best mac presentation remote

Guide to the Best Wireless Presenters (Presentation Remotes) for 2023

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In both the corporate and educational world, giving presentations is an important part of life. Anything that can help your presentation go smoothly can have a positive effect on your career. Luckily, there’s plenty of technology out there that can help you out in this area. Digital projectors are clearer and easier to see than the models we had available only a few short years ago, and most can now integrate with remote controllers.

Your typical remote controller is nothing more than a button that allows you to advance to the next slide. But there are a few models out there that offer much more control than this. You can start and stop multimedia, go back to a previous slide, or even use a laser pointer to draw attention to specific parts of your presentation. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the three best presentation remotes on the market.

Canon PR10-G Wireless Presentation Remote

Whether you’re looking for the latest photo gear, a high-quality printer, or powerful business technology, Canon is an excellent choice. They’ve been manufacturing presentation remotes for quite some time now, but the PR10-G is the latest in modern presentation technology.

The Canon PR10-G Wireless Presentation Remote is easy to hold in the hand, but built to withstand a lot of use and abuse. It’s made from injection molded plastic, tastefully designed with a lightly textured pattern that makes it both resistant to scratches and easy to hold. Right where your thumb rests are the easy to push buttons. They use rubber dome actuators that provide a firmer press but won’t wear out with time. At the top you’ve got a handy LCD display. This screen can be used for a variety of reasons. Most people will use it for timing your presentations.

I’m sure we all know how important this is. When rehearsing, it’s easy to set a timeline and stick to it. But once you get in front of people, you find that you’re either spending too much time on one topic, or rushing through the presentation quicker than you expected. With the timer, you’ll be able to find out where you are at with just a quick glance at the face of the display. You can also use the timer to keep track of where you are at in your presentation if you’ve integrated it with video or audio media.

Perhaps the most important feature of any wireless presenter is the control layout. This is one of the many areas where the Canon model really excels. At the top, you’ve got the large button that turns the laser pointer on or off. A partial press will keep the light on as long as it’s held down. But if you depress it all the way, the laser will stay on until pressed a second time.

Below that you’ve got the typical forward and backwards buttons. Below each of those, there are two unique buttons you might not have seen before. The first is the “expand” button. This can be used with both PowerPoint or Keynote to blow up an image, video, or diagram to full size. Press it again to return to the standard size. On the right, you’ve got the start / stop button that can trigger playback of multimedia.

Compatibility

The Canon PR10-G is designed to work straight out of the box with Apple’s Keynote or Microsoft’s PowerPoint. You won’t need to go through any complicated setup procedure, just unpack it and start using it.

The biggest issue with compatibility is range. Presentation remotes often have to choose between standard Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi direct. Bluetooth is the most compatible of all standards, but suffers from short range. Wi-Fi direct works only with modern devices, but supports a longer range. Canon found a creative solution for this problem. Their remote comes bundled with a high-powered Bluetooth transceiver that plugs into the USB port on any Mac or Windows computer. This allows them to use a higher-powered setting that isn’t supported by all devices. The end result is a huge 100-foot range, allowing the remote to be used in even the largest presentation rooms.

Even without drivers, the presentation remote can be used with any Windows computer from Vista SP2 and up. This means that Windows 7, 8, and 10 all work out of the box. Mac OS 10.5 and up are supported, meaning that the remote will work with any Intel based Mac released in the last 11 years.

The stand out feature of this remote is the powerful green laser. This laser pointer might look a little different from the standard red ones, but it’s up to 8 times brighter than the red wavelength. This means that even in the brightest most well-illuminated room, you’ll have no problem drawing attention to the most important parts of your presentation.

Another great feature of canons presentation remote is the vibration feature. You can easily set notifications at various points throughout your presentations to help keep you on track. It will automatically vibrate one, five, or ten minutes before the end to remind you to wrap things up. You can also set the timer to vibrate at any other point, as needed.

Kensington Wireless Presenter

If the name rings a bell, it’s because Kensington is known primarily for their high-quality laptop security devices. The Kensington lock is generally accepted as being one of the locks on the market. Their remote presenter goes hand in hand with these locks, as you’ll often want to keep your notebook safe while you give your presentation.

