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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Full Comparison Guide for 2024

Written by: Brian Nuckols

Last Updated: 07/04/2024

The biggest difference between PowerPoint and Google Slides is that PowerPoint is an offline, downloadable tool created by Microsoft Windows while Google Slides is an online-only tool offered as part of the Google Workspace.

But the big question here is which of the two presentation software is better for your presentations?

In this guide, we’re going to compare the two popular presentation tools to help you choose the best for creating and editing presentations—as well as introduce a new option into the mix.

Choose the feature that you’re most interested in from the navigation below and find out which option is best for your presentation needs.

Let’s get into it.

Jump to the Section You Want

What is google slides, what is microsoft powerpoint.

• Comparison Point #1: Features
• Comparison Point #2: Templates
• Comparison Point #3: Cost
• Comparison Point #5: Online vs. Offline Performance
• Comparison Point #6: Teamwork & Collaboration
• Comparison Point #7: Storage & Backup
• Comparison Point #8: Embedding

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint FAQs

Google Slides is a free presentation software included in the Google Drive service suite. Perhaps you’ve heard about some of the strengths of Google Slides as a presentation tool, but if you’re not quite sure how to use it, read on.

There are a few aspects of Google Slides that make it a unique presentation software.

First, Google built Google Slides to work in your browser as opposed to directly on your device. This browser-based functionality means you don't necessarily need to download anything to create presentation slides .

This cloud-based approach makes sharing and connecting easy. Because it's a browser-based service, you can easily share and collaborate with any collaborator with an internet connection and a Google account.

Another critical differentiating principle with Google Slides is simplicity. Google is famous for its iconic and straightforward homepage.

They bring simplicity into the Google Slides experience and attempt to make it as simple as possible to utilize their product.

If you're curious about how Visme stacks up against Google Slides,? we've addressed that in this post: Visme vs. Google Slides: What’s the Difference?

Microsoft PowerPoint is a tool for creating professional presentations that was first released in 1990 .

The downloadable desktop app for Microsoft PowerPoint works seamlessly on both Mac OS and PC with Windows and comes with the popular Microsoft toolbar.

PowerPoint is used everywhere from corporate boardrooms to startups, to non-profit board meetings and college classrooms.

PowerPoint is only one component of Microsoft Office, which also includes popular apps like Word and Excel.

Now that we’ve explored some of the basics of Google Slides and PowerPoint, let’s compare the distinct features of each tool.

First, it’s worth noting what both pieces of software allow you to accomplish. Both Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint will enable you to do the following:

• Add text, images, videos and links to any slide
• Pick a custom font
• Use a premade theme
• Include charts and or graphs
• Use basic transitions
• Print to PDF

Additionally, both Slides and PowerPoint allow you to collaborate with team members to greater or lesser degrees.

Google Slides Feature #1: Automatic Saving

Google Slides comes with an excellent automatic saving feature for any changes you make. You don't have to worry about losing your progress because of some kind of malfunction.

Google Slides Feature #2: Version History

Another exciting feature Slides offers building off their automatic saving function is detailed version history. You can quickly restore your presentation back and forth between a previous version if you make changes you no longer want.

Google Slides Feature #3: PowerPoint Compatibility

The third unique feature of Google Slides is easy PowerPoint compatibility.

Slides make it easy to create a presentation using their software and then export it as a PowerPoint file. It’s essentially the Google equivalent of PowerPoint. You can also import a PowerPoint file and make changes to it using Slides.

PowerPoint Feature #1: PowerPoint Designer

PowerPoint Designer is a unique feature that uses a suggestion engine to provide you automatic design suggestions for your slides.

When you add a visual like an image to your slide, PowerPoint will show you several slide options to select. These layouts are based on principles from professionally designed slides.

PowerPoint Feature #2: Broadcast Live

Broadcast Live is another unique feature of Microsoft PowerPoint that allows you to share your slideshow in real time to anyone with an internet connection.

Broadcast live enables you to share a browser-based link where anyone can view your live presentation.

PowerPoint Feature #3:  Presenter View

Presenter View is another useful feature of PowerPoint. Using it, you can project your presentation to a second screen.

Sending your presentation to a second screen is a useful feature because it allows you to keep your speaker notes in front of you while your audience can pay attention to the slides.

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Google Slides and PowerPoint both have numerous templates you can customize and use in their presentation software.

In the next section, we’ll take a look at these templates. A template is a pre-designed slideshow built to help you with a specific type of presentation.

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint have templates for things like classroom lessons, business plans and sales presentations. There are a number of free templates, but they also have unique approaches to templates that we’ll discuss.

Let’s look at how the templates compare between the two presentation software.

Google Slides Templates

When you’re getting started with Google Slides, you’ll see a gallery of basic templates that you can customize according to your needs.

Additionally, Google Slide templates are open source and anyone can make an editable presentation using them.

The use of Google Slides templates makes it easy to design beautiful presentations. These templates also make Google Slides a formidable presentation app that competes with Apple products like Keynote and Microsoft products like PowerPoint.

If you need help translating templates into presentation designs, Google offers tutorials and even shares how you can use Slides to stream on Chromecast .

PowerPoint Templates

When it comes to templates, PowerPoint has the edge with volume. You can find thousands of visual elements and custom templates for PowerPoint in their gallery and across the web.

PowerPoint templates have a wide range of design options. This diversity makes PowerPoint the right choice for someone looking for variety with their presentations.

Additionally, PowerPoint has interesting custom graphs and stylized charts that can be challenging to recreate on Google Slides.

You could create a unique and robust presentation by just filling in the template with your visuals and copy. However, PowerPoint also gives you the option to more fully customize your presentation if you want to take a more hands on approach.

However, many of the templates inside the PowerPoint software have been the same for years. There are quite a few legacy templates that, while commonly used, are an excellent way to create presentations.

Aside from their presentation templates, PowerPoint utilizes a variety of theme layout options that you can use if you want to customize a presentation without using a template.

Additionally, PowerPoint templates are available in many places online.

Envato is an excellent repository for PowerPoint themes. There are thousands of ready-to-use templates with unique styles for different use cases.

Because so many designers go out of their way to create PowerPoint templates, Microsoft does not emphasize creating templates inside of PowerPoint.

Next, we'll move on to the cost of each presentation software. Let’s take a look at a Google Slides vs. PowerPoint comparison when it comes to cost.

Google Slides Cost

Google Drive and Google Slides are completely free services. You won't ever need to pay to download and use these programs. All of the features we've discussed so far are 100% free.

The free cost is one of the most important value propositions for Google Slides. You can use all of the features on any device that’s compatible with the Google Slides app. All you need is a Google Account to use Google Slides.

The only cost ever associated with Google services is if your business is setting up a Google Workplace (i.e., using Google for your email services).

PowerPoint Cost

PowerPoint is most typically purchased as part of the Microsoft Office suite, now called Microsoft 365. The monthly fee starts at $6.99/per month and increases depending on users and team needs.

Buying the software by itself costs $159.99 and comes with no storage.

Keep in mind that both PowerPoint Designer and Broadcast live are features that come included in the Microsoft Office suite.

Create a stunning presentation in less time

• Hundreds of premade slides available
• Add animation and interactivity to your slides
• Choose from various presentation options

Online vs. Offline Performance

An important consideration when comparing your presentation software choices is how they compare with online and offline performance.

There are some distinctions when it comes to presenting online and offline with Google Slides and PowerPoint.

This section will look at their distinctions and how each presentation software approaches online and offline options for their users.

In both cases, if the presentation is rich in interactive media and large photos, a slow connection will slow down the performance of your PC if viewed online. In general, offline access is available on a limited basis.

Google Slides Performance

Google Slides is a predominantly cloud-based app built for seamless online performance. Slides offer a user experience in the browser that makes online use and collaboration simple, especially on desktop.

Google Slides has invested in its offline functionality via the Google Slides Offline program when it comes to offline performance.

Google Slides Offline is available via a Chrome browser extension or by using the Chrome operating system. It's possible to use Google Offline for iPad, iPhone, Android and any desktop operating system.

There’s even a Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft Office that allows you to work on PowerPoint offline and upload the finished result to Google Drive for collaboration or online sharing.

PowerPoint Performance

Microsoft has its own set of online accessibility options such via the Office 365 subscription. Additionally, you can use the PowerPoint Online web app.

When it comes to offline performance, PowerPoint provides robust offline apps for experience for desktop users. However, the offline experience is not as healthy for smartphones and tablets.

The PowerPoint mobile apps for Android, iOS and even the Microsoft Surface tablet fall short compared to Google Drive. The PowerPoint mobile apps are not as powerful as the desktop version.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Collaboration is a critical consideration when selecting the best presentation software for you and your company. The ability to work on presentations as a team is vital across business and education sectors.

This section will explore how Microsoft PowerPoint vs. Google Slides performs in terms of teamwork and collaboration.

Google Slides

Google Slides makes seamless collaboration possible between you and anyone on your team.

Multiple users can make comments and edit the presentation simultaneously using Google Slides. Any user can instantly see any changes that are made to the presentation.

It's also easy to restore previous versions of your presentation if you need to return to a preferred version.

Team members need a Google Account to collaborate on a Google Slides presentation.

The original author of the presentation can share the project with an unlimited number of users. Any collaborator just needs to be granted editing rights via their Gmail account.

Any edits on Google Slides occur in real time. Additionally, collaborators can also leave comments so everyone can stay on track with each other.

Collaboration on PowerPoint is possible but needs a bit of preparation.

For a PowerPoint presentation to be editable as a team, it first needs to be uploaded to OneDrive or SharePoint Online for Microsoft 365.

From there, someone needs to add collaborators via email. Users can see when team members log into the presentation to make changes and see their projects.

If someone makes changes while a user isn’t logged on, they get a notification that changes have been made while they were away.

PowerPoint comes integrated with OneDrive, with sharing options ranging from email, direct link and social media to SharePoint and Live broadcast of PowerPoint slides via Office Presentation Service. You can also collaborate with others using the various online editions of PowerPoint.

Needless to say, PowerPoint has a robust Slideshow mode for presenting presentations which can be further aided using third-party add-ons like live annotations.

Storage & Backup

Creating a presentation is a lot of work. One of the worst feelings is when you lose a presentation after hours or days of work due to an error.

To solve this issue, both Google Slides and PowerPoint have backup features that you can take advantage of on your desktop or mobile devices.

Every Google Drive account offers up to 15 GB of storage for free. Paid Google Workspace accounts will get up to 30 GB of storage before having to pay for more.

When it comes to backup options, Google Slides saves all data on their cloud. This means you don't need to hit save every few minutes to ensure you don’t lose your work.

Google Slides also provides a helpful history review where you can explore previous versions of your presentation. This means you can restore earlier versions of your work if you don't like some of the recent edits you made.

Because PowerPoint is a primarily desktop-based presentation tool, all your presentations are stored directly on your computer.

However, you can also take advantage of the Microsoft OneDrive to store your PowerPoint files. Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage solution similar to Google Drive.

However, it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription that comes with a 5GB cloud storage plan for users. Additionally, you can use Office 365 backup from NAKIVO  to automatically backup all your data.

Something to be aware of is that PowerPoint doesn’t offer automatic saving features unless you have an updated version of PowerPoint and you are an Office 365 subscriber.

Embedding media features like video and audio are critical to keep in mind when selecting a presentation software. Additionally, understanding how to embed the presentation itself on a web page is important if you need to share your presentation later.

Let’s take a look at how Google Slides and PowerPoint compare on this vital feature.

Google Slides enables you to embed your videos from a YouTube or Google Drive account. However, it is not possible to store standalone audio files in your presentation.

One major plus of working with Slides is how easy it is to work with videos. You don't have to worry about installing any additional software to use video in Slides.

When it comes to uploading static pictures in Google Slides, you can upload your photos from a URL, a camera, your Google Drive or any desktop computer.

In PowerPoint, media content is easy to embed into your presentation. You can freely embed both video and audio files in PowerPoint.

When you add your video or audio content to a One Drive account, embedding content on PowerPoint is particularly easy.

When it comes to adding static pictures into your PowerPoint presentation, you can include many types of graphics and animations.

In fact, for advanced users, you can even draw your own animations. You can also insert a YouTube video by using the online video embed option.

These are some of the possibilities for visual content in PowerPoint presentations.

Should You Use Google Slides or PowerPoint?

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint have their own strengths and weaknesses. The software you choose depends entirely on your unique needs.

For example, Google Slides offers real time collaboration abilities that make it an ideal solution for teams working on a presentation together.

Likewise, using Microsoft PowerPoint may be a better fit for someone who wants to work offline and who wants customization options without the need for internet accessibility.

When it comes to choosing between Google Slides and PowerPoint, it mostly comes down to how you want to design your presentation. Each tool has capabilities and strengths that the other lacks.

For example, Google Slides makes it much easier to work across IOS, Android and desktop devices. However, Microsoft PowerPoint has a robust desktop solution that gives you the ability to do things like embed audio files and draw your animations.

What is Google’s version of PowerPoint?

The Google equivalent of PowerPoint is called Google Slides. The functionality between the two is extremely similar, with the main different being that PowerPoint is a downloadable software while Google Slides is built completely online.

What is the difference between Google Slides and PowerPoint?

Google Slides is run by Google and is only accessible with an Internet connection. PowerPoint was created by Microsoft and is a downloadable software that can be used completely offline.

Is Google Slides a PowerPoint?

In simplest terms, no, Google Slides is not a PowerPoint. However, although “PowerPoint” is a tool, it has often become a placeholder word for “presentation” or “slideshow,” even if the presentation has not been created in PowerPoint.

Is Google Slides like PowerPoint?

Google Slides has a similar functionality to PowerPoint. However, it offers less features and cannot be used without an internet connection.

How do you convert PowerPoint to Google Slides?

If you’ve created a PowerPoint and need to convert it into a Google Slides presentation, simply upload your PowerPoint file to your Google Drive and open it. It will immediately open in Google Slides. You can also simply create a new Google Slides presentation by typing slides.new in your browser bar, heading to File in the top navigation bar and clicking Open to import your PowerPoint.

Conversely, if you’ve created a presentation in Google Slides and need to download it in PowerPoint format, you can easily do so in just a couple of steps. Click File in the top navigation bar, then go down to the Download menu. Click the option to download as Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) .

How do you save Google Slides as PDF?

You can download your presentation as a PDF in the same menu you use to convert your Google Slides presentation to PowerPoint. However, instead of clicking Microsoft PowerPoint, you’re going to click the option to download as PDF Document (.pdf) .

Looking for the Best Presentation Software?

If you read this far, you might already know if Google Slides or PowerPoint is the best software for you. If not, don't worry — we have another option!

If you are looking for the best of both worlds, Visme is an incredibly effective presentation tool. From unique and fun slideshows to sharp business slides, you can create the most effective presentation for your needs with our professionally designed templates .

Watch the video below for a quick intro to making presentations in Visme.

Additionally, you can create interactive slide decks with GIFs, maps, charts, popups, external links, voice-overs, YouTube videos and audio.

If you need to store your presentation in the cloud using Google Drive, Dropbox or other cloud-based systems, Visme gives you the ability to upload presentations easily.

When it comes to collaboration , Visme helps you work with your whole team to create beautifully designed presentations, infographics, reports, ebooks and social media graphics in file formats like JPG, PNG, GIF and MP4.

Sign up for a free Visme account today and try out the tools your presentation needs to be outstanding and unforgettable.

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About the Author

Brian Nuckols is a writer working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enjoys communicating visionary ideas in clear, action oriented language. When he’s not working on content for a transformative company you can find him analyzing dreams, creating music, and writing poetry.

