what is slideshow presentation

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A slideshow , slide show , or slide presentation is pictures or pages of information ( slides ), often displayed on a large screen using a video projector . The first slide shows were done with pictures on pieces of glass, to be later replaced by photographic film slides in the 1940s. As the technology improved, overhead projectors began being used to project a picture on a screen. The slides were made with transparent slide media about the size of a piece of paper. Printers could print text and images on this media, or dry-erase markers could be used to write and draw on the media.

For today's presentations and showing slides, a slide in a slide show is essentially a single screen of information, able to display text, charts, and images. A slide can also feature various transitions, which are added effects to enhance the slide and provide different viewing styles. Transitions can include words fading in or out of view, words sliding into view from the left, right, top, or bottom of the slide, and others. Slide-based presentations are a popular choice for business meetings due to the ease of creating each slide and the attention they can grab from viewers when done correctly.

Simple to complex designs can be created with Microsoft PowerPoint , and the presentations can be built with as many slides as necessary. Google Docs also offers a presentation application, allowing multiple people to work on the presentation in a collaborative effort. Other applications are also available for creating slides and presentations, including applications from Adobe and IBM . After completion, slide shows are usually shown on a projector or TV . Slide shows can even be copied onto a DVD (digital versatile disc) and played in a standard DVD player instead of through a computer.

Should I use "slide show" or "slide show" in my writing?

Both versions are correct, and how you use them may depend on the style guide you use or the software or feature you're describing. According to Google Trends, "slideshow" with no space is the most common. However, companies like Microsoft use "slide show" with a space.

Related information

• Create a presentation slide show online.
• How to create a video slideshow in Adobe Premiere Pro.
• How to create a photo slide show.

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What is PowerPoint: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

What is PowerPoint? This blog provides the essence of PowerPoint, a versatile presentation software by Microsoft. Discover its features, uses, and the art of crafting compelling slideshows. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious, explore the power of PowerPoint and learn how to create impactful presentations effortlessly.

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According to Glassdoor , a PowerPoint designer's average salary in the UK is about £37,811 annually. In this blog, you will learn What is PowerPoint, its key features, its benefits, and how to use it, as well as learn some tips for creating effective presentations.   

Table of contents       

1)  What is PowerPoint?  

2)  Understanding the PowerPoint Interface  

3)  Key Features of PowerPoint 

4)  How to use PowerPoint to create a presentation? 

5)  Benefits of PowerPoint  

6)  Tips for Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations 

7)  Conclusion      

What is PowerPoint?   

PowerPoint is a versatile and popular presentation software developed by Microsoft (MS). It is a part of the Microsoft Office Suite and offers various features and tools to create visually appealing and engaging presentations. MS PowerPoint allows users to combine text, graphics, multimedia elements, and animations to convey information effectively .   

Evolution of PowerPoint   

Understanding the PowerPoint Interface   

The PowerPoint interface provides a user-friendly environment for creating and editing presentations. Familiarising yourself with its essential components will help you navigate the software efficiently. Here's a breakdown of the MS PowerPoint interface:   

1)  Ribbon : The Ribbon is located at the top of the MS PowerPoint window and consists of multiple tabs, such as Home, Insert, Design, Transitions, and more.    

2) Slides pane : The Slides pane is on the left side of the PowerPoint window. It displays thumbnail images of your presentation slides, allowing you to navigate and rearrange them easily. You can add, delete, duplicate, or hide slides from this pane.   

3)   Notes pane : The Notes pane is located below the Slides pane. It provides space for adding speaker notes or additional information related to each slide.    

4)  Slide area : The Slide area occupies the central part of the PowerPoint window. It displays the selected slide, where you can add and arrange content such as text, images, charts, and multimedia elements .    

5)  Task panes : Task panes are additional panels on the PowerPoint window's right side. They offer various functionalities such as formatting options, slide layouts, animations, etc. Task panes can be opened or closed based on your specific needs.   

Understanding the MS PowerPoint interface will help you navigate the software effectively and make the most of its features. Whether you are creating slides, adding content, or applying formatting, having a good grasp of the interface ensures a smooth and productive experience .  

Key Features of PowerPoint  

When it comes to creating captivating and professional presentations, MS PowerPoint stands out as versatile and feature-rich software. Its array of tools and functionalities enables users to bring their imagination and ideas to life. Moreover, it also helps engage their audience effectively .    

1) Slide Templates : PowerPoint provides a collection of pre-designed templates that make it easy to create visually appealing slides.   

