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How to Use a Mac With PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using a Mac with PowerPoint is simple. First, make sure you have PowerPoint installed on your Mac. You can find it at the App Store or through a Microsoft 365 subscription. Open PowerPoint, and you’ll be greeted with a range of templates to start your presentation. From here, you can add text, images, and animations to create an engaging slideshow. Once done, you can present directly from your Mac or save your presentation to share with others.

After you’ve completed your PowerPoint presentation on your Mac, you’ll have a professional and compelling visual aid to support your speech or lecture. You can also share it with others or export it into different formats such as PDF, video, or even a web page.

Introduction

Are you ready to impress your audience with a stunning presentation? If you’re a Mac user, fear not – using PowerPoint on your macOS is as smooth as on any Windows PC. Let’s be honest, presentations are a part of life: whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone with a story to tell, at some point, you’re going to need to put some slides together. PowerPoint for Mac has all the tools you need to create a presentation that’s both visually captivating and content-rich.

Why is this important? Well, PowerPoint presentations are a staple in the professional world. They’re used for everything from business pitches to academic lectures. Knowing how to create an effective PowerPoint presentation on your Mac could be the difference between persuading your audience or leaving them unimpressed. And who is this relevant to? Everyone! Whether you’re a newbie to presentations or a seasoned speaker looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you master PowerPoint on your Mac.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Using PowerPoint on a Mac

Before jumping in, let’s clarify what you’ll achieve by following these steps. By the end, you’ll be able to create, edit, and present a PowerPoint slideshow on your Mac.

Step 1: Install PowerPoint

Install PowerPoint on your Mac from the App Store or through a Microsoft 365 subscription.

After installing PowerPoint, you’ll need to sign in with your Microsoft account to activate the software, then you’ll be ready to start creating your presentation.

Step 2: Open PowerPoint

Open PowerPoint and choose a template or open a blank presentation.

PowerPoint offers a variety of templates to suit different presentation styles. If you choose to start with a blank slate, you’ll have complete creative freedom.

Step 3: Add Content

Add slides and content such as text, images, and shapes to your presentation.

Remember to keep your slides simple and not clutter them with too much content. Visual aids should support your speech, not replace it.

Step 4: Customize Your Slides

Customize your slides’ design with themes, colors, and animations.

This step is where you can get creative with your presentation’s look and feel. Just be sure not to go overboard with animations – they should enhance your presentation, not distract from it.

Step 5: Present Your Slideshow

Present your slideshow directly from your Mac or save it to share with others.

You can start your presentation by clicking the ‘Slide Show’ tab and then ‘Play from Start’. Make sure you practice your presentation beforehand to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Additional Information

Now, let’s sprinkle in some extra tidbits that could elevate your PowerPoint game on a Mac. First off, did you know that PowerPoint for Mac supports real-time collaboration? Yup, you can work with your teammates on the same presentation at the same time, no matter where you are. And if you’re all about shortcuts, PowerPoint for Mac has plenty. For instance, pressing Command + Shift + N instantly creates a new slide.

Another neat feature is the Presenter View, which lets you see your notes, the upcoming slide, and a timer, all while the audience only sees the current slide. And for those who value accessibility, PowerPoint for Mac has tools to make presentations more accessible, including options for larger text and high contrast. Just remember, when using PowerPoint on a Mac, you have all the essentials at your fingertips to create presentations that are not just informational, but also memorable.

• Install PowerPoint on your Mac from the App Store or Microsoft 365.
• Open PowerPoint and select a template or start with a blank presentation.
• Add and customize your slides with text, images, and animations.
• Present directly from your Mac or save your presentation for later use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use powerpoint on a mac.

Yes, PowerPoint is available for Mac users and can be downloaded from the App Store or included in a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Is PowerPoint for Mac different from Windows?

While there are some differences in design and available features, PowerPoint for Mac offers a comparable experience to the Windows version.

Can I collaborate with others using PowerPoint for Mac?

Absolutely! PowerPoint for Mac supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.

Can I open a PowerPoint presentation made on a Mac on a Windows PC?

Yes, presentations made in PowerPoint for Mac are compatible with PowerPoint for Windows, ensuring easy file sharing and collaboration.

Does PowerPoint for Mac support Presenter View?

Yes, Presenter View is available in PowerPoint for Mac, providing speakers with a private view of their notes and upcoming slides while presenting.

