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How to Make a Slideshow on PowerPoint

Whether for work or private, use slideshows to get your message across

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In This Article

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Before You Begin

• Step-by-Step: Make a Slideshow on PowerPoint
• Play Music During the Slideshow
• Set up the Slideshow
• Add Timings to Each Slide
• Edit Timings on a Slide
• Create a Video Slideshow
• Save a Slideshow to a CD or Other Removeable Media

When you're ready to present your PowerPoint slides to others, look no further than PowerPoint's slideshow feature. Use this tool for all kinds of slides, but those containing photos work best for most viewers.

Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 , PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and PowerPoint for Mac.

Before you create slides for your slideshow presentation, decide how long to make the slideshow, how it should flow, and the pictures you’ll use.

• Length : A slideshow can be as long or as short as you need. The length of the slideshow should be appropriate for the topic and for your audience’s attention span.
• Outline : It’s always smart to start with an outline; it helps you visualize your slideshow. An outline can be as simple as the list of topics you want to cover.
• Pictures : Choose photos that are clear and tell a story.

With PowerPoint's Photo Album , select the pictures and PowerPoint creates the basic slideshow. Fill your slides with informative text and harmonizing background music, then turn your collection of slides into a self-running photo slideshow with music that can play as a video or be stored on a CD.

When you’re ready to make a photo slideshow with music, PowerPoint gets you up and running quickly. To get started, select Insert > Photo Album > New Photo Album .

Here’s how to add and format pictures for the slideshow using the Photo Album:

Add pictures

Select File/Disk and select the images you want in the picture slideshow.

Enhance photos

Place a checkmark next to the picture you want to enhance and change the orientation, contrast, and brightness. You’ll see the changes in the Preview window.

Add text boxes

To add a slide for text, select the image in the album list you want the text to follow and select New Text Box .

Rearrange slides

 Place a checkmark next to the picture you want to move and select the Move Up or Move Down arrows.

Choose a picture layout

 Select the Picture layout down arrow and choose how you want the pictures to appear in the slideshow.

Frame the pictures

 Select the Frame shape down arrow and choose a frame style. You’ll see a preview in the Album Layout area. This option will not be selectable if the picture layout Fit to slide is enabled.

Select Create when you’re finished.

Your photo slideshow is created in a new file. Add text to the slides and change the look of each slide.

How to Play Music During the Slideshow

Play music in the background during your slideshow to offer an audio counterpoint to all the visuals. The background music starts automatically with the slideshow and plays during all the slides.

To add background music to your presentation, select Insert > Audio > Audio on My PC , choose a music file, then select OK .

The audio icon appears in the middle of the current slide. To move it, drag it to a different place on the slide. When the audio icon is selected, the Playback tab appears. Select Play in Background and make changes to the audio file . Here are some suggestions.

• Preview the music : Select Play to hear what the music will sound like during your slideshow.
• Shorten the duration : Select Trim Audio to remove parts of the beginning and end of the music file.
• Adjust the volume : Select Volume to make the background music louder or softer.

How to Set up the Slideshow

Once your slides are finished, it’s time to set up the slideshow. Start by deciding whether to show the slideshow in a window or full screen.

To set up the slideshow, select Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show and choose one of the following:

• Browsed by an individual (window) : Run the slideshow automatically and inside a window. This option works best when you save the slideshow to a CD.
• Browsed at a kiosk (full screen) : Run the slideshow automatically and at full-screen size. This option works best when you convert the slideshow to a video.

Select OK when you’re finished.

How to Add Timings to Each Slide in the Slideshow

Now it’s time to decide how long each slide will appear in the slideshow. To begin, select Slide Show > Rehearse Timings . The slideshow displays in full screen with a Recording toolbar and a timer.

While timing your presentation, use the Recording toolbar to advance through the presentation.

Select Next (arrow pointing to the right) to go to the next slide when the desired timing has been reached.

Select Pause to start and stop the timing.

Select Repeat to restart recording the time for the selected slide.

When you’re finished and have set the time for the last slide, close the Recording toolbar.

Select Yes to keep the recorded slide timings.

How to Edit Timings on a Slide

If you need to increase or decrease the time for your slideshow, change how long slides appear during the slideshow.

To change the timing for a slide:

Select View > Slide Sorter .

Select Transitions .

Select a slide.

In the Advance Slide After text box, enter how long the slide should appear in the slideshow before proceeding to the next slide, then press Enter .

The new timing applies to the slide.

How to Create a PowerPoint Video Slideshow

The easiest way to distribute and play your slideshow is in video format. This way, anyone can view your slideshow no matter what computer or device they use.

To convert a slideshow into a video:

Save the file.

Select File > Export .

Select Create a Video .

To force a smaller file size, select the Full HD drop-down list and choose a lower quality.

Select Create Video .

Select the destination folder and give the video a descriptive file name.

Select Save . It may take a few minutes to process the file and create the video.

How to Save a Slideshow to a CD or Other Removeable Media

To create a presentation that can be watched on any computer and can be stored on a CD or other removable media:

Select Package Presentation for CD > Package for CD .

Type a name for the CD.

Select Copy to Folder or Copy to CD and follow the on-screen directions.

When you’re finished, select Close .

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How To Insert Picture In PowerPoint [A Comprehensive Guide]

By: Author Shrot Katewa

When I am in a conference hall, and the speaker is presenting a PowerPoint to the audience, the first thing that catches my eye is the pictures in the presentation. Pictures are a wonderful way of representing information in an engaging and creative manner. They bring life to an otherwise dull text-heavy presentation.

But, how do you insert pictures in PowerPoint?

To insert a picture into a presentation, first go to the slide where the picture will be added. Then select the “Insert tab”, click on “Pictures”, and “Source of the picture”. Choose the picture you want, either from the Internet, Stock images, or from the computer. Finally, click Open (or OK), and the picture will be inserted.

There are many other ways to add in a picture into your presentation. In this article, we shall cover all the different ways to insert a picture in PowerPoint. Plus, I’ll also share a few pro-tips to help you add text with the picture to your slide.

So, let’s get started!

1. How to Add Pictures in PowerPoint?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can add pictures and any other object using the  “Insert”  tab. The  “Insert”  tab includes features that allow you to insert a picture from different sources like your device, a camera, a cloud drive, the internet, etc.

1.1 How to Insert Picture from Computer in PowerPoint?

To insert a picture into a PowerPoint slide, you have to use the  “This Device”  option in the  “Insert Picture From”  list. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts to quickly add a picture to a PowerPoint presentation.