2)  Slide Master : The Slide Master feature allows users to define the overall layout, font styles, and colour scheme for the entire presentation .   

3)  Animations and transitions : PowerPoint offers various animation effects and slide transitions to add visual interest and captivate the audience .   

4)  Multimedia integration : Users can embed images, videos, and audio files directly into their presentations, enhancing the overall impact .   

5)   Collaboration tools : MS PowerPoint allows multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote collaboration .   

6) Presenter View : The Presenter View feature gives presenters access to speaker notes, a timer, and a preview of upcoming slides, enabling a seamless presentation experience .   

These features collectively contribute to PowerPoint's versatility and make it a powerful tool for developing engaging and impactful presentations.  

How to use PowerPoint to create a presentation?   

Creating a presentation in PowerPoint is a straightforward process. Whether it's simple animations or explainer videos learning H ow to use PowerPoint is an extremely valuable skill. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a presentation:   

1)  Launch PowerPoint and choose a template or start with a blank slide. 

2)  Add slides by clicking "New Slide" or using the shortcut key (Ctrl + M). 

3) Customise slide content by entering text and inserting visuals.  

4)  Rearrange slides for a logical flow by dragging them in the slide navigation pane.  

5)  Apply slide transitions for visual effects in the "Transitions" tab.  

6)  Add animations to objects in the "Animations" tab.  

7)  Preview your presentation by clicking "Slide Show".   

8)  Save your presentation and choose a format (.pptx or .pdf).  

9)  Share your presentation via email, cloud storage, or collaboration tools.   

By following these steps, you can create a well-structured and visually appealing presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint. Remember to keep your content concise, use engaging visuals, and practice your presentation skills to deliver an impactful presentation .   

Benefits of PowerPoint   

1) Visual appeal : Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create visually appealing presentations with its wide range of design tools and features. You can use templates, themes, and customisable layouts to make your slides visually engaging and professional .   

2)  Easy to use : PowerPoint has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive tools and straightforward navigation make it easy to create, edit, and deliver presentations efficiently .   

3)   Flexibility : PowerPoint provides flexibility in terms of content creation. You can include various types of content, such as text, images, charts, graphs, videos, and audio files, to enhance your message and engage your audience effectively.   

4)   Organisation and structure : PowerPoint offers features to help you organise and structure your content. You can create multiple slides, use slide masters for consistent formatting, and arrange the sequence of slides to create a logical flow .   

5)  Presenter tools : PowerPoint includes built-in presenter tools that aid in delivering presentations smoothly. You can use presenter view to see your notes and upcoming slides while your audience sees only the presentation. Additionally, features like slide transitions and animations add visual interest and help you control the flow of information .   

6)  Collaboration and sharing : PowerPoint allows for easy collaboration and sharing of presentations. Several users can simultaneously work on the same presentation, making it convenient for team projects. You can also share your presentations via email, cloud storage, or online platforms, ensuring easy access for viewers .   

7)   Integration with other tools : PowerPoint can seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel. You can import data and charts from Excel or copy and paste content between different Office applications, saving time and effort .  

8)   Presenter-audience interaction : PowerPoint provides features that facilitate interaction between the presenter and the audience. You can include interactive elements like hyperlinks, buttons, and quizzes to engage your audience and make your presentations more dynamic.   

9)   Portable and accessible : PowerPoint presentations can be saved in various formats, such as .pptx or .pdf, making them easily accessible on different devices. This portability allows you to deliver presentations on laptops, tablets, or even projectors without compatibility issues .   

10)  Time and effort savings : PowerPoint simplifies the process of creating presentations, saving you time and effort. The pre-designed templates, slide layouts, and formatting options enable you to create professional-looking presentations efficiently .   

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Tips for Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations   

1) Simplicity is key : Keep your slides clean and uncluttered. Use concise bullet points and simple visuals to convey your message effectively .   

2)  Visuals matter : Incorporate relevant, high-quality visuals such as images, charts, and diagrams to enhance understanding and engagement .   

3)  Limit text : Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text on slides. Use brief phrases or keywords to communicate key points .   

4)  Choose legible fonts : Opt for clear and readable fonts that are easy to read, even from a distance. Maintain consistency in font styles throughout your presentation .   

5)  Consistent design : Maintain a consistent design theme, including colours, fonts, and layout, to create a visually appealing and professional presentation.   

6)  Emphasise important points : Use visual hierarchy techniques, such as font size, colour, and formatting, to draw attention to essential information .   