Home Blog Google Slides Tutorials Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: A Detailed Comparison

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: A Detailed Comparison

There was a time when anyone making a slide deck using presentation software was likely to use PowerPoint, with Apple’s Keynote being a close competitor. As time progressed, presentation platforms became available online and through mobile devices. In the initial years of this transition, PowerPoint lagged behind in the wake of online presentation suites and mobile device presentation apps. One of the most obvious competitors then was Google Slides, leading to the debate about Google Slides vs. PowerPoint.

Table of Contents

Importance of Presentation Tools

Google slides and microsoft powerpoint: historical context, accessibility and device compatibility, price comparison, presentation templates, basic editing features, media embedding capabilities, annotation and presentation options, animations and transitions, file conversion capability, collaboration and teamwork capabilities, pros and cons of powerpoint and google slides, case studies: powerpoint and google slides.

Presentations have become a staple for business professionals, teachers, students, and even people in the military. As using computers and mobile devices became easier with the improvement in easy-to-use graphical interfaces, people quickly switched to slide decks, video presentations, remote meetings, and other presentation delivery methods. People no longer needed whiteboards or oral presentations, as the visual aids offered by presentation software were just too good to let go of. This meant that presentation software was continuously improved and adapted for different devices.

Over the years, different presentation software has been accompanied by several accessories, such as presentation remotes and laser pointers. All of these have been virtually replaced in recent years with virtual apps or integrated features within presentation software that allow easy remote switching of slides through mobile devices and the ability to turn a cursor into a laser pointer. Furthermore, add-ins for different presentation platforms have emerged with innovative and ever-increasing options to enhance presentations. 

The Rise of PowerPoint as a Presentation Software

Developed by Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin during the 80s, it was a presentation software developed for Mac computers. Along the way, Gaskins and Austin also employed the help of a third developer, Thomas Rudkin. PowerPoint 1.0 for Mac was released in 1987, and 10,000 copies were sold. Shortly afterward, Microsoft acquired Forethought Inc., the company that made PowerPoint. It took some convincing from colleagues, leading Bill Gates to seriously think about PowerPoint being an effective software.

For a long time, PowerPoint remained the major presentation software for desktop computer users, more precisely, Windows and Mac users. 

Emergence of Google Slides as a Viable PowerPoint Competitor

Nearly 20 years after its initial release, things began to change. The Internet had started taking the world by storm, and more people could use desktop computers than ever before. Not to mention, mobile devices started becoming ‘smarter.’ Then, Google launched its Google Docs Suite with an online version of a PowerPoint-like app. This app later became Google Slides. While Google was able to provide free online presentation software that could also enable the opening, editing, and sharing of PowerPoint-compatible files, Microsoft lagged in delivering a similar product. It wasn’t until 2012 that Microsoft PowerPoint came with proper online features. With the introduction of a free version called PowerPoint Online and later integration with Office 365 (now known as Microsoft 365), Microsoft caught up to Google Slides. Furthermore, the two became available for mobile devices, catering to the needs of smartphone users.

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Feature Comparison

The first thing to consider when it comes to the Google Slides vs. PowerPoint debate is device compatibility. Back in the day, PowerPoint was limited to Windows and Mac computers, whereas Google Slides could mostly be used only through Internet-connected browsers. Much has changed since the launch of the Google Docs Suite, which led to what we now know as Google Slides. This means that both PowerPoint and Google Slides are now more compatible with different devices than ever before.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint has Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. While Windows Phone is no longer produced, Microsoft released a version back then. Other than apps, PowerPoint is accessible through Internet browsers via the free but limited version called PowerPoint Online and the full-featured Microsoft 365 suite.

Google Slides

Google Slides was initially an online presentation app available via Internet-connected browsers. Later, it produced various apps for Android, iOS, Chrome OS, and Wear OS devices. Furthermore, you can also use Google Slides offline on a desktop computer using the Google Docs Offline Chrome extension. This extension also works with other Chromium-based web browsers like Edge.

Before we discuss the features of both presentation platforms, it is worth discussing the pricing mechanism that Google and Microsoft use for their presentation software.

Microsoft provides a free version of PowerPoint via a Microsoft account that you can use to access an online version. Furthermore, it also comes with OneDrive integration and up to 5Gb of free cloud storage. The full-featured version of PowerPoint has different license types, with an annual recurring fee for personal, family, business, and enterprise use. Microsoft also offers free versions for educational institutions, teachers, and students. The classic 2021 version of PowerPoint is also available for one-time purchase and is called Office Home & Student 2021. However, this is for non-commercial use and is more of a version with limited features.

As of 2024, Microsoft 365 starts at $69.99 for a personal package or around $6 per user per month. Depending on your needs, you can opt for family, business, or enterprise packages.

While Google Slides has been free for users of Google accounts for quite some time, it also comes with premium packages. Unlike the Google Drive-integrated version with 15GB of cloud storage, the paid version of Google Slides comes integrated with Google Workspace, which has various versions for business use and an enterprise package. Google Workspace for Education provides free and discounted versions for educational use.

Unlike the free version of Google’s products, Google Workspace offers advanced security, cloud storage, and custom emails with all Google products like Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and others integrated into one suite. Furthermore, it integrates with third-party apps for advanced integration for enterprise use.

Google Workspace can cost $6 per user per month or around $72 annually for a basic package. Other packages for business and enterprise use can cost more depending on the number of users.

Different presentation software has different templates, enabling end users to create customized slide decks to suit their needs. A number of native and third-party templates are available for both platforms. (Also, learn more about Slide Deck vs PowerPoint in our article)

Microsoft PowerPoint provides hundreds of templates that are accessible directly through its apps and online versions. You can also download PowerPoint templates from Office.com. Furthermore, more third-party developers provide customizable PowerPoint templates than Google Slides. SlideModel alone provides over 50,000 PowerPoint templates with various customizable characters, maps, diagrams, backgrounds, and layouts.

One of the things that Google Slides has lagged in is the provision of templates that are as good as PowerPoint. Not only are there fewer developers making templates for Google Slides, but the quality can also be often lacking. Compare that to the PowerPoint templates available via Office.com and third-party developers, and you will find PowerPoint to be a clear winner in this comparison. Suppose you are a Google Slides user searching for templates that can offer something similar to an experience provided by PowerPoint templates. In that case, you can either use PowerPoint templates in Google Slides or explore these Google Slides templates .

The basic editing features of PowerPoint and Google Slides are quite similar, with a few exceptions. If you are new to presentation making, you might want to first see our articles about how to start and end a presentation .

A glance at the Home tab of the Ribbon menu provides basic editing features, including the fonts, text styles, size, and alignment options. Moreover, you can use this menu or the left sidebar to create, duplicate, add, or hide slides.

Besides the left sidebar, Google Slides provides basic editing features via the Format menu. This menu caters to text, alignment, spacing, and other basic features. The Slide menu has many layout selections, slide duplication, and creation features. Many basic formatting options are also visible from the Google Slides toolbar. What sets apart Google Slides formatting options is mainly the availability of different font families, with fewer editing and enhancement features such as text stylizing options in Google Slides.

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides provide various embedding options to embed content within slides.

PowerPoint via the Insert tab offers options to add pictures from your device and online, including via Bing search stock photos provided by Microsoft. You can also insert illustrations, cutout people, stickers, and cartoon characters provided within the app. PowerPoint also comes with stock icons, shapes, 3D models, symbols, charts, and the ability to add videos and audio to slides. The videos include not only ones from within your device but also online videos and stock videos provided by Microsoft. Unlike past versions, Microsoft has come a long way in offering embedding capability for YouTube videos and other platforms such as Vimeo, SlideShare, Stream, and Flip. Additionally, you can instantly record a screencast and insert it into a PowerPoint slide.

PowerPoint supports MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, MPEG, and SWF video formats, as well as audio formats such as MP3, WAV, M4A, and WMA.

Google Slides provides shapes, tables, diagrams, charts, and WordArt that is similar but arguably inferior to PowerPoint. The embedding options offered by Google Slides are a close replica of PowerPoint. Available via the Insert menu, you can add images from your device via URL, Google search, your device camera by taking an instant photo, and Google Drive. Similarly, you can insert Audio and videos from YouTube and Google Drive. 

Google Slides supports videos from  MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV formats, whereas supported audio file formats include MP3, WAV, and OGG. In terms of embedding capabilities, Google Slides is more geared towards online users, whereas PowerPoint also provides enhanced offline capability to embed videos and reasonable support to embed videos from popular video streaming platforms. Other features, such as making a screencast, require using third-party add-ons for Google Slides.

PowerPoint’s Draw tab and the Pointer options in Slideshow mode (accessible via the right-click menu) can highlight and turn your cursor into an instant laser pointer. You can also move the cursor to the bottom to reveal many of these features in slideshow mode and find options to zoom into text, view slide thumbnails, etc.

Regarding annotation and presentation features, Google Slides lags far behind PowerPoint. The Line and Scribble options are pretty limited, and while you can turn your cursor to a laser pointer or highlight text in Slideshow mode, PowerPoint’s ability to zoom and sort slides and Drawing tools cannot be matched.

When it comes to animations and transitions, PowerPoint’s capability compared to Google Slides has often been overlooked.

The Transitions and Animations tab provides transitions and animations in PowerPoint. Slide switching is a pleasure if you know how to arrange the transitions from the very basic reveal, split, and fade to the advanced Morph transitions. Similarly, PowerPoint animations are divided into four major sections, including animations for Entrance, Emphasis, Exit, and Motion Paths. Motion Paths are the most complex PowerPoint animations, enabling the definition of a path for an animated object.

You can go to Insert -> Animation after selecting an object or Slide -> Transition after selecting a slide to reveal animations and transitions in Google Slides. Unfortunately, both animations and transitions in Google Slides are pretty basic and limited, unlike PowerPoint, which offers basic to advanced transitions and animations. For example, the PowerPoint morph transition can create the illusion of moving objects, and Motion Paths can reveal objects on a set path defined by the user.

Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides support file conversion to different formats. However, some conversion options require third-party apps.

PowerPoint supports converting files to PDF, XPS, MPEG 4, WMV, EMF, RTF, SVG, BMP, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, ODP, and other formats. Many file conversion formats in PowerPoint are also native, such as the legacy PPT, PPA, POT, and PPS formats and the new formats PPTX, POTM, PPTM, PPSX, and POTX.

Google Slides provides native file conversion options to download your file as a PPTX, ODP, PDF, TXT, JPEG, PNG, or SVG file. However, to convert Google Slides to video or other formats, you must use third-party add-ons such as Creator Studio.

In the wake of COVID-19 and remote working, the need for collaboration and teamwork, even for presentations, cannot be underestimated. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have often tried competing in this niche using various products woven into their presentation software.

The fact that Microsoft doesn’t simply produce a presentation suite but an entire environment, from operating systems to remote meeting apps, gives it quite an advantage. PowerPoint comes integrated with OneDrive, Teams, Loop, Skype, and various other apps you can use to collaborate online. Depending on your Microsoft 365 subscription, some features are limited to enterprise users, particularly for the desktop version of PowerPoint. You can share your files using OneDrive with specific people or by generating a publicly accessible link. Use the online version of PowerPoint to embed a code to share your presentation online.

Collaboration on a Live PowerPoint file can be performed through a browser, the desktop, or the mobile version of PowerPoint. Furthermore, its integration with Microsoft Teams helps integrate PowerPoint natively for remote meetings.

Google Slides initiated online collaboration and sharing long before Microsoft adapted to the concept. The initial version of Google Slides readily provided options such as sharing the file of online cooperation via a direct link that Microsoft later integrated into PowerPoint. Furthermore, you can also use the Publish on the Web option in Google Slides to embed the slides online.

In terms of collaboration, what makes the real difference is the close integration of various Microsoft products with PowerPoint. In contrast, Google Drive and Google Meet have been trying to do the same for Google Slides, with the latter being less popular for remote meetings than Microsoft remote meeting apps such as Teams and Skype. 

Unlike Microsoft, Google has struggled to leverage ChromeOS and Android as a primary choice for enterprise use since both operating systems lack the ability and compatible hardware to run heavy apps. Windows or Mac seems to be an obvious choice for end users when it comes to non-linear editing, research, graphic design, and other fields of work that require using resource-intensive apps. This also impacts the preference for Google Slides compared to Microsoft products such as PowerPoint, which integrates with the Microsoft-provided experience.

While much can be said about PowerPoint and Google Slides’ features, let’s examine some of the pros and cons of using both presentation platforms.

Pros of Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint has a number of handy features that make it a worthy presentation software and live up to its reputation as an industry leader.

Feature Rich

PowerPoint is a feature-rich presentation software with many advanced features to help you edit, create, design, and present your slides with many user-friendly options. 

Integration with Microsoft Products

PowerPoint, combined with the overall Microsoft experience, is based on its Windows operating systems, Teams, Skype, OneDrive, and other apps to provide support for PowerPoint.

Offline Access

Unlike Google Slides, which works best online, the offline version of PowerPoint allows users to create and present slides offline without requiring Internet connectivity.

Availability of PowerPoint Templates

You can find PowerPoint templates on any topic imaginable, with countless third-party developers adding free and premium templates daily. This ever-expanding resource is something that presenters can always leverage to make their presentation visually appealing and with easy-to-edit templates.

Advanced Collaboration Features

While PowerPoint was late in providing online collaboration features, the ability to work remotely has been expanding and improving once integrated.

Add-ins and Integration with Third-Party Apps

PowerPoint add-ins and third-party app integration have been seamless and ever-expanding. Not only can you use a wide array of add-ins to further enhance PowerPoint features, but you can also integrate it with various third-party platforms and apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Zapier, Bing Translate, etc.

Integration of AI

In recent years, Microsoft has been quick to integrate AI in PowerPoint. From PowerPoint’s Designer feature and Bing Translation tool to the integration of Copilot, Microsoft has been quickly enabling end users to leverage AI to create and design slides.

Cons of using Microsoft PowerPoint

While PowerPoint has many benefits, end users should also consider a number of cons.

Expensive Cost Structure

PowerPoint can be quite costly, and not everyone will be willing or able to afford a hefty annual recurring fee. The free version and license for noncommercial use have stringent requirements from which few can benefit. The free version of PowerPoint available as PowerPoint online has limited features.

Platform Dependency

While PowerPoint has an online version with ever-increasing features and mobile versions for Android and iOS, it is still more of a desktop app. We can argue that the online version isn’t as smooth as the functionality of the desktop version, and the mobile apps still leave a lot to be desired. Other than the Mac version of PowerPoint, it has been designed to integrate with Microsoft OS and apps, making it somewhat platform-dependent.

Pros of Using Google Slides

Google Slides has various pros as a presentation app for different types of end users.

Cloud-Based and Cross-Platform Accessibility

The promise of Google Slides or Google’s suite was always ease of access through the Internet and cross-platform compatibility. Like other Google products of its kind, Google Slides provides ease of access via the Internet and accessibility regardless of what operating system you are using. Using a modern browser allows you to access and use Google Slides without any platform dependency.

Economical Option for Making Presentations

Using the full-featured PowerPoint can be quite expensive, whereas Google Slides provides all basic features in the free version, with the option to upgrade to Google Workspace for more advanced features. Furthermore, Google Drive comes with 15GB of free cloud storage space compared to the meager 5GB provided by OneDrive. This can be helpful for long-term use for storing presentations online.

Compatibility with PowerPoint Files

If you can’t afford PowerPoint, Google Slides can be the next best thing. It provides compatibility for PowerPoint files, with the option to convert files in various other file formats such as PDF, RTF, ODP, etc. You can even start a presentation using Google Slides and download it as a PowerPoint file for use with PowerPoint. While many other apps also offer such features, the compatibility of Google Slides with PowerPoint files is one of the best you can find.  

