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!
Create professional presentations online
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How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation (Step-by-Step)
- PowerPoint Tutorials
- Presentation Design
- January 22, 2024
In this beginner’s guide, you will learn step-by-step how to make a PowerPoint presentation from scratch.
While PowerPoint is designed to be intuitive and accessible, it can be overwhelming if you’ve never gotten any training on it before. As you progress through this guide, you’ll will learn how to move from blank slides to PowerPoint slides that look like these.
Table of Contents
Additionally, as you create your presentation, you’ll also learn tricks for working more efficiently in PowerPoint, including how to:
- Change the slide order
- Reset your layout
- Change the slide dimensions
- Use PowerPoint Designer
- Format text
- Format objects
- Play a presentation (slide show)
With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be ready to start creating PowerPoint presentations. Moreover, you’ll have taken your skills from beginner to proficient in no time at all. I will also include links to more advanced PowerPoint topics.
Ready to start learning how to make a PowerPoint presentation?
Take your PPT skills to the next level
Start with a blank presentation.
Note: Before you open PowerPoint and start creating your presentation, make sure you’ve collected your thoughts. If you’re going to make your slides compelling, you need to spend some time brainstorming.
For help with this, see our article with tips for nailing your business presentation here .
The first thing you’ll need to do is to open PowerPoint. When you do, you are shown the Start Menu , with the Home tab open.
This is where you can choose either a blank theme (1) or a pre-built theme (2). You can also choose to open an existing presentation (3).
For now, go ahead and click on the Blank Presentation (1) thumbnail.
Doing so launches a brand new and blank presentation for you to work with. Before you start adding content to your presentation, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the PowerPoint interface.
The PowerPoint interface
Here is how the program is laid out:
- The Application Header
- The Ribbon (including the Ribbon tabs)
- The Quick Access Toolbar (either above or below the Ribbon)
- The Slides Pane (slide thumbnails)
The Slide Area
The notes pane.
- The Status Bar (including the View Buttons)
Each one of these areas has options for viewing certain parts of the PowerPoint environment and formatting your presentation.
Below are the important things to know about certain elements of the PowerPoint interface.
The PowerPoint Ribbon
The Ribbon is contextual. That means that it will adapt to what you’re doing in the program.
For example, the Font, Paragraph and Drawing options are greyed out until you select something that has text in it, as in the example below (A).
Furthermore, if you start manipulating certain objects, the Ribbon will display additional tabs, as seen above (B), with more commands and features to help you work with those objects. The following objects have their own additional tabs in the Ribbon which are hidden until you select them:
- Online Pictures
- Screenshots
- Screen Recording
The Slides Pane
This is where you can preview and rearrange all the slides in your presentation.
Right-clicking on a slide in the pane gives you additional options on the slide level that you won’t find on the Ribbon, such as Duplicate Slide , Delete Slide , and Hide Slide .
In addition, you can add sections to your presentation by right-clicking anywhere in this Pane and selecting Add Section . Sections are extremely helpful in large presentations, as they allow you to organize your slides into chunks that you can then rearrange, print or display differently from other slides.
The Slide Area (A) is where you will build out your slides. Anything within the bounds of this area will be visible when you present or print your presentation.
Anything outside of this area (B) will be hidden from view. This means that you can place things here, such as instructions for each slide, without worrying about them being shown to your audience.
The Notes Pane is the space beneath the Slide Area where you can type in the speaker notes for each slide. It’s designed as a fast way to add and edit your slides’ talking points.
To expand your knowledge and learn more about adding, printing, and exporting your PowerPoint speaker notes, read our guide here .
Your speaker notes are visible when you print your slides using the Notes Pages option and when you use the Presenter View . To expand your knowledge and learn the ins and outs of using the Presenter View , read our guide here .
You can resize the Notes Pane by clicking on its edge and dragging it up or down (A). You can also minimize or reopen it by clicking on the Notes button in the Status Bar (B).
Note: Not all text formatting displays in the Notes Pane, even though it will show up when printing your speaker notes. To learn more about printing PowerPoint with notes, read our guide here .
Now that you have a basic grasp of the PowerPoint interface at your disposal, it’s time to make your presentation.
Adding Content to Your PowerPoint Presentation
Notice that in the Slide Area , there are two rectangles with dotted outlines. These are called Placeholders and they’re set on the template in the Slide Master View .
To expand your knowledge and learn how to create a PowerPoint template of your own (which is no small task), read our guide here .
As the prompt text suggests, you can click into each placeholder and start typing text. These types of placeholder prompts are customizable too. That means that if you are using a company template, it might say something different, but the functionality is the same.
Note: For the purposes of this example, I will create a presentation based on the content in the Starbucks 2018 Global Social Impact Report, which is available to the public on their website.
If you type in more text than there is room for, PowerPoint will automatically reduce its font size. You can stop this behavior by clicking on the Autofit Options icon to the left of the placeholder and selecting Stop Fitting Text to this Placeholder .
Next, you can make formatting adjustments to your text by selecting the commands in the Font area and the Paragraph area of the Home tab of the Ribbon.
The Reset Command: If you make any changes to your title and decide you want to go back to how it was originally, you can use the Reset button up in the Home tab .
Insert More Slides into Your Presentation
Now that you have your title slide filled in, it’s time to add more slides. To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide . This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on.
You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint .
Instead of clicking the New Slide command, you can also open the New Slide dropdown to see all the slide layouts in your PowerPoint template. Depending on who created your template, your layouts in this dropdown can be radically different.
If you insert a layout and later want to change it to a different layout, you can use the Layout dropdown instead of the New Slide dropdown.
After inserting a few different slide layouts, your presentation might look like the following picture. Don’t worry that it looks blank, next we will start adding content to your presentation.
If you want to follow along exactly with me, your five slides should be as follows:
- Title Slide
- Title and Content
- Section Header
- Two Content
- Picture with Caption
Adding Content to Your Slides
Now let’s go into each slide and start adding our content. You’ll notice some new types of placeholders.
On slide 2 we have a Content Placeholder , which allows you to add any kind of content. That includes:
- A SmartArt graphic,
- A 3D object,
- A picture from the web,
- Or an icon.
To insert text, simply type it in or hit Ctrl+C to Copy and Ctrl+V to Paste from elsewhere. To insert any of the other objects, click on the appropriate icon and follow the steps to insert it.
For my example, I’ll simply type in some text as you can see in the picture below.
Slides 3 and 4 only have text placeholders, so I’ll go ahead and add in my text into each one.
On slide 5 we have a Picture Placeholder . That means that the only elements that can go into it are:
- A picture from the web
To insert a picture into the picture placeholder, simply:
- Click on the Picture icon
- Find a picture on your computer and select it
- Click on Insert
Alternatively, if you already have a picture open somewhere else, you can select the placeholder and paste in (shortcut: Ctrl+V ) the picture. You can also drag the picture in from a file explorer window.
If you do not like the background of the picture you inserted onto your slide, you can remove the background here in PowerPoint. To see how to do this, read my guide here .
Placeholders aren’t the only way to add content to your slides. At any point, you can use the Insert tab to add elements to your slides.
You can use either the Title Only or the Blank slide layout to create slides for content that’s different. For example, a three-layout content slide, or a single picture divider slide, as shown below.
In the first example above, I’ve inserted 6 text boxes, 3 icons, and 3 circles to create this layout. In the second example, I’ve inserted a full-sized picture and then 2 shapes and 2 text boxes.
The Reset Command: Because these slides are built with shapes and text boxes (and not placeholders), hitting the Reset button up in the Home tab won’t do anything.
That is a good thing if you don’t want your layouts to adjust. However, it does mean that it falls on you to make sure everything is aligned and positioned correctly.
For more on how to add and manipulate the different objects in PowerPoint, check out our step-by-step articles here:
- Using graphics in PowerPoint
- Inserting icons onto slides
- Adding pictures to your PowerPoint
- How to embed a video in PowerPoint
- How to add music to your presentation
Using Designer to generate more layouts ideas
If you have Office 365, your version of PowerPoint comes with a new feature called Designer (or Design Ideas). This is a feature that generates slide layout ideas for you. The coolest thing about this feature is that it uses the content you already have.
To use Designer , simply navigate to the Design tab in your Ribbon, and click on Design Ideas .
NOTE: If the PowerPoint Designer is not working for you (it is grey out), see my troubleshooting guide for Designer .
Change the Overall Design (optional)
When you make a PowerPoint presentation, you’ll want to think about the overall design. Now that you have some content in your presentation, you can use the Design tab to change the look and feel of your slides.
For additional help thinking through the design of your presentation, read my guide here .
A. Picking your PowerPoint slide size
If you have PowerPoint 2013 or later, when you create a blank document in PowerPoint, you automatically start with a widescreen layout with a 16:9 ratio. These dimensions are suitable for most presentations as they match the screens of most computers and projectors.
However, you do have the option to change the dimensions.
For example, your presentation might not be presented, but instead converted into a PDF or printed and distributed. In that case, you can easily switch to the standard dimensions with a 4:3 ratio by selecting from the dropdown (A).
You can also choose a custom slide size or change the slide orientation from landscape to portrait in the Custom Slide Size dialog box (B).
To learn all about the different PowerPoint slide sizes, and some of the issues you will face when changing the slide size of a non-blank presentation, read my guide here .
B. Selecting a PowerPoint theme
The next thing you can do is change the theme of your presentation to a pre-built one. For a detailed explanation of what a PowerPoint theme is, and how to best use it, read my article here .
In the beginning of this tutorial, we started with a blank presentation, which uses the default Office theme as you can see in the picture below.
That gives you the most flexibility because it has a blank background and quite simple layouts that work for most presentations. However, it also means that it’s your responsibility to enhance the design.
If you’re comfortable with this, you can stay with the default theme or create your own custom theme ( read my guide here ). But if you would rather not have to think about design, then you can choose a pre-designed theme.
Microsoft provides 46 other pre-built themes, which include slide layouts, color variants and palettes, and fonts. Each one varies quite significantly, so make sure you look through them carefully.
To select a different theme, go to the Design tab in the Ribbon, and click on the dropdown arrow in the Themes section .
For this tutorial, let’s select the Frame theme and then choose the third Variant in the theme. Doing so changes the layout, colors, and fonts of your presentation.
Note: The theme dropdown area is also where you can import or save custom themes. To see my favorite places to find professional PowerPoint templates and themes (and recommendations for why I like them), read my guide here .
C. How to change a slide background in PowerPoint
The next thing to decide is how you want your background to look for the entire presentation. In the Variants area, you can see four background options.