In conclusion, mastering the use of PowerPoint on a Mac can be a game-changer for anyone looking to create impactful and persuasive presentations. Whether you’re a student, educator, entrepreneur, or professional, the ability to present your ideas clearly and attractively is invaluable.

So, dive in, explore the features, and harness the power of PowerPoint on your Mac to captivate your audience. Remember, a well-crafted presentation can be the key to success. Happy presenting!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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How to Make a PowerPoint on Mac? (A Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve ever wanted to create a professional-level PowerPoint on your Mac, you’re in luck! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be a PowerPoint pro on your Mac!

Short Answer

When you are finished, you can save your presentation and share it with others.

What is Keynote?

Keynote provides users with a wide range of tools and features, including customizable slides, themes, animations, and more.

How to Open Keynote on Mac

Opening the Keynote app on a Mac computer is quite simple.

You can then double-click on the Keynote icon to open the app.

You can then type in “Keynote” in the search bar and hit the “Enter” key.

You can customize your slides by adding text, images, and other media.

With the Keynote app, you can easily create a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer.

Creating a PowerPoint on a Mac

Keynote is the presentation software for Mac computers, and it makes creating a presentation simple and easy.

You can also customize the layout of your slides, allowing you to add different elements and adjust their placement.

With the Keynote app, creating a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer is easy and stress-free.

Customizing the Slides

Customizing the slides is an important part of creating a stunning PowerPoint presentation on a Mac.

To add text to your slides, simply select the text box and type in your desired text.

Additionally, Keynote offers a range of themes and animations to help you further customize your presentation.

To access the themes and animations, simply click on the Themes or Animations tabs in the upper right-hand corner of the app.

So, if youre looking to create an impressive presentation, the Keynote app is the perfect tool for the job.

Adding Text, Images, and Media

To add text, select the text box icon from the top menu, and then type in the text you want to include in the text box.

To add images, click the Add Image icon from the top menu, and then select an image from your computer, or add an image from the web.

To do this, click the Add Audio or Add Video icon from the top menu, and then select the audio or video file you want to include.

Once you have added all the elements, you can save your presentation as a .pptx file and share it with others.

Utilizing Themes and Animations

With the help of themes and animations, you can create a presentation that is visually appealing and engaging.

You can also choose from several animation styles to give your presentation a more dynamic feel.

For instance, you can use animations to draw attention to a particular slide or element in your presentation.

From there, you can customize your slides with the desired theme and animations.

With the help of themes and animations, you can create a presentation that is visually appealing and will help to emphasize certain points you want to make.

Saving and Sharing Your PowerPoint

To save your PowerPoint, click the File menu at the top of the Keynote window and then click Save.

To export your presentation to a PDF file, click the File menu and then select Export.

Here, you can enter the email addresses of the people you would like to share your presentation with.

This will open up the presentation in the Keynote app and you can make any changes that you wish.

Final Thoughts

Creating a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer doesn’t have to be difficult.

So get to it and start making your own PowerPoint today!

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Microsoft PowerPoint 4+

Create impactful presentations, microsoft corporation.

• 4.7 • 422.8K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

This application requires a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 includes premium Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps, 1 TB cloud storage in OneDrive, advanced security, and more, all in one convenient subscription. With Microsoft 365, you get features as soon as they are released ensuring you’re always working with the latest. Create, edit, collaborate, and share presentations using PowerPoint for Mac. Now it’s easier than ever to create, edit, and share presentations seamlessly across your devices and with others. Share your files and collaborate in real time within a document or edit Office docs attached to emails. Get smart assistance features as soon as they are released in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint so you’re always working with the latest. Whether you need to show off your school project, business plan, or family vacation photos, PowerPoint is your go-to app for presentations. Kickstart your creativity • Achieve more and enhance your documents with access to a growing catalog of premium templates for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. • Advanced formatting and layout options produce beautifully pristine documents on any device including laptops, iPads, and iPhones. Present with confidence • Get your ideas across with beautiful design, rich animation, cinematic motion, 3D models, and icons. • Save documents right to Microsoft OneDrive or another cloud provider to access them on any device and at any time you have internet access. • Dark Mode allows you to focus on creating presentations in low-light environments. Accomplish more together • Whether it’s a school project, sales pitch, or family slideshow, seamlessly work with others with real-time co-authoring to bring your ideas and plans together faster. • Share your documents with the click of a button to invite others to edit in real time. Easily manage permissions and see who’s currently working in a document. • Add comments or assign tasks to people in your group for clean editing and organization. Learn more about Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that brings together premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneDrive, with the best tools for the way people work today. Please visit: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2015120 for information on Licensing Terms. Unlock the full Microsoft Office experience with a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription for your phone, tablet, PC, and Mac.  Microsoft 365 annual subscriptions purchased from the app will be charged to your App Store account and will automatically renew within 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription period unless auto-renewal is disabled beforehand. You can manage your subscriptions in your App Store account settings. This app is provided by either Microsoft or a third-party app publisher and is subject to a separate privacy statement and terms and conditions. Data provided through the use of this store and this app may be accessible to Microsoft or the third-party app publisher, as applicable, and transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or any other country where Microsoft or the app publisher and their affiliates or service providers maintain facilities. Please refer to the Microsoft Software License Terms for Microsoft Office. See “License Agreement” link under Information. By installing the app, you agree to these terms and conditions.