Integration of Google-Based Apps

Google Slides is integrated with other Google products, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, Google Forms, and Google Photos. You will find Google Slides quite convenient if you’re used to these products. 

Third-Party App Integration

Google Slides integrates with a number of third-party apps such as Adobe Spark, Canva, Lucidchart, Asana, etc. You can access Google Slides add-ons via the Extensions menu. The add-ons available for Google Slides are mainly for online platforms that integrate with Google Slides.

Cons of Using Google Slides

While Google Slides has been a great free alternative to PowerPoint, it does have various limitations.

Limited Features

When it comes to Google Slides vs. PowerPoint, the latter clearly offers more enhanced features that Google Slides has yet to match. Whether it’s the use of advanced transitions and animations, AI, design features, or basic editing and presentation options, PowerPoint wins by a mile.

Weak Offline Support

Google Slides is primarily an online app with weak offline support. Unlike PowerPoint, it is very hard, if not impossible, to create, edit, and present a presentation entirely offline using Google Slides.

Use by the US Military

There have been many instances where PowerPoint stood out as a presentation software and times when it took flak for the phenomenon called death by PowerPoint. The use of PowerPoint by the American military is well documented. The concept came to light amidst criticism of how bad the presentations were. This led to an article in The New York Times titled, ‘We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is PowerPoint’. Eventually, Microsoft intervened and sent in executive communications manager Dave Karle to rectify the problem. However, the case of death by PowerPoint in the US military is attributed not to the presentation software but to how it is inaccurately used to create presentations. 

Google Slides has many examples of case studies and events where it has been a regular feature. Google’s annual developer conference, called Google I/O, is famous for featuring presentations on Google Slides. In 2018, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and other senior officials used Google Slides during Google I/O as a part of the major event highlights. Google Slides has often been used in Google I/O events as a presentation platform by Google’s top management and remains the central app for keynote presentations.

While the US military might have a lot to learn about using PowerPoint, presenters at TED Talks often use it with quite some dexterity. PowerPoint and Google Slides have been regular features of TED Talks and are used by different types of presenters to express their ideas and explain various concepts.

Google Slides is often better than PowerPoint due to its cost-effectiveness, cloud-based accessibility, and superior real-time collaboration features. It is free with a Google account and offers seamless integration with other Google services like Google Drive and Google Meet. This enables users to work from any device with internet access without the need for software installation. Additionally, Google Slides’ automatic saving feature, cross-platform compatibility, and ease of sharing and publishing presentations make it a highly efficient and user-friendly choice for individuals, educators, and businesses.

Google Slides is a free, cloud-based presentation tool with robust collaboration features and cross-platform compatibility. PowerPoint is feature-rich presentation software available both online and offline. It is integrated deeply with Microsoft Office and offers advanced design, animation, and media embedding capabilities.

Yes, both Google Slides and PowerPoint offer cross-platform compatibility. Google Slides can be accessed via web browsers and has Android, iOS, Chrome OS, and Wear OS apps. PowerPoint has desktop applications for Windows and Mac and mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Google Slides is free for basic use with a Google account and offers 15GB of free cloud storage. Google Workspace, which includes advanced features, starts at $6 per user per month. PowerPoint is available with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, starting at $69.99 annually for personal use or $6 per user per month, with a free but limited online version.

PowerPoint offers many templates through Office.com and third-party developers like SlideModel. Google Slides has fewer templates, but you can find some through Google or use compatible PowerPoint templates in Google Slides.

PowerPoint supports embedding from your device, stock photos, online sources, and even creating screencasts within the app. Google Slides allows embedding images, audio, and videos from your device, Google Drive, and YouTube but relies more on third-party add-ons for advanced media embedding features.

Google Slides excels in online collaboration, allowing real-time editing and sharing through links. PowerPoint also supports online collaboration via OneDrive and Teams, with features integrated into the Microsoft 365 environment for seamless teamwork.

PowerPoint offers advanced animations and transitions, including complex features like Morph transitions and Motion Paths. Google Slides provides basic animations and transitions, which are more limited than PowerPoint’s capabilities.

PowerPoint supports full offline functionality, allowing you to create, edit, and present slides without an internet connection. Google Slides has limited offline support and requires enabling offline access through the Google Docs Offline Chrome extension.

PowerPoint is preferred for feature-rich presentations, complex animations, and integration with other Microsoft products. Google Slides is ideal for collaborative work and easy sharing, especially for those who prefer a cloud-based solution with basic features.

To insert an offline video in PowerPoint, go to the Insert tab, select Media -> Video -> Video on my PC, browse to the location of the video file, select it, and click Insert. The video will be added to your slide; you can resize and position it as needed.

While Google Slide provides an economical and easy-to-access alternative to PowerPoint, the latter remains an industry leader with features that Google Slides has yet to catch up to. While Google Slides had an edge in the past regarding online collaboration and sharing features, once PowerPoint became available online, Google struggled to match the features offered by PowerPoint and lacked the support of operating systems and other apps used by businesses that come integrated with PowerPoint. 

Windows-based operating systems, including client OS and servers, come integrated in an environment where the Office suite provides powerful support to PowerPoint users in an integrated environment. On the contrary, Google has failed to leverage Android or Chrome OS as a powerful operating system that can do the heavy lifting regarding enterprise-level software integration. Microsoft-based products are an obvious choice, even if some of the organization’s base infrastructure uses other operating systems, such as CentOS or Red Hat, to maintain its servers. This is because Windows is still a famous client operating system and Android and Chrome OS cannot match when running heavy applications for design, development, research, etc.

In conclusion, Google Slides serves as an economical alternative to PowerPoint. The latter is still the industry leader in presentation software and has yet to be dethroned.

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Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint Filed under Google Slides Tutorials , PowerPoint Tutorials

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Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – What Are the Differences?

We give you all the serious deets

PowerPoint has held the position of the best presentation software since 1987. It’s used by millions in schools, workplaces, and homes. But in 2012 Google Slides entered the market as an alternative to PowerPoint. Today, PowerPoint and Google Slides are both popular and are used around the globe, but which one is the best?

In this article, we’ll compare all the important features between PowerPoint and Google Slides to help you decide which tool is best for you.

What Is PowerPoint?

Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful tool that will help you create professional presentations. You can create slides with custom graphics, animations, and videos to make your presentation more interactive and fun. Having such a long history also means that PowerPoint comes with a large number of templates and resources you can use to impress your audience.

As part of the Suite, PowerPoint is often used alongside Word and Excel. This is why many companies, schools, and new start-ups prefer it.

What Is Google Slides?

Google Slides is part of the Google Docs Editors suite and it’s supposed to be an alternative to PowerPoint. It is a free cloud-based presentation tool that works in any browser, so you don’t have to download it.

You can create, edit, and share creative presentations easily since it’s an online tool instead of a standalone application.

The Comparison

Both Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint are powerful presentation tools and the best way to compare the two is to look into their features. It is clear that both will allow you to make professional presentations in which you can:

• Add text, images (jpg, png, and gif), videos, and links
• Add charts and graphs to your presentation
• Use premade templates and themes
• Use transitions
• Print to PDF
• Include your team members and collaborate with them through the tool itself

Let’s dive in and check out the detailed features of MS PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Unique Features in PowerPoint

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides have some unique features that set them apart from other presentation tools and from each other. Here’s what sets Microsoft PowerPoint apart:

1. PowerPoint Designer

Microsoft Powerpoint has a suggestion engine that helps you choose the design of your slides and overall PowerPoint presentation. Let’s say you import a visual such as a graph or an image. PowerPoint will suggest slide layouts that will work well with your visual element. All of these layouts are based on professional slide design examples.

2. PowerPoint Broadcast Live

If you need to share your slides with your team members in real-time, PowerPoint’s unique Broadcast Live feature will help you. This feature allows you to invite people to join and view your live presentation.

3. PowerPoint Presenter View

The Presenter View feature projects your presentation onto a second screen. This is an amazing tool for those who need to have their speech notes available on their personal screen. The audience will still be able to follow the captivating presentation, without seeing all the boring text behind it.

Unique Features in Google Slides

Here are some of the special features you get with Google Slides:

1. PowerPoint Compatibility

Google Slides allows its users to make presentations and export them as PowerPoint files. You can also import files made in PowerPoint and continue editing the slides in Google Slides. This compatibility between the two presentation tools is good to have when it comes to collaboration.

2. Automatic Saving

With Google Slides, you don’t have to worry about losing your progress if suddenly the internet connection is cut off, or if the browser bugs out. This tool comes with a powerful auto-save feature. Every little change you make to your document will automatically be saved.

3. Detailed Version History

This is a feature that builds up on automatic saving. If you change your mind after making far too many changes, you can easily go back to an older version of the document. You don’t have to manually redo anything.

Templates are pre-designed slide shows that you can use freely when you create your presentation. Both PowerPoint and Google Slides offer a wide variety of templates that cover nearly every category you can imagine.

PowerPoint comes with a lot of templates, not only in its gallery but also on the web . Being older than Slides gives it the advantage of having many templates made by third parties.

Aside from templates, PowerPoint offers themes. These are reserved for people who opt to make their presentations from scratch, without using a template. Themes will help with slide design, but it is up to you to choose the layout options.

Google Slides has a gallery of basic templates. These templates are open source, which means that they are available to anyone, and anyone can change them to suit their needs. If you are new to Google Slides and don’t know how to fully unlock the potential of templates, you can watch tutorials available as Chromecast streams. Also, you can check out themes websites for more help with presentation design.

Online and Offline Performance

Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides have different approaches to offline and online presentations.

PowerPoint has a very robust offline performance. After all, it was designed as a desktop app. However, PowerPoint Online was created as a separate app that lets its users easily share PowerPoint files and work together on a presentation. That said, PowerPoint falls short when it comes to mobile apps. Microsoft developed apps for Android, iOS, and for Microsoft Surface tablets, but they are not as powerful as the desktop version of PowerPoint.

On the other hand, Google Slides was developed as a cloud-based app which means its primary function is online performance. The online use of Slides is simple and effortless, even when you’re collaborating with others. It is also possible to use Google Slides offline, but only if you use ChromeOS or an extension for the Chrome browser.

Collaboration

Companies and education centers need their teams to work on presentations together, so collaboration becomes an important aspect that you should consider.

PowerPoint has OneDrive integration and has various different sharing options. However, you need to do some prep work before collaboration is possible. The presentation needs to be uploaded to OneCloud or SharePoint Online for Microsoft 365 , and the collaborators need to be added via email.

All added team members can see the changes made to the presentation, and in case they are offline, they’ll get a notification that a change has been made. Other sharing options are available in PowerPoint such as direct links, through social media, and through Office Presentation Service which enables live broadcast.

Google Slides, being a cloud-based browser presentation tool, is optimized for collaboration. Everyone can access it, make simultaneous changes, and add notes and comments. All the team members need to work on the same presentation on a Google Account. The original creator of the presentation will send an invitation link to his collaborators and give them editing powers. All changes made on a shared Google Slide presentation are live, and everyone will see them immediately.

Storage and Backup

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides took preventive measures to make their users safe from losing their files due to a software error. But because one is a primarily desktop tool, and the other is a browser tool, the approach to storage and backup options is significantly different.

Microsoft PowerPoint stores all your files directly on your computer. But if you need to share your files, you can choose to store them on OneDrive instead. The only downside to this is that you need to manage two tools instead of one.

All Google Drive users get 15GB of storage for free, and this is where your Google Slides project will be saved automatically. That’s it.

Microsoft PowerPoint makes it easy to embed YouTube videos with its online video embed option. You can also add any type of static images or animations. If you feel capable you can even try drawing your own animations.

Google Slide lets you embed videos directly from YouTube or Google Drive. You can also import static images from your computer, Google Drive, via URL, or directly from the camera.

The cost of the software often determines if you will choose one tool over the other. Let’s look at how PowerPoint and Google Slides compare regarding pricing.

PowerPoint is typically bought as part of Microsoft 365, previously Microsoft Office Suite. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service and its monthly cost starts at $6.99 but it will increase depending on the number of users and their needs. The standalone PowerPoint app costs $139.00 but will come with no online storage, PowerPoint Designer or Broadcast live features.

Google Slides is a free service and all of its features are immediately available to you. There is no software to buy, download, and install and that makes Google Slides a hassle-free option. But you will need a Google or Gmail account to use Google Slides and perhaps some additional storage space. Depending on the subscription plan it can be $2 for 100GB per month or $20 for 100GB per year.

So which tool do you think is better? Let us know in the comments below! And if you decide to go with PowerPoint instead of Google Sliders, check out our article on the best PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.

Nicolae is a Jack of all trades technology writer with a focus on hardware, programming languages, and AI image-processing software. Over the last five years, he has ghostwritten numerous tech how-to guides and books on a variety of topics ranging from Linux to C# programming and game development. Nicolae loves everything that has to do with technology and his goal is to share his knowledge and experience with others. Read Nicolae's Full Bio

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The Definition of a Slide (or Slides) in a PowerPoint Presentation

• Brock University

Presentation software such as PowerPoint generates a series of slides to accompany a human presenter or to be recorded as a stand-alone presentation. A slide is a single screen of a presentation, and every presentation is composed of several slides. Depending on the subject matter, the  best presentations may consist of 10 to 12 slides to get a message across, but more may be needed for complex subjects.

Slides keep an audience's attention during a presentation and provide additional supporting information in textual or graphic format. 

Selecting Slide Formats in PowerPoint

When you open a new PowerPoint presentation file, you are presented with a large selection of slide templates that you can choose from to set the tone for your presentation. Each template has a series of related slides in the same theme, color, and font choice for different purposes. You can choose a template and use only the additional slides that work for your presentation.

The first slide of a presentation is usually a title or introductory slide. It typically consists of text only, but it can include graphic elements or images as well. Subsequent slides are chosen based on the information to be transmitted. Some slides contain images, or charts and graphs.

Transitions Between Slides

Slides follow one after another during a presentation, either at a set time or when the presenter advances the slides manually. PowerPoint includes a large number of transitions you can apply to slides. A transition controls the appearance of one slide as it transitions to the next. Transitions include one slide morphing into another, a fade of one to another, and all sorts of special effects such as page curls or animated motion.

Although transitions add extra interest to a slide presentation, overdoing them by applying a different spectacular effect to each slide tends to look unprofessional and may even distract the audience from what the speaker is saying, so use transitions judiciously.

Enhancing a Slide

Slides can have sound effects attached to them. The sound effects list includes cash register, crowd laughing, drum roll, whoosh, typewriter and many more. 

Adding motion to an element on a slide – a line of text or an image – is called animation. PowerPoint comes with a large selection of stock animations you can use to generate movement on a slide. For example, you can choose a headline and have it zoom in from the margin, spin around 360 degrees, flip in one letter at a time, bounce into position or one of many other stock  animation effects .

As with transitions, don't use so many special effects that the audience is distracted from the content of the slide. 

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PowerPoint vs Google Slides: A Detailed Comparison Guide

A presentation is a crucial tool to inform or persuade your audience in a visually appealing manner. PowerPoint and Google Slides are the most common tools we use for presentations. Although both share many features, Google Slides deviates from PowerPoint at different junctures. To clarify their differences and similarities, we have brought PowerPoint vs Google Slides, a detailed comparison guide. 