The incredibly compact Kensington Wireless Presenter is designed to be simple and easy to use. While it’s not the most attractive of the bunch, you might be surprised to learn that it’s actually very comfortable to hold in the hand. Its strong curves fit with the curves of your hand, meaning that you’re not going to get uncomfortable even when you’re using it for long periods of time. Aside from the four buttons on the face, there isn’t really a whole lot of extras on this presentation remote. But the one thing we did really like was the USB port on the bottom. This can be used to charge the remote, but also provides a handy storage space for the USB receiver when not in use.

The control scheme with this remote is simple, but still highly effective. The two buttons that you’ll use the most, the forward and backward buttons, are located on either side of the main section. On the opposite orientation, you’ve got the play and stop buttons. The main difference between this button and some of the more advanced models is that each one serves a single purpose.

For example, Canon combined the play and stop buttons. If your media is currently playing, then the button will stop it, and vice versa. But this can create confusion in presentations where there are multiple media types, or if you change slides without stopping the previous media. To avoid any awkward mistakes, many presenters will prefer this simple control scheme.

The Kensington Wireless Presenter decided to go for a high bandwidth method of communication to offer solid range without dropouts. Running on the 2.4 Ghz frequency, it requires that a USB dongle be used with your computer. This transceiver can be used with Windows 7, 8, and 10 PCs. It can also work with OSX systems from 10.6 and up. It works with Microsoft PowerPoint out of the box, but the drivers allow you to map the buttons to the keyboard. With a few quick clicks, you can set it up to control any presentation software you like.

Logitech R800 Professional Presenter

We’ve reviewed Logitech’s accessories many times before, and not once have we come across one that disappoints us. While their professional wireless presenter is much larger than some, the impressive range of included features makes this presenter just as powerful as it is large.

The Logitech R800 Professional Presenter is ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold in the hand, and keeps all of your most important features easily accessible from the face. But aside from the standard controls, you’ve got access to a powerful LCD display on the face that performs much of the same features as the Canon model. It can help you keep track of how long you’ve bene presenting for, how long you’ve spent on a particular slide, or show you a countdown to a specific time.

The controls are quite similar to those on the Canon. You’ve got the forward and backward buttons for navigating between slides, the full screen button for expanding visual aids, and the play button to start and stop embedded media. But the unique feature on this remote is the programmable button located just below the display. You can configure this button to set any particular element you like, giving you a little more control over your presentation.

This wireless remote presenter is compatible with a wide range of Windows PCs, starting from Windows 7 and going up to the latest release of Windows 10. It uses the same wireless technology as the Cannon, requiring a dongle but giving you up to 100 ft (30 meters) of range.

The Logitech R800 Professional Presenter has a couple of features we’ve seen before, but are happy to see included. It’s got the timed vibration feature, which we found to be a little easier to use than the Canon model. The timer is set from the included features, and gives you a ton of control over how and when the timer goes off. You can set different types of vibrations for different alarms. For example, short pulses can signify an impending time limit, or long ones can remind you to move on to the next slide.

Another great feature of this remote is the same high powered green laser pointer we liked so much. Once you use such a bright pointer it’s unlikely that you’ll want to go back to the basic model.

Which Wireless Remote Presenter is Right for Me?

Not sure which one is right for your business? For most users, we’re recommend the Canon PR10-G . This remote is fully compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and gives you plentiful controls and a powerful laser.

You might also want to consider the Logitech R800 Professional Presenter . This model adds a powerful timing system that lets you make the most of the built-in vibration feature.

Finally, there will be a few people who just need something simple for their presentations. In this case, you can’t go wrong with the Kensington Wireless Presenter . It’s affordable, easy to use, and reliable. If this is all you need, there is no sense is spending money on a high-end model.

Meet Derek, “TechGuru,” a 34-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.

Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, Derek enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.

2 thoughts on “Guide to the Best Wireless Presenters (Presentation Remotes) for 2023”

I am seeking a presenter which is compatible with Corel software on a PC running Windows 10. I will appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thank you.

Thank you for the great reviews. I am currently using a Kensington Presenter Pro that has been good for me for quite some time now. I like the size and the button layouts; the range is wonderful; and the green laser is plenty bright. That all said, the one thing that drives me mad is the clicking sounds of the buttons. How on earth did the design team feel this was okay. During a quiet part of a presentation when I’m not talking, but still advancing slides, this is completely distracting.

