

A PPT file, short for PowerPoint Presentation, is a digital file format used to create and deliver presentations. It consists of slides that contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements.

The three key components of a PPT file are the slides, the design templates, and the speaker notes.

Slides are the individual pages that make up the presentation, while design templates provide a consistent visual style throughout the entire presentation. Speaker notes allow the presenter to add additional information or reminders for each slide.

Understanding these components is important because they help create visually appealing and effective presentations that engage the audience. By using design templates and organizing content on slides, a PPT file allows presenters to communicate their message in a clear and structured manner.

What is a PPT File

So, you want to know what a PPT file is?

Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the definition and history of a PPT file and its origins and purpose. PPT stands for PowerPoint Presentation, and it’s a file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint, a popular presentation software.

PPT files contain slides that can include text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements. PowerPoint was first released in 1987 as a graphical presentation program for Macintosh computers. It quickly gained popularity and became a standard tool for creating professional presentations.

When it comes to types of PPT files, there are two main formats to be aware of: PPT and PPTX.

PPT stands for PowerPoint Presentation and is the older file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint.

PPTX, on the other hand, is the newer file format introduced with PowerPoint 2007. PPTX files are based on the XML format and offer several advantages over PPT files.

They’re smaller in size, more secure, and support advanced features like improved graphics and multimedia integration.

PPTX files can also be opened and edited in newer versions of PowerPoint, while PPT files may require compatibility updates.

Over the years, PowerPoint has undergone numerous updates and enhancements, adding new features and improving its functionality. Today, PPT files are widely used in business, education, and other fields as a means of conveying information and delivering impactful presentations.

How to Open a PPT File

To open a PPT file, you have a variety of software options available. There is paid and free software available to be used both on your desktop and mobile.

One of the most popular choices is Microsoft PowerPoint, which is specifically designed for creating and editing presentations. PowerPoint allows you to easily open PPT files and make changes to their content, layout, and design.

Another software option is Google Slides, which is a free web-based tool that offers similar functionality to PowerPoint. With Google Slides, you can open PPT files, collaborate with others in real-time, and access your presentations from any device with an internet connection.

Additionally, there are other presentation software programs available, such as Keynote for Mac users, LibreOffice Impress for those looking for a free alternative, and Prezi for creating more dynamic and interactive presentations.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you’re having trouble opening a PPT file, there are a few common issues that you might encounter.

One issue could be that you don’t have the right software to open the file. PowerPoint, the software developed by Microsoft, is commonly used to open PPT files. Make sure you have the latest version PowerPoint installed on your computer.

Another issue could be that the file is corrupted or damaged. In this case, you might need to try opening the file on a different device or ask the sender to re-send the file.

Additionally, check if the file extension is correct. PPT files should have the extension ‘.ppt’ or ‘.pptx’. If the extension is different, try renaming the file to the correct extension.

File Formats and Their Differences

When it comes to file formats, understanding the differences between PPT and PPTX is key.

While both formats are supported by PowerPoint, PPTX offers more advanced features and compatibility with newer versions of the software.

PPT vs. PPTX

PPT files are the older version of PowerPoint presentations, while PPTX files are the newer version. The main difference between the two file formats lies in their underlying technology.

PPT files were developed for earlier versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, while PPTX files were introduced with the release of PowerPoint 2007. PPTX files use XML-based formatting, making them more efficient and compact compared to the older PPT format.

The PPT file format, while an older format is still being used by Microsoft PowerPoint. It supports various features such as animations, transitions, slide timings, and embedded media files.

Additionally, PPTX files offer enhanced features and compatibility with newer versions of PowerPoint. They support advanced formatting options, such as tables, charts, multimedia elements. and PPTX files also have better recovery capabilities, making them less prone to corruption.

Understanding the supported features in each format is essential for choosing the right format for your slideshow presentation needs.

Compatibility Issues

When it comes to compatibility issues with PPT files, you may encounter problems when trying to open an older version of PowerPoint in a newer version. This can result in formatting and content discrepancies.

However, there are solutions available, such as converting the file to a compatible format or using compatibility modes in PowerPoint to ensure smooth viewing and editing.

Older vs. newer PowerPoint versions

You may encounter compatibility issues between older and newer versions of PowerPoint. When working with PowerPoint files, it’s important to consider the version of PowerPoint you’re using and the version that the file was created in. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• File format : PowerPoint files have the extension .ppt or .pptx. The newer versions of PowerPoint use the .pptx file format, while older versions use the .ppt format. This difference in file format can sometimes cause compatibility issues between versions.
• Versions : PowerPoint has gone through several updates and releases over the years, with each version having its own set of features and capabilities. Newer versions of PowerPoint may have additional features that aren’t supported in older versions, which can lead to compatibility problems when opening files created in newer versions with older versions of PowerPoint.

