presentation in file

Cloud Storage

Custom Business Email

Video and voice conferencing

Shared Calendars

Word Processing

Spreadsheets

Presentation Builder

Survey builder

Google Workspace

An integrated suit of secure, cloud-native collaboration and productivity apps powered by Google AI.

Tell impactful stories, with Google Slides

Create, present, and collaborate on online presentations in real-time and from any device.

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Make beautiful presentations, together

Stay in sync in your slides, with easy sharing and real-time editing. Use comments and assign action items to build your ideas together.

Present slideshows with confidence

With easy-to-use presenter view, speaker notes, and live captions, Slides makes presenting your ideas a breeze. You can even present to Google Meet video calls directly from Slides.

Seamlessly connect to your other Google apps

Slides is thoughtfully connected to other Google apps you love, saving you time. Embed charts from Google Sheets or reply to comments directly from Gmail. You can even search the web and Google Drive for relevant content and images directly from Slides.

Extend collaboration and intelligence to PowerPoint files

Easily edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations online without converting them, and layer on Slides’ enhanced collaborative and assistive features like comments, action items, and Smart Compose.

Work on fresh content

With Slides, everyone’s working on the latest version of a presentation. And with edits automatically saved in version history, it’s easy to track or undo changes.

Make slides faster, with built-in intelligence

Assistive features like Smart Compose and autocorrect help you build slides faster with fewer errors.

Stay productive, even offline

You can access, create, and edit Slides even without an internet connection, helping you stay productive from anywhere.

Security, compliance, and privacy

Secure by default

We use industry-leading security measures to keep your data safe, including advanced malware protections. Slides is also cloud-native, eliminating the need for local files and minimizing risk to your devices.

Encryption in transit and at rest

All files uploaded to Google Drive or created in Slides are encrypted in transit and at rest.

Compliance to support regulatory requirements

Our products, including Slides, regularly undergo independent verification of their security, privacy, and compliance controls .

Private by design

Slides adheres to the same robust privacy commitments and data protections as the rest of Google Cloud’s enterprise services .

You control your data.

We never use your slides content for ad purposes., we never sell your personal information to third parties., find the plan that’s right for you, google slides is a part of google workspace.

Every plan includes

Collaborate from anywhere, on any device

Access, create, and edit your presentations wherever you are — from any mobile device, tablet, or computer — even when offline.

Get a head start with templates

Choose from a variety of presentations, reports, and other professionally-designed templates to kick things off quickly..

Photo Album

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Visit the Slides Template Gallery for more.

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Create your first presentation in slides.

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Create or import a presentation, add slides to your presentation.

• Update your presentation

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Create your presentation

• Open the Slides home screen at Google Slides .

You can also create new presentations from the URL https://slides.google.com/create .

Import and convert an existing presentation

Converting your file from another program creates a copy of your original file in a Docs, Sheets, or Slides format. You can then edit the file in your browser.

If you have existing files, you can import and convert them to Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

• Go to Drive .

• Choose the file you want to import from your computer to add it to Drive.

Have a Microsoft file?

If you've already stored Microsoft files in Drive, you can also update them without converting them .

Add a slide with the same layout as the current slide

• On your computer, open a presentation in Google Slides .

Add a slide with a different layout

• Choose a slide.

Add a slide with your organization's branding

• At right, click the template you want to use.

Note: The Templates option appears only if your administrator makes organization-branded slides available.

Update your presentation

Choose a theme and layout.

When you first create a presentation, you can choose a theme for your slides. A theme is a preset group of colors, fonts, background, and layouts. Your presentation's layout is the way your text and images are arranged on a slide.

Change your presentation's theme

• On the right, click the theme you want.

Change the layout of your presentation

• Select a slide.
• At the top, click Layout .
• Choose the layout you want to use.

Arrange slides

Move slide —Drag the slide to a different position in the presentation. To move several slides at once, Ctrl+click  multiple slides before dragging them.

Delete slide —Right-click the slide and select Delete .

Duplicate slide —Right-click the slide in the sidebar and select Duplicate slide .

Add pictures, text, speaker notes, and more

Rename your presentation —Click Untitled presentation and enter a new name.