7)  Use transitions and animations sparingly : Incorporate slide transitions and animations thoughtfully, focusing on enhancing content and transitions without distracting the audience .   

8)  S lide notes for guidance : Utilise the slide notes feature to include additional details, explanations, or reminders for a well-prepared and confident presentation.   

9)  Practice and time yourself : Rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth delivery and stay within the allocated time. Practice helps you refine your content and delivery.   

10)  Engage the audience : Encourage audience participation through interactive elements, questions, or discussions to foster engagement and make your presentation more memorable.   

By implementing these tips, you can create effective MS PowerPoint presentations that capture attention, communicate information clearly, and engage your audience effectively.  

Conclusion      

We hope this blog has helped you understand What is PowerPoint and how it can help you. It offers powerful features with a user-friendly interface for creating visually appealing presentations. With its tools for organising information, incorporating text and visuals, and delivering impactful content, PowerPoint is a valuable tool for beginners to communicate their ideas effectively .   

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How to Make a Slideshow: The Complete Guide to Creating a Stunning Slideshow with Photos

Create stunning slideshows with photos in minutes with this easy-to-follow guide. Learn how to make a slideshow on your phone or computer, add text and captions with a video maker, and create a professional presentation that captures the attention of your audience.

What's Inside?

Looking to create a stunning slideshow for your blog or social media? This guide will show you everything you need to know, from selecting the right software to adding music and graphics. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be creating sliders in no time!

Let's first start with what a slideshow is:

What is a slideshow?

A slideshow is a digital presentation of images, videos, and music that can be used to evoke emotions and tell a story. Slideshows make it easy to celebrate important events like birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials. There are many software programs available that can help you create a slideshow with music, images, and visual effects. All you need to do is pick a template, add your photos and videos, select a soundtrack, and you're ready to go. Decktopus is a popular design tool that makes it easy to create stunning slideshows quickly and easily.

Why you should make a slideshow

1. a slideshow can help tell a story visually and in a more engaging way than a simple text post..

The image is always more eye-catching than the text. A slideshow can be an effective way to tell a story and engage more with your audience. Slideshow videos should be kept short and concise, and a storyboard should be created to plan the video and ensure that all elements work together to tell a coherent story. Additionally, text should be added to videos and images to clearly convey key messages. Music can also be utilized to further enhance the emotional impact of the slideshow and make it more engaging for viewers. Finally, online distribution tools make it easy to share the slideshow on social media channels or to embed it on other platforms. By utilizing these tools and best practices, you can create a compelling slideshow that will capture the attention of your viewers and evoke strong emotion.

2. A slideshow can help your readers to better understand and remember the information presented.

A slideshow can be a powerful storytelling tool in unique way that helps your readers better understand and remember the information presented. With the right music, captions and other text, images, and video clips, a slideshow can create a logical and visually compelling narrative. Through the use of storytelling, slideshows can help your readers visualize and engage with the content, allowing them to better comprehend and remember the information presented. Furthermore, a well-crafted, comprehensive storyboard can help ensure that all elements of your slideshow are cohesive, organized, and effective in conveying your message.

3. A slideshow can be a great way to add some visual interest and appeal to your blog posts.

A slideshow can help improve the appeal of blog posts by creating a story that engages the audience's attention. A storyboard can also be a helpful tool to plan a slideshow video and ensure that images, clips, and other content work together to create an engaging story. Additionally, text features can be used to enhance images and videos with captions and other text to highlight important points or reinforce key messages. A musical backdrop can also add depth and keep viewers engaged, as it plays to the viewer's emotions. Therefore, a slideshow is an effective way to make complex blog posts more engaging and interesting.

4. A slideshow can help keep readers engaged, even if they only have a few minutes to spare.

A slideshow with video clips, images, and text can help keep readers engaged even if they only have a few minutes to spare. By keeping the video clips and still photos to 20 seconds or less and each photo for three to five seconds, readers will be able to consume the content quickly and retain the main points of the slideshow. Additionally, using a slideshow video maker with text features like Vimeo Create can help convey the message or story more clearly by adding captions or other text to highlight important points. Lastly, incorporating music into the slideshow can further create an emotional connection with the reader and keep them engaged even if they have a limited amount of time.

5. A slideshow can be a great way to showcase a collection of photos or other visuals.

Slideshows are an excellent way to showcase a collection of photos or other visuals in an engaging and creative manner. From birthdays and anniversaries to funerals and memorials, slideshows bring motion to memories, allowing images to segue from one to the next. They can add music, narration, and visual effects to make them more powerful storytelling tools. For example, a slideshow could be used to illustrate a family's growth, from babies to kids to young adults, or to honor relatives and friends at a funeral or memorial service. Apps for Windows, Apple, and Android devices make it easier than ever to turn photos into a beautiful and memorable slideshow video.