For this example, we want our presentation to have a dark background, so let’s select Style 3. When you do so, you’ll notice that:
- The background color automatically changes across all slides
- The color of the text on most of the slides automatically changes to white so that it’s visible on the dark background
- The colors of the objects on slides #6 and #7 also adjust, in a way we may not want (we’ll likely have to make some manual adjustments to these slides)
Note: If you want to change the slide background for just that one slide, don’t left-click the style. Instead, right-click it and select Apply to Selected Slides .
After you change the background for your entire presentation, you can easily adjust the background for an individual slide.
Inside the Format Background pane, you can see you have the following options:
- Gradient fill
- Picture or texture fill
- Pattern fill
- Hide background
You can explore these options to find the PowerPoint background that best fits your presentation.
D. How to change your color palette in PowerPoint
Another thing you may want to adjust in your presentation, is the color scheme. In the picture below you can see the Theme Colors we are currently using for this presentation.
Each PowerPoint theme comes with its own color palette. By default, the Office theme includes the Office color palette. This affects the colors you are presented with when you format any element within your presentation (text, shapes, SmartArt, etc.).
The good news is that the colors here are easy to change. To switch color palettes, simply:
- Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon
- In the Variants area, click on the dropdown arrow and select Colors
- Select the color palette (or theme colors) you want
You can choose among the pre-built color palettes from Office, or you can customize them to create your own.
As you build your presentation, make sure you use the colors from your theme to format objects. That way, changing the color palette adjusts all the colors in your presentation automatically.
E. How to change your fonts in PowerPoint
Just as we changed the color palette, you can do the same for the fonts.
Each PowerPoint theme comes with its own font combination. By default, the Office theme includes the Office font pairing. This affects the fonts that are automatically assigned to all text in your presentation.
The good news is that the font pairings are easy to change. To switch your Theme Fonts, simply:
- Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon
- Click on the dropdown arrow in the Variants area
- Select Fonts
- Select the font pairing you want
You can choose among the pre-built fonts from Office, or you can customize them to create your own.
If you are working with PowerPoint presentations on both Mac and PC computers, make sure you choose a safe PowerPoint font. To see a list of the safest PowerPoint fonts, read our guide here .
If you receive a PowerPoint presentation and the wrong fonts were used, you can use the Replace Fonts dialog box to change the fonts across your entire presentation. For details, read our guide here .
Adding Animations & Transitions (optional)
The final step to make a PowerPoint presentation compelling, is to consider using animations and transitions. These are by no means necessary to a good presentation, but they may be helpful in your situation.
A. Adding PowerPoint animations
PowerPoint has an incredibly robust animations engine designed to power your creativity. That being said, it’s also easy to get started with basic animations.
Animations are movements that you can apply to individual objects on your slide.
To add a PowerPoint animation to an element of your slide, simply:
- Select the element
- Go to the Animations tab in the Ribbon
- Click on the dropdown arrow to view your options
- Select the animation you want
You can add animations to multiple objects at one time by selecting them all first and then applying the animation.
B. How to preview a PowerPoint animation
There are three ways to preview a PowerPoint animation:
- Click on the Preview button in the Animations tab
- Click on the little star next to the slide
- Play the slide in Slide Show Mode
To learn other ways to run your slide show, see our guide on presenting a PowerPoint slide show with shortcuts .
To adjust the settings of your animations, explore the options in the Effect Options , Advanced Animation and the Timing areas of the Animation tab .
Note: To see how to make objects appear and disappear in your slides by clicking a button, read our guide here .
C. How to manage your animations in PowerPoint
The best way to manage lots of animations on your slide is with the Animation Pane . To open it, simply:
- Navigate to the Animations tab
- Select the Animation Pane
Inside the Animation Pane, you’ll see all of the different animations that have been applied to objects on your slide, with their numbers marked as pictured above.
Note: To see examples of PowerPoint animations that can use in PowerPoint, see our list of PowerPoint animation tutorials here .
D. How to add transitions to your PowerPoint presentation
PowerPoint has an incredibly robust transition engine so that you can dictate how your slides change from one to the other. It is also extremely easy to add transitions to your slides.
In PowerPoint, transitions are the movements (or effects) you see as you move between two slides.
To add a transition to a PowerPoint slide, simply:
- Select the slide
- Go to the Transitions tab in the Ribbon
- In the Transitions to This Slide area, click on the dropdown arrow to view your options
- Select the transition you want
To adjust the settings of the transition, explore the options in the Timing area of the Transitions tab.
You can also add the same transition to multiple slides. To do that, select them in the Slides Pane and apply the transition.
E. How to preview a transition in PowerPoint
There are three ways to preview your PowerPoint transitions (just like your animations):
- Click on the Preview button in the Transitions tab
- Click on the little star beneath the slide number in the thumbnail view
Note: In 2016, PowerPoint added a cool new transition, called Morph. It operates a bit differently from other transitions. For a detailed tutorial on how to use the cool Morph transition, see our step-by-step article here .
Save Your PowerPoint Presentation
After you’ve built your presentation and made all the adjustments to your slides, you’ll want to save your presentation. YOu can do this several different ways.
To save a PowerPoint presentation using your Ribbon, simply:
- Navigate to the File tab
- Select Save As on the left
- Choose where you want to save your presentation
- Name your presentation and/or adjust your file type settings
- Click Save
You can alternatively use the Ctrl+S keyboard shortcut to save your presentation. I recommend using this shortcut frequently as you build your presentation to make sure you don’t lose any of your work.
This is the standard way to save a presentation. However, there may be a situation where you want to save your presentation as a different file type.
To learn how to save your presentation as a PDF, see our guide on converting PowerPoint to a PDF .
How to save your PowerPoint presentation as a template
Once you’ve created a presentation that you like, you may want to turn it into a template. The easiest – but not technically correct – way, is to simply create a copy of your current presentation and then change the content.
But be careful! A PowerPoint template is a special type of document and it has its own parameters and behaviors.
If you’re interested in learning about how to create your own PowerPoint template from scratch, see our guide on how to create a PowerPoint template .
Printing Your PowerPoint Presentation
After finishing your PowerPoint presentation, you may want to print it out on paper. Printing your slides is relatively easy.
To open the Print dialog box, you can either:
- Hit Ctrl+P on your keyboard
- Or go to the Ribbon and click on File and then Print
Inside the Print dialog box, you can choose from the various printing settings:
- Printer: Select a printer to use (or print to PDF or OneNote)
- Slides: Choose which slides you want to print
- Layout: Determine how many slides you want per page (this is where you can print the notes, outline, and handouts)
- Collated or uncollated (learn what collated printing means here )
- Color: Choose to print in color, grayscale or black & white
There are many more options for printing your PowerPoint presentations. Here are links to more in-depth articles:
- How to print multiple slides per page
- How to print your speaker notes in PowerPoint
- How to save PowerPoint as a picture presentation
So that’s how to create a PowerPoint presentation if you are brand new to it. We’ve also included a ton of links to helpful resources to boost your PowerPoint skills further.
When you are creating your presentation, it is critical to first focus on the content (what you are trying to say) before getting lost inserting and playing with elements. The clearer you are on what you want to present, the easier it will be to build it out in PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this article, you can learn more about our PowerPoint training courses and other presentation resources by visiting us here .
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Our blog section is an ever-expanding repository of knowledge on PowerPoint features and techniques. Covering everything from slide design and template creation, to advanced animations and storytelling, our posts are designed to enhance your presentations.
How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint?
How to Download PowerPoint?
How to Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint?
How to Delete a Slide in PowerPoint?
How to Present a PowerPoint?
How to Group in PowerPoint?
How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides?
How to Pause an Animated GIF in PowerPoint?
How to Make a Copy of a PowerPoint?
How to Edit Footer in PowerPoint?
How to Make a Jeopardy Game on PowerPoint?
How to Hide a Slide in PowerPoint?
How to Flip an Image in PowerPoint?
How to Delete a Text Box in PowerPoint?
How to Remove Background from Picture in PowerPoint?
How to Play PowerPoint Slides Automatically Without Clicking?
How to Link Slides in PowerPoint?
How to Use PowerPoint on iPad?
How to Convert PowerPoint to Word?
How to Embed Fonts in PowerPoint?
How to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint?
How to Protect a PowerPoint Presentation?
How to Insert Symbols in PowerPoint?
How to Align Objects in PowerPoint?
How to Animate Text in PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Screenshot in PowerPoint?
How to Use Action Buttons in PowerPoint?
How to Print Multiple Slides on One Page in PowerPoint?
How to Insert Audio Clips in PowerPoint?
How to Use PowerPoint on a Chromebook?
How to Use PowerPoint on a Mac?
How to Insert a Countdown Timer in PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Calendar in PowerPoint?
How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint?
How to Make a Picture a Background in PowerPoint?
How to Use PowerPoint on a Tablet?
How to Use PowerPoint Viewer?
How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint?
How to Add a GIF to PowerPoint?
How to Add Music to PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Watermark in PowerPoint?
How to Add a Logo to PowerPoint Slides?
How to Add a Background Image in PowerPoint?
How to Add a Watermark to PowerPoint?
How to Make a Picture Transparent in PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Video from YouTube into PowerPoint?
How to Add a YouTube Video to PowerPoint?
How to Create a Photo Slideshow in PowerPoint?
How to Add a Border to a Slide in PowerPoint?
How to Create a Custom Theme in PowerPoint?
How to Insert a GIF in PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Map in PowerPoint?
How to Record Audio on PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Live Web Page in PowerPoint?
How to Insert a 3D Model in PowerPoint?
How to Record a PowerPoint Presentation?
How to Create a Timeline in PowerPoint?
How to Loop a PowerPoint?
How to Add Voice to PowerPoint?
How to Do a Voiceover on PowerPoint?
How to Attach a Video on PowerPoint?
How to Create an Interactive PowerPoint?
How to Record Video in PowerPoint?
How to Create a Dropdown Menu in PowerPoint?
How to Use PowerPoint as a Teleprompter?
How to Create a Quiz in PowerPoint?
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How to Insert a PDF into PowerPoint?
How to Insert a Checkbox in PowerPoint?
How to Add a Countdown Timer in PowerPoint?
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15 PowerPoint Tutorials to Help You Master PowerPoint
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Need PowerPoint Backgrounds? Read The Best Places to Find PowerPoint Backgrounds [+ Freebies]
PowerPoint is software for presentations that offers many opportunities for creativity. If you want to create visually appealing and engaging presentations, check out this collection of 15 beginner PowerPoint tutorials that will help you step up your game, no matter if you are a regular presenter or a beginner in the software.
In this selection of PowerPoint tutorials, we’ve included tutorials for beginners, intermediate and advanced users. Some are incredibly impressive and will teach you hacks that you never thought were possible in PowerPoint. Let’s begin!