1.1a Method 1 – Using the Insert Tab

The  “Insert” tab is the third tab in the menu ribbon in Microsoft PowerPoint. To add a picture to a slide using the  “Insert”  tab, follow the 3 simple steps. 

Step-1: Click on the “Insert” tab

The first step is to open the slide where you want to add the picture. Then click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

Step-2: Click on the “Pictures” option

The next step is to click on the  “Pictures”  option in the  “Images”  group of the  “Insert”  menu. Then click on the  “This Device”  option from the dropdown menu under the  “Pictures”  option.

Step-3: Click on the “Open” button

In the  “Insert Picture”  dialog, browse for the picture on your computer. Then select the picture and click on the  “Open” button at the bottom of the dialog box to insert the picture into the open slide.

1.1b Method 2 – Using Drag and Drop

To use the  “Drag and Drop”  method, you have to open the  “File Explorer”  window over the PowerPoint file. In the window, look for the picture that you want to insert into the presentation slide. Then all you have to do is click on the picture in the  “File Explorer”  window and drag it to the presentation slide and drop it there.

1.2 Shortcut to Insert Picture in PowerPoint?

Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to insert a picture into your slide using only the keyboard. To use the keyboard shortcuts, you have to first press the  “Alt”  key.

The keyboard shortcut for each option in the menu ribbon will now be visible on the screen. Now press the  “N”  key on your keyboard to open the  “Insert”  menu. In the  “Insert”  menu, press the  “P”  key to open the  “Insert Picture From”  dropdown menu.

Press the  “D”  key to insert an image from your computer. You can also press the  “S”  key for stock images and the  “O”  key for online pictures.

1.3 How to Insert Online Pictures in PowerPoint?

The  “Online Pictures”  option in PowerPoint allows you to insert a picture from the internet into your slide using the Bing search engine. To add a picture from the web to PowerPoint, follow the 5 easy steps.

You have to first open the  “Insert”  menu. To do so, click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

Step-2: Click on the “Online Pictures” option

In the  “Images”  group of the  “Insert”  menu, click on the  “Pictures”  button. Then click on the  “Online Pictures”  option from the dropdown menu under the  “Pictures”  option.

Step-3: Click on the search bar

Now you have to click on the search bar at the top of the  “Online Pictures”  dialog box and type in what you are looking for. You can also select a preferred category from the dialog box.

Step-4: Click on the “Filter” option

The next step is optional. You can click on the  “Filter”  icon which looks like a funnel under the search bar. In the  “Filter”  dropdown menu, you can select the size, type, and layout of the online picture. 

Step-5: Click on the “Insert” button

Finally, you have to click on one or more pictures that you want to add to the slide. Then click on the  “Insert”  button at the bottom of the dialog box.

1.4 How to Insert Image Using Photo Browser in PowerPoint? 

The  “Photo Browser”  option in Office helps you browse through the photos on your Mac device. This option is only available in Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac. To insert an image from iPhoto or Photo Booth using the  “Photo Browser” , follow the 2 quick steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Photo Browser” option

The first step is to open the slide where you want to add the picture. Then click on the  “Picture”  option in the  “Insert” menu and select the  “Photo Browser”  option under the  “Picture”  option.

Step-2: Select your preferred image

In the dialog box, you have to now browse to the picture that you want to add to the PowerPoint slide. Then all you have to do is drag the picture onto the slide.

1.5 How to Add Image From Your Phone to Your PowerPoint Presentation?

When you take a photo on your iPhone, you can add it to your PowerPoint presentation using the PowerPoint for Mac. You have to first save the picture to iCloud Drive. Then follow the 2 simple steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Picture From File” option

The first step is to open the slide where you want to insert the image. In the  “Insert”  menu, hover your pointer over the  “Picture”  option. Then click on  “Picture From File” .

Step-2: Click on the “Insert” button 

In the dialog box, look for the picture in your iCloud that you want to insert and click on it. Then all you have to do is click on the  “Insert”  button to add it to the open PowerPoint slide.

1.6 How to Add Stock Images in PowerPoint?

Stock images are a gallery of free images available in PowerPoint. To insert a stock image into a PowerPoint slide, follow the 5 quick steps.

In the PowerPoint presentation, open the slide where you want to add the stock image. Then click on the  “Insert”  tab which is the third tab in the menu ribbon.

Step-2: Click on the “Stock Images” option

Now you have to click on the  “Pictures”  option in the  “Images”  group of the  “Insert”  menu. Then click on the  “Stock Images”  option from the dropdown menu. This will prompt a dialog box.

Step-3: Select your preferred category

At the top of the dialog box, click on one of the seven categories of stock images available in PowerPoint.

Step-4: Click on the search bar

The next step is to click on the search bar and type in the keywords to search for a stock image. Then scroll through the images to select your preferred image.

Now all you have to do is click on the  “Insert”  button at the bottom of the dialog box to add the selected stock image to the open slide.

1.7 How to Insert Picture in PowerPoint on Mobile?

In the PowerPoint app for Android devices, you can insert a picture directly from the camera on your mobile phone. All you have to do is follow the 3 easy steps.

Step-1: Tap on the “Insert” tab

You have to first open the slide where you want to add the picture. Then tap on the  “Insert”  tab in the floating ribbon on the bottom of the screen.

Step-2: Tap on the “Camera” option

In the  “Insert”  menu, tap on the  “Pictures”  option. Then tap on the  “Camera”  option under the  “Pictures”  option. This will open the camera app on your phone.

Step-3: Tap on the “Done” button

Now all you have to do is take a picture. If you are satisfied, tap the  “Done”  button at the bottom of the screen to insert the picture into the PowerPoint slide.

2. How to Insert Pictures On All Slides in PowerPoint?

Using the  “Slide Master” feature in PowerPoint, you can insert a picture into all the slides of the presentation at once. To do so, follow the 5 simple steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Slide Master” option

In the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen, click on the  “View”  tab. Then click on the  “Slide Master”  option in the  “Master Views”  group of the  “View”  menu.

Step-2: Click on the master slide

In the  “Slide Master”  view, you have to open the master slide. Scroll up in the slide layout pane on the left side of the screen and click on the slide at the very top. This is the master slide. 

Step-3: Click on the “Pictures” option

The next step is to insert the picture. Click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon, and then click on the  “Pictures” option in the  “Insert”  menu. Refer to  section 1  for detailed steps on inserting images from different sources.

Step-4: Click on the “Picture Format” tab

In the menu ribbon, you have to now click on the  “Picture Format”  tab. In the  “Picture Format”  menu, you can now edit, adjust, resize, and reposition the inserted picture. You cannot edit the picture in the master slide once you return to the  “Normal”  view.