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422.8K Ratings

Canvas Rearranges Design Elements when Uploading

If you are a college student and you create a PPT on Mac and you save and then upload itt as an assignment on Canvas, a lot tof tthe design elements get moved around and it makes a mess of the presentaion. pics and texts boxes are no longer where you placed hem, so your design looks bad. What I have to do no is export the presentation to a PDF an dupload that as the assignment, and then email the instructor to tell them that Canvas is wrecking my presentaion so I sent a pdf instead. My college moved from Moodle to Canvas last year and I have had this trouble ever since. When the PPT presentation is saved as a PDF, you lose all the extras you added like voice narration and sound effects, music, notes, etc.

You're getting better but the product still has many frustrating parts. For instance the open folder is now gone on this version and on other versions I use with different customers, it's there and useful. The library of icons and art that you can use is also lacking. Why don't you allow all the types of icons that Visio uses? It would make it usable. Also, the section part is great but it's clumbsy and when you open you always have to collapse. Why can't you select a flag that lets you open collapsed. that would make the tool much more usable. Integration with teams is still terrible and with email if the product is open, you can't send the file. Why? just version it and send. Theres' much more but it's useful but not a product that has the power of things like Lucid, or visio, but it could be much more usable, so you get a three for teasing me with function and ideas, then falling short when I try to use it my way as the main unit. It's keeping this type of work, design and developent documentation, a dark art...who knows maybe AI might help you.

Printing Slides is a Joke

To my knowledge, this is mainly an issue with PowerPoint for Mac as my colleagues who use PCs don't have this issue. When you go to print the slides, they look fine if there are multiple on a page or if you print the notes version, but if you try to print 1 slide per page the images blur when printing! And not just a little fuzzy, they turn out with lines going through them and just look like they never completed loading. This also happens when exporting to a PDF. The PDF looks fine on the screen, and then as soon as you go to print it, a random image will blur out like that. Is it the same image everytime? NOPE! It picks and chooses which image it wants to blur out each time it prints. There is no rhyme or reason to this issue. I exported to PDF, Exported each slide to jpeg, even took screen shots as a last resort and had to just deal with the fact that the color was completely different on the printed screen shot slides. This has been an issue for MONTHS and is all over every forum - the fact that this hasn't been addressed by the MS team is unacceptable! If I'm printing client copies of proposal presentations it shouldn't take me all day due to troubleshooting!

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Keynote User Guide

Get started with a theme

All presentations begin with a theme—a set of predesigned slide layouts you can use as a starting point. Replace the theme’s images and text with your own, then add more slides as needed.

• Create a presentation

Add text, photos, charts, and more

Add objects like text boxes, tables, charts, shapes, and media (images, audio, and video) to any slide. You can layer objects, resize them, and link them to webpages or other slides in your presentation.

• Intro to images, charts, and other objects

Lights, camera, action

Bring your presentation to life with movies, live video, recorded narration, music, and more.

Add video or audio

Present in any situation

Play a presentation during a video conference, virtually with multiple presenters, as a movie with recorded narration, and more.

Play a presentation

Wow them with animation

Add visual effects or animations to captivate your audience. For example, add a transition so each slide dissolves into the next, or make each word in a title bounce onto the slide.

Add transitions between slides

Collaborate in real time

Invite others to work with you on your presentation. Everyone you invite can see changes as they’re made, but you control who can edit or only view the presentation.

• Intro to collaboration

This guide helps you get started using Keynote 14.2 on your Mac. (To see which version of Keynote you have, choose Keynote > About Keynote from the Keynote menu at the top of your screen.) To explore the Keynote User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page, or enter a word or phrase in the search field.

If you need more help, visit the Keynote Support website .