*Last updated July 1st, 2022
2. Tips and Tricks for working with PowerPoint
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
A one-hour web session with PowerPoint guru Tess Ausman. In the video tutorial, she shares advanced tips and techniques for PowerPoint which will take your presentations to the next level. Animations, screencasts, and everything you need to know in order to use and master PowerPoint’s superpowers.
You may also want to check out these amazing 12 PowerPoint Presentation Tips .
3. How to add audio in PowerPoint?
Level: Beginners
PowerPoint is perfect for newbies and experienced presenters and it allows a lot of audio customization. Our guide shows you how to add audio to PowerPoint in a quick step-by-step guide. You will also see how to record yourself, to get the best results. All steps are explained with images, to ensure you understand the concept well. Adding audio is one of the first things you need to do to attract customers’ attention.
4. How to make photos 3D in PowerPoint?
It’s always a good idea to come up with interesting concepts. In this PowerPoint tutorial, you will learn how to use separate images and then add them to PowerPoint, to achieve a smooth 3D look. The video is quite long, so if you want to watch only the PowerPoint part, you can skip to 15:31.
5. How to collaborate in PowerPoint?
Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Learning how to collaborate with your team is crucial. Fortunately, PowerPoint has advanced a lot over the years and nowadays it’s not hard to work together with your peers. There are many collaboration tutorials for PowerPoint but this one is extremely easy to apply.
6. How to Insert a GIF in PowerPoint?
Level: Beginner
GIFs are a very powerful method to deliver a message. They represent information in a more visual way. Our guide on how to insert GIFs into PowerPoint will help you insert simple animations and attract attention. On top of that, you will learn where you can find resources for inspiration. All steps are visualized for easy access.
7. How to Add Speaker Notes in PowerPoint?
Level: Intermediate
Speaker notes are crucial for all presenters. They let you memorize key phrases during the slides, and avoid any mishaps. In this PowerPoint video tutorial, you’ll learn not only how to add and show speaker notes, but also some of the reasons why people use them.
8. Microsoft PowerPoint Tutorial for Beginners Level 1
If you are a complete beginner to the software, we recommend to start off with a tutorial that covers the basics of working with PowerPoint. Jamie K. from Teacher’s Tech explains the basic functions and the interface options of the software and takes you through the process of creating a basic presentation.
9. Ten Powerful PowerPoint Tips
Level: Beginners / Intermediate
A video of PowerPoint hacks and tricks that will help you create a more appealing presentation design. Again created by Jamie K. from Teacher’s Tech, this video presents you to handy features in PowerPoint that reveal how to craft visually pleasing presentations more easily and quickly.
10. PowerPoint Slide Master tutorial – Placeholders & Basics
Working with Slide Master in PowerPoint requires you to be at least an intermediate user of the software, so we recommend you to check out the PowerPoint tutorials for beginners first. This great tutorial by Andrzej Pach introduces you to the Slide Master tool which will be really useful to you if you’d like to create custom presentation templates. His channel is full of useful videos, so we highly recommend you to check it out.
11. Three PowerPoint Hacks for Instant Improvement
Level: Advanced
A very insightful video tutorial by Leila Gharani who shares advanced hacks on how to instantly improve your presentations in PowerPoint. She talks about working with smart shapes, morph transitions, and advanced morph available in the newest version of PowerPoint. Every step is explained and the final result for your presentation is super impressive.
Need an amazing resume template? Take a look at these Top Resume Powerpoint Templates to Help You Stand Out .
12. How To Make Videos in PowerPoint?
A tutorial by Michael Kinney who will teach you how to turn your PowerPoint slideshow into a narrated video. The tutorial assumes you are already familiar with the software and explains how to set up your mic, use the recording features in PowerPoint, and later on, export your presentation into a video.
13. Animated 3D Models in PowerPoint – Part 1, The Basics
Thanks to the evolving technologies, incorporation 3D objects in your PowerPoint presentation is now completely possible. The following video will introduce you to the basics of using 3D models in PowerPoint and is a part of a sequence, so if you feel impressed, you can check out the second video which will show you advanced tricks with 3D models in PowerPoint. The video tutorial is made by Lia from Spicy Presentations and for doing it, you will need to have the latest Microsoft Office 365.
You may also be interested in How to Add Audio to PowerPoint: The Quick Step-by-Step Guide
14. How To Create Parallax Effect PowerPoint Step-by-Step?
A video tutorial by One Skill who shows how to create a parallax effect in your PowerPoint presentation. The tutorial is suitable for users who are already familiar with the software and want to make their presentations more attractive and modern. This step-by-step narrated tutorial will help you get there easily!
15. 40 Best Animation Tutorials for PowerPoint
There are so many animation effects you can achieve with PowerPoint that they cannot possibly be gathered into one video tutorial. The YouTube channel The Teacher regularly uploads great PowePoint tutorials which can be achieved by users with at least intermediate knowledge of the software. In the video below, you will see previews of 40 great animation effects. If you like any, just look for it in the description of the video and head over the tutorial itself.
To wrap up,
PowerPoint is a software that offers a lot as long as you know how to use it right. We hope this collection of 15 PowerPoint tutorials was useful to you and helped you learn new tricks and tips. It certainly was useful to us! If you want to recommend PowerPoint tutorials that helped you master your skills, you are welcome to share them in the comments below.
You may also be interested in these related articles:
- The Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Download in 2022
- 35+ Free Infographic PowerPoint Templates to Power Your Presentations
- 50 Free Cartoon PowerPoint Templates with Characters & Illustrations
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Iveta Pavlova
Iveta is a passionate writer at GraphicMama who has been writing for the brand ever since the blog was launched. She keeps her focus on inspiring people and giving insight on topics like graphic design, illustrations, education, business, marketing, and more.
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Simple Steps to Make a PowerPoint Presentation
Last Updated: April 28, 2024 Fact Checked
Creating a New PowerPoint
Creating the title slide, adding a new slide, adding content to slides, adding transitions, testing and saving your presentation.
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,332,728 times. Learn more...
Do you want to have your data in a slide show? If you have Microsoft 365, you can use PowerPoint! PowerPoint is a program that's part of the Microsoft Office suite (which you have to pay for) and is available for both Windows and Mac computers. This wikiHow teaches you how to create your own Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on a computer.
How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation
- Open the PowerPoint app, select a template and theme, then like “Create.”
- Click the text box to add your title and subtitle to create your title slide.
- Click the “Insert” tab, then “New Slide” to add another slide.
- Choose the type of slide you want to add, then add text and pictures.
- Rearrange slides by dragging them up or down in the preview box.
Things You Should Know
- Templates make it easy to create vibrant presentations no matter your skill level.
- When adding photos, you can adjust their sizes by clicking and dragging in or out from their corners.
- You can add animated transitions between slides or to individual elements like bullet points and blocks of text.
- If you don't have a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you can use the website instead of the desktop app. Go to https://powerpoint.office.com/ to use the website version.
- You can also use the mobile app to make presentations, though it's easier to do this on a computer, which has a larger screen, a mouse, and a keyboard.
- If you don't want to use a template, just click the Blank option in the upper-left side of the page and skip to the next part.
- Skip this step if your selected template has no themes available.
- If you're creating a PowerPoint presentation for which an elaborate title slide has been requested, ignore this step.
- You can change the font and size of text used from the Home tab that's in the orange ribbon at the top of the window.
- You can also just leave this box blank if you like.
- You can also click and drag in or out one of a text box's corners to shrink or enlarge the text box.
- On a Mac, you'll click the Home tab instead. [1] X Research source
- Clicking the white slide-shaped box above this option will result in a new text slide being inserted.
- Title Slide
- Title and Content
- Section Header
- Two Content
- Content with Caption
- Picture with Caption
- Naturally, the title slide should be the first slide in your presentation, meaning that it should be the top slide in the left-hand column.
- Skip this step and the next two steps if your selected slide uses a template that doesn't have text boxes in it.
- Text boxes in PowerPoint will automatically format the bulk of your text for you (e.g., adding bullet points) based on the context of the content itself.
- You can add notes that the Presentation will not include (but you'll still be able to see them on your screen) by clicking Notes at the bottom of the slide.
- You can change the font of the selected text by clicking the current font's name and then clicking your preferred font.
- If you want to change the size of the text, click the numbered drop-down box and then click a larger or smaller number based on whether you want to enlarge or shrink the text.
- You can also change the color, bolding, italicization, underlining, and so on from here.
- Photos in particular can be enlarged or shrunk by clicking and dragging out or in one of their corners.
- Remember to keep slides uncluttered and relatively free of distractions. It's best to keep the amount of text per slide to around 33 words or less. [2] X Research source
- Slide content will animate in the order in which you assign transitions. For example, if you animate a photo on the slide and then animate the title, the photo will appear before the title.
- Make your slideshow progress automatically by setting the speed of every transition to align with your speech as well as setting each slide to Advance . [3] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
- If you need to exit the presentation, press Esc .
- Windows - Click File , click Save , double-click This PC , select a save location, enter a name for your presentation, and click Save .
- Mac - Click File , click Save As... , enter the presentation's name in the "Save As" field, select a save location by clicking the "Where" box and clicking a folder, and click Save .
Community Q&A
- If you save your PowerPoint presentation in .pps format instead of the default .ppt format, double-clicking your PowerPoint presentation file will prompt the presentation to open directly into the slideshow view. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
- If you don't have Microsoft Office, you can still use Apple's Keynote program or Google Slides to create a PowerPoint presentation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Your PowerPoint presentation (or some features in it) may not open in significantly older versions of PowerPoint. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
- Great PowerPoint presentations avoid placing too much text on one slide. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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- ↑ https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=DBDCE00C929AA5D8!252&ithint=file%2cpptx&app=PowerPoint&authkey=!AH4O9NxcbehqzIg
- ↑ https://www.virtualsalt.com/powerpoint.htm
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/set-the-timing-and-speed-of-a-transition-c3c3c66f-4cca-4821-b8b9-7de0f3f6ead1#:~:text=To%20make%20the%20slide%20advance,effect%20on%20the%20slide%20finishes .
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Slidesgo School: PowerPoint Tutorials
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PowerPoint is a powerful application that can help you create stunning slide decks for your presentations. However, with so much power and tools, it can be overwhelming for first-time users to get started.
We’ve created this collection of PowerPoint tutorials to help you learn how to use the application and start creating professional presentations quickly. Even if you are an experienced PowerPoint user, these tutorials include opportunities to learn new skills.
Starting with PowerPoint for the first time can be intimidating, but with the help of these tutorials, you’ll become a proficient PowerPoint user in no time.
You might also like our collection of free PowerPoint templates .
The Best Tutorials for Learning PowerPoint
How to learn powerpoint quickly.
In this tutorial, you will learn the basics of working with PowerPoint by creating your first presentation. The tutorial also covers many PowerPoint best practices.