6. Slideshows can be shared on social media, blog platforms, and other channels, which can help to increase visibility.

Making a slideshow can help increase visibility by creating an engaging story that captures the audience's attention. Through a slideshow, you can use short video clips, photos, text, and music to bring your message to life. Slideshows can help promote a product, create a tutorial, make an advertisement, or showcase your portfolio, thus increasing visibility of your brand or business. Additionally, sharing your completed slide show on social media channels or your website can help reach a wider audience and garner more attention. As a summary, slideshows can be a great way to showcase products or services.

How to make a slideshow with pictures and music

Step 1: choose content.

When creating a slideshow with pictures and music, there are a variety of content types that can be used. This includes images, videos, text, icons, and logos. Images and videos can be uploaded from personal sources. Images and videos should be chosen that are appropriate for the intended purpose of the slideshow. Additionally, text can be added to provide context or additional information to the slides, while icons and logos can be used to add flair.

Step 2: Add text and branding

If you want to add text and branding to your slideshow, you can do so easily with step-by-step instructions. First, you'll need to access an image editor like MS Paint , where you can add text messages to go with your photos before creating the slideshow video clips. You should also make sure that the image files you use have good resolution so that text can be read on a large screen.

Next, you'll need to use a web-based service like Promo to create your slideshow. Sign up, click on the upload button, and add the pictures you want to include in your project. Then, click on the Music tab on the left, and upload the music files you want to add. You can also trim the song, change its volume, and add a fade-out.

Once done, you can go back to the Editor and add text and change its font by double-clicking on the blue bar above the timeline. When finished, click on the Save & Preview button to the left. Finally, dress up your photo slideshow with music, custom text, animations, fonts, color schemes, and more by using the personalization panel on the right-hand side.

Step 3: Choose music

Choosing the right music for your slideshow is an important decision that can help set the tone for your presentation. To make sure your music is reinforcing your slideshow's primary message, follow these simple steps:

• Make your slideshow sound beautiful with a background track. Add an audio file that best suits your content then click "No audio" in the slideshow line and select your music. You can add only one non-protected song to your photo slideshow.
• Choose a clip that will gently draw attention without startling anyone. You may be surprised to find many stock audio of varying lengths and styles available in one click. Go to the Wave.video music stock library and find the sound that suits your slideshow perfectly.
• Match the length of your slideshow and the music you select. A short slideshow should stick with one song, and a longer one can experiment with two or three different music clips.
• Choose a song that fits the theme and mood of your audience. Make sure the lyrics and rhythm match the purpose of your slideshow video. Also, consider royalty-free music from sources like Artlist . For example, if the photos are from a summer vacation, choose a background color or music that is light and calming.
• Avoid recognizable songs as they can have specific associations in each person's mind.
• When selecting music, choose one that will evoke the same emotion as the point of your presentation. If you are giving an inspirational keynote speech, go with something rousing and upbeat. But if you are creating a remembrance ceremony, stick with something more somber and understated.
• Make sure that the volume of the music is low enough that it doesn’t compete with the narration. You want the audience to focus on the narration and not be distracted by the music.
• To start the presentation, use audio clips that build up slowly. Avoid clips that start with a bang as they may startle the audience.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your slideshow is accompanied by the perfect music to bring your presentation to life.

Tips and tricks for creating a stunning slideshow

1. select a professional slideshow maker.

Creating a stunning slideshow is an important part of creating a presentation or message. It's essential to select a professional slideshow maker in order to ensure your slideshow is beautiful, powerful, and engaging. Professional slideshow makers provide abundant customization options so you can create something unique and powerful. They also provide access to thousands of free stock videos, premium images, and music tracks, making it easy to add branding and create something that stands out. Overall, selecting a professional slideshow maker is key to creating a stunning slideshow that will capture the attention of your audience.

2. Research Slideshow Templates

Creating a stunning slideshow doesn't have to be difficult. With the right research and template, you can make a beautiful and memorable presentation. At this point, you can take advantage of the large template pool where you can find everything you need in Decktopus. Follow these steps to get started:

• Visit a Decktopus website with a wide selection of slideshow templates. Look for an occasion or theme that best fits the purpose of your slideshow.
• Select your desired template. You can then fill your slides with videos, photos, text, and icons from the library of Decktopus.
• Use the "Design" button to explore different text styles and choose the one that best fits your slideshow.
• Personalize your slideshow by changing colors and text. Preview your work in progress to make sure it looks just right.