Add videos, shapes, charts, and more —Click Insert to add videos, shapes, charts, slide numbers, and other features to your presentation. You can also move, delete, or re-size these inserted features.

Add speaker notes —Use speaker notes to keep track of your talking points for each slide. In the presentation editor, speaker notes appear beneath the current slide. When you present your slides, your speaker notes show in a separate window.

Google, Google Workspace, and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company and product names are trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

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Understanding Presentation File Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Presentation File Types

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

The Importance of Choosing the Right File Type

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

Common Scenarios for Different Presentation Formats

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

Most Popular Presentation File Types

Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX)

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

Advantages of PowerPoint Presentations

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

How to Create and Edit PowerPoint Files

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

Google Slides (.GSLIDES)

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

Benefits of Using Google Slides

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

Collaborating with Google Slides

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

Apple Keynote (.KEY)

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

Key Features of Apple Keynote

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

Compatibility and Sharing Keynote Presentations

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

Adobe PDF (.PDF)

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

Using PDFs for Presentations

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

Tips for Optimizing PDF Presentations

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

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

OpenDocument Presentation (.ODP)

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

Understanding OpenDocument Format

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

Software Supporting ODP Files

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

Other Presentation Formats

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

Prezi Presentations (.PEZ)

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

HTML5 Presentations

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

Flash Presentations (.SWF)

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

How to Choose the Best File Type for Your Presentation

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

Factors to Consider

Audience and accessibility.

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

Software Availability

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

Interactivity and Multimedia Support

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

Comparing File Types: Pros and Cons

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

Converting Between Different Presentation File Types

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

Tools and Software for Conversion

Online conversion services.

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

Desktop Applications

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

Best Practices for Managing Presentation Files

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

Organizing Your Files for Easy Access

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

Ensuring Compatibility Across Different Platforms

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

Security Considerations for Presentation Files

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

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

Recap of Key Points

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

Final Thoughts on Selecting the Right Presentation File Type

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

FAQs About Presentation File Types

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Open a PPT File on PC or Mac

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 Tested

Using PowerPoint

Using google slides, using powerpoint online.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 85,982 times. Learn more...

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Opening PPT file

Hello, my powerpoint file will not open. When I try to open the file, it first says that "Powerpoint found a problem with content in [insert file path name]. Powerpoint can attempt to repair the presentation. If you trust the source of this presentation, click Repair." When I click repair, it then says "Sorry, PowerPoint can't read [insert file path name].

I have already tried all of the methods provided in a previous response to this question posted by another user and none of them worked

" Here are a few things you can try to resolve the issue:

Open PowerPoint in Safe mode:

Try opening the file in PowerPoint Safe Mode. To do this, press and hold the Ctrl key while opening PowerPoint.

This will disable any add-ins or customizations that may be causing the issue.

Open file on different device.

Try opening the file on a different computer or device to see if the issue is specific to your computer.

If you have a backup of the file, try opening the backup copy.

Unblock the file :

Right-click on the file and select  Properties . In the Properties window, select the  General  tab and click on the  Unblock  button. Then click  OK  and try opening the file again.

Add the file location to the trusted locations list :

Open PowerPoint and click on  File  >  Options  >  Trust Center  >  Trust Center Settings  >  Trusted Locations . Click on  Add new location  and browse to the location of your file. Then click  OK  and try opening the file again. "

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• Microsoft Agent |

Hello Ortega_389,

Thanks for your post in Microsoft Community.

I understand that the issue you are experiencing with the PowerPoint file is frustrating. Based on your description, the file appears to be corrupted, and there may not be a straightforward solution to recover it. I would also like to confirm two questions with you:

Are you unable to open only a single file or all PowerPoint files?

Is the location of your opened file local or in the cloud ?

If it is a locally saved file that cannot be opened and you have not made any backups, given that none of the methods you have tried have worked, contacting a professional data recovery service may be your best option, and I hope your issue can be resolved.

Best Regards,

Jonathan Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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How-To Geek

How to link from one powerpoint presentation to another.

Don't waste time creating slides for a presentation when they already exist in another. Just link to them!

Linking two presentations together allows you to save time by using already-existing slides. The transition is almost seamless, giving it the illusion of one single presentation. Here's how to link PowerPoint presentations together.