Microsoft PowerPoint Beginners Level 1
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I Learn PowerPoint on My Own with These Tutorials? Absolutely! These tutorials are all user-friendly, allowing beginners to learn at their own pace and gain confidence in creating presentations.
- What Basic Skills Will These Tutorials Cover? Basic skills covered include creating slides, adding text and images, formatting slides, using templates, and basic animations and transitions.
- How Long Does It Take to Learn PowerPoint Through Tutorials? The time varies depending on the individual, but with practice, you can learn the basics in a few hours and continue to improve over time.
- Are These Tutorials Suitable for Creating Professional Presentations? Yes, these tutorials provide the foundational skills needed to create professional-looking presentations for various settings like business, education, or personal use.
- Do I Need Any Special Software to Follow These Tutorials? Of course, you’ll need Microsoft PowerPoint, but no additional special software is required.
- Can These Tutorials Help Me with Design and Layout Tips? Yes, many tutorials offer tips on effective slide design and layout, helping you create stunning presentations.
- Will I Learn How to Add Multimedia Elements in My Presentations? Yes, tutorials often cover adding and editing multimedia elements like images, audio, and video in your PowerPoint slides.
- Are There Tutorials That Focus on Advanced PowerPoint Features? While most beginner tutorials cover the basics, there are also tutorials that delve into more advanced features as you progress.
- How Can I Make My Presentations More Interactive Using PowerPoint? Tutorials can show you how to add interactive elements like hyperlinks, action buttons, and custom animations to engage your audience.
Related Topics
How to Start PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Starting PowerPoint is as easy as opening the program and selecting a template or a blank presentation. Once you’ve got the program open, you’ll be greeted with various options to create your perfect presentation, whether it’s for a business meeting, a school project, or just for fun. Just be sure you have PowerPoint installed on your computer or you have access to it online through Microsoft 365.
After you’ve opened PowerPoint and selected your template, you’ll be able to add text, images, videos, and other elements to your slides to make your presentation unique and engaging.
Introduction
PowerPoint is a versatile tool used by millions to create engaging and dynamic presentations. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who just wants to make a fun slideshow for friends and family, knowing how to start PowerPoint is a must-have skill in today’s digital world. This program has been around for decades, evolving with technology to offer a wide range of features that can make any presentation go from bland to brilliant.
But why is it so important to know how to start PowerPoint? Well, think about it. Presentations are a key part of communication in various settings. They can make or break a business pitch, help or hinder a teacher’s lesson, and add a lot of fun to personal projects. PowerPoint is relevant to just about anyone who needs to convey information in a visual and organized way. So let’s dive in and get started on mastering the basics of opening and using PowerPoint.
Step by Step Tutorial: Starting PowerPoint
Before we begin, make sure you have PowerPoint installed on your computer. If you do, fantastic! If not, you can download it from the Microsoft website or access it online through Microsoft 365. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Open PowerPoint
Launch PowerPoint by clicking on the program icon on your computer.
Once you’ve found the PowerPoint icon, either on your desktop, start menu, or taskbar, give it a click, and the program will open. You may see a loading screen briefly before the main window appears.
Step 2: Choose a Template
Select a template or a blank presentation to start creating your slides.
PowerPoint offers a variety of templates to fit every need and occasion. Whether you want something simple and professional or colorful and creative, there’s a template for you. If you prefer to start from scratch, you can choose a blank presentation.
Step 3: Customize Your Slides
Add text, images, videos, and other elements to your slides.
Once you’ve picked your template or opened a blank slide, it’s time to make it your own. You can add title text, bullet points, images, and even videos. PowerPoint has a range of tools for customizing each slide to fit your content perfectly.
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Easy to Use | PowerPoint is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners and experts alike. |
Customizable | With a wide range of templates and design tools, PowerPoint allows for high levels of customization. |
Multimedia Integration | PowerPoint supports various media types, letting you create rich, engaging presentations. |
Drawback | Explanation |
---|---|
Can Be Overwhelming | The vast array of features can be daunting for new users to navigate. |
Template Limitations | While there are many templates, finding the perfect one can sometimes be challenging. |
Potential for Technical Issues | Like any software, PowerPoint can experience glitches or crashes, which may cause inconvenience. |
Additional Information
When starting PowerPoint, it’s essential to keep your audience in mind. Who will be viewing your presentation? What is the main message you want to convey? Answering these questions can help you choose the right template and design elements. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fonts, colors, and layouts to find what works best for your content.
Remember, a well-organized and visually appealing presentation can significantly impact your audience’s engagement and retention of information. Also, consider using PowerPoint’s various features like transitions and animations sparingly – while they can add a dynamic touch, overuse can be distracting. And always save your work regularly!
- Open PowerPoint by clicking on the program icon.
- Select a template or a blank presentation.
- Customize your slides by adding text, images, videos, and other elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do i need a microsoft account to use powerpoint.
Yes, to download and use PowerPoint, you’ll need a Microsoft account.
Can I access PowerPoint online?
Absolutely, PowerPoint is available online through Microsoft 365, which allows you to work on presentations from any browser.
Is PowerPoint free?
PowerPoint is not free, but it is included in the Microsoft Office Suite, which is available for purchase. However, you can use the online version with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Can I collaborate with others on a PowerPoint presentation?
Yes, PowerPoint supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.
Can I convert a PowerPoint presentation to a video?
Indeed, PowerPoint has a feature that lets you save your presentation as a video file.
Starting PowerPoint is just the beginning of creating compelling and memorable presentations. Whether you use a template or start from a blank canvas, the key to a great PowerPoint presentation is creativity, clarity, and audience engagement. Remember, practice makes perfect!
So go ahead and play around with all the tools and features PowerPoint offers. The more you use it, the more proficient you’ll become. And if you ever get stuck, there’s a vast community of PowerPoint users and an array of online resources to help you out. Now that you know how to start PowerPoint, where will your presentations take you?
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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Powerpoint 2010 Tutorial
Microsoft PowerPoint is a commercial presentation application written and distributed by Microsoft for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The current versions at the time of writing this tutorial are 2010 for Microsoft Windows and 2011 for Mac OS X. Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation tool that supports text, shapes, graphics, pictures and multimedia along with integration with other Microsoft Office products like Excel. By default, documents saved in PowerPoint 2010 are saved with the .pptx extension whereas, the file extension of the prior PowerPoint versions is .ppt .
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Prerequisites
Before proceeding with this tutorial you should have a basic understanding of Computer peripherals like mouse, keyboard, monitor, screen, etc. and their basic operations.
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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”
- Guy Kawasaki
Remember: Less is more.
A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.
- Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
- Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
- Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
- Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.
As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.
- Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.
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60 Effective PowerPoint Presentation Tips & Tricks (Giant List)
Here's a PowerPoint presentation tips and tricks guide that takes you through how to make a good PowerPoint presentation.
The best PowerPoint presentations shouldn’t be remembered. Instead, they should fall into the background to support you and the message you’re trying to get across.
Unlike good PowerPoint presentations , bad PowerPoint presentations are a distraction. You may remember them, but not in a good way.
You’ve seen them before. They might have millions of lines of text. Or a disjointed flow to the slides. Even worse, some slides feature ugly photos and poor design that detract from the message you’re trying to get across. That can even hurt your credibility as a professional or speaker.
This article will take you from finding your initial topic to learning how to make a great PowerPoint presentation. Our guide covers everything in between so that you learn how to present a PowerPoint like a pro.
These Microsoft PowerPoint presentation tips and guidelines are organized into sections. So cut straight to the advice you need and come back when you’re ready for the next steps.
Guide to Making Great Presentations (Free eBook Download)
Also, download our Free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’s the deepest resource for learning effective presentation skills for a PPT.
This eBook covers the complete presentation process. It takes the PowerPoint tips and tricks you learn in this article further. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully. It’s another great source for presentation design tips.
Master PowerPoint (Free Course): 15 Essential Tips
This article is full of helpful tips so you can build a powerful presentation. You can also find more PowerPoint tips in this video lesson:
To learn even more about how to make a PowerPoint look good, review the huge list of tips below.
What Makes a PowerPoint Presentation Effective?
Knowing how to use PowerPoint and work within it quickly is helpful. But more important is making a good presentation that hits all your goals. A great PowerPoint presentation is:
- Prepared to Win . Research, plan, and prepare your presentation professionally. It helps you deliver an effective message to your target audience.
- Designed Correctly . Your visual points should stand out without overwhelming your audience. A good PowerPoint visual shouldn’t complicate your message.
- Practiced to Perfection . Rehearse your timing and delivery so that your points land as practiced with a live audience.
- Delivered With Poise . Present with a relaxed inner calm and confident outward projection. Give your audience warmth, excitement, and energy.
- Free From Mistakes . Avoid typos, cheesy clip art, and mistakes like reading directly from your slides.
Consider this your all-inclusive guide to how to make a good presentation. We’ll look at preparing your presentation and explore how to design it in PowerPoint. Plus, we’ll cover how to practice and nail your delivery successfully come presentation time.
We’ll also address what not to do in these tips for PowerPoint presentations—so you can sidestep any big mistakes. Now let’s dig into these tips for effective PowerPoint presentations.
Killer Presentation Preparation Tips to Get Started Right
Before even opening PowerPoint, start by addressing these things. These Microsoft PowerPoint tips and tricks will ensure that you’re prepared for your presentation:
1. Know Your Stuff
Your presentation isn’t about your slides alone. It’s about the message you want to get across. Before filling in stats, facts and figures, think about the narrative that’ll be discussed, why, and in what order.
2. Write It Out
Start in a Word or Google doc, and storyboard or script the entire presentation. This will give you an idea of how the information presented will flow and how viewers will see it in sequence. Learn the complete writing process .
3. Highlight What’s Most Important
A presentation covers the most crucial pieces only. Whatever you’ve been working on that led to this—a paper, a work project, a new product design—doesn’t need to be shared in its entirety. Pick key points and put the rest in an “Appendix” to refer to during the Q&A session at the end.
4. Know Your Audience
How you talk to a room full of medical professionals should be different from the way you address a room full of young entrepreneurs. Everything, in fact, is different: your topic selection, the language you use, the examples you give to illustrate points. The little bits of humor you include should be tailored specifically with your target audience in mind.
Understand your audience’s needs to create a successful PowerPoint presentation. Customize your content to meet their specific requirements.
5. Rehearse! (Yes, Already)
It’s never too early to get used to the rhythm of your presentation and take note of points you want to emphasize. While saying it out loud, you’ll start to develop a “feel” for the material. You’ll notice that some things work well, while others don’t and might need to be worked around.
6. Rewrite After You Rehearse
As you’re rehearsing your presentation, you’re bound to stumble over sections that don’t quite flow naturally. Instead of reworking your delivery, it might be time to consider the content and rewrite the areas that served as stumbling blocks.