3. Understand the Different Types of Slideshows

Slideshows can be used to create an engaging and professional-looking video. There are two main types of slideshows: quick play slideshows and saved projects. Quick play slideshows are simple and easy to create, and you can play a selection of photos with a theme and music. Saved projects allow you to create a more customized and polished video, as you can select photos, add text, choose a theme, add music, and set how long each slide appears. You can also add video clips to a saved project and share your slideshow online.

4. Add the Right Amount of Images and Videos

Creating an engaging slideshow doesn't have to be difficult as long as you choose the right mix of images and videos. With Wave.video's stock library, you have a variety of options to choose from.

However, if you'd like something more personal, Decktopus will completely satisfy your need. To do this, click on Edit Slide on the left menu and click on the Change Image button. At this point, you can use the royalty-free photo and gif library that Decktopus offers you, or you can upload your own photo to your slideshow.

Transitions are also essential in creating a successful slideshow. Experiment with different animations to keep the creativity alive and make your slideshow look like a cohesive piece. You can also use animation makers to create more engaging slideshows. There are many different animation makers available, both free and paid, so you can find one that fits your budget and skill level.

5. Add Text and Graphics to Your Slideshow

How can you add text and graphics to your slideshow? Let's follow step-by-step guide:

• Open an image editor such as MS Paint and add a text message to the images before making a slideshow video clip.
• In the Photos app on your Mac, click the appropriate slideshow under Projects in the sidebar.
• To add more photos to the slideshow, select a photo in the row of thumbnails at the bottom, click the “+” symbol, then click Add Photos. Select the photos you want to add, then click Add.
• To add text to a slide, select the photo, click the “+” symbol, then click Add Text. Select the text in the text box, then type the text you want.
• To delete text from a photo, select the text in the photo or select the T frame before the photo in the row of thumbnails, then press Delete.
• To delete a photo from the slideshow, select the photo you want to delete, then press Delete.

6. Customize the Duration, Style and Transition of the Slideshow

To customize the duration, style, and transition of a slideshow, you can use the Transition feature to set the time between slide changes, and modify other features such as color scheme, text, music, and animations. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of themes, such as Travel, Playful, and Bright, and use their corresponding soundtracks. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Go to Transition and on the far right, adjust the Advance Slide to set the duration between slide changes.
• Click the Personalization panel on the right-hand side of the template and explore different text styles with the "Layout" tab.
• Adjust the interval for photos in the video editor, ranging from 1 second to 20 seconds.
• Set transition effects according to your preference.
• Tap anywhere on the black background to deselect the photo and tap the Settings icon at the bottom right to choose from a variety of themes.
• Turn on the Theme Soundtrack to use the theme’s corresponding soundtrack.
• Preview the photo slideshow template to make sure it looks good.

Once you’re done, you can produce and share your slideshow video with friends, family, and followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i make a slideshow.

To make a slideshow, you'll need to gather your photos and choose a presentation software like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides. Once you have your photos and software, you can start creating your slideshow by adding photos to slides and arranging them in a desired order. You can then add text, transitions, animations, and more to make your slideshow more engaging.

What is the best slideshow maker?

There are many great slideshow makers available, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include ease of use, features, price, and compatibility with your operating system. Two of the best free ones are MiniTool MovieMaker and iMovie. Both are excellent for creating professional-looking slideshow videos without watermarks, and they are user-friendly enough for beginners.

What are the different formats for a slideshow?

When creating a slideshow, it is important to consider the different formats available. There are four primary formats for slideshows: Horizontal (16:9), Square (1:1), Story (9:16), and Vertical (4:5).

Horizontal (16:9) is the most popular format and is best suited for YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Square (1:1) is perfect for Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, while Story (9:16) is ideal for Instagram Stories and Reels, Facebook Stories, TikTok , and Snapchat. Lastly, Vertical (4:5) is suitable for Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.

Square formats are especially good for slideshows with music, as they are most suitable for mobile devices. No matter which format you ultimately decide on, there are plenty of options to ensure a comfortable viewing experience for your audience.

What are the different editing tools for a slideshow?