Step-5: Click on the “Close Master View” button

Once you have inserted and edited the picture, you can now return to the  “Normal”  view. All you have to do is click on the  “Slide Master”  tab. Then click on  “Close Master View”  in the  “Slide Master”  tab.

3. How to Insert Picture as Slide Background in PowerPoint?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can insert a picture into a slide as a background. All you have to do is follow the 4 easy steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Format Background” option

“Right Click”  anywhere on the open slide. Then click on the  “Format Background”  option from the right-click menu.

Step-2: Click on the “Picture or texture fill” option

In the  “Format Background”  sidebar, click on the  “Fill”  option. Then click on the  “Picture or texture fill”  option under the  “Fill”  section.

Step-3: Click on the “Insert” button

The next step is to click on the  “Insert”  button under the  “Picture Source”  option in the  “Format Background”  sidebar as shown in the previous picture. This will open the  “Insert Pictures”  dialog box.

Step-4: Insert a picture  

In the  “Insert Pictures”  dialog box, click on the source of the background picture. You can see the detailed steps for adding pictures from each source in  section 1 .

4. How to Insert Image Placeholder in PowerPoint?

A picture placeholder in PowerPoint is a predesigned spot in a slide layout where you can add a picture. Check out my other article to learn more about placeholders in PowerPoint .

To insert an image placeholder, follow the 4 quick steps.

The first step is to click on the  “View”  tab in the menu ribbon. In the  “View”  menu, click on the  “Slide Master”  option.

Step-2: Click on the  “Insert Placeholder” button

In the slide layout pane on the left side of the  “Slide Master”  screen, click on the layout where you want to add the placeholder. Then click on the  “Insert Placeholder”  option under the  “Slide Master”  tab.

Step-3: Click on the “Picture” option

In the dropdown menu under the  “Insert Placeholder”  option, click on the  “Picture”  option. Then draw the picture placeholder on the slide layout

Step-4: Click on “Close Master View”

Finally, all you have to do is click on the  “Close Master View”  option to save the picture placeholder in the slide layout (as shown above).

5. How to Insert Picture in PowerPoint Without White Background? 

When inserting a picture into a PowerPoint slide, you may want to remove the unnecessary white background in your picture. To learn about all the tools you can use to remove the background, you can read my article  here . To remove the white background using the  “Set Transparent Color”  feature, follow the 4 simple steps.

Step-1: Insert a picture

The first step is to insert the picture with white background into the PowerPoint slide. Refer to  section 1  for the detailed steps on inserting images from all sources.

Step-2: Click on the “Picture Format” tab

The next step is to click on the  “Picture Format”  tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

Step-3: Click on the “Set Transparent Color” option

In the “Adjust” group of the  “Picture Format”  tab, click on the  “Color”  option. Then click on the  “Set Transparent Color”  option at the bottom of the dialog box under the  “Color”  option.

Step-4: Click on the white background

Now all you have to do is click on the white part of the selected image on the slide to remove the white background.

6. How to Insert Picture With Text in PowerPoint?

Once you have inserted a picture in PowerPoint, you can add text on top of it. To add text to an inserted picture, follow the 4 simple steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Text Box” option

In the menu ribbon, click on the  “Insert”  tab. Then click on the  “Text Box”  option in the  “Text”  group of the  “Insert” menu. Now you have to draw the text box over the inserted picture in the slide.

Step-2: Type in the text box

In the text box, you can now type in the text that you want to add to the picture. You can also edit the appearance of the text using the features available in the  “Home”  menu.

Step-3: Select the text box and the picture together

Now you have to select the text box and the picture together to group them. Press and hold the  “Ctrl”  key on your keyboard and click on the text box and then the picture to select them both.

Step-4: Click on the “Group” option 

In the  “Drawing”  section of the  “Home”  tab, click on the  “Arrange”  button. Then click on the  “Group”  option in the dropdown menu to group the text with the inserted picture on the slide (as shown above).

7. How to Insert Picture in PowerPoint Notes?

In PowerPoint, you can add a picture to your speaker notes. All you have to do is follow the 3 quick steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Notes Page” option 

The first step is to click on the  “View”  tab in the menu ribbon. In the  “View”  menu, click on the  “Notes Pages”  option.

Step-2: Click on the “Insert” tab 

In the  “Notes Page”  view, scroll through to open the slide note where you want to insert a picture. Then click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon.

Step-3: Click on the “Pictures” option 

In the  “Images”  section of the  “Insert”  tab, click on the  “Pictures”  option. Then select the picture source from the dropdown menu. You can find the detailed steps for inserting an image in  section 1 .

8. How to Insert Clip Art in PowerPoint? [Link to Existing Article]

The clipart in PowerPoint is a collection of free images that you can use in your presentation slides. You can read about the detailed steps on inserting clipart in any version of PowerPoint in my article here.

To insert a clipart in PowerPoint using the  “Online Pictures”  option, follow the 5 simple steps.

The first step is to open the slide where you want to insert the clipart. Then click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

In the  “Images”  group of the  “Insert”  tab, click on the  “Pictures”  option. In the dropdown menu under the  “Pictures” option, click on the  “Online Pictures”  option.

In the  “Online Pictures”  dialog box, you can now click on any of the available categories of the pictures. You can also click on the search bar at the top of the dialog box to search for a specific category.

Step-4: Click on the “Clipart” option

Now you have to click on the  “Filter”  option, which is the funnel icon under the search bar. In the  “Filter”  pop-up menu, click on the  “Clipart”  option under the  “Types”  section.

The final step is to select one or more cliparts from the  “Online Pictures”  dialog box to insert into the slide. Then all you have to do is click on the  “Insert”  button at the bottom of the dialog box.

9. How to Add Picture to a Shape in PowerPoint? [Link to Existing Article]

Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to add a picture to an existing shape inside a slide. You can read about the different methods for adding pictures to a shape in my other article. To insert a picture into a shape using the  “Shape Fill”  feature, follow the 3 easy steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Fill” option

The first step is to  “Right Click”  on the shape where you want to insert the picture. From the Shape Format tab, in the pop-up menu, click on the  “Fill”  option.

Step-2: Click on the “Picture” option

In the dropdown menu under the  “Fill”  option, click on the  “Pictures”  option. This will open the  “Insert Pictures” dialog box.

Step-3: Insert a picture

Now all you have to do is insert the picture into the selected shape. In the  “Insert Pictures”  dialog box, choose where you want to add the picture from. For the detailed steps for inserting pictures from any source, refer to  section 1 .