“Editing is hard. ‘It’s good enough,’ is a phrase wannabes use. Leaders take editing seriously.” – Anthony Trendl
The most important part of creating a great presentation is the writing stage. The second most important stage is rewriting.
7. Share With a Friend
If the stakes are high for your presentation, it’s never too early to get feedback from those that you trust. Here’s an article that helps you collaborate as a team on a PowerPoint presentation. Get PowerPoint design tips from those that you trust when you collaborate.
Simple Tips to Design Your PowerPoint Presentation Better
Second only to you (the information you bring and how you present it) is your PowerPoint slides. If not designed well, a PowerPoint can be disengaging or distracting (regardless of the content quality). Here are some presentation design tips to make sure this doesn’t happen to you:
8. Keep Your Slides Simple
This is one of the most important PowerPoint presentation tips to follow when designing your slides. Keep in mind that less is more (effective.) A cluttered slide is distracting. It causes confusion for an audience: Which part of the slide should I focus on? Should I read the slide or pay attention to the presenter?
A simple, visually appealing slide will engage your audience, keeping them on track with your main points. Here’s an example of a simple slide that serves its purpose perfectly:
Minimalist slide templates like Nook can help you resist the urge to clutter your slides.
9. Limit Words on Your Slides
Piggybacking on the last point, less is more effective. If possible, avoid bullets altogether. Otherwise cut them to just a few simple words. The audience should be listening, not reading.
10. Use High-Quality Photos and Graphics
One of the most important tips for quality PowerPoint presentations is to use high-quality photos and graphics.
Earlier in this tutorial, you saw Envato Elements, an all-you-can-download service with PPT tips inside of templates. Those pre-built designs are a beginner’s best friend. They’re even better when paired with Elements’ unlimited library of stock photos .
People are more likely to take you seriously if your presentation is visually appealing. Users view attractive design as more usable. Similarly, they’ll view a more attractive PowerPoint as more effective.
11. Use Accurate and Relevant Charts and Graphs
Charts and graphs can also be distracting if they’re not used right. Make sure your information design is simple and clean so that the audience doesn’t spend the entire time trying to decipher what your X axis says. Learn more about PPT data presentation .
12. Use High-Quality, Fresh Templates
Have you seen the old PowerPoint template that looks like worn paper and uses ink splashes? Yeah, so has your audience. Templates can be distracting if they’re too basic or if the design feels dated. You need one with great design options.
Costs are always a concern. But when you use Envato Elements, you’ve got everything you need to create a great PowerPoint presentation . That’s thanks to the incredible all-you-can-download subscription package.
The best PowerPoint tips and tricks can hardly compare to the value of using a template while building your presentation.
On Envato Elements, there are thousands of PowerPoint design templates that are ready to use. Instead of designing a presentation from scratch, start with a template! Just add your specifics to the placeholders.
Templates like Galaxi are impressively designed and waiting for your slide specifics.
The best PowerPoint design tips save you time. And there’s no tip more powerful than this one: use a pre-built template . It helps you master how to present a PowerPoint without spending all your time in the app.
13. Choose Appropriate Fonts
Fonts are an important part of engaging your audience. Fonts and typography choices have a subconscious effect on viewers. They can characterize your company’s presentation and brand either positively or negatively. Make sure that you’re choosing fonts that are professional and modern.
14. Choose Color Well
Like font choice, colors cause specific subconscious reactions from viewers. Choosing an outdated color combination for your presentation will render it ineffective.
Below is an example of the Popsicle PowerPoint template , which has a modern presentation color choice:
The Popsicle PowerPoint template highlights how harmonized color palettes can create beautiful slides.
15. Clean + Simple Formatting Makes All the Difference!
We’ve got a full tutorial on how to make a good presentation slide . Give it a read through and review the accompanying video. Just remember, less is more. The focus is you and your message , not your slides.
16. Make Sure All Objects Are Aligned
A simple way to create a well-designed presentation is to make sure all items on a slide are intentionally aligned. To do this, hold down Shift and select all the objects you want to include. Then choose Arrange in the options bar and apply Alignment Type .
17. Limit Punctuation
This isn’t the place for exclamation points. Emphasize your points (while speaking). Don’t enlist punctuation to do this for you. (Leave these at home!!!)
18. Avoid Over-Formatting Your Points
This PowerPoint presentation tip is simple. There’s no need to have every word of every bullet point capitalized, or to have all your bullet points in title case. If possible, drop bullets altogether. Again, the simpler, the better!
Limit your text formatting, including reducing the use of bullets, underline, and other effects. Compare the before example on the left to the revised version on the right.
19. Combine Information With Graphics in PowerPoint
One of the most powerful presentation skills for PPT is using infographics. With the right type of visuals, slides come to life and reduce the text in favor of graphics.
Infographics help combine information with graphics. It’s easier to explain complex ideas when you use visual formats that are intuitive.
Practice Presentation Tips: Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse!
Delivery is probably more important than the actual content. Here’s how to become more aware of your own unique ticks, and how to present like a polished pro:
20. I’ll Say It Again, Rehearse!
Just do it. Again and again. Experiment with pauses, gestures, and body language. Practice around one hour for every minute of your speech.
21. Practice With a Timer
Consistency is key to an effective PowerPoint presentation. The timing should be similar (ideally the same) each time you rehearse. This one will especially pay off when it’s time to present in front of your audience.
22. Slow It Down
Many of the best speakers today intentionally speak slowly. You’ll have the chance to emphasize, appear more thoughtful, and make your information easier to digest.
23. Pause More Often
Like the prior tip, pausing more often allows your main points to be emphasized and gives time for information to sink in. You need to let key points breathe a little before rushing into the next section.
24. Record Yourself
Use your phone’s voice recorder. Assess and critique yourself. Consider:
- Are your pauses too short or too long?
- Are you speaking slowly enough? Too slow?
- When you’re nervous, does your voice get high like the mice in Cinderella?
It’s always weird to hear your own voice recorded; don’t stress it. Use this as a time to adjust.
25. Choose Three Focal Points in the Room
If you stare at the same spot (or even creepier, the same person) the entire time, your presentation will be ineffective (and awkward.) People will be distracted by you, wondering what you’re staring at.
Try this: pick three points in the room (typically: left, center, right). Take time to direct your delivery toward each physical focal point in the room. Also, focus on the center when making your primary points.
26. Vary Your Sentence Length
This makes you sound more interesting, and it’s easier for your audience to follow. Think short and punchy. Or go long and complex for dramatic effect.
27. Modulate!
Don’t speak in monotone for your whole presentation. Be conscious of raising and lowering your voice tone. Otherwise, people will tune you out, and you’ll come across like the teacher in Charlie Brown.
28. Practice in Front of a Mirror
What you look like is as important as how you sound. Pretend you’re having a normal conversation, and allow your hands to move with your speech to emphasize your points. Just don’t get carried away! (I’m thinking Brene Brown or President Obama , not your Aunt Jamie after a few gin and tonics.)
29. Use “Present Mode” When Rehearsing
When you finally are ready to hit the Present button in PowerPoint, make sure you use the Present Mode option. This allows you (and only you) to view extra notes about each slide—just in case you forget something!
30. Practice With New Audiences
If possible, try doing a few real live test runs as a webinar or even at a local Toastmasters organization to get some feedback from a live audience.
31. Engage the Audience by Asking Questions
There’s no reason that a presentation should be one-sided. Why not invert the format and ask your audience a question?
To learn how to create a slide that kicks off a Q&A, use this article . These PowerPoint design tips help you create an engaging and exciting discussion.
Helpful Tips to Step Up and Deliver Come Presentation Time
When the actual day arrives, there are only a few last PowerPoint presentation tips and guidelines to keep in mind:
32. Take a Deep Breath
Deep breathing is proven to relieve stress. It’s simple, and it’ll help you remain calm and in the moment, even up to the last minute before starting.
33. Lighten Up Your Mood
Tell yourself a joke or watch a funny video clip. Do this before the presentation, of course. Research concludes that happy people are more productive. More productive is more focused and able to perform better.
34. Remind Yourself to Take It Slow
When we’re stressed or nervous (or both), we tend to speak faster. Consciously, take yet another deep breath and remind yourself to take it slow!
35. Read the Room
Every presentation room has a temperature. It’s your job as a speaker to gauge it and tailor your presentation to it.
Here’s a great example. Layoffs are coming at a company, and you’re asked to speak to an audience. Even if the audience isn’t personally affected by the actions, you’ve got to consider the morale of the workforce.
Skilled speakers have a knack for reading the energy of the room and adjusting their presentation on the fly.
The last thing that group will want to hear is how strong the economy is and why the company is the best place to work. That doesn’t mean that you’ve got to align to their uncertainty, but don’t go too far against the grain while presenting.
Robert Kennedy III is a master of bringing energy and aligning a speech to the audience. Here’s his advice for adjusting:
“It can be hard to wake up a “dead” crowd but go for it. Most of all, don’t take their energy personally. Focus on serving them with every bit of your fiber then leave empty.”
36. Fake It ‘Til You Make It!
Go forward with confidence. If you act confident, you’ll start to feel more confident. Move slowly with grace, speak clearly, smile, wear something nice. You’ll appear confident to all attendees (no matter how you feel internally).
PowerPoint Presentation Tips and Tricks to Help Avoid Mistakes (What Not to Do)
Most importantly, focus on what you can do to make your presentation better. There are a few important things not to do that we’ve got to address. Here are a handful of PowerPoint presentation tips and tricks to help you avoid missteps.
37. Stop With the Sound Effects
Sound effects are distracting and outdated. In most cases, avoid them. Add audio or music to your presentation to inject interest or highlight an important point, but it’s something to take extra care with. If you insert audio, then make sure your use really connects with your audience and has a fresh approach. Otherwise, it’s best to leave it out.
38. Don’t Use Flashy Slide Transitions
Again, this is distracting and outdated. Use transitions and subtle animations in your PowerPoint presentation. But you need to take care and do it right .
39. Beware of Clip Art
This PowerPoint presentation tip shouldn’t even have to be said. But please, please don’t use clip art. Use professional graphics instead.
40. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Afraid
The fear of public speaking is a real one. Many beginners think that if they’re feeling nervous that a presentation won’t go well or succeed. That might lead them to cancel the presentation.
Here’s a tip from expert Sandra Zimmer, who leads The Self-Expression Center on conquering your fears before you take the stage:
“Get out of your head and into your body. I do this through a grounding exercise that really works to calm nerves and bring you present in the moment.”
If you think that public speaking fears aren’t normal, you might never give your award-winning presentation. So don’t be afraid to be afraid, and acknowledge it’s part of the process!
41. Don’t Read Directly During Your PowerPoint Presentation
If you spend your entire presentation looking at the screen or your note cards, you’re sure to lose your audience’s attention. They’ll disengage from what you’re saying, and your presentation will fall flat.