When creating a slideshow, there are a variety of editing tools available to customize your presentation. These tools can include a third-party audio editing program to combine multiple songs into one file, a photo video maker to create uniform color schemes, background images, font styles, and font sizes, as well as a text box that can be placed over the background. The different editing tools for a slideshow are the text tool, which allows you to add and edit text; the image tool, which allows you to add and edit images; the audio tool, which allows you to add and edit audio; the video tool, which allows you to add and edit videos.

What is the best software for making a slideshow?

Making a slideshow can be a fun way to share your memories with family and friends. There are a variety of software options available to create slideshows. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make a slideshow using some of the most popular options.

• Decktopus - Decktopus can be used over the internet without any downloads. You can prepare stunning slideshows with the AI technology it uses and a rich template pool.
• iMovie – iMovie is included on Mac computers and is downloadable from the Mac App Store. This software is full of advanced features that are easy to pick up. There are plenty of tutorials available if you ever need help.
• Movavi Slideshow Maker – Movavi Slideshow Maker is available for both Mac and Windows and is free to try for seven days. It has a wizard feature to automatically create a slideshow.
• Decktopus can be used over the internet without any downloads. You can prepare stunning slideshows with the AI technology it uses and a rich template pool.
• Microsoft Photos – For PCs running Windows 10, Microsoft Photos is a great option to make slideshows. It is available to download, and it is easy to use. You can add photos, transition effects, and music.

Creating slideshows is an excellent way to increase the visual impact of your presentation. You too can captivate your audience by following the steps in this comprehensive guide one by one. So what are you waiting for to try? Let's get started now and witness the amazing effect the slideshow will have on your presentation.

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How to Make a Slideshow on PowerPoint

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

• Central Washington University

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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VideoStudio: Make a Slideshow

How to make a slideshow: the ultimate guide, what is a slideshow, common uses of slideshows, tips for making an effective slideshow, slideshow basics.

• What to look for when choosing software

A slideshow is the oldest electronic way to tell a story. Old slide projectors would have a circular reel of slide photos and would cycle through them one after another. Other slides could be made for presentations. Today, the modern slideshow is a marvel of software and digital image files. You can make a slideshow to tell a story, tease a product, or create a quick and simple how-to. Slideshows are an engaging form of lightweight animation, more interesting than a static image but far less resource-heavy than a video of the same resolution quality.

How do you make a slideshow, and what is the best software for slideshow creation? Let's dive into slideshow basics.

A slideshow is a sequence of images shown one after the next. In traditional slideshows, the images were perfectly still but modern slideshow software now makes it possible to add animations, effects, and soft-zoom, which pans over a photo at various zoom levels to make it appear to be animated. Slideshows are a very efficient way to convey information and can tell a story with very minimal assets and file sizes.

Most people make their first slideshow in grade school preparing presentations and reports. However, slideshows remain an important part of life for both business and personal use for decades after your first history class report using a slideshow. Slideshows are excellent for marketing materials, telling stories in photographs, and creating an informative set of slides, including graphs and facts, depending on what you are using the slideshow for.

Slideshows are extremely popular and you have probably seen thousands more than you realize. Slideshows catch the eye but do not intrude on the viewing experience. Slideshows can take center stage or they can become a pleasant scrolling background.

Slideshow presentations

Presentations are the most traditional and the most innovative way to use slideshows. You can create slides out of so much more than static photos. You can create informational slides, animated slides, graphs and charts, and even slide through a complex infographic design. Slideshows today are merely a way to cut from one static or mostly static page to another.

You choose the number of slides included in your presentation and how much time you will spend presenting each one.

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Slideshow photo stories.

When you go on an adventure and take reams of photos, how do you tell the story of your travels with just the photos? You make a slideshow. Digital picture frames, for example, use very simple slideshow software just to pan through a set of photographs with a sliding transition. Social media makes slide shows an appealing way to share your stories quickly in an eye-catching way with friends.

Slideshow marketing assets

Slideshow ads are also an important element of digital marketing. Social media marketing, in particular, makes slide shows a quick and tidy way to show a collection of appealing assets and ad stories. There are many different and engaging ways to use a slideshow to entertain, inform, and even have a brief conversation with your online audience.

Making a great slide show for any purpose hinges on a few key principles and techniques.

Tell a story

Your slideshow should tell a story or conversation. It should represent a sequence that your audience can follow and engage in. Many slideshows are stories with pictures of people or places. Others explore a concept or have a quirky conversation with the viewer. Storyboard your slideshow and make sure it flows from beginning to end.