PowerPoint vs Google Slides

• Interface and User-friendliness: PowerPoint has complex features, whereas Google Slides offers a more minimalistic interface.
• Accessibility: PowerPoint is accessible offline, while Slides requires an internet connection to function.
• Presentation Templates and Designs: PowerPoint offers more variety with modern and creative templates, whereas Google Slides’ templates are lucid and professional.
• Customization Capabilities: PowerPoint offers Features like Design Ideas, Presenter view, and Live presentations. Google Slides gives Autosave, Version history, and seamless presentation file uploading capabilities.
• Collaboration and Sharing: Google Slides offers smoother collaboration capabilities than PowerPoint.
• Storage and Backup: PowerPoint requires manual saving, while Slides has an autosave feature.
• Integration and Embedding: PowerPoint integrations with digital signage, Microsoft Office, Google Sheets, Facebook, Instagram, etc. In PowerPoint, embedding videos, images, and PDFs is easy. Google Slides offers easy access to Google Workspace and also offers ample options to embed images, charts, and graphs. 
• Pricing: The download price for PowerPoint software is $159.99. Google Slides for professional use can be accessed for $12/month per user, billed annually.

In this article, you will learn about the features, pricing, and functionalities of PowerPoint and Google Slides. After assessing the significant attributes of both software, you will be able to gain clarity about choosing one.

Table of Contents

• What is Microsoft PowerPoint

What is Google Slides

Powerpoint vs google slides: feature-by-feature comparison, powerpoint vs. google slides: use cases and suitability, powerpoint vs. google slides: pros and cons, elevate your presentation design with dochipo, what is microsoft powerpoint .

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most renowned presentation software. It enables users to create dynamic and visually appealing slideshows or presentations. Users can organize content, apply themes, add transitions, and use various formatting options to create professional-looking presentations. 

The software is available on both Mac OS and Windows operating systems. PowerPoint also offers tools for rehearsing presentations, adding speaker notes, collaborating with others, and delivering presentations in different formats, making it a versatile tool for business, education, and personal use.

Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software by Google. If you have used Google Suite, you have undoubtedly used Slides. It helps create, share, edit, and deliver presentations. Due to its accessibility within the browser or via an app, it’s been widely popular amongst users. In simple words, it is Google’s version of PowerPoint.

Further, Google Slides offers seamless real-time collaboration, allowing real-time editing and commenting. It seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace apps, facilitating easy sharing, storing, and exporting presentations.

We have detailed all the essential features of PowerPoint and Google Slides. Let’s take a look at them.

Interface and User-friendliness

PowerPoint is a robust tool that has been available to us for a long time. Over the years, PowerPoint has added various complex features. The interface is complicated for beginners. After using the software, one can easily use basic features and create a simple presentation. However, exploring all the capabilities for advanced features will take you some time. 

Google Slides looks more minimalistic and appealing than PowerPoint. The slides of Google share a lot of editing capabilities with PowerPoint to maintain a close resemblance. Google Slides also appeals to the users with its drag-and-drop editor and Google integrations.

Accessibility

PowerPoint is available for download as a presentation software at an affordable price. Also, Microsoft allows you to access web-version PowerPoint with a monthly subscription to Microsoft 365. Users may note that the online version gives access to limited features.

Google Slides is available only in the online version. Thus, users require a stable internet connection for a seamless experience. However, the software also provides an offline mode, which can be challenging. With a Google account, you can easily access the Slides. 

Presentation Templates and Designs 

After discussing the interface and accessibility of both presentation software, we should explore their templates and features. 

Powerpoint Templates and Themes

PowerPoint offers a diverse range of templates suitable for various purposes. The templates are modern and professional to pique the viewer’s interest. All the presentations are composed of appealing, high-quality visuals with attractive typography.

Moreover, the ever-expanding template range caters to industries like business, tourism, education, product advertisement, etc. You can pick a traditional template layout or a stand-out design; the choice is yours.

Themes of Google Slides Templates

Google Slides aims for professional and lucid presentation styles. It is a highly focused software; thus, the emphasis is more on quality than quantity. Slides offer templates for work, personal, and educational purposes. The slide layouts are at par with PowerPoint templates regarding graphics, designs, and visual appeal. 

Customization Capabilities

We are intrigued by both presentation software. Let’s come to the most crucial aspect: the features and capabilities that will help you choose PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Before listing the exclusive features, there are some common ones for both tools. Along with the customizable templates, you can customize images, charts, graphs, fonts, transitions, etc.

PowerPoint Features

Explore some exciting PowerPoint features that set it apart from other presentation software.

• Design Ideas

PowerPoint Designer or Design ideas are only available if you open the tool in Microsoft 365. Once you select Designer, PowerPoint will suggest various presentation layouts to suit your purpose. The designer also suggests slides for any image, offering several templates to align it.

• Presenter View

The presenter view is a helpful feature of PowerPoint where the presenter can add presentation notes. You can use this mode to engage with your viewers and see their reactions, raised hands, or chat presentation.

• Live Presentations

You can share the secure link or a QR code for live presentations with specific people to join the presentation at a particular time. With this setting, one can view the presentation in real-time on their device. 

You can also present with PowerPoint Live in Teams. As a presenter in Teams, you can adjust the presentation settings without disturbing the shared presentation window. Moreover, you can view the slides in high-contrast mode or translate the slides for easy understanding of the content.

Google Slides Features

Now, let’s discuss some exclusive features of Google Slides to explore what it can offer.

• Auto-save Presentations

You don’t need to save anything in Google Slides as it safely secures everything in the drive. Thus, your presentations are entirely secure and can be accessed whenever possible.

• Import PowerPoint Presentations Directly

Google Slides is highly compatible with PowerPoint. Hence, you can easily upload your presentations on Slides and continue working on them. It helps the users bring all the crucial features of Google Slides to any PowerPoint slide without converting them first.

• Version History

Version history is a unique capability of Google Slide. Suppose you want to undo a few changes that you have made. You can quickly restore changes to the version you want. 

Online Performance of PowerPoint vs Google Slides

PowerPoint is a reliable presentation-maker tool that we usually use in the offline version. However, Microsoft 365 facilitates an online version of PowerPoint with exclusive features such as Design Ideas and Live presentations.  When compared to Slides, web-based PowerPoint offers fewer capabilities to the users. A limited set of themes, word art, and graphics are available for the user. Further, the web version restricts the insertion and customization of charts, graphs, and hyperlinks to the picture. 

Google Slides undoubtedly surpasses PowerPoint for online performance. Slides came up as an online presentation maker. Thus, most of the capabilities are suitable for web use. You would require a strong internet connection to experience the seamless functionality of Slides. However, while running in the browser, you can experience glitches sometimes.

Offline Performance of PowerPoint vs Google Slides

PowerPoint gives an unbeatable offline performance. It offers plenty of features for making gorgeous presentations without the Internet. However, offline performance may suffer on mobile phones and tablets.

Google Slides offers an offline mode when you lose the internet connection. Simply select the option to use Slides offline, and you are ready. Moreover, the offline mode works on various devices and operating systems. 

Also, the sharing and collaboration capabilities are unavailable in the offline mode.

Collaboration and Sharing

Sharing and collaboration are central to any business or organization. You may choose to work as a team or share valuable inputs. Both presentation software offer sharing and collaboration capabilities. Let’s assess how PowerPoint vs. Google works on these lines.

PowerPoint Collaboration

You can avail of collaboration features in PowerPoint only after uploading the presentation file on OneDrive. After choosing share, insert the email ID of the person you need to share with. However, users may note that collaboration in PowerPoint hinges on multiple factors, like the type of devices all team members use.

Google Slide Collaboration

Google Slide helps you quickly share your presentation with multiple users and has access control. Once you have shared your presentation, your team members can make changes or view the slide in real-time. In addition, the collaborators can leave comments on the slides.

Also, you can share your presentation files after converting them to a link.

PowerPoint vs Google Slides: Integration and Embedding

App integration and embedding images, audio, and video are essential for any presentation. PowerPoint and Google Slides offer unique capabilities in both areas. Let’s check out both of them.

PowerPoint Integration

There are a variety of PowerPoint integrations with android or windows digital signage , Microsoft Office, Google Sheets, Facebook, Instagram, etc.. Apart from these, PowerPoint integrates smoothly with Teams and Zoom to provide in-app presentations in real-time.

Embedding in PowerPoint 

In PowerPoint, embedding videos , images, and PDFs is easy. For embedding video in PowerPoint, you can select your files, use stock videos, or browse online videos. However, to embed audio files, you can upload saved files or record audio in your presentations. Moreover, you can embed hyperlinks, charts, graphs, stock images, and online images in the slides.

Google Slides Integration

Google Slides offers easy access to Google Workspace. You can access integration with Google Meet and Google Sheets. These integrations help you smoothly exchange files like charts, images, videos, etc. Further, you can integrate with Google Keep Notes and Smart Canvas to assist with presentations.

Embedding in Google Slides

Google Slides offers ample options to embed images, charts, and graphs. Embedding video, audio, and pictures is enabled by accessing files in Google Drive. Moreover, Slides also helps in embedding YouTube videos. In contrast with PowerPoint, users do not get the option to embed hyperlinks and record audio in their slides. 

Storage and Backup

PowerPoint presentations require manual saving of the files for storage. However, the updated system automatically saves the files once you connect your presentation with OneDrive. Connecting with OneDrive also helps recover the presentation files in case of system failure.

Further, you get 5GB of cloud storage with a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Since Google Slides completely works on cloud storage, Google Drive stores all the files in one place. Google Drive offers 15 GB of space for personal use, whereas Google Workspace provides 30 GB. Also, Google Slides saves multiple versions of your presentation files that are easily accessible.

Affordability

We have discussed all the essential features. Now, let’s explore how affordable PowerPoint vs Google Slides are:

PowerPoint Price 

The price of PowerPoint software for downloading is $159.99. Also, you can get a monthly subscription for Microsoft 365 at $6.99/month.

Google Slides Price 

Google Slides is free for personal use. However, you can access the Slides for professional purposes through the paid plan at $12/month per user, billed annually.

Further Reading

• How to Make a Presentation: A Step-by-Step Guide with Engaging Templates
• 10 PowerPoint Alternatives: Features, Pricing and Insights
• What is a Pitch Deck: A Comprehensive Guide for a Winning Pitch

PowerPoint or Google Slides have various applications in various industries. In summary, the suitability of software highly depends on personal needs.

PowerPoint’s capabilities allow it to offer professional presentations, design flexibility, and offline access. It is most suitable for personal use but also in the professional setting where design and presentation quality matter. It is the first preference for users to incorporate complex animations, innovative graphic representations, and standout effects. PowerPoint is preferable for limited dependency on an internet connection. Many industries, like business, education, marketing, etc, use PowerPoint.

In contrast, Google Slides is most suitable for companies emphasizing sharing and collaboration. It is also convenient for storage and recovery of the files. The software is a powerful tool for corporations using Google WorkSpace. It seamlessly integrates with other Google apps and allows accessibility to the team in the remote setting. For beginners, Google Slides offers a user-friendly interface with the necessary features. Due to its seamless integration and cost-effectiveness, Slides suits professionals, teams, students, and educators. 

We know that every software has some pros and cons that you should consider before long-term use. 

Pros and Cons of PowerPoint

PowerPoint is one of the most renowned software for presentations, and it holds its place for plenty of advantageous features. The software offers numerous categories for templates with premium-quality graphics. Further, extensive customization options and exciting transitions give your slide a dynamic appeal. It is least dependent on the internet connection; thus, most capabilities function in the offline mode.

Despite so many capabilities, there is room for improvement in simplifying the interface for beginners. Also, users may note that PowerPoint is a paid software, meaning the user either buys the software for download or pays for the subscription to Microsoft 365. Moreover, the enhancement in sharing and collaboration features will make the tool suitable for teamwork.

Pros and Cons of Google Slides

Google Slides is certainly a robust alternative to PowerPoint. The online presentation software makes storing and recovering your presentation files hassle-free due to cloud storage. Most of us prefer Google Slides because of its seamless sharing and collaboration capabilities. Apart from that, you can easily upload PowerPoint presentations on Slides and continue editing.

On the contrary, there are some limitations to the slides, too. Compared to PowerPoint, there are a limited number of templates, features, and functionalities. Additionally, Slides is highly dependent on a robust internet connection. Although the offline mode is available, the users can experience the best functionality in the online mode only. Further, the presentation may suffer some alterations after importing files from Slides.

Google Slides or PowerPoint: Choosing the Best Presentation Software

Overall, Google Slides or PowerPoint can create an eye-catching presentation for most purposes. You will prefer one over another when you get into the nitty gritty of user experience and functionality. 

So, if you seek a complex presentation maker, PowerPoint will help you with it. On the other hand, Google Slides will help you to create presentations with the team within a shorter period. Remember, you may often use the software because of the smooth integration with other applications for accessibility. Further, the choice of presentation software also depends on ease of use, visual design, sharing, and multimedia integration. The key is to deliver a clear message while engaging your audience.  

PowerPoint or Google Slides; whatever you choose, you will get some features in one tool but might miss out on others. However, you can try DocHipo for the best of both worlds. 

DocHipo is an excellent tool offering professionally designed presentation templates for business, pitch decks, sales, product, and marketing with versatile design widgets for customization. The software also helps you embed images and videos within the slides. With various transitions and AI capabilities, you can make stand-out presentations to make a lasting impression. Moreover, you can efficiently share and collaborate your presentations with your team. 

Sign up for DocHipo and create a marvelous presentation with DocHipo in three simple steps.

1. Choose Your Presentation Template

You will get a variety of stunning presentation templates to choose from. Hover over the one you love, which aligns with your purpose, to select it to get started.

2. Customize Your Template

Once you have selected your template, customize it using a vast collection of fonts, icons , stickers, illustrations , stock images, etc, in the editor.

 Also, add transitions to the slides to make it more dynamic.

3. Download or Present Your Design

After making all the changes to your presentation slide, click on the three dots in the upper right corner. Download your presentation in JPEG, GIF, PDF, or MP4 format. Also, you can present directly from DocHipo.

Conclusion 

We have discussed plenty of features comparing PowerPoint and Google Slides. Both presentation software are powerful tools with plenty of features and capabilities. Ultimately, the choice is yours to use any of these tools. Or, you can take the middle ground where you get plenty of template designs for presentations and business documents. Get started with DocHipo right away. Sign up for free and make excellent presentations without any watermarks.

Can I use Google Slides like PowerPoint?

Google Slide is known as Google’s version of PowerPoint as it shares many features and capabilities with PowerPoint. You can also import PowerPoint files on Slides and work with them seamlessly. Unlike PowerPoint, Google Slides is a cloud-based software, but the offline option is available in case of network issues.

Which is better, Google Slides or PowerPoint?

Choosing the best software depends on your requirements and preferences. However, Google Slides helps to collaborate and share files with others, whereas PowerPoint offers complex integrations for the slides. Both are ever-evolving applications; hence, you will find many more developments enhancing the customization capabilities. To select any of these, consider your suitability, industry, and pros and cons of both software.

What are the three benefits of using Google Slides rather than PowerPoint?

The three benefits of Google Slides over PowerPoint are as follows:

• The software auto-saves files.
• Google Slides offers version history for all the files.
• You can easily upload PowerPoint slides and edit them in Slides.

Is PowerPoint best for presentations?

PowerPoint is undoubtedly one of the most potent presentation makers. It has enhanced the user experience with features like Design Ideas and Live Presentations in Microsoft 365. However, there are other applications available for free to make excellent presentations, such as Google Slides, DocHipo, Pitch, etc. 

Is Google Slide better than PowerPoint?

Google Slides shares many features with PowerPoint, yet it lacks some complex features available in PowerPoint. Regarding sharing and collaboration, Slides overpowers PowerPoint with its simple layout. 

Is Google Slides the same as PowerPoint?