Keynote User Guide for Mac

• What’s new in Keynote 14.2
• Intro to Keynote
• Choose how to navigate your presentation
• Open or close a presentation
• Save and name a presentation
• Find a presentation
• Print a presentation
• Undo or redo changes
• Show or hide sidebars
• Quick navigation
• Change the working view
• Expand and zoom your workspace
• Customize the Keynote toolbar
• Change Keynote settings on Mac
• Touch Bar for Keynote
• Create a presentation using VoiceOver
• Add or delete slides
• Add and view presenter notes
• Reorder slides
• Group or ungroup slides
• Skip or unskip a slide
• Change the slide size
• Change a slide background
• Add a border around a slide
• Show or hide text placeholders
• Show or hide slide numbers
• Apply a slide layout
• Add and edit slide layouts
• Change a theme
• Add an image
• Add an image gallery
• Edit an image
• Add and edit a shape
• Combine or break apart shapes
• Draw a shape
• Save a shape to the shapes library
• Add and align text inside a shape
• Add 3D objects
• Add lines and arrows
• Animate, share, or save drawings
• Add video and audio
• Record audio
• Edit video and audio
• Add live video
• Set movie and image formats
• Position and align objects
• Use alignment guides
• Place objects inside a text box or shape
• Layer, group, and lock objects
• Change object transparency
• Fill shapes and text boxes with color or an image
• Add a border to an object
• Add a caption or title
• Add a reflection or shadow
• Use object styles
• Resize, rotate, and flip objects
• Move and edit objects using the object list
• Add linked objects to make your presentation interactive
• Select text
• Copy and paste text
• Use dictation to enter text
• Use accents and special characters
• Format a presentation for another language
• Use phonetic guides
• Use bidirectional text
• Use vertical text
• Change the font or font size
• Add bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough to text
• Change the color of text
• Change text capitalization
• Add a shadow or outline to text
• Intro to paragraph styles
• Apply a paragraph style
• Create, rename, or delete paragraph styles
• Update or revert a paragraph style
• Use a keyboard shortcut to apply a style
• Adjust character spacing
• Add drop caps
• Raise and lower characters and text
• Format fractions automatically
• Create and use character styles
• Format dashes and quotation marks
• Format Chinese, Japanese, or Korean text
• Set tab stops
• Format text into columns
• Adjust line spacing
• Format lists
• Add a highlight effect to text
• Add mathematical equations
• Add borders and rules (lines) to separate text
• Add or delete a table
• Select tables, cells, rows, and columns
• Add or remove rows and columns
• Move rows and columns
• Resize rows and columns
• Merge or unmerge cells
• Change the look of table text
• Show, hide, or edit a table title
• Change table gridlines and colors
• Use table styles
• Resize, move, or lock a table
• Add and edit cell content
• Format dates, currency, and more
• Create a custom cell format
• Highlight cells conditionally
• Format tables for bidirectional text
• Alphabetize or sort table data
• Calculate values using data in table cells
• Use the Formulas and Functions Help
• Add or delete a chart
• Change a chart from one type to another
• Modify chart data
• Move, resize, and rotate a chart
• Change the look of data series
• Add a legend, gridlines, and other markings
• Change the look of chart text and labels
• Add a chart border and background
• Use chart styles
• Animate objects onto and off a slide
• Animate objects on a slide
• Change build order and timing
• Add transitions
• Present on your Mac
• Present on a separate display
• Present during a FaceTime call
• Use a remote
• Make a presentation advance automatically
• Require a password to exit a presentation
• Play a slideshow with multiple presenters
• Rehearse on your Mac
• Record presentations
• Check spelling
• Look up words
• Find and replace text
• Replace text automatically
• Set author name and comment color
• Highlight text
• Add and print comments
• Send a presentation
• Invite others to collaborate
• Collaborate on a shared presentation
• See the latest activity in a shared presentation
• Change a shared presentation’s settings
• Stop sharing a presentation
• Shared folders and collaboration
• Use Box to collaborate
• Create an animated GIF
• Post your presentation in a blog
• Use iCloud Drive with Keynote
• Export to PowerPoint or another file format
• Reduce the presentation file size
• Save a large presentation as a package file
• Restore an earlier version of a presentation
• Move a presentation
• Delete a presentation
• Password-protect a presentation
• Lock a presentation
• Create and manage custom themes
• Transfer files with AirDrop
• Transfer presentations with Handoff
• Transfer presentations with the Finder
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Keyboard shortcut symbols