10. How to Insert Round Picture in PowerPoint?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can add any shape to a picture. To insert a round picture, you have to first insert a picture following the steps detailed in  section 1 . Then follow the 3 simple steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Picture Format” tab

Click on the picture that you want to add a round shape to. Then click on the  “Picture Format”  tab from the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

Step-2: Click on the “Crop to Shape” option

In the  “Size”  group of the  “Picture Format”  tab, click on the  “Crop”  option. In the dropdown menu under the  “Crop” option, click on  “Crop to Shape” . This will open a secondary menu containing a list of all the available shapes.

Step-3: Select the round shape

Finally, all you have to do is click on the round shape from the dropdown list to insert the picture into the round shape as shown in the image above.

11. How to Insert a Linked Picture in PowerPoint?

Microsoft PowerPoint offers the feature to insert a linked picture so that the inserted picture in the presentation can update automatically when it is edited outside the PowerPoint file. To insert a linked picture, follow the 3 easy steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Insert” tab 

In the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen, click on the  “Insert”  tab.

Step-2: Click on the “This Device” option 

In the  “Insert”  menu, click on the  “Pictures”  option. Then click on the  “This Device”  option from the dropdown menu. You can insert a linked picture only from this option. (shown in the image above)

Step-3: Click on the “Insert and Link” option 

In the  “Insert Picture”  dialog, click on the picture that you want to add. Then click on the down arrow by the  “Insert” button at the bottom of the dialog box. Click on the  “Insert and Link”  option from the dropdown list to insert the linked picture.

12. How to Insert a Screenshot in PowerPoint? [Link to Existing Article]

In PowerPoint, you can directly take and add a screenshot to a slide. To do so, you have to first click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon. In the  “Images”  group of the  “Insert”  tab, click on the  “Screenshot”  option.

The  “Available Windows”  option allows you to take a screenshot of any of the open windows. You can use the  “Screen Clipping” option to take a screenshot of the current screen. Read my article here to learn more about the  “Screenshot”  feature in PowerPoint.

13. Insert Image in a Table in PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can insert an image inside a table. All you have to do is follow the 2 quick steps.

Step-1: Click inside a cell

You have to insert the picture inside a single cell in a table. So the first step is to click on the cell where you want to insert the picture. Then click on the  “Insert”  tab in the menu ribbon.

Step-2: Click on the “Pictures” option 

In the  “Insert”  menu, click on the  “Pictures”  option. Refer to  section 1  for the detailed steps on inserting images from different sources into PowerPoint. (shown in the image above)

14. Unable to Insert Image in PowerPoint Error

If PowerPoint shows an error message when inserting an image into a slide, you can embed the picture into the slide instead. To do so, follow the 4 simple steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Object” option

In the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen, click on the  “Insert”  tab. Then click on the  “Object”  option which is the last icon in the  “Text”  group of the  “Insert”  tab.

Step-2: Click on the “Browse” option 

In the left column of the  “Insert Object”  dialog box, click on the  “Create from file”  option. Then click on the “Browse”  button at the center of the dialog box.

Step-3: Click on the “OK” button

In the  “Browse”  window, select the picture that you want to insert into the slide. Then click on the  “OK”  button at the bottom.

Step-4: Click on the “OK” option

Finally, all you have to do is click on the  “OK”  button at the bottom of the  “Insert Object”  dialog box to embed the selected picture into the PowerPoint slide.

Credit to wayhomestudio (on Freepik) for the featured image of this article (further edited).

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How to Add Images to a PowerPoint Presentation

Last Updated: June 5, 2023

Inserting Saved Images

Inserting copied images, inserting clip art.

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 13 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 136,312 times. Learn more...

Even if you've never used PowerPoint before, adding images to PowerPoint is fairly straightforward with a little explanation. Whether you have your image saved to your computer or you need to search the Internet for the perfect picture for a presentation, have no fear. Soon, you'll be a master when it comes to adding images to your PowerPoint slides.

Things You Should Know

• Insert a saved image into your PowerPoint by clicking "Pictures" within the "Insert" tab atop your screen.
• You can also find an image online to copy and paste it into a PowerPoint presentation.
• Also look for the "Clip Art" or "Online Pictures" section within the "Insert" tab.

• Many times, due to formatting issues, this method can be unreliable. Don't give up; there are other options available.

• You can also double click your image from the "Insert Picture" directory to insert it.

• Mac users can perform the same function by holding ⌘ Command while clicking.
• Content that you've selected with your cursor can also usually be copied by pressing Ctrl + C or, for Apple users, ⌘ Command + C . [1] X Research source [2] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source

• You can also paste items from your clipboard by pressing Ctrl + V

Community Q&A

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• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236
• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/126449

About This Article

To insert an image on a PowerPoint slide, start by clicking the slide in the left panel of PowerPoint. Next, click the ""Insert"" tab at the top of PowerPoint. If the picture you want to insert is on your computer, click ""Pictures"" in the toolbar and then select ""This Device."" Select the image you want to insert and click ""Insert"" to place it on the slide. You can then drag it anywhere on the slide. To resize the image without warping it, click and drag the circles at any of the corners (not the edges) inward or outward. As long as the picture is selected, you can use the tools on the Format tab to add artistic effects, color filters, lighting corrections, borders, and more. If you'd rather insert a picture from the web, return to the ""Insert"" tab—if you see the option for ""Online Pictures,"" click it—if not, click the ""Pictures"" icon first and then select ""Online Pictures"" from the menu. You can then choose a photo from your OneDrive or search for one using Bing Image Search. After inserting an online picture, you can edit it using the tools on the format tab. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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10 Free PowerPoint Templates to Present Your Photos With Style

The most common use of PowerPoint with photos is their use as photo albums. Create your own...or use the hundreds of free templates in the Office template gallery. We pick ten attractive ones.

You might think Photoshop is the best tool for putting together a photo collage, but actually PowerPoint offers plenty of free templates for you to use instead. Here's how to use a template in PowerPoint along with all the best PowerPoint photo collage templates you have to choose from.

Why Use PowerPoint Photo Collage Templates?

Share your photos: For our most popular preoccupation with photos—sharing.

Show off photos with style: A professional photo collage template can add gravity and enhance your photos.

Save time: Microsoft PowerPoint templates for photos are molds for standard layouts. Why reinvent the wheel? Save time with pre-made photography templates so you can focus on other things instead.

Showcase creativity: Turn a long-term photography project into a creative PowerPoint photo album presented as a slideshow.

How to Search for Free PowerPoint Photo Collage Templates

The most common use of Microsoft PowerPoint with photos is to use it as a photo album. PowerPoint ships with some default photo templates, but you can also use free templates in the Office Online Template & Themes gallery.