In order to avoid compatibility issues, it’s recommended to check the version of PowerPoint you’re using and make sure it’s compatible with the file you’re trying to open or edit.

Solutions for compatibility

In order to overcome compatibility issues, you can use various solutions when dealing with PPT files.

One solution is to save the file in a different file format that’s compatible with the version of PowerPoint you’re using. This can be done by selecting the ‘Save As’ option and choosing an older file format, such as PPT instead of PPTX.

Another solution is to use online file converters that can convert the file into a compatible format. These converters can be found on various websites and allow you to convert the PPT file into formats like PDF or JPEG.

Additionally, updating your PowerPoint software to the latest version can also help resolve compatibility issues as it ensures compatibility with newer file formats and features.

Conversion Options

Sometimes PPT files aren’t suitable for the purpose at hand and you need to convert. If you need to convert PPT to a different format, there are several tools available that can help you with that.

How to convert PPT to other formats

Easily convert your PPT files to other formats using various conversion options. When it comes to converting your PowerPoint presentations, you have several options to choose from. Here are two relevant conversion methods:

• Online conversion tools: Many websites offer free online tools that allow you to upload your PPT file and convert it to a different format, such as PDF, JPG, or MP4. These tools are convenient and easy to use, requiring no software installation.
• PowerPoint software: Microsoft PowerPoint itself provides an option to convert your PPT files to different formats. Simply open your presentation, go to the ‘File’ menu, and select ‘Save As.’ From there, you can choose the desired format, such as PPTX, PDF, or video formats like MP4 or WMV.

Tools available for conversion

You can utilize various tools for conversion, such as online converters or PowerPoint software.

When it comes to converting a ppt file to another format, it’s important to choose the right tool that meets your needs.

Here are some online tools that can convert PPT files:

• AltoPPT to PDF Converter : This is a simple and free online tool that allows users to convert PPT to PDF. It displays the conversion progress, and upon completion, the converted file can be downloaded.
• Adobe Acrobat PPT to PDF converter : This is another online tool that can convert PPT to PDF for free. It can turn any Microsoft PowerPoint presentation into a PDF file.
• CloudConvert PPT Converter : This is an online document and presentation converter that supports various file formats, including PPT. It can convert PPT to PDF, PPTX, ODP, and many others. It is a universal app for file conversions, and it supports nearly all audio, video, document, ebook, archive, image, spreadsheet, and presentation formats. It is also secure, and users can use the online tool without downloading any software.
• Zamzar : This is an online file conversion tool that can convert PPT to PPTX in real-time. It is secure and free for most users, and the converted file can be downloaded upon completion.
• HeyGen : This is an online video production tool that can convert PPT to MP4. Users can upload their PowerPoint file and have an AI avatar present it as a video. The AI’s dialogue is based on the text or audio submitted. It is a dependable tool that allows users to effortlessly convert their PowerPoint to video and share it across multiple platforms.
• Xodo : This is a versatile tool that supports various file formats, including PowerPoint to PDF conversion. It is a free online tool that can convert PPT to PDF. Users can upload their PPT file and follow the steps to convert it to PDF.

As you can see, online converters offer convenience as they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. They usually support a wide range of file formats and allow you to convert your ppt file quickly and easily.

On the other hand, PowerPoint software provides more advanced features and customization options. It allows you to convert your ppt file while maintaining the integrity of the original design and layout.

Depending on your specific requirements and the contextually relevant limitations mentioned in the previous article section, you can choose the most suitable tool for your conversion needs.

Embed Powerpoint into a Website

Now let’s talk about how to embed a Powerpoint presentation into a website.

There are several methods you can use to achieve this, and it’s important to consider which one works best for your specific needs.

We’ll explore how to embed Powerpoint into WordPress, as well as compare the different methods available.

Methods of Embedding Powerpoint into Websites

Embedding PowerPoint into your website is a straightforward process that allows you to share your presentations with your online audience. There are several methods you can use to achieve this:

• Embedding code: PowerPoint provides an embed code that you can copy and paste into your website’s HTML. This method allows you to display the PowerPoint presentation directly on your webpage.
• Converting to HTML5: Another method is to convert your PowerPoint presentation into HTML5 format using third-party tools. This allows you to create a more interactive and responsive presentation that can be easily embedded into your website.

Alternatively, if you are using WordPress, you can use the above methods or use plugins to embed a Powerpoint into the website.

How to Embed Powerpoint into WordPress

You can easily embed Powerpoint into WordPress or any website by using a plugin. WordPress offers several plugins that allow you to seamlessly integrate Powerpoint presentations into your website.