Before we get started, note that both presentations need to be in the same folder to link them together. Moving or renaming the second file after the link has been created will cause the slide to break.

Linking two presentations together isn't magic, but it’s as simple as inserting and clicking a hyperlink. What this trick does is allows you to insert a link within an object or text from presentation A that brings you to a specific slide of presentation B while still in presentation mode.

Once you’ve opened the first presentation and have navigated to the slide in which you will be linking from, select the text or object where you want to place the hyperlink.

If you haven't already inserted an object, you can do so by selecting any of the options in the "Images" or "Illustrations" group of the "Insert" tab, and then selecting the object you'd like to insert.

Related: How to Insert a Picture or Other Object in Microsoft Office

Once selected, head over to the “Links” group of the “Insert” tab and select “Action."

Now you’ll be at the “Action Settings” menu. Here, select the “Hyperlink To” option. Once selected, you’ll be able to open the drop-down menu underneath it. Do so, and then select “Other PowerPoint Presentation."

Once you select that option, File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) will open. Here, select the presentation you would like to link to. Click the "OK" button.

Next, you'll be greeted with a list of the slides from the presentation you're linking to. Select the slide that you'd like to go to and click "OK."

You’ll now notice the file path of the second presentation appears under the “Hyperlink To” box. Once you’re ready, select the "OK" button.

Your hyperlink will now be inserted in the selected text or object. To ensure it inserted correctly, you can hover your mouse over the text or object and the file path will appear.

If you want to double-check that you pointed to the correct presentation, you can press the Ctrl key while clicking the link to follow it.

Now, when you play the PowerPoint in presentation mode, simply clicking the hyperlinked text or object to give you a seamless transition from the first presentation to the second.

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Create a new presentation with Copilot in PowerPoint

Note:  This feature is available to customers with a Copilot for Microsoft 365 license or Copilot Pro license.

Create a new presentation in PowerPoint.

Select Send . Copilot will draft a presentation for you!

Edit the presentation to suit your needs, ask Copilot to add a slide , or start over with a new presentation and refine your prompt to include more specifics. For example, "Create a presentation about hybrid meeting best practices that includes examples for team building.”

Create a presentation with a template

Note:  This feature is only available to customers with a Copilot for Microsoft 365 (work) license. It is not currently available to customers with a Copilot Pro (home) license.

Copilot can use your existing themes and templates to create a presentation. Learn more about making your presentations look great with Copilot in PowerPoint .

Enter your prompt or select Create presentation from file to create a first draft of your presentation using your theme or template.

Edit the presentation to suit your needs, ask Copilot to add a slide , organize your presentation, or add images.

Create a presentation from a file with Copilot

Note:  This feature is only available to customers with a Copilot for Microsoft 365 (work) license. It is not currently available to customers with a Copilot Pro (home) license.

With Copilot in PowerPoint, you can create a presentation from an existing Word document. Point Copilot in PowerPoint to your Word document, and it will generate slides, apply layouts, create speaker notes, and choose a theme for you.

Select the Word document you want from the picker that appears. If you don't see the document you want, start typing any part of the filename to search for it.

Note:  If the file picker doesn't appear type a front slash (/) to cause it to pop up.

Best practices when creating a presentation from a Word document

Leverage word styles to help copilot understand the structure of your document.

By using Styles in Word to organize your document, Copilot will better understand your document structure and how to break it up into slides of a presentation. Structure your content under Titles and Headers when appropriate and Copilot will do its best to generate a presentation for you.

Include images that are relevant to your presentation

When creating a presentation, Copilot will try to incorporate the images in your Word document. If you have images that you would like to be brought over to your presentation, be sure to include them in your Word document.

Start with your organization’s template

If your organization uses a standard template, start with this file before creating a presentation with Copilot. Starting with a template will let Copilot know that you would like to retain the presentation’s theme and design. Copilot will use existing layouts to build a presentation for you. Learn more about Making your presentations look great with Copilot in PowerPoint .

Tip:  Copilot works best with Word documents that are less than 24 MB.

Welcome to Copilot in PowerPoint

Frequently Asked Questions about Copilot in PowerPoint

Where can I get Microsoft Copilot?

Copilot Lab - Start your Copilot journey

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