Follow these steps in Office 365. It should be similar for other versions of Microsoft Office as well.

• You can tweak your slides further by applying Themes from the Design tab with just a click. A theme is a predefined combination of colors, fonts, and effects. Different themes are suitable for different slide layouts.

Tip: You can pin your favorite templates to the New screen.

The 10 Best PowerPoint Photo Templates

Good presenters know not only what to present but also how to present. These 10 professional photo collage templates do some of the handholding for you.

1. Stay Minimal With the Classic Photo Album

The Classic Photo Album PowerPoint template is a minimal theme suitable for black and white street photography. Use this to create a personal portfolio. Limited to two colors, it doesn't distract from the photos you use the template for.

If you want to go with color, customize the default theme background, colors, number of images, alignment of thumbnails, and more by using the Ribbon.

2. Make a Baby Photo Collage

This PowerPoint photo slideshow template presents your cute baby pictures in a vertical style. You can use a different number of photos in the slides and write down memories associated with the photos.

3. A PowerPoint Collage for Wedding Photos

The elegant Wedding Photo Album is a compilation of 17 slides in different layouts. You will find other wedding album templates in the gallery, but this is an understated photo collage. You can add up to five wedding photos to create a collage. For more choices, search with a "wedding photo album" keyword.

4. Birthday Photo Album Template for Any Age

A common use of collages is to put together a birthday photo album. This PowerPoint template for birthday photos is easy to adapt to your needs. The 15 deck template also comes with editing instructions if you are a beginner on PowerPoint and need some help.

5. A Stylish Biography Template for Class

Studying the biographies of achievers is required reading in many grade levels. This is not for your photos but for profiling the life of famous men and women in the class. The Biography Presentation template is a well-designed template with space for photos and biographical information. Use each slide to focus on a single aspect of the achiever's life.

6. Escape With a Road Trip Photo Album Template

Just looking at the collage of placeholders for your road trip photos might make you want to take one. This beautiful PowerPoint template has eight slides, so you might need more of them if you bring back lots of memories.

7. Have Fun With a Party Photo Album Template

A fun party can throw up a lot of little moments. Capture them all in a slideshow with this 21-slide PowerPoint template. This photo collage template is colorful to match any fun theme for your party.

8. Remember Someone With a Memorial Album

Use the Floral memorial album template to pay tribute with a PowerPoint slideshow. The eight slides in the template are designed for different photos and one of the slides can even hold eight photos. This presentation design is somber but stylish at the same time.

9. Send a Reunion Reminder With a Family Photo Album

Present a few loving family photos to inspire everyone to start preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The theme of these PowerPoint slides is simple, and you can easily add a few more slides to the default five this deck comes with.

10. Create a Stunning Photo Book

You might feel overwhelmed if someone asked you to put together a quick photo book. But use this subtle yet stylish PowerPoint photo book template to get the job done in no time. The name and the placeholder images might suggest a fashion theme, but you can easily repurpose it for any photos.

Let's Not Forget Office Online

You might not use PowerPoint Online for crafting that killer presentation, but it's still a free alternative to Microsoft Office with plenty of templates.

While most of the online photo templates are crossovers from the Office suite gallery, there are still some exceptions. For example, the Animated picture collection template.

You can always download a template from the online gallery to your desktop. And you can save your presentation to a web location just as easily with OneDrive, then access it from there with Office 365.

Other Sources of Free PowerPoint Templates

There also lots of non-Microsoft sources of free Microsoft PowerPoint templates and backgrounds. Search with a keyword like "photos" or "photo album" to find them. Here are a few suggestions:

• SlideHunter
• PPTtemplate.net
• PresenterMedia
• Powered Template
• Graphic River (paid)

Templates can help you take shortcuts through the time-consuming task of designing a presentation. That way you can save more time for perfecting the look of your presentation with a few profession design tips.

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8 tips to make the best powerpoint presentations.

Want to make your PowerPoint presentations really shine? Here's how to impress and engage your audience.

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Table of contents, start with a goal, less is more, consider your typeface, make bullet points count, limit the use of transitions, skip text where possible, think in color, take a look from the top down, bonus: start with templates.

Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed. Here are some tips to make your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations sing while avoiding common pitfalls.

It all starts with identifying what we're trying to achieve with the presentation. Is it informative, a showcase of data in an easy-to-understand medium? Or is it more of a pitch, something meant to persuade and convince an audience and lead them to a particular outcome?

It's here where the majority of these presentations go wrong with the inability to identify the talking points that best support our goal. Always start with a goal in mind: to entertain, to inform, or to share data in a way that's easy to understand. Use facts, figures, and images to support your conclusion while keeping structure in mind (Where are we now and where are we going?).

I've found that it's helpful to start with the ending. Once I know how to end a presentation, I know how best to get to that point. I start by identifying the takeaway---that one nugget that I want to implant before thanking everyone for their time---and I work in reverse to figure out how best to get there.

Your mileage, of course, may vary. But it's always going to be a good idea to put in the time in the beginning stages so that you aren't reworking large portions of the presentation later. And that starts with a defined goal.

A slideshow isn't supposed to include everything. It's an introduction to a topic, one that we can elaborate on with speech. Anything unnecessary is a distraction. It makes the presentation less visually appealing and less interesting, and it makes you look bad as a presenter.

This goes for text as well as images. There's nothing worse, in fact, than a series of slides where the presenter just reads them as they appear. Your audience is capable of reading, and chances are they'll be done with the slide, and browsing Reddit, long before you finish. Avoid putting the literal text on the screen, and your audience will thank you.

Related: How to Burn Your PowerPoint to DVD

Right off the bat, we're just going to come out and say that Papyrus and Comic Sans should be banned from all PowerPoint presentations, permanently. Beyond that, it's worth considering the typeface you're using and what it's saying about you, the presenter, and the presentation itself.

Consider choosing readability over aesthetics, and avoid fancy fonts that could prove to be more of a distraction than anything else. A good presentation needs two fonts: a serif and sans-serif. Use one for the headlines and one for body text, lists, and the like. Keep it simple. Veranda, Helvetica, Arial, and even Times New Roman are safe choices. Stick with the classics and it's hard to botch this one too badly.

There reaches a point where bullet points become less of a visual aid and more of a visual examination.

Bullet points should support the speaker, not overwhelm his audience. The best slides have little or no text at all, in fact. As a presenter, it's our job to talk through complex issues, but that doesn't mean that we need to highlight every talking point.