There are several plugins that allow you to embed PowerPoint presentations in WordPress. Here are some of them:

• EmbedPress: This plugin lets you embed audio-video, images, upload presentations, and other content into your WordPress website.
• iSpring Suite: This plugin allows you to embed PowerPoint presentations into your WordPress website. It offers a variety of customization options, including the ability to add quizzes, surveys, and interactions to your presentations.
• Embed Any Document: This plugin allows you to embed various types of documents, including PowerPoint presentations, into your WordPress website. It supports multiple file formats, including PDF, DOC, and PPT.
• Google Slides: You can upload your PowerPoint presentation to your Google Slides page and then embed it into your WordPress website. This method is simple and easy to use[5].

To use any of these plugins, you need to install and activate them on your WordPress website. Once activated, you can upload your PowerPoint presentation to your website and then use the plugin to embed it into your posts or pages.

How to Remove Powerpoint Documents from WordPress

To remove a PowerPoint presentation from WordPress, you need to follow these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to the page or post where the PowerPoint presentation is embedded.
• Edit the page or post and locate the PowerPoint presentation.
• Delete the PowerPoint presentation by selecting it and pressing the delete button on your keyboard or using the delete option in the editor.
• Save the changes to the page or post.

If you are having trouble removing the PowerPoint presentation, you can try disabling the plugin that you used to embed it. To do this, go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard, find the plugin that you used to embed the PowerPoint presentation, and deactivate it. This should remove the PowerPoint presentation from your website.

What if you have multiple PowerPoint documents in the WordPress Library?

You can use a plugin called Media Hygiene. The Media Hygiene plugin is designed to remove unused media files from the WordPress Media library. It helps to keep your media library clean and organized by identifying and deleting files that are not being used on your website. By removing these unused files, you can free up storage space and improve the overall performance of your WordPress site.

In conclusion, a PPT file, also known as a PowerPoint presentation file, is a digital document created using Microsoft PowerPoint software. It’s widely used for creating and delivering presentations in various settings. PPT files can be opened and edited using PowerPoint or other compatible software.

Understanding file formats and compatibility issues is crucial for seamless sharing and collaboration. Additionally, embedding PowerPoint into a website provides a convenient way to share presentations online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ppt file be opened on a mac computer.

Yes, a PPT file can be opened on a Mac computer. You can use software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote to open and view PPT files on your Mac.

What Are Some Common Alternative File Formats to Ppt?

Some common alternative file formats to ppt include PDF, Keynote (for Mac), and Google Slides. These formats can be used for presentations and offer compatibility with various operating systems and devices.

Is It Possible to Convert a PPT File Into a Video Format?

Yes, you can convert a PPT file into a video format. There are various tools and software available that allow you to easily convert your PowerPoint presentation into a video file.

Can a PPT File Be Opened on a Mobile Device?

Yes, you can open a PPT file on a mobile device. There are various apps available that allow you to view and edit PowerPoint presentations on your phone or tablet.

Are There Any Limitations or Restrictions When Embedding a Powerpoint Presentation Into a Website?

When embedding a PowerPoint presentation into a website, there may be limitations or restrictions depending on the platform or software being used. It’s important to check the requirements and compatibility beforehand.

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What Is a PPTX File?

A PPTX file is a PowerPoint presentation you can open and edit with a free tool like Google Slides

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What to Know

• A PPTX file is a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.
• Edit it online for free with Google Slides , or use PowerPoint.
• Convert to PDF, ODP, and others with those same programs, or use Zamzar.com .

This article explains what a PPTX file is, which programs will open one, and how to convert one to other presentation formats.

A PPTX file is a Microsoft PowerPoint slide show. It can contain formatted text, objects, slides, images, videos, and more.

This is the default presentation file format for PowerPoint 2007 and newer. The older version of this format, used in PowerPoint 2003 and older, uses the PPT file extension.

PowerPoint's PPSX format is similar to PPTX except that it will open directly to the presentation, while PPTX files open to the editor mode.

How to Open a PPTX File

If you have your hands on a PowerPoint file that you just want to look at and not edit, this can be done very easily with Microsoft's free PowerPoint Viewer program. You can't edit the slides or make changes to anything like you can with a full version of Microsoft PowerPoint , but the viewer is a lifesaver if you just need to flip through a presentation someone sent you.

Conholdate.app and Online Document Viewer could be helpful, too. Just wait for your file to upload, and then follow any directions on that page to view the slide show online.

The Conholdate file retention policy details how long your file remains on the website before being automatically deleted. The other website linked above deletes your file after you view it.

To open and edit PPTX files, without having a copy of PowerPoint, is doable with the free WPS Office Presentation or OpenOffice Impress . These are just two of several free Microsoft 365 alternatives that fully support PPTX files.

There are also some free presentation makers that can import PPTX files for editing online—no need to install any software. One of them, Google Slides, lets you upload a presentation from your computer, make changes to it, and then either keep it in your Google Drive account or download it back to your computer as a PPTX or some other format like PDF.