No, Google Slides is not the same as PowerPoint. Though Slides has the feel of working in PowerPoint, it has unique features.

What is the disadvantage of Google Slides?

Google Slides has disadvantages, such as a limited template collection and a lack of advanced customization. It is an excellent tool for creating simple presentations, but users may need more than the offline mode in case of connectivity issues. 

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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: a Battle (Not) Worthy of Fighting

We've compared both presentation software by 13 criteria. Let's see which one wins.

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By Iveta Pavlova

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Updated: April 29, 2022

PowerPoint has been the worldwide leading presentation software for over 30 years now. Compared to PowerPoint, Google Slides was introduced only a few years ago but have been steadily gaining speed until then. Today, both software programs are widely used and almost equally popular among users across the globe (for reference, check out the graph below). However, many people are facing the battle “Google Slides vs PowerPoint” or to put it in other words, which software is better for your personal needs.

At first, it may seem that Google Slides and PowerPoint are complete rivals. Both software programs experience the same annual cyclicality: a lower demand during the summer holidays and even bigger drop-offs during the Christmas-New Years’ breaks.

However, these two famous tools for presentations might be targetting completely different audiences. We’ve picked the 13 most important criteria according to users’ feedbacks, so we can compare the performances of both. Our mission is to find out:

• what the differences between the two software programs are,
• who wins the battle “Google Slides vs PowerPoint”,
• and is there a battle at all or are they targetting different buying personas? Let’s find out!

Affordability

Accessibility, online performance, offline performance, backups and storage, special effects, pre-made templates.

You may also be interested in What Are Stock Photos and Should You Use Them? [Master’s Guide]

Conversion / Export

To conclude,.

Both software programs offer unique advantages over the other. Google Slides is certainly user-friendly, multifunctional, and allows super easy collaboration with your team members. PowerPoint, on the other hand, is an advanced product with many years of development behind its back, and it naturally offers more functions for the end-user but it’s limited when it comes to co-working. At the end of the day, you have to choose your personal winner based on your own priorities and demands for presentation software.

You may also be interested in some of these related articles:

• 39 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation
• The Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Download in 2022
• How to Start and End a Presentation: 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention

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Iveta Pavlova

Iveta is a passionate writer at GraphicMama who has been writing for the brand ever since the blog was launched. She keeps her focus on inspiring people and giving insight on topics like graphic design, illustrations, education, business, marketing, and more.

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Google Slides Vs. PowerPoint: Which One is Better?

In this blog, we will explore Google Slides vs PowerPoint, comparing their key features, advantages, similarities, and drawbacks. We will discuss practical tips for choosing the right presentation software based on specific needs and preferences. We will also offer insights into their respective user interfaces (UIs) and compatibility.

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Effective presentations are pivotal, and choosing between Google Slides and PowerPoint in the "Slides vs PowerPoint" debate can greatly influence your ability to captivate and convey information seamlessly. Both tools offer unique features, but understanding their strengths and drawbacks is key to selecting the one that best fits your needs. 

In this blog, we will uncover a detailed comparison of Google Slides and PowerPoint, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms. This insight will aid you in making an informed decision, ensuring you select the right tool to enhance your presentation experience.

Table of Contents  

1)  What is Google Slides? 

    a)  Key features of Google Slides 

    b)  Advantages of Google Slides 

    c)  Disadvantages of Google Slides 

2)  What is PowerPoint? 

    b)   Advantages of Google Slides 

3)  Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Key differences 

4)  Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Factors to consider 

5)  Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Use cases 

6) Similarities between Google Slides and PowerPoint

7)  Conclusion 

What is Google Slides?  

Google Slides is an online presentation tool included in the Google Workspace suite. It enables users to create, edit, and present slide-based presentations right from their web browser without the need for any specialised software. Google Slides is known for its simplicity and ease of use, offering a variety of pre-designed templates, themes, and animations to help users craft visually appealing presentations.

Key features of Google Slides  

Google Slides comes with a variety of features that help you to improve your presentations. Some of them are mentioned below:

1) Real-time collaboration: Multiple people are able to create a presentation at the same time, and this mode is ideal for teamwork and remote collaboration.

2) Cloud-based storage: Your presentations will be automatically saved to Google Drive, thereby allowing easy access and smooth syncing on all your devices.

3) Template gallery: Slides offers a vast spectrum of ready-to-go templates for your presentation, so you can get going quickly and save some time.

4) Integration with other Google Workspace apps: This is absolutely the best part. You can integrates content from other Google apps like Google sheets, Google docs and Google forms.

5) Easy sharing and publishing options: You have the choice to send your presentations to specific people or they can be made open to everyone. It provides various ways to embed presentations on websites as well.  

Advantages of Google Slides  

Google Slides offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for many users:  

1) Cost-effective: Google Slides is entirely free, offering a cost-effective solution for both individuals and businesses looking to cut corners without cutting quality.

2) Teamwork simplified: With its real-time collaboration capabilities, multiple users can edit and perfect a presentation together, making it a boon for productivity and teamwork.

3) Access anywhere, anytime: Being web-based, Google Slides can be used on any devices with internet access, making it a versatile tool across various platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

4) Save and sync without a hitch: Presentations are saved automatically to the cloud, minimising the risk of data loss and ensuring that your work is always accessible, no matter the device you switch to.

Disadvantages of Google Slides  

While Google Slides offers numerous advantages, it also has some limitations to consider: 

1)   Limited offline access: Slides requires an internet connection to create and edit presentations. Offline access is available, but it requires additional setup. 

2)   Advanced features: Compared to PowerPoint, Slides may have fewer advanced features and customi s ation options. 

3)  Compatibility issues with PowerPoint: Some formatting and design elements may not translate perfectly when importing or exporting presentations between Slides and PowerPoint.  

Master Google Slides and unleash your presentation potential with our comprehensive Google Slides Masterclass Course . Sign up now!  

What is Powe rPoint?  

PowerPoint  is a powerful presentation software developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is used widely across various industries for creating slide-based presentations. PowerPoint is known for its extensive range of features, which allow users to produce highly customised and professionally polished presentations. 

The software offers various tools for designing slides, including a broad selection of templates, themes, and layouts. Users can add images, videos, animations, and transitions to improve the visual impact and functionality of their presentations.

Key features of PowerPoint  

PowerPoint boasts a wide array of features to enhance your presentations. Some key features of PowerPoint include:

1) Extensive design options: PowerPoint provides an ample number of templates, themes, animations, and transitions, which can be utilised in order to create aesthetically pleasing slides.

2) Advanced customisation: Users have fine control over design elements, and they thus can make their presentations outstanding and presentable.

3) Integration with Microsoft Office suite: It smoothly works with other Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel, hence, easy exchange of information.

4) Multimedia support: It enables the integration of different media content, such as photographs, audio, and video, to add value to the presentation.

Advantages of PowerPoint  

PowerPoint's strengths make it a popular choice among professionals. Some of the advantages are mentioned below::  

1)  Robust feature set: PowerPoint offers a wide range of advanced features, animations, and transitions, empowering users to create dynamic and interactive presentations.  

2)  O ffline access: Unlike Slides , PowerPoint provides full functionality even without an internet connection. 

3)    Compatibility: PowerPoint presentations can be easily shared and accessed across different devices and platforms.  

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of PowerPoint to create more impactful and engaging presentations. Learn more now!

Disadvantages of PowerPoint  

Despite its strengths, PowerPoint has a few limitations to consider:  

1)  C ost: Unlike Google Slides, PowerPoint is not free. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and requires a subscription or one-time purchase.  

2)  Steeper learning curve: Its extensive features and customi s ation options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring time to master. 

3)   Limited collaboration: While PowerPoint offers collaboration features, they are not as seamless and real-time as Slides . 

Learn how to create customised slide shows in MS PowerPoint with our Microsoft PowerPoint MO300 Training .

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Key differences  

1) Cost: A significant difference between Google Slides and PowerPoint lies in their pricing models. Google Slides comes bundled with Google Workspace, offering it for free, while PowerPoint requires a subscription to Microsoft Office or a one-time purchase. Opting for Slides could be more budget-friendly if cost is considered.

2) Offline Access: PowerPoint boasts full functionality even when offline. Once installed, users can create, edit, and present without an internet connection. In contrast, Google Slides primarily operates in the cloud, necessitating an internet connection for real-time collaboration. Although Slides does offer limited offline access, it requires additional setup.

3) Advanced features: PowerPoint stands out for its wide array of advanced features and customisation options. It provides intricate animations, transitions, and design tools, enabling users to craft polished and visually appealing presentations. Conversely, while Google Slides offers a comprehensive feature set, it may have fewer advanced options compared to PowerPoint.

4) Integration: Consider your primary work ecosystem. If you heavily utilise Google Workspace apps like Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs, Google Slides seamlessly integrates with these applications, facilitating easy importing and exporting of content. On the other hand, PowerPoint integrates smoothly with other Microsoft Office suite applications, such as Word and Excel, delivering a cohesive experience for users familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.

5) Storage and autosave: Google Slides automatically saves all changes to Google Drive, offering seamless backup and synchronisation. On the other hand, PowerPoint saves changes locally or to OneDrive, depending on the user's setup, requiring manual saving unless using the autosave feature in Microsoft 365.

Enhance your PowerPoint skills and create impactful presentations with our Microsoft PowerPoint MO300 Training Course . Get started now!  

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Factors to consider when choosing  

To determine the ultimate presentation tool for your needs, consider the following factors: 

1)  Purpose: Identify the purpose and goals of your presentation to determine which tool aligns better with your objectives. 

2)    Team collaboration: If you work in a team or require real-time collaboration, prioriti s e a tool like Google Slides.  

3)  D esign and customi s ation : Assess the level of design control and customi s ation you require for your presentations. 

4)  B udget: Consider your budget and whether you are willing to invest in a subscription-based tool like PowerPoint.  

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Office with our exclusive Microsoft Office 365 Masterclass and take your productivity to new heights!   

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Use cases  

Google Slides is particularly useful in the following scenarios:  

1)  Team presentations: Slides' collaboration features make it ideal for team presentations where multiple individuals need to contribute.  

2)  Education: Many educational institutions use Slides for student presentations and assignments due to their accessibility and ease of use. 

3)   Remote work: Slides' cloud-based nature enables seamless collaboration and sharing in remote work environments.  

PowerPoint finds its strength in the following use cases:  

1)  Professional presentations: PowerPoint's extensive design options and advanced features make it a favoured choice for professional presentations. 

2) Offline presentations: If you regularly present in areas with unreliable internet service, the robust offline functionality of this tool can be a significant benefit.

3) Complex animations and multimedia: Its advanced features and multimedia support make it suitable for creating presentations with intricate animations and multimedia elements.

Take your Microsoft Office skills to the next level – sign up for our Power Apps and Power Automate Training ! 

Similarities between Google Slides and PowerPoint

Google Slides and PowerPoint share several similarities despite their differences. Here are a few: 

1) Presentation creation: Both Google Slides and PowerPoint allow users to create slide-based presentations, offering tools for adding text, images, shapes, charts, and multimedia elements. 

2) Templates and themes: Both platforms provide a variety of pre-designed templates and themes to allow users to create visually appealing presentations quickly. 

3) Slide Transitions and animations: Both Google Slides and PowerPoint offer a range of transition effects and animation options to enhance the flow and engagement of presentations. 

4) Collaboration: While Google Slides is known for its real-time collaboration features, PowerPoint also offers collaboration capabilities, particularly through Microsoft 365, allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously. 

5) Export options: Both platforms support exporting presentations in various formats, such as PDF or PowerPoint format, allowing users to share their presentations with others who may not have access to the original software.

Land the job with ease! Learn how to ace your PowerPoint interview with tips to create slides that leave a lasting impression!

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint provide potent features for crafting presentations, yet they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The "Google Slides vs PowerPoint" debate involves considerations such as cost, offline access, advanced capabilities, integration options, and platform compatibility. When selecting between these two, it is crucial to evaluate your specific requirements, budget, and the extent of collaboration necessary. Ultimately, the choice between Google Slides and PowerPoint should be guided by your individual needs and goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Google Slides typically offers better collaboration options, allowing different users to work on a presentation simultaneously with real-time editing and commenting capabilities.

Google Slides is generally free to use with a Google account, providing access to basic features, whereas PowerPoint is part of Microsoft Office Suite, requiring a subscription or one-time purchase for full functionality.

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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Which Program Is Better?

• Last updated June 21, 2023

Google Slides and PowerPoint are easily the most popular presentation software programs on the market and the go-to solution when creating presentations for school or work. But which program suits your needs better?

In reality, choosing between the two can be difficult. They’re both exceptional at what they do, but their different features and functionalities can play a big part in what you end up choosing.

Some users prefer the simpler, more collaborative approach that Google Slides brings to the table, while others look to PowerPoint for a wider range of options and templates.

In this Google Slides vs PowerPoint article, we’ve gathered all the essential details for both platforms so you can make an informed decision about your presentation program.

Table of Contents

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Quick Comparison

What Is Google Slides?

• Offers real-time collaboration
• Automatically saves changes in the cloud
• No need to install software
• Free to use
• Limited pre-built templates
• Fewer features and functionality
• Restricted file types for exporting

Google Slides is a free presentation software that allows students and professionals to create and edit engaging presentations online. It’s part of the Google Productivity Suite  along with other web-based programs like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Forms.

Since Google Slides is web-based, you can access its full features and functionality through your browser. It won’t require installing an app unless you want to view or edit your slides on a smartphone.

Despite its online inclinations, you can still edit your presentations offline. It will automatically save your changes once you connect to the internet again. You can also collaborate with other Google users in real-time, making it a great choice for team-based projects.

However, the program is not without its drawbacks. Simply put, there are fewer features on Google Slides when compared to Microsoft PowerPoint. A good example of this is the limited number of templates available for use and the fewer file types for exporting.

Related : How to Convert Google Slides to PowerPoint: 3 Easy Methods

What Is Microsoft PowerPoint?

• More pre-built templates
• Option to insert more multimedia files
• More file types for exporting
• Features may get overwhelming
• Changes aren’t saved automatically
• Licensing options could be costly

Microsoft PowerPoint lets you create and edit professional presentations offline. Unlike Google Slides, this presentation software has a downloadable app under the Microsoft Office Suite : Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.

Besides this, PowerPoint allows you to be more creative with your slides because of its wide range of tools and features. It has more pre-built templates, animations, and options to insert multimedia files.

However, there’s a higher risk of losing your data on PowerPoint since it doesn’t automatically save your edits. Furthermore, unlike the free service offered by Google Slides, you’ll have to purchase PowerPoint to use it, and you’ll need a subscription to access its full features.

Related : How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides [Step-by-Step]

Key Similarities and Differences Between Google Slides and PowerPoint

While both programs may seem similar at first glance, there are some stark differences between Google Slides and PowerPoint. Being aware of the more significant ones can help you decide which presentation software to use.

We’ve listed the key differences between Google Slides and PowerPoint below:

Accessibility

Knowing the accessibility of your presentation software is vital when you’re working on multiple devices. Between the two apps, we found Google Slides more accessible and convenient than PowerPoint.

Since Google Slides is cloud-based, it won’t prompt you to install any app on your desktop. Instead, you can create and edit presentations as long as you have access to the internet. It also lets you open and edit your slides from any device with your Google account.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint requires a downloadable app before you can use it, which takes storage space and setup time.

Online and Offline Performance

Comparing the online and offline performance of Google Slides and PowerPoint can help you narrow down which presentation software is best for you.

Google Slides generally works smoothly as long as you have a solid internet connection, though you may encounter some slowdown if your presentation contains large multimedia files like photos, GIFs , audio, or videos. It also has an offline mode that lets you edit your slides without the internet. However, you have to enable this option while online before you can access your presentations offline.