Reading from your paper or screen also makes it look like you’re not prepared. Many people do it, but no one should. As a general rule, only present something you know well and have, at least mostly, memorized the main points of.
42. Don’t Miss Out on PowerPoint Customizations
Many new PowerPoint users often make significant mistakes when using Envato Elements designs.
The best way to see how to make a good presentation PPT is to start with designs from others. That means using a template, but that doesn’t mean you can’t customize them!
Don’t forget that PowerPoint templates are infinitely customizable. Think of them as guides with built-in presentation design tips.
To see more presentation tips that show you what not to do, make sure to check out our guide .
Work in PowerPoint More Effectively (Tips & Tricks to Level Up Your PPT Skills)
These PowerPoint tips will help you get the most out of the application to level up your next presentation. Let’s dive in.
43. Use the Visual Guides
When you’re designing your next PowerPoint presentation, it helps to create a sense of visual rhythm. Slides that have objects aligned and centered are more likely to resonate with an audience.
44. Use a Few Animations (Tastefully)
Animations in effective PowerPoint presentations are a slippery slope. We’ve all sat through presentations where there were so many objects in motion that it was easy to lose focus on the key ideas in the presentation.
But that’s why animations get an unfairly bad reputation. Use animations to create motion and hold an audience’s attention. Use them sparingly and on key elements on your slide, and you’ll capture that attention properly.
45. Stage Key Content With Animations
You just learned that animations should avoid being distracting. But there’s an important principle to using animations properly. It’s called staging content.
Staging content means that the content appears step by step. There’s nothing worse than overwhelming an audience with all your content at once. But when you stage content, bring it on step by step.
Take it from presentation pro Suzannah Baum :
“If you’re sharing a slide with lots of different points on it, using the animation to reveal those points one at a time is a way to keep the presenter’s content flowing smoothly.”
For more animation presentation tips and tricks, follow our guide .
46. Add a Video to Your PowerPoint
When you’re sharing a big idea in your presentation, it helps to share your perspective from a few different angles. Adding a video to supplement your content can do just that. Luckily, it’s easy to add and embed a YouTube video in your next PowerPoint presentation.
47. Add Charts & Graphs
Charts and graphs can help you tell stories with data. It’s easy for an audience to zone out when you throw a big data table or set of statistics at them.
instead, convert those to charts and graphs. Try out our tutorial to learn how to edit those graphs.
48. Build Your Own Infographics With SmartArt
Earlier in this tutorial, we gave you one of my favorite PowerPoint design tips: use infographic templates.
Here’s another. One of my favorite PowerPoint features is SmartArt, which allows you to build infographics right inside the app.
You don’t have to use another graphic design app like Photoshop or Illustrator to add visuals. Instead, try out SmartArt to help you build graphics that are easy to update.
49. Use Presenter View
Remember that when you use the PowerPoint, you’ re the presentation. The slides are just there to reinforce what you’ve got to say and support your speaking points.
That’s why I always recommend using Presenter view. More often than not, you’re going to have several displays. Presenter view shows your content on your screen, while your presentation is displayed on another screen.
50. Track Your PowerPoint Changes
One of my favorite PowerPoint design tips is to collaborate. Those who know you best will suggest compelling changes that are sure to help you succeed.
As you start collaborating on your presentation, it helps to keep track of proposed and included PowerPoint changes. Use this article to track changes made by others.
10 More Advanced PowerPoint Tips & Tricks
Really need to wow an audience with a good PowerPoint presentation? Give these tips a try to make an unforgettable impression:
51. Engage With an Interactive Quiz
A good PowerPoint presentation gets your audience involved. One of the best PowerPoint tricks is to do that with a quiz. By engaging audiences, a quiz makes your slides memorable.
By adding trivia, you’ll see how to present a PowerPoint in a way that people will love. Channel your inner game-show host today. MIDTEST is a good PowerPoint presentation with quiz slides.
52. Illustrate With Custom Image Masks
One of the top PowerPoint tips is to illustrate your slides. But you can go beyond simple, rectangular images on each slide.
The Burte template is full of PowerPoint tricks , including custom image masks. Image masks shape photos into unique works of art. And thanks to premium templates, you can style photos just like this. Masks overlay your photos onto geometric shapes, instantly elevating your style.
53. Print Handouts With Extra Notes
Wonder how to give a good presentation PPT that audiences will remember? Give them a piece of it to take home.
PowerPoint makes it easy to print handouts with room for notes on the page. This way, audiences can keep copies of your slides, along with their own notes. This is the perfect way to ensure everyone engages with and retains your content.
54. Make Bulk Edits With Master Slides
When you think about how to present a PowerPoint, consider your branding. That means keeping your logo front and center in the eyes of an audience. But if you’re working with a lengthy slide deck, this could seem daunting.
That’s where master slides come in. They’re common in premium layouts, and they’re a leading example of presentation skills for PPT. Master slides let you make bulk edits fast.
55. Shrink File Sizes for Sharing
Many of the top presentation tips involve making your slides more accessible. Often, that involves sharing them with audiences online.
You’ll often find that email clients and cloud services limit the size of files that you share. This can be a problem with large PPT slide decks. But there are a few quick steps you can take to reduce PPT file size. Cut graphics, scale down photos, and more.
56. Map Processes With Flowcharts
As you consider how to do a good PowerPoint presentation, think of ease of understanding. After all, you’re trying to explain something to your audience.
The Flowcharts in Infographics template seamlessly illustrates ideas and processes. A flowchart maps out a process in a visual way. Instead of resorting to endless narration, try a quick illustration like this. It saves you time and effort, and your audience is sure to thank you.
57. Use Brand-Specific Colors
Using presentation skills for PPT helps form an association between your message and branding. There’s no better way to do that than with your brand colors.
PowerPoint makes it easy to change color themes, adding your brand colors and logo to each slide. This is one of the top PowerPoint tricks for marketing presentations.
58. Build Social Media Posts in PPT
A good PowerPoint presentation doesn’t have to be shared through a projector. Use the app and templates to build amazing illustrations to use anywhere.
A template like Soffee helps you learn how to present a PowerPoint easily with a pre-built design.
Try using PowerPoint to create social media posts. It helps you engage with your audience, with no need to design custom layouts from scratch.
59. Be Industry-Specific
One of the top presentation tips in 2024 is to be industry-specific. That means avoiding generic layouts and choosing something more customized.
This offers two key advantages. First, you save time by having layouts built for you. Second, you gain design inspiration for your specific topic. Themed templates are truly the best of both worlds.
The Medical and Health template is a good PowerPoint presentation with a set theme.
60. Design for Online (Virtual) Sharing
Last but not least in our list of PowerPoint tips comes virtual presenting. More and more often, slides will be shared with online audiences around the globe.
Why not design your slides for that very purpose? And then learn how to share flawlessly with a global team? It’s one of the top presentation tips for 2024. Embrace it today.
More Great PowerPoint Tutorial Resources
We’ve built a resource for Microsoft PowerPoint that you’re sure to want to try. It includes countless PowerPoint tips and tricks. It’s called How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide) and has all the PowerPoint design tips you need.
Discover More Top PowerPoint Template Designs From Envato Elements for 2024
You’ve just seen our favorite powerful PowerPoint presentation tips and guidelines to help you improve your speaking. We’ve also mentioned Envato Elements, an incredible all-you-can-download source for top PowerPoint designs .
Here are five of the best PowerPoint templates that you can use to create your best presentation yet:
1. Galaxi PowerPoint Template
Blast off to success with the help of this PowerPoint template! Think of the pre-built slide designs as pro PowerPoint design tips. They’re built by professional graphic designers. All the popular and modern slide styles that are perfect for your next presentation. Use Galaxi’s five styles and 30 designs to create a great presentation.
2. Masmax PowerPoint Template
We selected templates for this article that match the PowerPoint tips and tricks provided. Masmax fits the bill perfectly across its 234 unique slide designs. These slide designs are sure to align with the latest in design expectations.
3. STYLE Multipurpose PowerPoint Template V50
Style is subjective, but we can all agree that this template is stunning! The light and airy slide designs are built with fashion-focused designs in mind. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not perfect for most presentations. When learning to present a PowerPoint, remember that templates can be customized to suit your purpose.
4. Peachme Creative PowerPoint Template
Peachme has image-focused slides with splashy designs. The slides are colorful and perfect for a modern presentation. Don’t worry about remembering all the PowerPoint design tips because they’re included in the pre-built slides. Use Peachme’s designs for your presentation today.
5. Buizi Office Building Rent PowerPoint Template
Buizi markets itself as a real estate focused template. It’s ideal for that purpose because of the minimal, image-focused slide designs. But that also makes it a perfect choice for presentations in many fields.
We’ve just scratched the surface of PowerPoint design tips with these five options. Here are many more, bundled inside of the best roundups on Envato Tuts+:
How to Build a Good PowerPoint Presentation Quickly (In 2024)
You’ve already seen effective presentation skills PPT techniques. But you may be wondering exactly how to do a good PowerPoint presentation. It only takes a few clicks. Let’s learn how in just five steps.
For this mini-tutorial, we’ll use the Enjoy PowerPoint Template from Envato Elements. You’ll see that it’s a beautiful template that helps you learn how to present a PowerPoint by giving you every object and layout you need.
Let’s get started:
1. Choose Your Slides
As you can see, a template like Enjoy has dozens of unique slides inside. The key to how to give a good presentation PPT is to choose only the slides that you need.
One of the best PowerPoint tricks is to start by selecting slides you wish to use from your template.
In PowerPoint, scroll through the sidebar on the left to view different slide layouts. Right-click and choose Delete to remove unwanted designs. Plus, you can click and drag slide thumbnails to reorder them in the deck.
2. Add Text
Consider how to do a good PowerPoint presentation without investing a ton of time. That’s where premium templates come in.
One of our top presentation tips when working with a PPT is to lean on the pre-built text boxes for your content.
To add custom text, simply click and select the contents of any text box on your slide. Then, type in your own words. Repeat as needed throughout your slide deck.
3. Customize Fonts
With text selected, it’s easy to customize fonts on each slide. Find the Font section on PowerPoint’s Home tab. From there, you’ve got a variety of dropdown options.
Another of our top tips for presentation tricks is to use a custom font setting in your template.
Click to change the font, font size, and more. You can also use the buttons on the left to add bolds, italics, and more.
Need more custom font styles? As an Envato Elements subscriber, you’ve got instant access to thousands of custom fonts . Use them in your presentation with ease.
4. Insert Images
Slides like this one contain an image placeholder. That’s another advantage found only with premium templates. These make adding images a breeze.
Add images to your PPTX template for more visually interesting slides.