You did not happen to mention if any of these above have silent ‘soft touch’ buttons. I think the Canon might, but not sure. Can you please confirm which ones do and which ones don’t.

Thank you. Cheers! Kevin

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Satechi releases pair of Bluetooth remotes for Mac & iPad

Satechi's R1 (let) and R2 (right) remotes

The remotes, both made of aluminum with matte black buttons, have rechargeable batteries that power up over USB-C. They connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.0 with 32 feet of range.

The R1 offers forward and back control buttons, a quick-access keyboard button, and a black-out screen feature. It also has an integrated laser pointing for highlighting on-screen components.

The Satechi R2 remote has additional controls such as multimedia mode to control volume, skip/previous, play/pause, home/Siri, mute, and keyboard. In presentation mode, you have four-way arrows, left/right mouse buttons, and an on-screen laser pointer for use with Keynote and PowerPoint.

Both remotes work with common presentation software such as Keynote, PowerPoint, Prezi, and Google Slides, and also PDFs. The multimedia remote works with the Music app, Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube as well.

Satechi's R1 Bluetooth Presentation Remote is available through Satechi for $44.99 and Amazon as well . The R2 Bluetooth Multimedia Remote Control can also be picked up for $44.99 on Satechi's website and Amazon .

Now if only they'd make one for the AppleTV. With real buttons for fast forward and reverse. Ya know...like a useable one...made for human sized hands...

texfla said: Now if only they'd make one for the AppleTV. With real buttons for fast forward and reverse. Ya know...like a useable one...made for human sized hands... You can use a different remote with it as long it's a reasonably recent model (something like gen 2 or later). Pick nearly any IR remote of your liking and have the Apple TV learn it. I understand the hate some of the ATV remotes get but I don't understand why people don't opt for a different remote if they don't like it.

linkman said: texfla said: Now if only they'd make one for the AppleTV. With real buttons for fast forward and reverse. Ya know...like a useable one...made for human sized hands...

Problem is the IR sensor might not be visible for everyone. I have my Apple TV mounted to the back of my TV, for instance. That has me wondering though, does anyone make a Bluetooth compatible remote that works with the Apple TV. Not that it really matters to me, I’m one of those rare few that loves the Siri Remote. 

payeco said: linkman said: texfla said: Now if only they'd make one for the AppleTV. With real buttons for fast forward and reverse. Ya know...like a useable one...made for human sized hands...

Logitech Harmony remotes with a hub (the higher-end ones like the "elite" and "pro") have bluetooth support for the Apple TV and work well. But I would be interested in a simpler bluetooth remove from  Satechi -- if the price  weren't too high.

Your point is completely valid for many users but the problem is that the IR remotes aren't as functional when line of sight is blocked. Mounting behind a TV or in a media closet is easier with bluetooth or RF remotes. There are solutions for IR routing over cat 6 and other methods but they add expense, complexity, and often underperform. I use a harmony remote with a IR repeater in a main TV area, for example, but the controller is expensive, oversized, and overcomplicated for other rooms. Additionally, there is a potential functionality upside to using a remote made by the same company as the AppleTV...if they would only make a version that incorporated more of the feedback from so many disgruntled users. The general ask seems pretty straightforward...a little larger with explicit skip and FF/Rewind buttons.  To be clear...I think your point is perfectly valid for some users, just not all of us.

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Best Presentation Remotes

This red laser pointer also lets you control the cursor and easily go between slides.

The red laser is clear, even on bright projection screens. Cursor control joystick lets you get more interactive without sitting at the screen. Works up to 150 feet away from the USB-receiver. Includes a carrying case for taking on the go.

Some buyers report issues working with Mac OS.

Ergonomic feel and 60-foot range are great, but software compatibility can be lacking.

Feels great in the hand and is easy to use. A strong laser pointer and long battery life with easy-to-spot buttons, a simple interface, and a USB dongle with 60 feet of range. Great option for those who need something quick and intuitive.

Real picky about what presentation software it will work well with.

A simple remote with an impressive range of features without a tedious setup and buttons.

The pointer highlights and magnifies on screen for great details. The cursor control is easy-to-use. Rumbling timer lets you know when you're hitting the end. Works with USB receiver or Bluetooth. Great for remote presentations and lectures.