Instead, think about how you can break up large lists into three or four bullet points. Carefully consider whether you need to use more bullet points, or if you can combine multiple topics into a single point instead. And if you can't, remember that there's no one limiting the number of slides you can have in a presentation. It's always possible to break a list of 12 points down into three pages of four points each.

Animation, when used correctly, is a good idea. It breaks up slow-moving parts of a presentation and adds action to elements that require it. But it should be used judiciously.

Adding a transition that wipes left to right between every slide or that animates each bullet point in a list, for example, starts to grow taxing on those forced to endure the presentation. Viewers get bored quickly, and animations that are meant to highlight specific elements quickly become taxing.

That's not to say that you can't use animations and transitions, just that you need to pick your spots. Aim for no more than a handful of these transitions for each presentation. And use them in spots where they'll add to the demonstration, not detract from it.

Sometimes images tell a better story than text can. And as a presenter, your goal is to describe points in detail without making users do a lot of reading. In these cases, a well-designed visual, like a chart, might better convey the information you're trying to share.

The right image adds visual appeal and serves to break up longer, text-heavy sections of the presentation---but only if you're using the right images. A single high-quality image can make all the difference between a success and a dud when you're driving a specific point home.

When considering text, don't think solely in terms of bullet points and paragraphs. Tables, for example, are often unnecessary. Ask yourself whether you could present the same data in a bar or line chart instead.

Color is interesting. It evokes certain feelings and adds visual appeal to your presentation as a whole. Studies show that color also improves interest, comprehension, and retention. It should be a careful consideration, not an afterthought.

You don't have to be a graphic designer to use color well in a presentation. What I do is look for palettes I like, and then find ways to use them in the presentation. There are a number of tools for this, like Adobe Color , Coolors , and ColorHunt , just to name a few. After finding a palette you enjoy, consider how it works with the presentation you're about to give. Pastels, for example, evoke feelings of freedom and light, so they probably aren't the best choice when you're presenting quarterly earnings that missed the mark.

It's also worth mentioning that you don't need to use every color in the palette. Often, you can get by with just two or three, though you should really think through how they all work together and how readable they'll be when layered. A simple rule of thumb here is that contrast is your friend. Dark colors work well on light backgrounds, and light colors work best on dark backgrounds.

Spend some time in the Slide Sorter before you finish your presentation. By clicking the four squares at the bottom left of the presentation, you can take a look at multiple slides at once and consider how each works together. Alternatively, you can click "View" on the ribbon and select "Slide Sorter."

Are you presenting too much text at once? Move an image in. Could a series of slides benefit from a chart or summary before you move on to another point?

It's here that we have the opportunity to view the presentation from beyond the single-slide viewpoint and think in terms of how each slide fits, or if it fits at all. From this view, you can rearrange slides, add additional ones, or delete them entirely if you find that they don't advance the presentation.

The difference between a good presentation and a bad one is really all about preparation and execution. Those that respect the process and plan carefully---not only the presentation as a whole, but each slide within it---are the ones who will succeed.

This brings me to my last (half) point: When in doubt, just buy a template and use it. You can find these all over the web, though Creative Market and GraphicRiver are probably the two most popular marketplaces for this kind of thing. Not all of us are blessed with the skills needed to design and deliver an effective presentation. And while a pre-made PowerPoint template isn't going to make you a better presenter, it will ease the anxiety of creating a visually appealing slide deck.

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Animate a picture on your slide

To add some spirit to your presentation, you can add an animation effect to a picture or to shapes on your slides.

In this example, we’ll animate two pictures:

Select the first picture.

On the Animations tab, select an animation effect. For example, select Fly In .

Click Effect Options , and then pick a direction for the animation. For example, From Left .

Select the second picture that you want to animate.

On the Animations tab, pick Fly In .

Click Effect Options and pick From Right .

Tip:  You can change the order of the animations by selecting a picture and, under Reorder Animation on the ribbon, clicking Move Earlier or Move Later .

To test the animations you just applied to the two pictures, select the Slide Show button located at the bottom-right corner of the browser window:

In slide show view, click a slide to start each animation.

Tip:  To remove an animation effect, in Normal view, select the picture, and on the Animations tab, click None .

More about animation:

Animate text or objects

Animation effects available in PowerPoint for the web

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A simple guide to slideshows

Learn what slideshows are, how they’re used, common features, and how to choose a slideshow maker. Get started creating your own slideshows today with Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is a slideshow?

What are slideshows used for.

Meetings and presentations

Slideshows are most frequently used to create professional presentations for business meetings, conferences, and educational purposes. A  slideshow program  allows people to organize content, include visuals, and enhance the overall impact of their message.

Visual storytelling

Because slideshows sequentially display engaging visuals, text, and other multimedia, they’re a strong way to tell a cohesive and compelling narrative from start to finish.

Content creation

Slideshows give content creators a versatile and efficient way to organize information, increase visual appeal, and communicate effectively across different contexts.

Photo and video sharing

Slideshow makers are popular for creating photo and video presentations, especially for events like weddings, birthdays, and vacations. People can add transitions, music, and captions to fully bring the photo-sharing experience to life.

Training and tutorials

Slideshows help break down complex information into digestible chunks with the support of visuals and text, making them ideal for instructional materials, tutorials, and training modules.

Collaborative projects

In collaborative settings, teams use slideshow makers to create joint presentations or reports. The best slideshow makers enable multiple contributors to add their content simultaneously, which helps ensure a cohesive and unified presentation.

What are the features of a slideshow creator?

Slideshow creators vary in what they offer but ideally include:

A library of templates, themes, and images.

If you’re not a designer, this feature is huge. Simply browse the options available in your slideshow maker library to create a polished, professionally designed presentation in a flash. Be sure to confirm that access to the library is free and the images are approved for unrestricted usage.

Audio and video compatibility.

Keeping your audience engaged is key to any successful slideshow presentation. To mix things up, being able to add a multimedia element—like a song or a video clip—will help people stay focused and interested.

Presentation tools.

Handy presenter tools go a long way toward making your slideshow experience seamless. For example, straightforward slide navigation, slideshow keyboard shortcuts, pen and highlighter markup, and adjustable resolution settings.

AI assistance.

With AI revolutionizing content creation, using a slideshow maker that has AI capabilities will enhance efficiency and innovation. Depending on the slideshow app you have, creating an entire slideshow could be as easy as a quick prompt, like “Make a presentation about the benefits of sustainable fashion that has 15 slides.” 

Animations.

Like audio and video, animations give your audience a bit of sensory surprise that can capture their attention. 

Slide transitions.

Add some pizzazz to how you change slides with visual effects like fading, wiping, and zooming. 