Use photos and captions

A picture is worth a thousand words, and captions are engaging and fun. Combine them to create an interactive slideshow that both shows and tells for the audience. Combine types of media. You may want to use illustrations, charts, or outlined talking points depending on the type of slideshow. However, consider how many senses you can wrap up in a few short rotating images. You can add the captions in post-production in your slideshow program.

Find the right transitions

A slideshow is essentially still images and transitions from one image to the next. So hone your transitions. Play with cuts, cutouts, and fades. Explore which type of transition is right for your slideshow style or choose different transitions based on the point and content of the slideshow itself. Your video editing software will determine your total options for slideshow transitions.

Focus your message

Keep each slideshow short and concise. Focus on the message you want to send or story you want to tell with the slideshow images. This will help create clean, compelling image sets that will catch an audience's attention and encourage social media shares.

What can you do with your slideshow? Slideshows are extremely common in modern media and social media. They can be used to build a business or personal brand, share your story, or follow your career.

Uses for photo slideshows

Photo slide shows began as a way to share photo documentation of travel and other experiences. Today, they are used to display an entire gallery of similar images in sequence. Photo slideshows can be used in commercial websites to spotlight previous work and happy customers or to show off the products of a brand in a quick, eye-catching way.

Photo slideshows can be of people, objects, or places. You can also spice them up with a little image and video editing to add things like captions, overlays, and fun effects. Non-augmented photo slideshows are often seen in digital picture frames which can hold and cycle through a drive of digital photos, and also in hotel marketing assets in beautiful cycling photos of surf and sand.

Utilizing music in a slideshow

Music in a slideshow enhances the experience. You can use slideshow music to set the mood and even change how the images in your slideshow are perceived. There are several types of programs that can help you add music to your slideshow. Clips short enough can use copyrighted music while music for longer slideshows will need to be in the public domain. Several video editing software tools can be used to help you pair music or your own audio tracks to the sound of your slideshow.

Choose audio that is soothing and interesting, but not intrusive. Your slideshow music will usually be there to enhance the experience rather than take center stage. However, sometimes the music you choose can make the video, like choosing the right funny music to a humorous slide show. Or you can set a somber tone with more serious matters across the camera lens.

Common uses for slideshows on Facebook

Facebook slideshows are an incredibly popular form of advertisement. As you may know, Facebook has become a choice ad platform with extremely high levels of organic traffic and a wide range of niche interests. The slideshow you have created can be inserted into the layout space of a single image and the engagement level of an entire video, but more efficient on both fronts.

Many businesses use slideshows on Facebook to spotlight their new products, recent projects, or marketing campaigns. Individuals also use slideshows on Facebook to tell stories and share image collections that look good as a slideshow together.

Common uses for slideshows on Instagram

Instagram is another great platform for image-based posts and content. In fact, that's the only way you can share. Instagram clutter is common and it can be easy for your business posts to get lost in the feed. A slideshow has a unique way of catching the eye of Instagram viewers without throwing a wrench in the pleasant browsing experience. Viewers have the option to focus longer and catch a few more interesting or beautiful images as part of your slideshow presentation.

Instagram slideshows provide the perfect way to add a quick chapter to your story. You can show the story of a short adventure with a slideshow, share a joke, or make touching slideshow cards to send friends documenting a few choice moments of your past together.

Common uses for slideshows on TikTok

TikTok has always favored fun post-production techniques. A slideshow on TikTok is a quick and easy way to make a fun video without live video editing. You can follow a trend, or create a flip-book stye animation with rapid slideshow frames to create a fun animated video. TikTok slideshows are lightweight and also easier to edit than a set of live video files . If your TikTok filming didn't go as planned or you're just getting started, you can craft a slideshow instead to catch your audience and inspire a few smiles.

Why consider making a slideshow into a video?

Slideshows make great videos, and just a little video editing can add more depth to the images you used. Consider the zoom and scan techniques that make static images seem live because the picture is always faintly moving. Or you can make a complete video of your presentation including slideshow animations on each page.

Slideshows are also packaged differently depending on the slideshow software you chose to use. By creating a video of your slideshow with a flexible editing program like VideoStudio, you can export the file into whatever video format is most compatible with your target platform.

Finally, a video slideshow can be edited more accurately for overlay assets, branding, and other little details that can make a big difference when telling your story or attracting an audience.

What to look for when choosing slideshow creation software

What should you look for in slideshow software, or when planning to make a video of your slideshow? Good slideshow software allows you to sequence images, plan out your transitions, and provides a few tools for frame overlay to improve your slideshow experience. You may want detailed slide show frame editing or the ability to add animations — even trigger-able animations — to specific slides in your show.