Some buyers find charging port awkward and buttons cheap.

There's no learning curve when using this presentation remote thanks to its smart use of features.

This Logitech presenter remote comes with just five buttons so it's super easy to use. The bright red laser pointer is intuitive and allows users to see against most backgrounds from quite far away. Has a wireless range of up to 50 feet.

The laser pointer has failed for a few purchasers.

Versatile and easy to use, the lack of software to learn makes this device a great choice.

You'll love the versatility of this 2-in-1 wireless remote with volume control. Freely switch between USB and type-C ports. Uses two AAA batteries. Easily advance slides, reduce video volume, highlight text with the red pointer, and more.

Buyers wish that it was rechargeable as you have to remember to bring replacement batteries.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best presentation remotes.

Updated March 2024

The digital revolution has left an indelible mark on the world of presentations. PowerPoint and similar software programs give us visual aids that become the focal points during lectures and conferences. Enter the presentation remote, a speaker’s solution to cutting the cord. With a presentation remote, a presenter is free to work the room instead of being cloistered behind a computer during key discussions.

Presentation remotes solve a logistic problem for speakers, especially in larger rooms and auditoriums. Wireless control is freeing, and with a laser pointer in hand, a presenter can speak from a distance while guiding the audience with a focal point. Whether you’re an educator or keynote speaker, investing in a presentation remote is a must. We examined the best presentation remotes to help you decide which one is on-point with your public speaking needs.

Key considerations

Battery type.

Presentation remotes are powered by either alkaline or rechargeable batteries. A remote that takes alkaline batteries will likely require one to four AAA batteries.

Presentation remotes with rechargeable batteries power up quickly and hold a charge for several hours. Keep in mind that these batteries aren’t removable or docked to an external device. You simply plug in the cord into an available USB hub .

If you’re leaning toward a remote that requires alkaline batteries but want the perks of a rechargeable remote, you could split the difference and invest in rechargeable batteries . They cost more than alkaline ones, but the investment pays off long-term with fewer battery purchases.

Consider the spaces where you’ll deliver presentations. Some remotes have very limited ranges of between 30 and 50 feet. These are better suited for classrooms and small conference rooms. For auditoriums and halls with a lot of square footage to cover, consider a presentation remote with a range between 100 and 300 feet.

USB receiver size

The USB receiver comes in a variety of sizes. Some are only millimeters in width; others are the size of a regular thumb drive. Many presentation remotes are designed to have the receiver pop into the handheld device itself. It usually clicks into place, so it’s secure during storage. Other USB receivers are completely separate pieces, safely kept in a case with the remote after use.

Compatibility

Some presentation remotes are designed to be compatible only with specific devices and software. Others boast blanket compatibility, citing compatibility with the oldest and newest technology in the presentation space. The latter is an attractive feature if you’re a traveling speaker who can’t always predict what will be in the room when you arrive.

Color doesn’t play a huge role in presentation remotes, although there are some models that go beyond the rudimentary black and gray. For the most part, they’re monochromatic with occasional color pops on buttons and logos. Color accents of silver, gray, and white are usually contrast colors to indicate where the buttons are and in some cases, what they do.

Laser pointer

The laser pointer is another standard feature. Unlike other buttons on the remote, this one has to stay pressed to beam in most models. This design element is also a safety feature, as lasers should be used with discretion; you wouldn’t want to accidentally shine it in someone’s eyes or in their line of vision. Laser colors are either red or green. While some say green is easier to see than red, laser color is a matter of preference.

The placement, design, and responsibilities of the buttons vary between models.

Some presentation remotes have a D-pad (directional pad), a recognizable four-way button seen on video game controllers and TV and DVD remotes. The D-pad will either be a single button that moves in different directions or a series of slightly spaced individual buttons. The left and right buttons most often control slide commands (for example, go back or move to the next slide). The up and down buttons take on different responsibilities depending on the model; they may control the blank screen command, scroll through a screen, or turn on the laser pointer.

Power switch

The power switch has the most thoughtful placement on presentation remotes. Since no one wants a presentation to come to a screeching halt with technical difficulties, it’s usually neatly tucked away in a place with the least amount of hand contact. For some models, it’s on the side; for others, it’s on the back.