Screen recording.

Being able to record your screen in a slideshow maker is helpful when giving an instructional talk, software demonstration, and other types of presentations that require visual aids.

A place to put speaker notes.

Having somewhere to jot a few notes down will help remind you of everything you want to cover as you present.

Different viewing options.

Looking at different views—for example, a presenter view, an audience view, and a high-level view of slide order—is useful when organizing your slideshow’s structure and understanding and preparing for what you’ll see versus what your audience will see.

How do I choose the right slideshow maker?

When choosing a slideshow maker, keep the following questions in mind to make sure you get the most for your money:

Is it scalable with your business?

As your organization grows and changes, it’s important to have flexible technology that adapts to new needs. Having certain features—such as cloud-based collaboration, compatibility with other work apps, and a mobile app—will help ensure that no matter how your business changes, the slideshow maker is up to the task. This also applies to pricing plans. Consider choosing a slideshow app that has a subscription plan (so the software is always up to date), volume-based pricing, or enterprise-level pricing.

Does it have a variety of visual elements?

It’s pretty much a given that a slideshow maker will allow you to add images, but think outside the JPEG box—what other visual elements are available to you? Features like preset themes, free templates, SmartArt, a built-in clip art library, shape tools, background styles, 3D models, and charts and graphs provide diverse ways to switch up how a slideshow looks without relying solely on adding your own images.

Is it easy to use?

You could have the most feature-rich slideshow maker on the market, but if it isn’t easy to use, you probably won’t use it. Or you will, but you’ll be frustrated, waste valuable time, and have difficulty convincing people you work with to use it. As you research slideshow makers, look for videos that show the apps’ interfaces in action to help you decide if they’re intuitive and will have a shorter learning curve.

Does it have collaboration and sharing options?

Because making a slideshow is often a collaborative effort, it’s worthwhile to find a slideshow creator that was designed with this in mind. Pick one that offers editing controls and commenting, as well as the ability to work on a slideshow at the same time as someone else. Having a cloud-based slideshow maker will be key here. You’ll not only save yourself time but also keep things simple by not having multiple versions of the same slideshow.

Explore more about slideshows and slideshow makers

Copilot in powerpoint.

Transform how you make slideshows with the versatile AI in Copilot for PowerPoint.

Improve your presenting skills

Practice presenting with an AI speaker coach to get feedback on body language, repetition, and pronunciation.  

Six slideshow tips and tricks

Read up on tips about how to finesse your slideshows to give your most confident presentations.

Get free PowerPoint templates

Show your style with PowerPoint templates in more than 40 categories.

How to make a branded slideshow

Create a cohesive visual identity for your brand that goes beyond adding a logo to every slide.

Try a photo album template

Relive your favorite memories with photo album templates designed for all your unforgettable moments.

The benefits of visual aids in slideshows

Discover why using visual aids helps communicate ideas and messaging more effectively.

Slideshows that reach all learners

Explore the different ways that people learn and how to include all learning styles in your presentations.

Frequently asked questions

How do i make a good slideshow.

Making a good slideshow in PowerPoint is easy:

Plan what you’d like to include in your slideshow.

Launch your slideshow creator.

Choose the theme you’d like.

Import media.

Add text, music, and transitions.

Record, save, and share your slideshow.

Learn more about how to make a slideshow .

How do I add music to a slideshow?

To add music to a slideshow, first make sure that you’re using a slideshow maker with music compatibility. In PowerPoint, follow these steps:

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide where you want to add music.

Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon menu.

Click on the Audio button and select Audio on My PC.

Browse to the folder on your computer where the audio file is located and select it.

Click on the Insert button.

How do I record a slideshow?

The steps for recording a slideshow in PowerPoint will vary depending on the version that you own. Get help with slideshow recording based on your version. 

What types of files can I add to a slideshow?

File compatibility in PowerPoint includes the use of JPEGs, PNGs, TIFFs, GIFs, PDFs, MP3s, WAVs, MIDIs, MPEG-4 Videos, and Windows Media Videos.  

How do I share my slideshow?

To share your PowerPoint slideshow, follow these steps:

Open your presentation and click Share at the top right of your screen.

If your presentation isn't already stored on OneDrive, select where to save your presentation to the cloud.

Choose a permission level, like Anyone with a link , or maybe just people in your company. You can also control if people can edit or just view the doc. 

Select Apply.

Enter names and a message.

Select Send.

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How to Remove Watermark in PowerPoint: Easy Steps

Home / PowerPoint Tutorials / How to Remove Watermark in PowerPoint: Easy Steps

Ever feel like a pesky watermark is stealing the spotlight from your brilliant PowerPoint presentation? Maybe you added one by accident, or received a file with an unwanted guest. Don’t panic!

Removing watermarks in PowerPoint is a breeze. In this guide, we’ll be your secret weapon, showing you exactly how to vanish those watermarks and make your presentation shine!

What is a Watermark?

Before we jump into removing watermarks, let’s understand what they are. A watermark is a subtle design or text, often semi-transparent, layered onto a document or image. It’s commonly used to signify ownership or add branding.

Floating watermark: This watermark isn’t confined to a single spot. It can appear anywhere on the document or presentation, kind of hovering over the content (text and images).

Now, let’s dive into the steps to remove a watermark from your presentation templates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Watermark

1. Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation containing the watermark you want to remove.

2. To access the watermark layer, go to the “View” tab in the toolbar and select “Slide Master” from the dropdown menu.

3. In the Slide Master view, look for the slide layout that contains the watermark. The watermark is usually located at the top or bottom of the slide.

4. Click on the watermark to select it. You should see handles around the edges indicating that it’s selected.

5. Once the watermark is selected, press the “Delete” key on your keyboard, or right-click on the watermark and choose “Delete” from the context menu.

6. After removing the watermark, exit the Slide Master view by clicking on the “Slide Master” tab again and selecting “Close Master View.”

7. Go through your slides to ensure that the watermark has been completely removed. If there were multiple watermarks, repeat the process for each one.

Additional Tips

Safeguard your efforts! Discover how to incorporate watermarks into your presentations for added protection. Start now and ensure your work remains secure.

Save a Backup Before making any changes, it’s always a good idea to save a backup copy of your presentation. This way, you can revert to the original if needed.

Consider Transparency If the watermark is particularly stubborn, check if it has any transparency settings. You may need to adjust the transparency or remove any effects applied to the watermark.

Use High-Quality Images If your watermark is an image, replacing it with a higher quality version can improve the overall look of your presentation.