When recording your slideshow as video, you want flexible video formats. You will also benefit from the ability to edit your slideshow video in post-production like in VideoStudio. This way, you can tailor your entire slideshow presentation. Great slideshow creation software makes it easy to sequence, transition, edit, and export your slideshow in any way you want.

Slideshows have an incredible amount of use and potential in modern digital marketing. They are both ancient technology and still the best lightweight method to get an audience's attention. Video editing software even makes it easy to tailor your entire slideshow experience into a video production of effects and hooks. If you're ready to build a slideshow for your brand's marketing assets and campaign, start with your message. If you are looking to build a slideshow of your personal photographs and memories, build your story. With the right slideshow editing software, you can create endless compelling presentations.

How-To Geek

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.

Quick Links

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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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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Originally starting from $6.99 now starting from $6.99

$6.99 $6.99

(Annual subscription–auto renews) 1

PowerPoint for the web and PowerPoint desktop app for offline use

Premium templates, fonts, icons, and stickers with thousands of options to choose from

Dictation, voice commands, and transcription

Advanced spelling and grammar, in-app learning tips, use in 20+ languages, and more

1 TB (1000 GB) of cloud storage

Premium desktop, web, and mobile apps

Advanced security

Ad-free experience

Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android™

Copilot Pro available as an add-on. *

Microsoft 365 Family

Originally starting from $9.99 now starting from $9.99

$9.99 $9.99

One to six people

Up to 6 TB of cloud storage, 1 TB (1000 GB) per person 

Premium desktop, web, and mobile apps 

Advanced security 

Microsoft Powerpoint

One person 

Microsoft 365 Apps for business

Originally starting from $8.25 now starting from $8.25

$8.25 $8.25

Available for up to 300 employes

Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

1 TB of cloud storage per user

Anytime phone and web support

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Originally starting from $12.50 now starting from $12.50

$12.50 $12.50

Everything in Microsoft 365 Apps for business, plus:

Web, and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Custom business email ([email protected])

Chat, call, and video conference with Microsoft Teams

10+ additional apps for your business needs (Bookings, Planner, Microsoft Forms, and others)

Automatic spam and malware filtering

Webinars with attendee registration and reporting

New: Collaborative workspaces to co-create using Microsoft Loop

New: Video editing and design tools with Clipchamp

Copilot for Microsoft 365 available as an add-on. **

Add Copilot to your Microsoft plan

Achieve more than ever using AI integrated with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 apps.

Get the PowerPoint mobile app

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• [1] Once your paid subscription begins, cancelation policies vary based on your status as a new customer, product, and domain selections on Microsoft.  Learn more.  Cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription any time by going to the Microsoft 365 admin center. When a subscription is canceled, all associated data will be deleted.  Learn more about data retention, deletion, and destruction in Microsoft 365 . Microsoft PowerPoint with a Microsoft 365 subscription is the latest version of PowerPoint. Previous versions include PowerPoint 2016,  PowerPoint 2013 ,  PowerPoint 2010 ,  PowerPoint 2007 , and PowerPoint 2003. iTunes, iPhone, and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
• [*] Copilot Pro benefits are currently available on web, Windows, and macOS and iPadOS. A Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is required to access Copilot in select apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. Excel features are currently in preview in English only. Microsoft 365 Personal or Family and Copilot Pro are not available in the same transaction and must be purchased in two separate transactions.
• [**] Copilot for Microsoft 365 may not be available for all markets and languages. To purchase, enterprise customers must have a license for Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 or Office 365 E3 or E5, and business customers must have a license for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium.

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Pregnancy Breakthrough

Giving birth to a baby is a beautiful occasion, a manifestation of love between two people. Obstetrics are key during pregnancy, so how about giving a presentation about the latest breakthrough in this field? Our free medical template will come in handy.

World Day of Bullying Prevention

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I solemnly swear I’m up to no boring presentations! Use this Slidesgo template that looks like a magical map to give a magical speech and surprise your audience. You don’t need be a wizard to be able to edit the resources on these slides, you only need to open Google...

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Complex Analysis - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Download the "Complex Analysis - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics" presentation for PowerPoint or Google Slides. As university curricula increasingly incorporate digital tools and platforms, this template has been designed to integrate with presentation software, online learning management systems, or referencing software, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of student...

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Investment Business Plan

Rewards come after a great investment, and this applies especially to companies. You’ll need to attract potential investors and other people to put their trust in your project. With this free presentation template, you can explain your business plan, your market research and everything you need to strike a new...

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