Google also offers the free Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides browser extension that works as a PPTX viewer and editor that runs right inside the Chrome browser. This works not only for PPTX files you drag into the browser from your computer, but also for any PPTX file you open from the internet, including ones you might receive over email. That extension also works with other MS Office formats like XLSX and DOCX.

If you want to extract images from the PPTX file, you can do that with a file unzip tool . Use one of those programs, such as 7-Zip , to open the PowerPoint file as if it were an archive, and then navigate to ppt > media to see all the images that were imported into the slide show. You can copy out any pictures you want to extract from the PowerPoint file.

How to Convert a PPTX File

If you're using one of the full-support PPTX programs mentioned above, you can easily convert your presentation to another file format by just opening the file in the program and then re-saving it under a different format. In most apps, this is done via the File > Save as option.

Sometimes, a much faster way to convert one is with an online file converter. One of our favorites for converting PPTX files is Zamzar . You can save it to PDF, ODP, PPT, and a number of image formats, like JPG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF.

A PPTX file can also be converted to a format that Google Slides can recognize. We have a guide that walks you through the whole thing: How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides . Once the presentation is available through Slides, you can convert it to other formats via File > Download .

Still Can't Open It?

If your file doesn't open with the suggestions from above, make sure you aren't mixing up this one with a file extension that just looks similar.

For example, PTX might look similar to PPTX, but those types of files don't open with the presentation programs described here.

A similar example can be seen with Serif PagePlus templates that use the PPX file extension. It's really easy to think that one of those is the same as a presentation file when you look at just their file extensions, but those are actually used with PagePlus .

If you double-check the suffix for your file and find that it, in fact, does not read ".PPTX," then research what it does say to learn more about the file format it might be in and which software programs are capable of reading, editing, or converting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you convert a PPSX file to a PPTX file? To edit a PPSX file, you must convert it back to a PPTX format. You can try renaming the file: find it on your computer (but don't open it), right-click, select Rename , and change the file extension from .ppsx to .pptx . If that doesn't work, open the PPSX file in PowerPoint, go to File > Save As and select PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx) as the file type before saving it.
• How do I convert a PDF to PPTX? You can download Adobe Acrobat DC to convert PDFs into PowerPoint. Open the PDF document in Acrobat DC and select Export PDF > Microsoft PowerPoint > Export . Acrobat will run optical character recognition (OCR) automatically and create a new file that you can download.
• How do you convert a PPTX to MP4? To convert a presentation to a video in PowerPoint, open the PPTX file in PowerPoint and go to File  >  Export >  Create a Video . Enter a file name for the MP4 video file, and then click  Save .

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How to Open a PPT File on PC or Mac

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 Tested

Using PowerPoint

Using google slides, using powerpoint online.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 87,834 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to open and view the contents of a PPT (PowerPoint presentation) file in Windows and macOS. PPT is the native presentation format in Microsoft PowerPoint's earlier versions and is supported by all versions of the software. If you don't have PowerPoint, you can open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint Online (a free version of PowerPoint accessible on the web).

• If you don't have PowerPoint installed on your computer, make sure to check out this article for detailed instructions on how to download it.
• Alternatively, you can download and use Apache OpenOffice ( https://www.openoffice.org/download ), or Apple Numbers ( https://itunes.apple.com/tr/app/numbers/id409203825 ).
• To open the PPT with a different program, just select the program you want to use on the "Open with" menu.

• If you're prompted, sign in with your Google account.

• Alternatively, you can drag and drop your PPT file here.

• If you're prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.

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Presentation File Formats at FileFormat.com

When it comes to working with applications development for manipulating different file types, the job is not easy. It requires detailed information about the file format specifications and structures to overcome the issues in developing such applications. FileFormat.com is your one stop for guidance about file formats. Its unique combination of file format wiki, news and support forums gives you the opportunity to get knowledge about file types and engage in fruitful discussions with file format community.

Presentation File Formats #

The Presentation file format category on FileFormat.com includes file formats that can be processed by Slides applications like Microsoft PowerPoint, OpenOffice, Google Drive, and others. Let us have a look at some of these file formats.

A file with PPT extension represents PowerPoint file that consists of a collection of slides for displaying as SlideShow. It specifies the Binary File Format used by Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003. A PPT file can contain several different types of information such as text, bulleted points, images, multimedia and other embedded OLE objects. Microsoft came up with newer file format for PowerPoint, known as PPTX, from 2007 onwards that is based on Office OpenXML and is different from this binary file format. Several other application programs such as OpenOffice Impress and Apple Keynote can also create PPT files.