To get started, find an image file stored on your computer. Then, drag and drop it over the placeholder. PowerPoint will import it, sized and scaled for a perfect fit.
5. Change Colors
One of the top effective presentation skills is changing shape colors. This helps you control the look and feel of each slide.
With a shape selected, find the Shape Format tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon. Then, click on the Shape Fill dropdown. You’ll see a color chooser menu appear. Click on any thumbnail to apply it to the shape or browse through the Gradient and Texture options.
Start Putting These PowerPoint Presentation Tips & Tricks Into Use Today!
Learning to write, design, and present a PowerPoint presentation is an invaluable skill, no matter where you use it. If you’re a good communicator of important messages, you’ll never go hungry.
Luckily, improving PowerPoint presentations isn’t as hard as it seems. Follow these tips for PowerPoint presentations to design and deliver with greater confidence.
Remember: Less is more (effective) . Use PowerPoint presentation templates for better design and more effective visual impact. And you can customize a PPT template quickly , with the right workflow.
Related Articles
PowerPoint vs. Keynote vs. Google Slides: Best Presentation Software?
What's the best presentation software for your next project? Discover the answer in our detailed comparison of PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides.
Choosing the best presentation software is a big decision. Your presentation needs to look good. And to make it look good, you need the right tool. The presentation software you choose makes a difference. In this article, we’ll compare PowerPoint vs. Google Slides vs. Keynote.
As a creative, you’ll likely need to give presentations. Maybe it’s to win new business, pitch your team on a design, or build awareness with a marketing deck.
Presentation software allows you to create professional slide presentations. A slide presentation allows the presenter to share information. Initially, slide presentations were geared towards live audiences. Now, slide presentations are just as likely to be delivered to a web audience and published online.
In this article, we compare three of the most popular presentation packages: PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides. We’ll dig into some of the pros and cons of each app.
Also, we’ll link to helpful resources to help you get started quickly, no matter which tool you choose. Finally, we’ll point out some strong template choices to help you make the best use of your presentation software and get started quickly. Let’s dive in.
No matter which software package you use, one way to ensure professional results is by choosing a high-quality template. A template determines the look and feel of your presentation. The right template can elevate it to a truly professional presentation .
The Top Presentation Software Compared
As we dive into the top presentation apps, let’s do a bit of research on top apps. To do that, we’ll use Google Trends. As you can see, PowerPoint’s popularity has held steady as the global leader, although Google Slides continues its popularity.
The closeness of the data for PowerPoint vs. Google Slides may surprise you. Google Slides experienced a huge boom in traffic in 2020 and continues its popularity. However, it still trails PowerPoint. Keynote has a more limited share, remaining mostly flat over the last few years.
This is the worldwide trend, so let’s consider search patterns in the United States. As you can see below, Google Slides is often more popular than PowerPoint in the United States from the perspective of search traffic. At the time of writing, they are roughly equal. Keynote, like the worldwide pattern, is lower but a steady constant.
Now, in this chart, we break down the main differences between PowerPoint vs. Keynote vs. Google Slides. Then we’ll dig into each presentation software in more detail to help you choose between them.
Let’s take a closer look at each presentation software package. We’ll compare PowerPoint vs. Google Slides, as well as Keynote vs. PowerPoint.
1. PowerPoint
As part of the Microsoft Office suite, PowerPoint has been one of the most popular presentation software packages for years. It’s got a large number of themes. Support is widely available through both Microsoft and through user-created resources.
Because it’s an established software package, PowerPoint has many advantages for the small business owner. Those pros include:
- Ease of Use . The navigation structure will be familiar to anyone who uses other Microsoft software. It includes a help system and even some basic tutorials. You can also use Microsoft’s technical support.
- Customization Options . PowerPoint includes a large number of special effects. There are also many themes available, some through Microsoft and some through third parties like Envato .
- File Types Supported . This software presentation package can import and export a large number of file types. It’s compatible with files from other Microsoft Office products. It also lets you integrate audio files.
- Community Support . Due to the large number of users, there are many articles and books to help you learn how to use the tool effectively.
- Integration with Office Apps. If you use Microsoft Excel for data and analysis, it’s a breeze to drop data tables and charts from Excel right into your PowerPoint presentation.
- Artificial intelligence. Microsoft recently launched Copilot, an AI assistant that works in PowerPoint.
- Mobile apps. Available for free, the mobile apps on iOS and Android are the perfect way to take your work with you and not lose your productivity streak.
Despite its many advantages, there are still some weaknesses:
- Collaboration . Recently, PowerPoint has improved the ability to collaborate in real time. However, when you compare Google Slides vs. PowerPoint’s collaboration, PowerPoint lags. To work with another user, you must save the document to OneDrive and invite the people you want to collaborate with.
- Web apps. While Microsoft has a browser-based version of PowerPoint, it’s not as fully featured or as seamless as Google Slides, for example.
- Perception . Some users report that PowerPoint leads to less creative presentations. This is probably because many businesses rely on older, more basic templates that don’t use the most recent features.
PowerPoint Gains (Artificial) Intelligence
One of the big advantages of PowerPoint is the fact that Microsoft has already incorporated AI. As you compare PowerPoint vs. Keynote and Google Slides, note that Microsoft added AI first!
The recently launched Copilot AI assistant works inside PowerPoint. It helps you analyze data and style your presentations. Get a full walkthrough of AI in PowerPoint .
6 Quick Tips for Getting Started in PowerPoint
When you decide to use PowerPoint, you may be wondering how to get started. By embracing these six quick tips, you’ll get ideas and be ready to build slides fast:
1. Add Multimedia for Engaging Presentations
Your PowerPoint presentation can be so much more than simple slides. You can add an incredible range of audio, video, and animations. These help you better engage your audience.
Learn more about the power of adding audio and video to your PowerPoint presentation below:
- How to Add Audio to PowerPoint (Free PowerPoint Template Included)
- How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint (With Free Template)
2. Choose a Template to Meet Your Needs
When you’ve opted for PowerPoint, it pays to start by using a template. And not just any template. You’ll save more time and impress more people by choosing a themed template.
Presenting on real estate? Choose a real estate template! Opt for a food-inspired design if you’re sharing slides about a new restaurant. The Envato library has thousands of PPT templates with custom themes.
These themed templates also help give you design inspiration. Slide designs are tailored around a specific topic. As you build out your designs, you may think of things to share that otherwise you wouldn’t have considered. A themed premium template is truly a win-win.
3. Animate Your Slides
Static, unmoving PowerPoint slides aren’t very interesting. Why not add a little spice by using animations to control how text and objects appear and disappear on a slide? They’re easy to add and use.
Animations are stylish, and they help you control the flow of your presentation. For example, you can add a simple Fly In effect to bring bullet points onto a slide, one by one.
Sound intriguing? Learn more with our full tutorial .
4. Build Stylish Illustrated Layouts
PowerPoint layouts should have a few things in common:
- They should be stylish. You need to use eye-catching designs that grab (and keep) an audience’s focus.
- Slide layouts should also be neat and uncluttered. Add too much content and you’ll have a messy, distracting presentation.
Using plenty of images is a great way to build winning layouts. Photos and graphics boost visual interest in a flash. They help you style content in new and creative ways.
5. Keep Formats Consistent With Format Painter
When you’re working in PowerPoint, it pays to maintain a clean and consistent look. This means preserving styles and formats from one slide to the next. But you may not have a ton of time when you’re building slides.
Fortunately, PowerPoint’s Format Painter feature is there to help. Format Painter lets you seamlessly copy formats from one section of a slide deck to another. For example, you can mirror text highlights from one slide to another.
To learn how, read our MS PowerPoint Format Painter guide .
6. Use Infographics and Charts
As you present in PowerPoint, try to illustrate your ideas. A compelling option is to use infographics and charts. These are especially useful if you’re talking through numerical data.
Infographics are illustrations that use graphics to convey information. They’re a hallmark of premium templates. Often, you’ll find dozens of options in a single deck. You can easily swap out the placeholder details with your own data. Infographics are a top way to bring your ideas to life.
More Top Tutorials for Microsoft PowerPoint
Want to dive deeper into Microsoft PowerPoint? Our Envato Tuts+ tutorial, PowerPoint 101: Everything You Need to Make a Basic Presentation , is a great place to start.
We also have a comprehensive PowerPoint resource, How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide) .
How to Create Advanced Designs With PowerPoint Templates
No matter how much you know about PowerPoint, you need your presentation to look as professional as possible. You’ll want to use a professional template to do that. Envato has a simple licensing structure for PowerPoint templates. Subscribe, and you’ll have access to thousands of presentation templates.
We also have a detailed tutorial on how to customize a PowerPoint template. It shows you the art of modifying PPT slide designs and adjusting Master Slides.
Here’s a closer look at one of our most popular PowerPoint templates, Blendu. It includes many slide layout options and the features you’d expect in a professional design.
What is Keynote? Simply put, Keynote is part of Apple’s iWork productivity suite. Some call it the Apple version of PowerPoint. It was designed to work on macOS and is a streamlined presentation tool.
The app offers a stylish interface that’s easy to use. Keynote remote works on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod. While the support isn’t quite as extensive as what’s available for PowerPoint, there are still a lot of resources available.
If you’re already a macOS user, Keynote just might be the best presentation software for your business needs. As you evaluate PowerPoint vs. Keynote, these comparisons can help you weigh your options. Here are some of the pros of Keynote:
- Ease of Use . Like many macOS apps, Keynote features an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The Apple version of PowerPoint puts design at the forefront and makes it easy to create a presentation from scratch.
- Multiple Devices . With iCloud, you can use Keynote on multiple devices and sync your files. You can resume editing your presentation on your iPad or iPhone even while on the go.
- Customization Options. With many different themes, animation, and effects available, it’s easy to get creative. There are also many themes available from third-party marketplaces like Envato .
- Export Feature. Keynote files can easily be exported to PowerPoint or even QuickTime. It also integrates well with other tools in Apple’s ecosystem, like Pages and Numbers.
Cons of Apple Keynote include:
- Less Extensive Help Files . Keynote has a smaller user group. As such, there’s a smaller knowledge base that you can learn from. The Apple version of PowerPoint can hardly match the massive number of users of other presentation apps.
- macOS Only . If you’ve got a PC and want to create Keynote files from scratch, you’ll need to use the browser-based editor.
As the Apple version of PowerPoint, design is at the forefront of this tool.
Top Tutorials for Keynote
Want to learn more about Apple Keynote? We’ve got you covered with tutorials that help you master Apple’s presentation app. Many of these resources can even contrast the difference between Keynote and PowerPoint.