On the other hand, PowerPoint doesn’t require an internet connection to edit slides. This means you’re less likely to encounter glitches when presenting with large photos, audio, or videos. There’s also a web app for PowerPoint if you want to collaborate with others, but this online version only has limited features compared to its desktop counterpart.

Collaboration Features

Teamwork and collaboration are crucial to finishing your presentation more quickly. And between Google Slides and PowerPoint, the former offers more flexibility in this aspect.

Google Slides allows seamless collaboration with multiple users and it doesn’t have any restriction on the number of individuals working on a presentation simultaneously. Since collaboration is in real-time on Google Slides, changes done by any user are instantly reflected on your presentation. Additionally, if you’re not happy with the recent changes, you can look at the previous version history and restore earlier versions.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint’s collaboration feature tends to be more complicated. You can only collaborate with other users by uploading your slides to Microsoft OneDrive. The other option is to use PowerPoint Online instead. But like Google Slides, you can add multiple collaborators to your presentation via email or by sending them a direct link to the editable file. You can also share it through social media.

Furthermore, PowerPoint will notify you every time there are changes to your slides, making it easy to keep track of your presentation.

Animation and Special Effects

Adding the right animation and transition can make your presentation more engaging. And between Google Slides and PowerPoint, the latter offers more effects for your slides, graphics, and text.

Google Slides has a smaller repository for animations and special effects. You can only use the most basic transitions like fade in and fade out, dissolve, etc.

On the other hand, PowerPoint gives you more options to choose from. You can also personalize these animations by drawing their path or setting their duration.

Browsing images without leaving your presentation can be helpful, especially if you want to see how well a photo matches the theme of your slides.

Luckily, both Google Slides and PowerPoint have this browsing functionality. You can browse images on the right side of your screen without moving to a new tab and leaving your slides.

Font Selection

Besides animations and special effects, using different fonts can help you emphasize important text. It’s also a great way to get your messages across and can have a major impact on the overall aesthetic of your presentation.

Google Slides offers the most common font selection, while PowerPoint uses the fonts installed on your laptop or desktop. However, PowerPoint gives you more freedom to design your presentation over Google Slides.

After all, you can always download new fonts from the web and install them on your laptop or desktop from the web. But be careful because some fonts may not display properly when viewed on another device.

Linking is a great way to navigate your slides or the web more easily. Fortunately, both Google Slides and PowerPoint have this functionality.

You can link images and text to the web or any part of your presentation. You can also add graphs or charts that automatically sync when edited.

Template Options

Knowing which presentation software has a more diverse roster of pre-designed slides can make it easier to create more engaging presentations. Whether for a business meeting or class activity, you can effortlessly tailor your slides to your audience.

Google Slides has limited templates, most of which are fairly basic. They’re not as stylish as you want them to be, but they can still help you convey your message during your presentation. Each template is also easily customizable. You can drag and drop more shapes, photos, or text on your slides.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint has more templates you can choose from. You can browse through its gallery or download pre-designed slides from online repositories. You can also add custom graphs or charts.

Embedding Capabilities

Embedding videos and audio can greatly enhance your presentations and might be a major selling point for some users. So learning which presentation software supports this feature can be a big game-changer.

Google Slides has limited embedding capabilities, given how you can only add audio and videos from YouTube or your Google Drive. But you can upload photos by copying their URL, using your camera, or uploading them on your Google Drive or from your desktop.

On the other hand, PowerPoint lets you embed audio and videos freely. You can also record audio and store them on specific slides. You can even add as many graphics or animations as you want.

The available file types for exporting can influence whether you can edit and view your presentation on a different device or program. And between the two presentation software, PowerPoint has significantly more conversion options than Google Slides.

Google Slides supports limited file types  for exporting. It’s only compatible with .pptx, .pdf, .odp, and .txt. It can also export your slides to .jpg, .png, and .svg.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint supports a lot more file types  like .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .pot, .potm, .potx, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .pdf, and .odp. It can also export your slides to .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .wmf, and .mp4.

Storage and Backup

Working on presentations can be stressful and time-consuming. So the last thing you want is for you to lose the changes made to the project due to unforeseen circumstances.

You can easily store your Google Slides on your Google Drive since it has 15GB of storage for free. Your edits also get saved automatically on the cloud, meaning you won’t need to hit save every now and then. Furthermore, there’s also a version history that lets you restore earlier versions of your presentation whenever you like.

In contrast, you can find your PowerPoint files on the local hard drive of your laptop or desktop. You might also need to hit save to keep your edits. But if you want to store your PowerPoint files in the cloud, you can upload them to your Microsoft OneDrive, which has 5GB of storage for free.

Affordability

Apart from their features and functionality, it’s also important to check the cost of your next presentation software. After all, it shouldn’t just meet your needs, but fit your budget as well.

The best thing about Google Slides is it’s free. You can use its full features on any device without paying a single cent. The only exception is when you’re using a Google Business account.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint is under the Microsoft Office Suite. So you’d need to purchase the software or pay for it monthly. On average, its monthly cost  starts at $6.99 and goes higher depending on your needs and the number of users.

Extra Features

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint allow you to add text, photos, videos, audio, etc. to your presentation. But PowerPoint has additional features  that make it superior:

• PowerPoint Designer
• Broadcast Live
• Presenter View

With PowerPoint Designer, you’ll automatically get design suggestions for your presentations. You can choose from different layouts that best fit your preferences. On top of this feature, PowerPoint has Broadcast Live, which shares your slides in real-time with your audience. Anyone can view your presentation through the link you provide.

Finally, you get to present more easily with the Presenter View. You can view your speaker notes without the audience seeing them.

When to Use Google Slides vs PowerPoint?

You can use Google Slides or PowerPoint when creating presentations for school or work. But choosing between the two presentation software depends on your experience, internet connection, and presentation needs.

Here’s a more detailed look at when to use Google Slides and PowerPoint:

Level of Experience

Some users prefer using Google Slides because they’re more accustomed to its simplicity and basic features. Meanwhile, long-time users of Microsoft Office apps may be drawn to PowerPoint on account of the similarities with other Office tools and the overall more advanced nature of the program.

Internet Connection

Using Google Slides may be a breeze if you have a stable internet connection nearby. But PowerPoint might be the better option when editing your slides offline.

Presentation Needs

Google Slides is more lightweight than PowerPoint, so it’s a better choice for making quick and simple slides. But if you’re aiming for more technical presentations, then PowerPoint is your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is google’s version of powerpoint.

Google Slides is Google’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint. This free presentation software offers similar features and functionality as PowerPoint. However, you have to connect to the internet to create and edit your slides. There are also fewer templates and design options for your presentation.

Is Google Slides Like PowerPoint?

No. But the two do share some similar features. They both let you create and edit engaging presentations for schoolwork and meetings. However, you must be online to save your changes when using Google Slides.

Is Google Slides Easier to Use than PowerPoint?

Whether Google Slides is easier to use than PowerPoint depends on your experience. If you prefer using Microsoft Office apps, then PowerPoint will be more straightforward. But if you’re more comfortable with Google Suite apps, then Google Slides will come more naturally to you.

Wrapping Up

When deciding between Google Slides vs PowerPoint, you’ll need to consider each program’s features and target audience. It really all boils down to your experience, resources, and needs.

Looking for a simple online presentation solution that’s lightweight and geared more toward collaboration? Then maybe Google Slides is the way to go. But if you’re in the market for something with more bells and whistles and a higher degree of personalization, then PowerPoint might be the better option.

So are you ready to embed intricate spreadsheet data in your next presentation? Visit SpreadsheetPoint  and access some of the most famous spreadsheet templates. Use the promo code SSP and get up to 50% off.

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PowerPoint vs Google Slides (Full Feature Comparison + Benefits)

Which is Better – PowerPoint or Google Slides?

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated August 4, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows) and Google Slides

When comparing PowerPoint vs Google Slides (and trying to decide which is the better choice for your needs), you will need to consider versions when you compare the two applications. In this article, we'll compare the desktop or downloadable version of PowerPoint vs Google Slides, an online program that works in a browser. The key difference then if you are comparing PowerPoint vs Google Slides is that PowerPoint is a paid program that must be downloaded and runs on your desktop and Google Slides is free and runs online in a browser by default.

The desktop version of PowerPoint is a robust, full-featured program with many advanced features. You can buy PowerPoint as a stand-alone version or as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you are a 365 subscriber, new features roll out on a regular basis.

Google Slides is free for personal use but you or your organization can buy a subscription for Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) as well which provides other tools but not a better version of Google Slides. Because Google Slides is an online program, new features roll out periodically.

It is important to note that there is a free online version of PowerPoint that is essentially a light version of the desktop program and does not provide all of the features of the paid desktop version.

After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages, you can determine which presentation software is better for your needs.

Note: PowerPoint screenshots in this article are from PowerPoint 365 desktop but are similar in other versions of PowerPoint.

Recommended article: How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides (5 Ways)

Do you want to learn more about PowerPoint? Check out our virtual classroom or in-person PowerPoint courses >

In this article we'll review:

What is Microsoft PowerPoint?

What is google slides, cost comparison, ease of use, saving, storage and versions, powerpoint and google slides common features, format using themes and slide masters, create presentations using templates.

• Insert and format text, images an shapes

Insert and format video and sound

Create links to slides, add animations and transitions, insert charts or graphs, run a slide show and use presenter view, turn on live captioning, collaborate with other users, create presentations on windows and mac devices.

• Run PowerPoint or Google slides presentations online or offline

Save a presentation as a PDF

Use the outline view (powerpoint only feature), design using powerpoint designer (powerpoint only feature).

• Which is the better choice – PowerPoint or Google Slides?

Microsoft PowerPoint (desktop version) is a paid, downloadable presentation program first released in 1990 and it is included in the Microsoft apps (formerly Microsoft Office) suite of products (along with Word, Excel and Outlook). You can download PowerPoint on PCs or Macs. It has many advanced features that make it a good choice for more complex presentations.

PowerPoint presentations can be run offline or online but with the desktop version, most users run presentations on a device.

The PowerPoint window appears as follows for a new blank presentation using the Office theme:

Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation program that is free for personal use. It is part of the Google  apps that are available online which include Google Docs and Google Sheets. Google Slides is used to create presentations online that can be run from a browser. Google Slides presentations can also be downloaded and run offline.

You don't need to download any software to use Google Slides but you do need to set up a Google account (either on Google Drive or a Gmail account). If you set up a Gmail account, you will be able to access Google Slides easily as it is connected to the same account.

You can access Google Slides presentations at any time by logging into your Google account. It's also easy to share Google Slides presentations with other users who have a Google account and to collaborate on presentations.

The Google Slides window appears as follows for a new blank presentation using the default theme (other themes can be selected in the task pane or imported):

Google Slides is free for personal use or is included in Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). There is a fee if you purchase Google Workspace for business or education users. Current pricing can be found at workspace.google.com . You or your organization will have to pay for the desktop version of PowerPoint either as the 365 subscriber model or you can buy the standalone version. PowerPoint 365 is offered in different plans (personal, business and enterprise) on a monthly basis and paid yearly. The current standalone version of PowerPoint is 2021. You can find current pricing based on license type, country and currency on microsoft.com .

Many large organizations have purchased the Microsoft apps for enterprise (formerly Microsoft Office).

PowerPoint users can also use the free online version of PowerPoint (which has limited features).

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides are simple to use to create a basic presentation.

Google Slides saves changes automatically. PowerPoint presentations are saved by the user in the location of their choice (on the device, on a shared drive or on OneDrive). Google Slides users may need to purchase more storage if they store a lot of files as Google Slides are stored on Google Drive along with other files. Google Drive accounts include up to 15 GB of free storage. Google Workspace paid accounts include up to 30 GB of storage. More storage may be purchased by the user (or organization) if needed.

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint also keep a version history which allows you to restore your presentation to a previous version if required.

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides allow users to:

• Use themes for a consistent look
• Format using slide masters
• Use templates
• Insert text, images and shapes
• Insert video and sound
• Apply animations and transitions
• Use live captioning
• Create presentations on Windows or Mac devices
• Run presentations online or offline

You can apply different document themes and color themes in both PowerPoint and Google Slides for a consistent look and feel. You can also format an entire presentation using slide masters and layouts in both programs. In Google Slides, slide masters and layouts appear when you edit the theme. In PowerPoint, slide masters and layouts appear in Slide Master View.

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides offer built-in templates and you can find thousands of templates for both applications (free and paid) online.

Insert and format text, images and shapes

You can insert and format text, images and shapes in both PowerPoint and Google Slides. PowerPoint 365, however, has an advantage here as it includes thousands of high-quality stock images that are included with the subscription. These can be used royalty-free in Microsoft programs.

PowerPoint key benefit: Microsoft Stock images are included with PowerPoint 365.

You can insert video and sound in both Google Slides and PowerPoint. However, video and sound files must be uploaded first to Google Drive before using them in Google Slides. You can also insert YouTube videos into Google Slides.

In PowerPoint, you can insert video and sound files from your computer hard drive, shared drive or online sources such as YouTube or Vimeo. PowerPoint 365 also includes high-quality stock videos with the 365 subscription. These can be used royalty-free in Microsoft programs.

PowerPoint key benefit: Microsoft Stock videos are included with PowerPoint 365 and PowerPoint allows users to insert video or audio from a drive on a Mac or PC. PowerPoint offers some more advanced features for formatting video such as changing brightness and contrast, adjusting color, adding frames and cropping to name a few.

You can create links or hyperlinks to slides in both PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Google Slides includes a limited number of animations and transitions. PowerPoint offers more than 40 animations in 4 different categories including motion paths. Google Slides currently includes 15 animations.

PowerPoint includes more than 30 transitions compared to 7 transitions in Google Slides (in Google Slides transitions appear in the Motion pane along with animation options). PowerPoint 2021 and 365 also has a new transition called Morph that is unique to PowerPoint.

PowerPoint key benefits: PowerPoint offers a significantly higher number of animations and transitions as well as the ability to use more advanced animation features (such as an Animation Pane and Animation Painter). It also includes the Morph transition.

Below is the Animations gallery in PowerPoint (there are more animations available at the bottom of the gallery):

Below is the Transitions gallery in PowerPoint:

In Google Slides, animations and transitions appear in the Motion task pane (below):

You can insert charts or graphs into Google Slides from Google Sheets. You can also insert charts or graphs from Microsoft Excel into PowerPoint or create charts directly in PowerPoint. If you are a heavy Excel user, you can easily copy Excel charts into PowerPoint (which supports object linking and embedding (OLE) for Microsoft products).

You can run a slide show and view speaker notes using Presenter View in both PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Both PowerPoint 365 and Google Slides allow users to turn on live captioning when running a slide show.

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides allow users to collaborate on their presentations. PowerPoint users can collaborate using OneDrive, Sharepoint or the online version of PowerPoint. Google Slides users can collaborate on presentations with collaborators who have a Gmail, Google Drive or Google Workspace account.

You can create PowerPoint or Google Slides presentations on both Windows and Mac devices.

Run PowerPoint or Google Slides presentations online or offline

You can run PowerPoint presentations online using the online version of PowerPoint. By default, PowerPoint presentations are run offline if you are using the desktop version.

You can run Google Slides presentations offline by downloading a Chrome browser extension or by using the Chrome operating system. You can also use Google Offline for iPad, iPhone, Android and any desktop operating system.

Microsoft apps are also available for phones and tablets through the App Store.

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations can be saved as a PDF (portable document format) file which is a good option for distribution to other users or audience members.