Removing watermarks in PowerPoint doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple steps, you can easily get rid of those unwanted overlays and create a polished presentation. Remember to save your work and double-check for any remnants of the watermark before finalizing your slides. Now go ahead, remove those distractions, and let your content shine!

Ramachandiran

Related blogs.

5 Free Alternatives To Microsoft PowerPoint

M icrosoft PowerPoint has always been the default choice for creating professional meeting briefs or fun little project demonstrations in schools. Its inclusion as a free service for students or working professionals makes it a no-brainer to use. However, for the general public, it can get quite expensive to pay for a subscription just to be able to create simple presentation slides. Although you can subscribe to Microsoft's Office Suite and get more bang for your buck, the pricing still doesn't hit the affordable range for most. 

Fortunately, completion has been growing, and a sea of strong contenders offer similar services to PowerPoint. After considering feature sets, here are five of the best free alternatives to Microsoft PowerPoint. At the end of the article, you can find a detailed explanation of why we've chosen the services, alongside useful comparisons that may help you make your decision easier.

Read more: The 20 Best Mac Apps That Will Improve Your Apple Experience

When it comes to productivity apps, Zoho makes some of the better ones in the market. Zoho Sheet, for example, is one of the best Microsoft Excel alternatives out there  —  owing to its extensive product catalog, there is a great way to view and edit presentations. The aptly named Zoho Show lets you design and demonstrate professional-looking slides, all without having to download the program.

Zoho takes a minimal approach to most of its services, and its PowerPoint application is no different. You'll find that most menus are contextually aware of what tasks you're currently performing, which helps keep unnecessary tools out of the way and bring the important ones in focus. There is also a huge library of customizable templates you can choose from, making it easier to kickstart your presentation work. 

Zoho Show is completely free to use for individuals and offers unlimited cloud storage. No features are locked behind a paywall, and rest assured, you can fully rely on this online presentation-making tool for all your needs, be it for school or work. 

Canva is a service that can easily climb up to becoming everyone's favorite once they start using it. While most applaud it for its graphic designing prowess, there are many other things Canva can do that you probably aren't aware of . Among them is the ability to craft beautiful slides for your presentations and projects. 

By creating a free account, you can access thousands of templates on Canva. You can filter these by use case—maybe you need one for a professional business briefing or a casual one explaining why your pet dog is the best canine. There is a whole section of ready-to-use templates dedicated to mobile-friendly viewing as well, which is something you don't usually find to be as accessible with other tools. 

Like most presentation apps, Canva lets you collaborate with your team members and work across devices seamlessly. The Canva app for mobile also lets you control your slides remotely during your presentation. Some menus also feature AI-featured tools to add one-click enhancements to your slides -- unfortunately, these are locked behind premium subscription tiers. However, for the cent percent of the population, Canva can be used without spending a dime to meet a plethora of creative needs. 

Apple takes great pride in developing in-house solutions to meet every user requirement. While most of its products dominate the competition in popularity, the same cannot be said for Keynote , the company's version of Microsoft PowerPoint. The program was first released in 2003 with macOS Big Sur and has largely remained one of those icons you glance over and forget about. 

However, recent versions of Keynote have made it a compelling alternative to PowerPoint. Not only is it pre-installed on every Apple device, including your iPhone, but it also works best with the iPad touchscreen. Keynote has a largely clean and professional approach to the built-in templates, but nothing is stopping you from going creative. Animations are one of Keynote's strongest suits, allowing you to create near cinematic-looking presentations with just a few clicks. 

While you can still use Apple Keynote through iCloud on Windows devices, this alternative is clearly meant for people surrounded by the walled garden of Apple technology. It makes use of features like AirDrop, Live Photos, and VoiceOver  — all of which are technologies available across Apple devices. Using Apple Keynote is completely free, and the app has easy exporting tools that make working with Microsoft PowerPoint less of a hassle.

WPS Presentation

WPS Office makes some of the best solutions for creating and editing documents on smartphones , but their service offerings extend to Windows, macOS, and even Linux. WPS Presentation is perhaps the closest you'll get to Microsoft PowerPoint in terms of the user interface and how most tools are bundled in familiar locations.

This PowerPoint app offers real-time collaboration where you can invite your team members and work on the same document remotely. Like most collaboration tools, users can leave comments to suggest changes or add information for other people on the team.

WPS Presentation is not the only free product; you can utilize every app in the WPS Office suite. Unlike most competitors, you don't need to download or use a separate mini-app to make presentations. WPS Office has a document editor, PowerPoint creator, spreadsheet manager, and other tools all within its umbrella. Premium plans for this service exist, but they mostly cater to unlocking features for editing PDFs. 

Google Slides

As a netizen, you most likely already have a Google account. Not only is it required to make any meaningful use of your Android phone, but popular services that we take for granted, like Gmail and Drive, all fall under Google's umbrella. One such free service that the tech giant has at its disposal is Google Slides . While the barebones UI might seem lackluster at first, Slides has nearly the same level of functionality as Microsoft PowerPoint and can even be supercharged by add-ons. 

All of Google's workspace apps, such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides, provide an intuitive way to work in a team. You can add comments, use annotations, and share the presentation with limited access to others. You can use one of the many predesigned Google Slides templates for simple presentations , or browse for templates that cater to specific needs. Being part of a bigger service catalog has its obvious advantages, such as seamless integration with Google Meet, Gmail, and other products from Google that you already use. 

We recommend Google Slides to anyone who needs to create and edit PowerPoint presentations on the go and can't be bothered with working in a complicated environment. The service is also available as an app for Android and iOS, and you can export your presentations in a wide range of formats, including PPT, PDF, or PNG for individual slides. 

To Pay Or Not To Pay?

You'll notice that all the services we've mentioned on this list are free to use. In fact, you can use Office 365 apps online for free   — including PowerPoint, which makes purchasing a standalone subscription to the Microsoft PowerPoint app quite redundant. However, nearly every free alternative here short of Keynote also offers premium plans, but should you consider buying one?

For the vast majority of people who are looking for a robust software to create, edit, and share presentations with  —  these free options deliver exceptionally well in every aspect. Some apps like Google Slides and Apple Keynote let you work in smaller teams with the free tier as well. Apps like WPS Office and Canva tend to lock new and exciting features like AI tools behind a paywall, and while these are nice to have, you definitely can do without them. 

If you're looking for a presentation tool for a company with multiple people, you can scale up using any of the alternatives mentioned on this list. Both Google Workspace and Zoho offer reliable and enterprise-level plans you can upgrade to. For everyone else  — enjoy creating and demonstrating your PowerPoint presentations for free.

Read the original article on SlashGear .