Blank screen

The blank screen button varies quite a bit between models, but it generally remains in the same location. It’s either part of a D-pad setup or situated close to the D-pad as an independent button.

In some models, there is a separate button to initiate a connection between the remote and computer. Other models simply connect as soon as they’re turned on.

Presentation remote prices

Presentation remotes typically cost less than $100, so if it’s something you plan to use on a regular basis, the price is palatable.

On the low end, there are presentation remotes between $10 and $25. These tend to be made with lower-quality materials and components and may not be as reliable as their pricier counterparts. Between $25 and $90, you’ll find better-performing models with a focus on ergonomic design. Products in this range are also compatible with more devices and software. There are some presentation remotes over the $90 mark, and these integrate other technology into their design. For example, the remote may also serve as a mouse , or it might have programmable functions.

• Remember your USB receiver. Once your presentation concludes, be sure to remove the USB receiver from the computer right away. Set a timer on your watch or phone as a reminder to take it before you leave the room.
• Double-check your presentation. Make sure there are no issues between your presentation remote and your computer. Arrive early to the lecture hall or conference room to leave time for setup.
• Keep your presentation remote in a case. If it didn’t come with a case, invest in a compact, padded one to keep the remote protected inside your bag or briefcase .
• Clean your hands before use. Use your presentation remote with clean hands to keep dirt away from accumulating between buttons. Hand sanitizer can remove excess residue in a pinch if you don’t have time to wash your hands.
• Keep spare batteries on hand . Be prepared with an extra set of batteries in your bag. While many people have spare phone chargers, sometimes it’s harder to locate batteries when you need them right away.

Other products we considered

Because so many models of presentation remotes share the same features — and even similar shapes and designs — we took a special look at some remotes outside the norm. The DinoFire Wireless Finger Ring USB PowerPoint Presentation Clicker breaks from the handheld tradition and wraps itself conveniently around your pointer finger. It’s rechargeable, taking only one hour to charge and lasting for seven days. Periods of low activity kick off its sleep mode, so this futuristic presentation remote-ring is a top battery-saving and space-saving option.

For time-conscious speakers, the Doosl Wireless Presenter Laser Pointer Green PowerPointer Clicker Remote LCD Display with Timer is essential. This model has a green LCD display that is programmable with vibrating alerts to help you keep time. It has a 300-foot wireless range thanks to a top-grade microchip, so it’s an ideal pick for speakers who like to move around in a large auditorium.

Q. My presentation has moving text and images on each slide. Can I control those features with my presentation remote? A. It depends less on the remote and more on how you design your presentation. For example, a plain PowerPoint presentation will move to the next slide with a single click. If your presentation has moving images or text, each one requires a single click to progress. After all interactive parts of the slide are completed, a final click transitions to the next slide.

Q. I’m left-handed. Are some remotes easier to use than others? A. Most of the presentation remotes on the market have axial symmetry, which means you can reach buttons just as easily holding it in the left hand as the right. For remotes with a side power switch, it’s usually located on the left lateral side. If you’re concerned about accidentally hitting it during use, opt for a remote with the switch on the back. 

Q.  Because my presentation remote is wireless, do I need to worry about any other device interference? A. Sometimes there is interference or interruptions during use if your USB receiver is plugged into a computer with other wireless devices, like a wireless keyboard . You could disconnect them temporarily in settings or manually remove their USB receivers during your presentation.

Q. My presentation remote worked fine at home, but I can’t get it to work in this room/auditorium. Now what do I do? A. If there is someone technical in the room who can help, hopefully they can resolve the issue. If not, call for IT assistance. While you’re waiting for them to arrive, try the USB receiver in another computer. You can also try one in another room to determine whether the issue is the computer or the remote itself. 