Files with PPTX extension are presentation files created with popular Microsoft PowerPoint application. Unlike the previous version of presentation file format PPT which was binary, the PPTX format is based on the Microsoft PowerPoint open XML presentation file format. A presentation file is a collection of slides where each slide can comprise of text, images, formatting, animations, and other media. These slides are presented to audience in the form of slideshows with custom presentation settings.

Files with ODP extension represent presentation file format used by OpenOffice.org in the OASISOpen standard. A presentation file is a collection of slides where each slide can comprise of text, images, formatting, animations, and other media. These slides are presented to audience in the form of slideshows with custom presentation settings. ODP files can be opened by applications that conform to the OpenDocument format (such as OpenOffice or StarOffice).

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Save your presentation in a different file format

You can choose which file format (such as .pptx or .odp) you want to be the default when you're saving your presentations.

Note:  Not all features are supported in OpenDocument format. For more info, see Use PowerPoint to open or save a presentation in the OpenDocument Presentation (.odp) format .

Switch your default file format

Select File > Options .

Select Save .

Under Save presentations , in the Save files in this format list, choose the file format you want to use by default.

Use PowerPoint to open or save a presentation in the OpenDocument Presentation (.odp) format

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PowerPoint file name extensions — ppt, pot, pps, pptx, potx, ppsx, thmx

A quick reference chart for all those powerpoint file name extensions.

When I design a PowerPoint template, I will send you a slew of files. The chart below is where you will find a quick explanation of all those files. I may also send a PDF of the .pptx file, a precise visual equivalent of the slide content for designers working on the Mac platform. Those software engineers still don’t have cross-platform compatibility worked out at 100%, especially fonts.The lower part of the table lists the old extensions, for PowerPoint 2003 and before.  Rarely now do I have clients that use Powerpoint 2003 or older.  

ppt-file-name-extensions

.PPTX is the standard PowerPoint file format since PowerPoint version 2007 and now 2010 and 2013. Prior to this version, the extension was .PPT.  This file will contain the new look, and oftentimes the graphic standards all spelled out, some mocked-up content, and some tips to use your new template. You may simply use this file as a base for any upcoming presentations and modify it accordingly.

.POTX is the actual template file, it contains no slides and is stored in the templates folder, usually located at: C:UsersOwnerAppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplates To save your new template for further use, open it with PowerPoint, go to the “save as” menu, choose “PowerPoint template”, it will then save a copy to the default location. Whenever you need to start a new PowerPoint series, follow the path “File”, “New”, “My templates”, your new template will be listed there. Click on it, it will open a document with the new look, backgrounds, colours, defaults all ready for you.

Where to store and retrieve your new PowerPoint template

.THMX is a new file format since 2007 and now 2010. The “Theme” file, thmx, contains all the information you need to keep your branding consistent throughout your Microsoft Office applications. The default location for this file is: C:UsersOwnerAppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplatesDocument Themes If you can’t locate the above folder, open the .potx file and save-as THMX, PowerPoint will then save a copy to the “Themes” folder. To access this thmx file from either Excel or Word, go to the “Page Layout” tab, “Themes” section and click on the “Colours” button. Your colour new PowerPoint colour palette will show up. Have your graphs or Word table display the proper colours before importing them into PowerPoint. Clicking on the “Themes” button will also bring in the default fonts.

How to retrieve your PowerPoint THMX file in Excel

Using your new .potx file

Free powerpoint viewer, share this:, 2 comments on “ powerpoint file name extensions — ppt, pot, pps, pptx, potx, ppsx, thmx ”.

Typo in the second half of the .thmx section. It should read: …and CAN BE USED in other Office software, i.e. Word or Excel.

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17 PowerPoint Presentation Tips From Pro Presenters [+ Templates]

Published: April 26, 2024

PowerPoint presentations can be professional, attractive, and really help your audience remember your message.

If you don’t have much experience, that’s okay — I’m going to arm you with PowerPoint design tips from pro presenters, the steps you need to build an engaging deck, and templates to help you nail great slide design.

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Buckle up for a variety of step-by-step explanations as well as tips and tricks to help you start mastering this program. There are additional resources woven in, and you’ll find expert perspectives from other HubSpotters along the way.

Table of Contents

How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation

Powerpoint presentation tips.

Microsoft PowerPoint is like a test of basic professional skills, and each PowerPoint is basically a presentation made of multiple slides.

Successful PowerPoints depend on three main factors: your command of PowerPoint's design tools, your attention to presentation processes, and being consistent with your style.

Keep those in mind as we jump into PowerPoint's capabilities.

Getting Started

1. open powerpoint and click ‘new.’.

A page with templates will usually open automatically, but if not, go to the top left pane of your screen and click New . If you’ve already created a presentation, select Open and then double-click the icon to open the existing file.

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Creating PowerPoint Slides

3. insert a slide..