One very important feature in PowerPoint that does not exist in Google Slides is the Outline View. The Outline View is dynamically linked to text placeholders on PowerPoint slides. It is extremely useful for navigating and linking to slides and you can even create a presentation in the Outline View. Text that appears in the Outline View is readable by screen readers used by vision-impaired users.

PowerPoint key benefit: Outline View is available in PowerPoint.

PowerPoint 365 includes an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called PowerPoint Designer which provides design ideas for slides. You can simply click a design idea slide in the PowerPoint Designer task pane to apply a design idea. As AI applications are growing exponentially, AI tools should soon be available in Google Slides.

PowerPoint key benefit: PowerPoint Designer is available in PowerPoint.

Which is the better choice – PowerPoint or Google Slides?

When deciding which is the better choice – PowerPoint or Google Slides, you will need to consider the following:

• Is your organization's staff, your team or your colleagues using PowerPoint or Google Slides?
• What are your required features?
• What is your budget?
• Are your presentations simple or do you need more advanced features?

If your organization's staff, your team or your colleagues (such as a group of students or volunteers) use PowerPoint, PowerPoint is probably your best choice. If they are using Google Slides, Google Slides is probably your best choice.

As we've noted above, PowerPoint and Google Slides offer many of the same basic features so if you are creating a basic presentation, you can use either program.

If cost is an issue, you may want to choose Google Slides as it is popular as a free program for personal use. It has alot of great features and is also very popular in educational organizations.

The Microsoft products are very popular for business users, particularly in large organizations. They also include enhanced security features.

If you need to create more advanced presentations, you will likely want to use PowerPoint as it offers many more advanced features including advanced animations and transitions as well as stock images and videos. There are also several other advanced features in PowerPoint.

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More Resources

How to Add Audio in Google Slides

How to Remove the Background of an Image in PowerPoint

How to Group or Ungroup Objects in PowerPoint (with Shortcuts)

How to Insert a Check Mark or Tick Mark in Google Slides (3 Ways)

How to Make an Object Appear and Disappear in Google Slides Using Animations

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Slides vs. PowerPoint: 5 ways Google beats Microsoft

Home / Insights / Blog

By Veronica Raulin | Director, Organizational Change Management

Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint stand as two major players in the domain of presentation software. Google Slides, hailing from the Google Workspace universe, has rapidly ascended the popularity ladder due to its real-time collaboration features and smooth integration with other Google offerings. On the other hand, PowerPoint, a staple of the Microsoft Office suite, has long been recognized for its comprehensive features and robust design tools. Both tools cater to a diverse audience, spanning from business magnates to educators and students. A deeper exploration into their unique attributes, strengths, and limitations will provide clarity on which platform resonates best with a given user’s requirements.

Google Slides

Google Slides, part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools, is an online presentation software application. It facilitates real-time creation, editing, and collaboration on presentations. Seamlessly integrated with Google Drive, its user-friendly interface makes it a sought-after choice for those seeking an alternative to conventional presentation tools. With the recent addition of Duet AI for Google Workspace, Slides users can use the “Help me visualize” prompt to create images with the power of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft and is part of the Office suite. It enables users to design slides with text, images, and multimedia. First released in 1987 for the Apple Macintosh, and later released for Microsoft Windows in 1990, it is one of the most popular presentation software programs in the world.

Comparison table between Google slides vs PowerPoint

Key differences between Google Slides vs PowerPoint

Key distinctions between PowerPoint and Google Slides include:

Accessibility and usability

PowerPoint, a component of Microsoft Office 365, offers a range of features and effects available once Microsoft Office is installed on the PC. For access on other devices or locations, users typically save the presentation and share it via a drive. On the other hand, Google Slides saves changes automatically and is easily accessible from anywhere, given its cloud-based nature. The primary requirement for Google Slides is an internet connection, making it a convenient option for on-the-go usage.

Software installation requirements

PowerPoint, being a component of Microsoft Office 365, requires installation on a PC or Mac for access to all of its features. In contrast, Google Slides doesn’t require any software installation. Users simply need a free Google account to access and utilize it.

Saving and storage preferences

With PowerPoint, manual saving is generally required, but there’s an AutoSave function in Office that, when activated, automatically saves presentations to OneDrive. There’s also an auto-recovery feature for situations like system failures. Presentations are mainly stored in OneDrive. In contrast, Google Slides operates in the cloud and directly saves presentations to Google Drive without manual intervention. Each Google account is allocated an initial 15 GB of storage on Google Drive, eliminating manual save hassles.

5 ways Google beats Microsoft

Still using PowerPoint to whip up slide decks for webinars and other presentations? Here are 5 reasons to make the switch to Google Slides, the modern, collaborative, cloud-based alternative.

1. Slides was built in the cloud, for the cloud

PowerPoint, like the rest of the Microsoft 365 suite, was originally designed as a desktop app. Cloud-based features were shoehorned in later – much later, and it shows. Most users still install PowerPoint onto their local devices, and they’re limited to five devices per license. 1 While there is a web-based version of PowerPoint available, it lacks some key features, including advanced design tools and the ability to integrate Excel charts. 2

In this age of distributed workforces , these are pretty serious limitations.

Conversely, Google Slides is fully cloud-native, browser-centric, and accessible from any device, using any modern web browser. Other than offline storage, which is only supported on Google Chrome, Slides users enjoy the same user interface, functionality, and integration with the rest of Google Workspace regardless of which browser, operating system or device they’re using. They can also access and edit their Slides decks on as many devices as they want, at no extra charge.

Slides being cloud-based also means that all updates are automatically handled by Google. Users never have to worry about running an outdated version of the software or whether other users won’t be able to open a Slides file because they’re running an older version (we’re looking at you, .pptx files that older versions of PowerPoint won’t open). Your IT and security admins will appreciate not having any updates to manage!

2. Slides was designed for collaboration

Further to the above, collaboration abilities were shoehorned into PowerPoint many years after the app first hit the market. As a result, PowerPoint’s “co-authoring” tools are clunky and complex – another serious problem in modern workplaces, where presentation decks are typically put together by teams. 

Just like Word and Excel , real-time co-authoring in PowerPoint hinges on many external factors, including which device each user is working on, whether all users are part of the same organization, and where the slide deck being worked on is stored. At the very least, all collaborators aren’t guaranteed the same experience when editing and commenting. Some of them will see comments and edits in real-time, while others … well, won’t. If the stars don’t align precisely, co-authoring doesn’t work at all.

Collaborating in Slides is just like collaborating in Docs and Sheets:

• Enter the other users’ email addresses under “Share with people and groups,” and Google will send them invitations to access the document.
• Choose “Get link” to receive a link, which can be sent to other users manually. 

Edits and comments always appear instantly and in real-time, and they’re visible to all users, regardless of which devices or browsers they’re using. A user can even have the same slide deck open on multiple devices, and Slides won’t miss a beat. Tip: Accessing, editing, and commenting on slides from your mobile device is a great experience, allowing you to collaborate anywhere, anytime.

3. Slides has automatic file-save and versioning

Autosave is available in PowerPoint, but it’s not turned on by default, and it only works if users are logged into their OneDrive or Sharepoint account. If they’re saving to their local device, they’re out of luck. Sorry. If users need to revert back to a previous version of a slide deck or view edit history, their options depend on which version of PowerPoint they’re using, how their organization’s administrator has configured versioning, and whether they’re using Sharepoint. 3

In Slides, there’s nothing to configure. Like other Google Workspace apps, Slides automatically saves all files in Google Drive for easy access from any web browser, on any device. IT administrators can easily set up team (shared) drives and folders according to department, job function, project team, or any other category that makes sense for their organization, then give users access levels that are appropriate to their jobs.

Versioning is automatic, too. There’s nothing to configure. It just works, and it works the same way on every device: By accessing File > Version history, users can browse the slide deck’s full edit history and restore previous versions with a single click.

4. Slides integrates with the rest of Google Workspace

If you’re already using Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Meet, and the rest of Google Workspace, switching to Google Slides means taking advantage of the seamless integration between Slides and Google’s family of productivity apps :

• Embed charts or tables from Google Sheets, with the choice to link them directly so that changes made to the original Sheets object will reflect in Slides. This is especially powerful when ensuring your presentation has the most up-to-date data visuals.
• Easily embed YouTube videos, as well as videos stored in Google Drive, and customize start and end times directly from Slides.
• Create, view, and insert Google Keep notes into your Slides decks.
• Use Smart Canvas to present content from Slides during active Google Meet calls without having to switch tabs or apps.

Developers can access the Slides REST API directly with the Apps Script advanced Slides service, which lets devs programmatically create and modify Google Slides presentations and make Slides their own with custom menus, dialogs, and sidebars.

5. Slides can peacefully coexist with PowerPoint

Maybe you have co-workers, clients, or partners who aren’t ready to ditch PowerPoint. Maybe you’re still on the fence yourself. That’s fine! Using the Office editing feature, Slides users can upload PowerPoint presentations to Google Drive, then open, edit, and collaborate on them in Slides – without having to convert the PowerPoint files. This enables you to bring all of the collaboration features of Slides to a PowerPoint deck, and when everyone is finished, you can download the deck as a ppt or pptx file. And, regardless of the file type – Slides or PowerPoint – you have access to the presenter features!

Just need to do a few quick edits? You can open and edit PowerPoint presentations in Gmail, without having to access Slides at all.

By the way, you can do the same for Word and Excel documents, too. 

Go further with SADA

If you’re looking to simplify organizational change and maximize ROI, we offer results-driven change management services to help you harness the full power of Google Workspace . Our experts have helped leading organizations like Colgate-Palmolive embrace change for maximum impact. 

In addition, we offer a variety of helpful resources to guide you in your cloud transformation journey including:

•   #CloudQuarters , a go-to hub to empower our collective community to boldly embrace the cultural shift to remote and hybrid work
• Our new video series, 27° , that offers an opinion, or a unique angle, on a particular topic in the realm of Google Workspace
• Our Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365 ebook that explores the key differences between the two solutions

Our Getting out of Microsoft Office readiness checklist that provides 30 considerations for your team as you plan for the transition to Google Workspace

1 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/compare-all-microsoft-365-products?activetab=tab:primaryr2 2 https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/servicedescriptions/office-online-service-description/office-online-service-description 3 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/view-previous-versions-of-office-files-5c1e076f-a9c9-41b8-8ace-f77b9642e2c2

Google Slides is not the same as PowerPoint. While both are presentation software, they have distinct features, interfaces, and collaboration capabilities. Google Slides is web-based and emphasizes real-time collaboration, while PowerPoint is a desktop-based application with more advanced design tools.

Google Slides is similar to PowerPoint in the sense that they are both used for creating and delivering presentations. However, they differ in their accessibility, collaboration, and design capabilities. Google Slides is more cloud-centric and collaborative, while PowerPoint offers more advanced design and offline capabilities.

Whether Google Slides is better than PowerPoint depends on your specific needs. Google Slides is advantageous for collaboration, online access, and cost-effectiveness. PowerPoint excels in advanced design features. The choice should align with your presentation goals and preferences.

Google Slides is a web-based application that allows for real-time collaboration, making it suitable for remote teams. PowerPoint, on the other hand, is a desktop-based software with more advanced design capabilities. The choice depends on your needs for collaboration and design features.

Google Slides is typically more cost-effective as it offers a free version with basic features and affordable paid plans for additional storage and advanced features. PowerPoint, however, often requires a one-time purchase or subscription to Microsoft 365, which can be more expensive in the long run.

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PowerPoint vs Google slides

Difference between PowerPoint vs Google slides

PowerPoint is defined as popular software for presentations which is a powerful tool provided by Microsoft in the year 1990 for developing powerful yet professional presentations which are provided with downloadable desktop software that works on both Windows and Mac OS with the latest and popular toolbar. Whereas, Google slide is defined as one of the latest and popular presentation software provided by Google and is free, which is included in Google drive service, which is cloud-based for sharing data and connecting as it will easily help collaborate internet connection and Google account or Gmail account. In this topic, we are going to learn more about PowerPoint vs Google slides.

Head to Head Comparison Between PowerPoint vs Google slides (Infographics)

Below are the top differences between PowerPoint vs Google slides

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Key Differences between PowerPoint vs Google slide

Some of the key differences between the PowerPoint vs Google slide:

Software Installation requirement:

In PowerPoint, as it is a part of Microsoft office 365, it is a must in every PC or Mac Microsoft Office to be installed to use this PowerPoint presentation software. Whereas for Google slide there is no need for any software installation the only need is the user must have a Google account which is free and hence the requirement of software installation is not needed in Google slide as in PowerPoint.

Accessibility and usability:

PowerPoint is easy to use software as it is part of Microsoft office 365 it has many different features and effects that are only available or accessible if the Microsoft Office installed on the PC in which presentation is being created and to use it any other PC or anywhere else the user can share it through drive after saving then the user can access it. Whereas in Google slide users need not save the changes all the time as it automatically saves and to use this Google slide is also easy and it is also easy for accessing as it can be accessed anywhere anytime as it resides on the cloud and the only requirement is it needs internet connection.

Saving and storage options:

In PowerPoint each time the changes made to the presentation the user needs to save it but there is an option of AutoSaving in the office which needs to be checked if the presentation needs to be saved automatically in OneDrive along with auto recover option also for providing recovery option during the system crash, therefore, the storage it uses to save is OneDrive. Whereas Google slide resides in the cloud it can store presentations easily on Google drive which comes with 15 GB for each Google account and this provides automatic saving there is no need of saving the presentation each time or check any option of AutoSaving.

Comparison Table between PowerPoint vs Google slide

Below given is the comparison table between PowerPoint vs Google slide:

In this article, we conclude that both are presentation software for designing the presentations which are now widely used in the education and business sectors. PowerPoint is old yet with advanced features in the latest versions but its main drawback comes when working with collaboration with the team working. Google slide is the newer software that is also user-friendly yet with limited features as it is still in the developing stage. In the end the user needs to select among these both based on their requirements and priorities.

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This is a guide to PowerPoint vs Google slides. Here we discuss the PowerPoint vs Google slides key differences with infographics and comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –

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.css-1qrtm5m{display:block;margin-bottom:8px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5714285714285714;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.35px;letter-spacing:-0.35px;font-weight:300;color:#606F7B;}@media (min-width:600px){.css-1qrtm5m{font-size:16px;line-height:1.625;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.5px;letter-spacing:-0.5px;}} Best Practices The #1 rule for improving your presentation slides

by Tom Rielly • May 12, 2020

When giving presentations, either on a video conference call or in person, your slides, videos and graphics (or lack of them) can be an important element in helping you tell your story or express your idea. This is the first of a series of blog posts that will give you tips and tricks on how to perfect your visual presentations.

Your job as a presenter is to build your idea -- step-by-step -- in the minds of your audience members. One tool to do that is presentation graphics, such as slides and videos.

Why graphics for your presentation?

A common mistake is using slides or videos as a crutch, even if they don’t actually add anything to your presentation. Not all presentations need graphics. Lots of presentations work wonderfully with just one person standing on a stage telling a story, as demonstrated by many TED Talks.

You should only use slides if they serve a purpose: conveying scientific information, art, and things that are hard to explain without pictures. Once you have decided on using slides, you will have a number of decisions to make. We’ll help you with the basics of making a presentation that is, above all, clear and easy to understand. The most important thing to remember here is: less is more.

Less is so much more

You want to aim for the fewest number of slides, the fewest number of photos, the fewest words per slide, the least cluttered slides and the most white space on your slides. This is the most violated slide rule, but it is the secret to success. Take a look at these examples.