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Keynote User Guide for Mac

• What’s new in Keynote 14.1
• Intro to Keynote
• Intro to images, charts, and other objects
• Create a presentation
• Choose how to navigate your presentation
• Open or close a presentation
• Save and name a presentation
• Find a presentation
• Print a presentation
• Undo or redo changes
• Show or hide sidebars
• Quick navigation
• Change the working view
• Expand and zoom your workspace
• Customize the Keynote toolbar
• Change Keynote settings on Mac
• Touch Bar for Keynote
• Create a presentation using VoiceOver
• Add or delete slides
• Add and view presenter notes
• Reorder slides
• Group or ungroup slides
• Skip or unskip a slide
• Change the slide size
• Change a slide background
• Add a border around a slide
• Show or hide text placeholders
• Show or hide slide numbers
• Apply a slide layout
• Add and edit slide layouts
• Change a theme
• Add an image
• Add an image gallery
• Edit an image
• Add and edit a shape
• Combine or break apart shapes
• Draw a shape
• Save a shape to the shapes library
• Add and align text inside a shape
• Add 3D objects
• Add lines and arrows
• Animate, share, or save drawings
• Add video and audio
• Record audio
• Edit video and audio
• Add live video
• Set movie and image formats
• Position and align objects
• Use alignment guides
• Place objects inside a text box or shape
• Layer, group, and lock objects
• Change object transparency
• Fill shapes and text boxes with color or an image
• Add a border to an object
• Add a caption or title
• Add a reflection or shadow
• Use object styles
• Resize, rotate, and flip objects
• Move and edit objects using the object list
• Add linked objects to make your presentation interactive
• Select text
• Copy and paste text
• Use dictation to enter text
• Use accents and special characters
• Format a presentation for another language
• Use phonetic guides
• Use bidirectional text
• Use vertical text
• Change the font or font size
• Add bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough to text
• Change the color of text
• Change text capitalization
• Add a shadow or outline to text
• Intro to paragraph styles
• Apply a paragraph style
• Create, rename, or delete paragraph styles
• Update or revert a paragraph style
• Use a keyboard shortcut to apply a style
• Adjust character spacing
• Add drop caps
• Raise and lower characters and text
• Format fractions automatically
• Create and use character styles
• Format dashes and quotation marks
• Format Chinese, Japanese, or Korean text
• Set tab stops
• Format text into columns
• Adjust line spacing
• Format lists
• Add a highlight effect to text
• Add mathematical equations
• Add borders and rules (lines) to separate text
• Add or delete a table
• Select tables, cells, rows, and columns
• Add or remove rows and columns
• Move rows and columns
• Resize rows and columns
• Merge or unmerge cells
• Change the look of table text
• Show, hide, or edit a table title
• Change table gridlines and colors
• Use table styles
• Resize, move, or lock a table
• Add and edit cell content
• Format dates, currency, and more
• Create a custom cell format
• Highlight cells conditionally
• Format tables for bidirectional text
• Alphabetize or sort table data
• Calculate values using data in table cells
• Use the Formulas and Functions Help
• Add or delete a chart
• Change a chart from one type to another
• Modify chart data
• Move, resize, and rotate a chart
• Change the look of data series
• Add a legend, gridlines, and other markings
• Change the look of chart text and labels
• Add a chart border and background
• Use chart styles
• Animate objects onto and off a slide
• Animate objects on a slide
• Change build order and timing
• Add transitions
• Present on your Mac
• Present on a separate display
• Present on a Mac over the internet
• Use a remote
• Make a presentation advance automatically
• Require a password to exit a presentation
• Play a slideshow with multiple presenters
• Rehearse on your Mac
• Record presentations
• Check spelling
• Look up words
• Find and replace text
• Replace text automatically
• Set author name and comment color
• Highlight text
• Add and print comments
• Send a presentation
• Intro to collaboration
• Invite others to collaborate
• Collaborate on a shared presentation
• See the latest activity in a shared presentation
• Change a shared presentation’s settings
• Stop sharing a presentation
• Shared folders and collaboration
• Use Box to collaborate
• Create an animated GIF
• Post your presentation in a blog
• Use iCloud Drive with Keynote
• Export to PowerPoint or another file format
• Reduce the presentation file size
• Save a large presentation as a package file
• Restore an earlier version of a presentation
• Move a presentation
• Delete a presentation
• Password-protect a presentation
• Lock a presentation
• Create and manage custom themes
• Transfer files with AirDrop
• Transfer presentations with Handoff
• Transfer presentations with the Finder
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Keyboard shortcut symbols

Use a remote to control a presentation in Keynote on Mac

You can use your iPhone or iPad as a remote control to play a presentation on a Mac. When you use iPhone as a remote control, you can also control the presentation from its companion Apple Watch.