Insert a new slide by clicking on the Home tab and then the New Slide button. Consider what content you want to put on the slide, including heading, text, and imagery.

• Finally, PowerPoint Live is a new tool that enables you to do more seamless presentations during video calls and may be a better overall match for doing presentations remotely. Check out this video:

11. Try Using GIFs.

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15. Embed multimedia.

PowerPoint allows you to either link to video/audio files externally or to embed the media directly in your presentation. For PCs, two great reasons for embedding are:

• Embedding allows you to play media directly in your presentation. It will look much more professional than switching between windows.
• Embedding also means that the file stays within the PowerPoint presentation, so it should play normally without extra work (except on a Mac).

If you use PowerPoint for Mac it gets a bit complicated, but it can be done:

• Always bring the video and/or audio file with you in the same folder as the PowerPoint presentation.
• Only insert video or audio files once the presentation and the containing folder have been saved on a portable drive in their permanent folder.
• If the presentation will be played on a Windows computer, then Mac users need to make sure their multimedia files are in WMV format.
• Consider using the same operating system for designing and presenting, no matter what.

16. Bring your own hardware.

Between operating systems, PowerPoint is still a bit jumpy. Even between differing PPT versions, things can change. The easiest fix? Just bring along your own laptop when you're presenting.

The next easiest fix is to upload your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides as a backup option — just make sure there is a good internet connection and a browser available where you plan to present.

Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software that will show up the same way on all operating systems.

To import your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides:

• Navigate to slides.google.com . Make sure you’re signed in to a Google account (preferably your own).
• Under Start a new presentation , click the empty box with a plus sign. This will open up a blank presentation.
• Go to File , then Import slides .
• A dialog box will come up. Tap Upload.
• Click Select a file from your device .
• Select your presentation and click Open .
• Select the slides you’d like to import. If you want to import all of them, click All in the upper right-hand corner of the dialog box.
• Click Import slides.

When I tested this out, Google Slides imported everything perfectly, including a shape whose points I had manipulated. This is a good backup option to have if you’ll be presenting across different operating systems.

17. Use Presenter View.

In most presentation situations, there will be both a presenter’s screen and the main projected display for your presentation.

PowerPoint has a great tool called Presenter View, which can be found in the Slide Show tab of PowerPoint. Included in the Presenter View is an area for notes, a timer/clock, and a presentation display.

For many presenters, this tool can help unify their spoken presentation and their visual aid. You never want to make the PowerPoint seem like a stack of notes that you’re reading off of.

Use the Presenter View option to help create a more natural presentation.

Pro Tip: At the start of the presentation, you should also hit CTRL + H to make the cursor disappear. Hitting the “A” key will bring it back if you need it.

Your Next Great PowerPoint Presentation Starts Here

Now that you have these style, design, and presentation tips under your belt, you should feel confident to create your PowerPoint presentation.

But if you can explore other resources to make sure your content hits the mark. After all, you need a strong presentation to land your point and make an impression.

With several templates to choose from — both in PowerPoint and available for free download — you can swiftly be on your way to creating presentations that wow your audiences.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Learn about Presentation File Formats and APIs that can open and create Presentation files

You must be familiar with PPTX and PPT extension files, these are Presentation file formats that store collection of records to accommodate presentation data such as: slides, shapes, text, animations, video, audio and embedded objects. A presentation can be saved/converted into other file formats as well such as PDF, BMP, PNG, JPEG, and XPS.

Common Presentation file extensions and their associated file formats include PPTX , PPT and ODP .

Got queries related to Presentation file formats? Head on to our community  forums  to benefit from the knowledge shared by File Format experts.

Open Source APIs for Presentation Files

Check out the list of Open Source APIs for working with Presentation File Formats .

List of Presentation File Extensions and Associated File Formats

Following is a list of popular PowerPoint and other Presentation file extensions and their associated file formats.

KEY File Format - Apple Keynote File Format

Otp - opendocument presentation template, ppt - powerpoint file format, pptx - powerpoint presentation file format, odp - openoffice presentation file format, pot - microsoft powerpoint template file format, potm - microsoft powerpoint template file with macros, potx - microsoft powerpoint presentation template, pps - powerpoint slide show file, ppsm - macro-enabled powerpoint presentation file, ppsx - powerpoint slide show file, pptm - macro-enabled powerpoint presentation file format.

Powerpoint converter

Convert your files to the Microsoft Powerpoint format with this easy to use online PPT converter. You can convert PPTX to PPT as well as OpenOffice (ODP) or Libreoffice formats.

Our online converter can now also convert files from PDF to PPT or from PNG to PPT.

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Convert from ppt, dictionary & file formats, ppt (microsoft powerpoint presentation file).

PPT is the binary file format for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 97-2007. Presentations using PowerPoint can include images, text, audio, video, charts, graphs, hyperlinks, and animation to provide presentations created for students and businesses. Mos...