Don’t let the choice of PowerPoint vs. Keynote be one of familiarity. As you level up your Keynote knowledge, you can make a confident choice. Learn more about using Apple Keynote in these tutorials:
- How to Add Animated GIFs to Keynote
- How to Make Flowcharts & Gantt Charts in Keynote With Templates
- How to Quickly Make a Timeline in Keynote With Templates
- What Is Apple Keynote Software? +How to Start Using It to Make Presentations
- How to Convert Keynote to PowerPoint (PDF, & More) on Export (+Video)
How to Create Advanced Designs With Keynote Templates
Keynote, the Apple version of PowerPoint, has a litany of advanced design features. But it’s always easier when you start with a great template. You can find a professional template that uses Keynote’s unique features at Envato.
3. Google Slides
Google Slides is part of Google’s software office suite included within Google Drive. You could explain it as the Google equivalent of PowerPoint, with one twist: it’s browser-based.
The software and your work reside completely on the web, making it an ideal choice for online sharing. As a browser-first tool, it offers some intuitive and innovative presentation features.
As long as you’re connected, you can access Google Slides from any device. If you work with a team who all use different platforms, Google Slides may be the right choice for you. Here are some Google Slides pros:
- Ease of use . Google Slides isn’t difficult to learn. Help files are incorporated, although they don’t seem to be as extensive as in some of the other packages. There are quite a few third-party resources to help you learn Google Slides.
- Web-based . The online files are always current and up to date. Comparing Google Slides vs. PPT, the online experience is much better with Slides. You can also easily link or embed your document into a web page.
- Collaboration . It’s easy for colleagues and team members to access and edit documents through the web, no matter what device they’re working on. Changes can be made simultaneously in different parts of the same presentation.
- Innovative . Google Slides has several innovative features. For example, there’s a new Q&A feature that allows audiences to interact with a speaker through a link. It looks like a promising feature to hold audience engagement for those who make a public presentation.
Cons of Google Slides include:
- Fewer Choices. Google Slides has fewer choices for effects. There are also fewer themes, though Envato has a good selection of choices. Some users find the program features to be too basic.
- Google Account Required . If you don’t currently have a Google account, you’ll need one to use this app. But you can sign up for an account free of charge.
Where can you go to learn more about Google Slides? As the Google equivalent of PowerPint, you’ll feel at home if you’re familiar with PowerPoint. You can also start with our tutorial, Getting Started With Google Slides . You can also ask questions in the Google Product Forums .
More Top Tutorials for Google Slides
Google Slides features an easy learning curve, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a basic app. In fact, it has most of the key features that every presenter needs.
It takes time to learn Google Slides, but we’ve got you covered with top tutorials! Make sure to use these other Envato Tuts+ tutorials to level up your Slides knowledge :
- How to Quickly Make a Simple Jeopardy Game on Google Slides
- How to Turn Google Slides Into a Polling Tool (Live Audience Engagement)
- How to Quickly Customize a Google Slides Calendar Template
- How to Zoom In & Zoom Out in Google Slides (Quick Trick)
- How to Insert Math Equations in Google Slides (Beginner Guide + Video)
How to Use Custom Templates With Google Slides
Envato offers many professional templates for Google Slides . How good can a Google Slide presentation look? Look at our best-selling Google Slides template, Braze . Here’s a closer look at this template and thumbnails of some of its best slides:
PowerPoint vs Keynote vs Google Slides: Which Should You Choose?
There’s no right or wrong presentation software solution. Each presentation app has pluses and minuses, and ultimately it comes down to what fits you best.
Consider these strengths as you make your presentation app choice:
- PowerPoint is an established package with a large user base and lots of support. If you’ll be working for a business that prefers Microsoft Office products, this may be the right choice for you. There are thousands of PowerPoint templates from professional designers to choose from. Microsoft has integrated Copilot for AI-assisted presentation builds.
- Keynote is designed for macOS and tends to have a more creative vibe, according to some users. If you work mostly on macOS or iOS, this could be the best presentation software package for you. There are plenty of creative Keynote templates to work with.
- Google Slides might be the right package for you if you work on a team that uses different operating systems and you need to collaborate. It’s also a great option for remote teams. There’s a growing base of Google Slides presentation templates on Envato, with more added regularly.
The Best Source for Presentation App Templates (With Unlimited Downloads)
No matter which presentation app you use, Envato is a subscription with everything you need. One subscription gives you access to a wide selection of templates for Google Slides, Keynote, and PowerPoint. It gives you the flexibility to try out every presentation app you need with great templates.
PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides: you name it, Envato has a template for it. Those templates save you hours of design work. Plus, your subscription gives you plenty of extras like stock photos, graphics, video, and more.
Whether you prefer Google Slides or PowerPoint or Keynote, Envato is your ticket to great presentations. Start creating .
Now You Know Which Presentation Software to Choose
In this article, you’ve learned about the pros and cons of PowerPoint vs. Keynote vs. Google Slides. You also saw helpful resources to help you learn each app. Choose the best presentation software for your needs. Then, grab a quality presentation template , and get to work making your presentation today .
Choosing the best presentation software package can be challenging. The package you choose depends largely on your needs and budget. Jump in and experiment with each to find the right fit for you.
Related Articles
Copilot tutorial: Create a presentation with a prompt
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Duration: 1 minute 14 seconds
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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.
Get started with PowerPoint for Beginners. Follow this 20-Minute step by step PowerPoint tutorial to start creating presentations smoothly.Contents of this v...
Learn everything you need to know to get started using Microsoft PowerPoint! You'll learn all the basics plus more, including: how to choose a design theme...
PowerPoint for Windows training. Quick start. Intro to PowerPoint. Slides & layouts. Text & tables. Pictures & graphics. Present slideshows. Animation, video & audio. Share & co-author. Take a Tour Download template > Use 3D models Download template > Import your 3D models Download template > Other versions.
To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide. This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on. You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint.
To insert a new slide, go to the Insert tab on PowerPoint's ribbon. Then, click on the New Slide button to add a new slide to your presentation. Easily add a New Slide from the Insert tab in the Ribbon. Each of the thumbnails that you'll see on the sidebar represents a slide. Then, you'll add content to each slide.
How to make a PowerPoint animation and a PowerPoint presentation with this 12-mins PowerPoint tutorial for beginners! Edit your presentation videos seamlessl...
Select the text. Under Drawing Tools, choose Format. Do one of the following: To change the color of your text, choose Text Fill, and then choose a color. To change the outline color of your text, choose Text Outline, and then choose a color. To apply a shadow, reflection, glow, bevel, 3-D rotation, a transform, choose Text Effects, and then ...
Create a presentation. Open PowerPoint. In the left pane, select New. Select an option: To create a presentation from scratch, select Blank Presentation. To use a prepared design, select one of the templates. To see tips for using PowerPoint, select Take a Tour, and then select Create, . Add a slide.
We're a team dedicated to making Microsoft PowerPoint accessible to everyone. Our mission is to simplify the complexities of PowerPoint, aiming to save time and effort for users at all skill levels. Discover expert PowerPoint tutorials and training at LearnPowerpoint.io. Master slides, animations, and more to create stunning presentations with ...
A tutorial by Michael Kinney who will teach you how to turn your PowerPoint slideshow into a narrated video. The tutorial assumes you are already familiar with the software and explains how to set up your mic, use the recording features in PowerPoint, and later on, export your presentation into a video. 13.
One of the basics of PowerPoint presentations is to have a consistent color palette throughout. With these PowerPoint basics covered, let's change the slide background color on slide two. To start, click on the slide background. Next, click on the Design tab. In the toolbar, click on the Format Background button.
The real value of these pro PPT templates is the presentation slide design ideas that they include. Use those pre-built designs for ideas of how to present your own content. The Motagua PowerPoint theme has 200 slide designs and two different color variants to build professional presentations. In this tutorial, I use the Motagua PowerPoint ...
Open the PowerPoint app, select a template and theme, then like "Create.". Click the text box to add your title and subtitle to create your title slide. Click the "Insert" tab, then "New Slide" to add another slide. Choose the type of slide you want to add, then add text and pictures. Rearrange slides by dragging them up or down in ...
When working on a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, you will most likely perform actions such as creating new slides, changing their order, arranging them by theme, deleting unnecessary slides or even temporarily hiding slides. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to do all of this to turn any of our templates into your own presentation.
PowerPoint for Beginners - Program & Animation Basics FREE. PowerPoint basics is a free course where you learn basics about the software and its animation features. Enjoy! Free tutorial. 4.6 (7,382 ratings) 170,398 students. 1hr 52min of on-demand video. Created by Andrew Pach. English.
In this tutorial, you will learn the basics of working with PowerPoint by creating your first presentation. The tutorial also covers many PowerPoint best practices. Microsoft PowerPoint Beginners Level 1 . This is another beginner-friendly PowerPoint tutorial that will help you learn the ropes quickly. The tutorial covers everything from ...
In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to use Microsoft PowerPoint. Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to create stunnin...
A great PowerPoint presentation is: Prepared to Win. Research, plan, and prepare your presentation professionally. It helps you deliver an effective message to your target audience. Designed Correctly. Your visual points should stand out without overwhelming your audience. A good PowerPoint visual shouldn't complicate your message.
Step 2: Choose a Template. Select a template or a blank presentation to start creating your slides. PowerPoint offers a variety of templates to fit every need and occasion. Whether you want something simple and professional or colorful and creative, there's a template for you. If you prefer to start from scratch, you can choose a blank ...
Microsoft PowerPoint is a commercial presentation application written and distributed by Microsoft for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The current versions at the time of writing this tutorial are 2010 for Microsoft Windows and 2011 for Mac OS X. Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation tool that supports text, shapes, graphics, pictures and multimedia along with integration with other Microsoft ...
Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out. Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various ...
10. Use High-Quality Photos and Graphics. One of the more important tips for quality PowerPoint presentations is to use high-quality photos and graphics. Earlier in this tutorial, you saw Envato Elements, an all-you-can-download service with PPT tips inside of templates.
PowerPoint Animation Mastery 👉 https://pptskill.com Order a Custom Presentation 👉https://pptskills.com/custom-ppt Get My PowerPoint Version 👉 https://...
Your PowerPoint presentation can be so much more than simple slides. You can add an incredible range of audio, video, and animations. ... Want to dive deeper into Microsoft PowerPoint? Our Envato Tuts+ tutorial, PowerPoint 101: Everything You Need to Make a Basic Presentation, is a great place to start.
Premium Canva presentation template. Perfect for everyone, this illustrated, blue and purple presentation template makes dental hygiene fun and easy to understand. Ideal for teachers, parents, and health professionals, it offers step-by-step guidance on brushing techniques and oral care tips.
Duration: 1 minute 14 seconds. Discover how Copilot in PowerPoint effortlessly creates captivating presentations in just a few prompts and access the full power of Microsoft Designer to bring your ideas to life with professional graphics.
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