Important: To use an iPhone or iPad with iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 as a remote, Keynote needs permission to connect to other devices on your local network. Go to Settings > Privacy > Local Network, then turn on Keynote.

Set up iPhone or iPad as a remote control

The device and the Mac need to have Keynote installed and have Wi-Fi turned on.

Open Keynote on the device that you want to use as a remote.

The device displays the Keynote Remote menu.

Note: Tap Allow if you’re asked to allow Keynote to find and connect to devices on your local network.

Open Keynote on the Mac, then choose Keynote > Settings (from the Keynote menu at the top of your screen).

Click Remote at the top of the settings window, then select Enable.

Click Link next to the device you want to use as a remote.

A four-digit code appears on the Mac and on the device.

Verify that the four-digit codes match, click Confirm, then close Keynote settings.

After the devices are linked, you can control the presentation from the remote.

Use iPhone or iPad as a remote control

You must first set up the iPhone or iPad to be a remote control, as described in the previous task. To turn your device into a remote using Handoff, Handoff must be set up on the Mac and on the device, and the presentation you want to control must be saved in iCloud Drive .

Play the presentation on the Mac.

Do one of the following:

Note: Handoff must be set up on the Mac and iPhone, and the presentation you want to control must be saved in iCloud Drive .

To control the presentation, do any of the following:

Advance to the next slide or build: Tap the slide, or swipe left across the slide.

Return to the previous slide: Swipe right across the slide.

Skip to a specific slide: Tap the slide number in the upper-left corner, then tap the slide you want to display.

To change what you see on your remote device as you’re presenting, do any of the following:

Switch between a timer or current time display: Tap the time or timer at the top of the screen.

Use Apple Watch as a remote control

You must first set up iPhone to be a remote control for the Mac, as described above, and Keynote must be installed on Apple Watch and the companion iPhone. To install Keynote on Apple Watch, update the companion iPhone to the latest version of Keynote. Then on Apple Watch, confirm the installation of Keynote.

Important: For best results, set Apple Watch to wake and display Keynote when you raise your wrist during the presentation. On Apple Watch, go to Settings, tap General, tap Activate on Wrist Raise, and turn on Wrist Raise. Then tap Last Used App (swipe up to see it).

Open the presentation on the Mac.

If you followed the directions in the introduction to this task, Keynote appears whenever you raise your wrist to control the presentation from Apple Watch.

To close Keynote on Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown.

Highlight on a slide from a remote control device

If you’re using Keynote Remote to control a presentation from iPhone or iPad, you can draw on your device and have your drawing appear on the device that’s playing your presentation. This feature is useful, for example, if you want to emphasize a particular item on your slide—you can underline or circle the item for your audience.

Set up your iPhone or iPad as a remote.

Play the presentation on a Mac or another iPhone or iPad.

Do any of the following:

Draw with a color: Tap a color, then draw on the slide.

Use the laser pointer: Tap the laser pointer and move your finger around the slide; the laser pointer follows your movements.

Return to the previous slide or advance a slide: Tap the left or right arrow on the slide.

Change the presentation devices linked to a remote control device

Open Keynote on the iPhone or iPad you use as a remote.

Tap Devices, then do any of the following:

Add another presentation device: Tap Add a Device, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Switch to a different presentation device: Tap a different device name, then tap Done.

Remove a presentation device: Swipe left across the name of the device, then tap Delete.

Unlink a remote control from a Mac

Open Keynote on your Mac.

Choose Keynote > Settings (from the Keynote menu at the top of your screen).

Click Remote at the top of the settings window, then do one of the following:

Permanently unlink a remote: Click Unlink next to a device.

Temporarily unlink all linked remotes: Deselect Enable so the devices remain linked but aren’t functional as remotes. Reselect Enable when you want to use them again.

Keynote Remote uses Multipeer Connectivity, which allows newer iOS devices, iPadOS devices, and Mac computers that have the latest version of Keynote to connect over Wi-Fi whenever they’re in close proximity, even when they aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have difficulty using Keynote Remote with older devices or Mac computers over Wi-Fi, try adding them to the same Wi-Fi network.

Note: The old Keynote Remote app previously available from the App Store is no longer supported.