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File Formats: Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (PPTX/PPT)

PPT and PPTX file formats are Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation formats that are supported in the Document/Medical products.

PPTX/PPT files store collections of records and structures that specify slides, shapes, pictures, audio, video, text, and other presentation content. This content can then be shown to an audience as a slide show.

PPT is the proprietary, Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation binary file format used as the default presentation format for Microsoft Office 97-2003. Files are loaded and saved as raster image files.

The default file extension is .PPT.

PPTX is a zipped, XML-based file format that is part of the Microsoft Office Open XML (also known as OOXML or OpenXML) specification, introduced as part of Microsoft Office 2007 and later. PPTX is the default presentation file format for new PowerPoint presentations. Support for loading and saving PPT files is built into PPTX.

This file format does not support QFactor, progressive loading, stamps, lossless JPEG compression, or sub-formats.

The default file extension is .PPTX.

For more information, refer to http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/B/E/0BE8BDD7-E5E8-422A-ABFD-4342ED7AD886/PowerPoint97-2007BinaryFileFormat(ppt)Specification.pdf .

LEADTOOLS supports all flavors of the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation format, from Office 97 PPT up to today's PPTX.

LEADTOOLS supports loading and saving PPT files (as raster images) with the PPT filter.

LEADTOOLS supports loading PPTX files with the PPTX filter. Support for saving PPTX can be provided by the LEADTOOLS Document Writers .

Additional Features

• Loading PPTX/PPT files as raster images or SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) documents
• Loading multipage files with pages having different DPI
• Loading multipage files with pages having different page widths and heights
• Loading documents with different rasterization options
• Using advanced features such as transparent images, bullets, and rotated images

File Constants

* Multipage files can be loaded and saved. When a multipage file is first created, any number of pages can be saved. Once saved, however, it is not possible to edit or save to the file.

** Although PPTX documents cannot be saved in PPTX format, they can be converted to (and saved as) various document format types such as PDF or DOCX using the LEADTOOLS Document Writers .

Required DLLs

Leadtools.Codecs.Ppt.dll Leadtools.ImageProcessing.Color.dll

For a listing of the exact DLLs needed, based on the toolkit version, refer to File Format Support .

Leadtools.Codecs.Ppx.dll Leadtools.ImageProcessing.Color.dll

Loading PPTX files also requires .NET Framework 3.5 or later, and the DocumentFormat.OpenXml.dll (ver.2.). Embedded images require additional DLLs. For details, refer to File Format Support .

PPTX files can be converted to other formats and saved using the Leadtools.Document.Writer. The Leadtools.Document.Writer requires additional DLLs. For a listing of the exact DLLs needed, refer to Document Writing Support with the DocumentWriters and VirtualPrinter .

Platform Support

For a complete list for supported file formats, see Summary of All Supported File Formats .

For details of the file formats supported across products and platforms, refer to File Format Comparison Chart .

Getting Started

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How-To Geek

6 ways to speed up your powerpoint file.

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How to use checkboxes in excel to track task progress, how you can use onenote to maximize your productivity, quick links, reduce your powerpoint file size, review the master slides, check for macros and add-ins, disable autosave, other options.

There are many reasons why your PowerPoint file is running slowly, and all of them lead to frustration and wasted time. Before you throw your computer out the window, take a look at these tips that will hopefully get you back up and running more smoothly.

It's likely that the main cause of your sluggish PowerPoint file is its size. Since PowerPoint is a presentation designer, you might have lots of images, audio clips, and videos, each increasing the memory the program consumes on your computer. You might have also added many animations and transitions to make your PowerPoint more impressive, but these also add to your file's size. Addressing these will significantly reduce your file size and, thus, quicken the program's processing speed.

The question to ask is whether you need so many images in the first place. Go through your slides and remove any images that don't add any true value to your presentation. If you still find that you have lots of images, consider making them smaller by dragging the corner image handle towards the center of the picture.

Hold Ctrl to select many images on a slide at the same time, and then adjust one of those images to make them all smaller.

A second option is to remove artistic effects from images. It might be tempting to use PowerPoint's built-in picture editor, but adding shadows, reflections, and borders instantly adds kilobytes to your file. To revert the image to its original formatting, first select the image, and then click "Reset Picture" in the Picture Format tab on the ribbon.

Finally, consider compressing your images . While this will reduce their quality, using a lower resolution will mean that PowerPoint won't have to work as hard to display them in both the Normal and Slide Show views. Select an image in your slideshow, and click "Compress Pictures" in the Picture Format tab.

Then, you can either choose to compress the image you selected or all images in your file. If you plan to project your finished presentation onto a screen, 150 PPI is the optimal choice for reducing your file size without lowering the image quality too much.

The other way to compress your images, and all future pictures you add, is to first click File > Options. Then, click "Advanced" in the left-hand menu, and change "Default Resolution" to 150 PPT or 220 PPI in the Image Size And Quality options.

Then, click "OK."

Removing backgrounds and watermarks from your slides will also help to speed up your file.

Audio and Videos

As well as compressing images, you can also compress the media within your presentation, but the method differs slightly. Click File > Info, and choose the "Compress Media" drop-down button. There, click "HD" or "Standard" as alternatives to the Full HD option.

Compressing the media in your presentation will also remove embedded subtitles and alternate audio tracks.

If this doesn't speed up your file, consider removing the media from your PowerPoint file altogether. This doesn't mean you have to lose that feature from your slideshow, however—adding a link to the video or audio, which you can click when delivering your presentation, is a good alternative.

Animations and Transitions

Animations are a good way to emphasize details in your PowerPoint presentation or gradually introduce information step-by-step, and transitions between slides can look professional and slick. However, overusing these features not only distracts your audience and looks tacky, but also reduces your PowerPoint's performance efficiency. Keeping animations and transitions to a minimum, in terms of both quantity and type, will make a big difference. If possible, try to stick to these rules:

• Ask yourself, "Does this make my presentation better?" If the answer is no, don't put it in.
• Use slick effects that last less than one second without you having to change the speed of the animation . Fade and Cut are professional and quick transition effects, and Appear and Fade are optimal entrance animations.
• Use the same transition effect for each slide, and the same animation for each item.
• Try to avoid adding more than one animation to each item, and avoid animating individual words and letters.

You might think that the slides in the thumbnail pane on the left-hand side are the only slides in your file. However, the Slide Master contains hidden information that dictates how your presentation is designed. You can see the master slides by clicking "Slide Master" in the View tab on the ribbon.

First, scroll through the Slide Master, and right-click and delete any of the layouts you don't need.

Second, you might see objects (such as pictures or formatted text) that don't add any value to your PowerPoint. Click the relevant master slides and remove those items.

While useful, macros and add-ins—advanced tools that enable more features and functions—significantly add to your PowerPoint file's workload, and could be the reason it is running slowly.

Macros let you automate a series of commands to execute a task with a single click or keyboard shortcut. To check which macros you have enabled in your PowerPoint, click the "Macros" button in the View tab. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can view, edit, and—importantly—delete any macros.

Even though deleting a macro means you might lose some automation, it will likely speed up your file significantly.

Add-ins are custom tools you can add to PowerPoint that enable you to do more with the program. For example, you can add more customized charts or interactive elements to take your presentation to the next level. However, since you're effectively adding another program to PowerPoint, these affect its performance hugely.

To see whether you have add-ins installed, click the "Add-ins" icon on the Home tab, and any add-ins will show under My Add-ins in the drop-down dialog box.

Then, to remove an add-in, click "More Add-ins."

In the Office Add-ins window, click "My Add-ins," and click the three dots next to whichever add-in you want to delete. Finally, click "Remove."

This will remove the add-in from your Microsoft account, affecting all Office applications compatible with this add-in.

This tip is somewhat of a last resort, as Microsoft 365's AutoSave is a great way to ensure you don't lose your work if something unexpected happens, such as an impromptu update or the dreaded blue screen of death .

However, because AutoSave uploads the latest version of your PowerPoint file to your OneDrive account every few seconds, it's always working in the background and might slow down the program's performance.

Providing you're sure that you'll remember to press Ctrl+S every few minutes to save your work manually, try disabling AutoSave to speed up your file.

If you can't see the AutoSave icon, right-click any of the tabs and click "Show Quick Access Toolbar."

If you still can't see it, click the "Customize Quick Access Toolbar" down arrow, and check "Automatically Save."

Then, click the AutoSave toggle to "Off," and the AutoSave function will stop working away in the background.

Failing all of the above, there are two more options you might explore to work more efficiently in PowerPoint.

Use PowerPoint for the Web

If you're using a low-spec computer, it mightn't be powerful enough to handle PowerPoint's complexities. Using the web-based version of PowerPoint could be your way around this issue, as it doesn't require the use of any software on your PC. What's more, PowerPoint for the web is a slimline version of the desktop app, so it's likely to perform more efficiently on lightweight PCs and tablets.

Clean up Your PC

Have you considered that the issue mightn't be PowerPoint itself? Try opening some other apps, and see whether they also run more slowly than you'd hope. If this is the case, try freeing up some space on your PC . Similarly, if your computer has just installed an update, this might be the cause of your device's sluggish performance, and there are different things you can try to fix this issue.

As well as optimizing your file, you can increase your PowerPoint effectiveness and efficiency by avoiding some of the common mistakes that people make when using the program.

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft 365