As you can see in the above example, you don’t need fancy backgrounds or extra words to convey a simple concept. If you take “Everything you need to know about Turtles”, and delete “everything you need to know about” leaving just “turtles”, the slide has become much easier for your audience to read, and tells the story with economy.

The above example demonstrates that a single image that fills the entire screen is far more powerful than a slide cluttered with images. A slide with too many images may be detrimental to your presentation. The audience will spend more mental energy trying to sort through the clutter than listening to your presentation. If you need multiple images, then put each one on its own slide. Make each image high-resolution and have it fill the entire screen. If the photos are not the same dimensions as the screen, put them on a black background. Don’t use other colors, especially white.

Your slides will be much more effective if you use the fewest words, characters, and pictures needed to tell your story. Long paragraphs make the audience strain to read them, which means they are not paying attention to you. Your audience may even get stressed if you move on to your next slide before they’ve finished reading your paragraph. The best way to make sure the attention stays on you is to limit word count to no more than 10 words per slide. As presentation expert Nancy Duarte says “any slide with more than 10 words is a document.” If you really do need a longer explanation of something, handouts or follow-up emails are the way to go.

Following a “less is more” approach is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your presentation visuals and the impact of your presentation overall. Make sure your visuals add to your presentation rather than distract from it and get your message across.

Ready to learn more about how to make your presentation even better? Get TED Masterclass and develop your ideas into TED-style talks.

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

The Difference Between Presentation Slides and a Deck

Just because we may use the same tools to accomplish the creation of both presentation slides and a deck does not mean that they are the same. 

However, most people will say that presentation slides and a deck are basically the same thing. 

In many ways, of course, they are very similar. You do use a “slide deck” during your presentation and, in the most basic sense, presentation slides and a deck are nearly the same.

However, in our humble opinion, it is worth drawing a line of distinction between the two.

The Differences Between Presentation Slides and a Deck

First off, presentation slides and a deck have very different end goals. 

If you are creating presentation slides, then you are (quite obviously) preparing materials that you will use as a visual aid during a presentation. Presentation slides should be visually stunning and minimalistic in their content. After all, if you are the one giving the presentation, you want all eyes on you, not your slides! 

If you are creating a deck, you very well may be creating a series of visual slides that are meant for someone to read on their own. This means that deck slides can be more information and can generally contain a lot more content. Since a deck is meant as something that should be read, you can utilize the format to communicate a lot of information quickly. 

Second, presentation slides are relatively fast to make whereas a deck may be significantly time consuming.

Assuming that you have a general outline of your speech, putting together the supporting slides should be relatively easy. You already know the main points that you want to make and you just need some great looking and simple slides to support your talking points.

There are lots of design tools out there that can help you develop engaging and beautiful graphics. If you are creating presentation slides, the best bet is to find some great looking, royalty free images on a website like Unsplash .

Creating all the content for a deck that is meant to be read can take a lot longer. The reason being that you need to be able to convey all the important information to a reader without the benefit of being able to fill in gaps with a voiceover.

Typically, this means that you will have to spend a bit more time creating the content. You have to be sure to triple check your grammar, all data points, and references. 

Finally, presentation slides are truly a one way street: they are meant to be presented and consumed in a very particular order. As the presentation creator, you will have an agenda and a series of slides that follow the main topics of the presentation. It would be very unnatural for you to hop around randomly throughout the presentation because you would lose the attention of your audience.

A deck will enable a reader to hop to any section that they like, which means it is more important to appropriately label everything in your content. You want to construct your report in a way where your reader can easily navigate through different parts of your deck, in whatever way makes the most sense for them. 

While they are very similar, and in many cases, built with the same tools, presentation slides and a deck can indeed be very different. We recommend thinking clearly about your use case and then building the appropriate content from there.

If you want to include Airtable visualizations or charts on Google Sheets data in your next deck or presentation, be sure to try Superchart for free.

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Presentation

Different Types of Slides for Your Presentations

Table of Contents

Presentations are a great way to share information and ideas. Whether you’re selling a product, teaching a class, or showing off your work, the slides you use can make a big difference.

There are many different kinds of slides you can add to your presentations, each with its own purpose and advantages. By knowing the different types of slides and how to use them well, you can create interesting and informative presentations that will stick with your audience.

Different Types of Slides

There are many different types of slides that you can use in your presentations. Some of the most common types include:

Opening Slides

1. title slide.

The title slide is your chance to make a strong first impression and set the tone for your presentation. It should clearly convey the topic, your identity, and relevant details. A good title is both practical and creative.

The main title is the focal point and should be concise yet descriptive. Use a large font size that’s easy to read from a distance. If needed, add a subtitle for more context. Clearly state your name, job title, and affiliation. Include the date and venue for reference.

Design your slide to reflect your brand or personal style using logos, colors, and fonts. Keep it clean and uncluttered for a professional look. Remember, less is more. Use high contrast for readability and avoid distracting background images. Consider adding subtle effects like fade-in or morph for visual interest.

2. Agenda Slide

Agenda slides serve as a valuable tool for guiding your audience through the structure of your presentation. By outlining the main topics and their expected duration, you can help them anticipate the flow of information and manage their expectations.

This is especially beneficial for lengthy presentations or academic talks where a clear roadmap can enhance understanding and engagement.

When creating an agenda slide, consider including the following elements:

• Clear Topic List: Present a concise and well-organized list of the main topics to be covered.
• Optional Timings: Indicate the estimated duration of each section to provide a sense of pacing.
• Visual Progress Indicator: Use checkmarks, arrows, or other visual cues to highlight the current topic and show what’s ahead.
• Distinctive Headings: Use clear and concise headings to visually separate different sections.
• Hyperlink Integration: If using PowerPoint, consider adding hyperlinks to specific slides to ensure smooth navigation and avoid abrupt jumps.

Learn more on How to Create Agenda Slides in Powerpoint .

Transitional Slides

Transitional slides act like bridges that connect different parts of your presentation. They help your audience smoothly move from one topic to the next. These slides are important because they:

• Clearly Signal a Change: Let your audience know that you’re moving on to something new.
• Keep the Audience Engaged: Prevent sudden jumps between topics, helping them stay focused.
• Make Your Presentation More Visually Interesting: Add variety and visual appeal.

Here are some examples of transitional slides:

3. Quote Slide

Quote slides incorporate wisdom, authority, or inspiration from renowned sources into your presentations. They can provide strong support for your arguments or motivate your audience.

These slides are perfect for emphasizing a point, sparking thought, or introducing a new direction in your presentation. Use them to highlight the importance of an idea.

Here are the elements of a quote slide:

• The Quote: Clearly presented and attributed to the speaker or writer. The text should be easy to read and emphasized to stand out.
• Author’s Name and Credentials: Provide context by including the author’s name and, if relevant, their qualifications or why they are an expert on the topic.
• Related Imagery or Background: An image or design that matches the theme of the quote can make it more impactful.

Consider using a quote presentation template with a professional layout. You can find something directly on SlidesAI . For readability, ensure there is a good contrast between the text and the background. Text boxes with backgrounds are often used. If you use an image, choose one that enhances the text, not competes with it.

4. Image Slides

Image slides can significantly make your presentations better by gaining attention with their visual appeal and transitions. For a smooth flow, use a full-screen image with a fade effect. To create a more dynamic experience, experiment with the Morph transition between slides featuring overlapping images.

You can also build anticipation with a thematic image series that subtly connects your topics. Remember to keep these transitions concise and impactful to maintain your audience’s attention.

Closing Slides

5. q&a slide.

Q&A slides are often used in presentations for various reasons. For instance, some presenters like to ask questions to the audience after their presentation and answer any questions they may have.

Other presentations might encourage the audience or panel members to ask questions throughout the presentation. If you’re planning to incorporate Q&A into your presentation, consider using some well-designed templates to make a positive impression.

6. CTA Slides

A call-to-action slide, or CTA slide for short, serves to encourage viewers to take a specific step after your presentation. This could range from initiating a conversation to purchasing a product or service, or even engaging in a project.

Typically placed at the end, following the concluding remarks and thank you slide, the CTA aims to spark immediate action. Here’s what makes a strong CTA slide:

•  A Clear Direction: The heart of the CTA itself should be direct and persuasive. Think of something like “Register Now,” “Join Our Team,” or “Visit Us Online.”
• Reasons to Act: Briefly remind viewers of the benefits they reap by taking action. This strengthens the appeal and motivates them to follow through.
• Contact Information or Links: Make it easy for them to act! Include all necessary links or contact details so viewers know exactly where to go next.
• Visually Appealing Design: Grab their attention! Use a design that pops and features large, easy-to-read text. Opt for strong, action-oriented language to drive the message home.

7. Summary Slide

A summary slide is a great way to give your viewers an overview of the presentation once it ends. By recapping everything that was presented, summary slides make it easier to remember the most important takeaways.

A summary slide should include:

• Important Points: Clearly summarize the main points covered in your presentation.
• Visual Recap: Use simple visuals like graphics, charts, or callouts to visually represent significant data or conclusions.
• Concluding Remark: End with a sentence or two that encapsulates the overall message or conclusion of your presentation
• Maintain consistency in styling throughout your presentation for a cohesive look.
• Use color or size variations to emphasize the hierarchy of concepts summarized.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding the different types of slides and how to use them can significantly enhance your presentations. Feel free to mix and match slides based on your needs and presentation style. By choosing the right slides, you can create a more engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the important slides for any presentation.

The core slides include:

• Title Slide: Captures attention with your presentation title, your name, and affiliation (if applicable).
• Agenda Slide: Briefly outline the key points you’ll cover, setting expectations for your audience.
• Closing Slide: Summarize your main takeaways and leave a lasting impression.

I have a ton of data. Should I use a text-heavy slide or a chart?

Charts win every time! Bullet points and dense text overload audiences. Visualize your data with clear charts (bar graphs, pie charts) to make it easily digestible.

Can I use images and videos in my slides?

Absolutely! High-quality visuals like pictures, infographics, and short videos can boost engagement and illustrate complex concepts. Just ensure they’re relevant and add value.

How can I make my slides more visually appealing?

Maintain a consistent color scheme, use high-resolution images, and avoid clutter. Explore presentation software features like animations and transitions, but use them sparingly to avoid distraction.

How can I find high-quality visual templates for my slides? 

There are many resources available! Many presentation software programs like SlidesAI offer built-in image libraries. You can also find free stock photo websites or purchase royalty-free images from online marketplaces. Remember to check licensing requirements before using any visuals.

Are there any slide types I should avoid?

Slides overloaded with text are a major turn-off for audiences. Aim for visuals and concise points. Similarly, avoid excessive animations and transitions, which can be distracting.

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15 Pro Tips to Design a Good (Vs Bad) PowerPoint (That Doesn't Suck)

Over the years, PowerPoint has gained a bad reputation. There's even a trending hashtag #DeathbyPowerPoint on Twitter and Instagram. Why? There are hundreds of bad PowerPoint presentation examples that went a little like this presentation:

Don't let your next PowerPoint presentation fall victim to one of several missteps. This collection of tips from experts will set you on the right path. Learn how to avoid death by PowerPoint by following the good PowerPoint design tips in this article. 

Good PowerPoint presentations can be a great way to connect with your target audience and improve your bottom line. Bad PowerPoint slides are easier to avoid than you might think.

In this article, we’ll share what makes a bad PowerPoint presentation. You'll also learn why you should avoid making people sit through one at all costs. Then, we'll give you a handful of tips from the presentation pros that'll help you design a good PowerPoint . Best of all, you'll learn how to avoid death by PowerPoint.

What Makes a "Bad" PowerPoint Presentation?

As rude as it might sound, in most cases, PowerPoint isn't the main reason behind a bad presentation. After all, PowerPoint is just a tool. It's used to create great slides, and it's also used to create  bad  PowerPoint slides.

Our Envato authors have designed hundreds of PowerPoint templates. According to their expertise, the main reason for bad PowerPoint presentations is design-related.

Slide design with poor layout that uses fonts and colors that detract from the message on the slide is one of the main reasons why PowerPoint gets such a bad reputation . 

A classic mistake in PowerPoint slideshow design is to include too much information on a single slide. Take a look at this presentation on Lung Cancer  from SlideShare. Not only will you find information overwhelm, but they also decided to add 100 charts on one slide!

A couple of other reasons that lead to bad PowerPoint presentations include:

• a topic that's got nothing to do with your audience’s interest
• failing to make a connection with your audience
• reading directly from the slides

Envato author, Celsius Designs , recommends paying extra attention to the layout and sketching out the presentation on the paper before going into PowerPoint and creating the final presentation. They also suggest studying successful presentations online.

Another team of our Envato authors, AQR Studio , says that every bad presentation they witnessed had the same thing in common:

"...too much text on individual slides and bad layout." 

Their advice is to take a look at presentation templates created by professionals and study them to find common elements that make for an attractive presentation. They also suggest adding in your own style instead of copying someone else’s.

Lastly, don’t forget that nerves and knowing your audience plays an important role in your presentation delivery as well. According to David Beckett , a TEDx speech coach,

“[...]two major reasons for poor presentations: nerves, and not paying enough attention to the audience.”

Now that you know what makes a bad PowerPoint presentation, let’s discuss why you should avoid making your audience sit through it.

Why a Bad PowerPoint Presentation Hurts Your Message

A bad presentation will not only leave a sour taste in your mouth, but it'll also bore your audience. Once your audience gets bored, chances are they'll disengage from the presentation. They'll stop paying attention to what you've got to say (also known sarcastically as death by PowerPoint).

Also, once your audience becomes disengaged, chances are they won’t remember the topic, much less the content of your presentation. If you’re presenting in front of potential business partners or investors, you run the risk of not closing the deal or getting the necessary funding.

Ultimately, a bad presentation will result in a bad impression of your brand and business. Luckily, we’ve gathered the best PowerPoint design tips from the experts that'll help you create good PowerPoint presentations and avoid death by PowerPoint.

15 Tips from Professionals for Creating Good PowerPoint Presentations

No matter how experienced you are, the truth is, bad PowerPoint presentations can happen to anyone. Even successful speech coaches aren’t immune to delivering bad presentations.

Consider this story from Michelle Mazur, speech coach from  Communication Rebel :

“Once I was invited to give a presentation on cultural trends. I worked closely with the meeting planner. In fact, she approved every slide I was going to present. This was an executive-level audience and she wanted the content to be perfect. I researched, I prepped, I practiced, I had great examples.  

Five minutes into my presentation, one executive raised his hand and asked “Are these trends based on quantitative research?” My reply was, “No, they are qualitative cultural trends.” He and half the room tuned out. The presentation flopped. My mistake was basing my whole speech on information from one person. That question killed me and there was no way to save the presentation in the moment...

I recovered. You can too when your presentation sucks. The most important point is: Keep Speaking. Learn from your mistakes and don't let them hold you back.”

As Dr. Mazur says, the good news is that you can recover from a bad presentation and go on to successfully create good PowerPoints that don’t suck. Below, you’ll find 15 tips from the experts that'll help you rock your PowerPoint design and your presentation skills.

1. Graphics for Visual Aid

Bad PowerPoint slides are cluttered, wordy, and boring. They lose sight of the focus of a PowerPoint presentation. Remember, your goal is to present information in clear, understandable ways. By adding graphics for visual aid, you can do exactly that. For example, consider infographics. These are illustrations built to share ideas.

Rather than packing a slide with words to explain a concept, map it out with an infographic. This might be a process flow chart, or a 3D hierarchy diagram. In fact, premium infographic templates from Envato Elements offer thousands of options. Choose one that works well for your topic, then drop in your details.

2. Stick to Readable Fonts

Top examples of bad PowerPoint slides often share something in common: strange fonts . Sure, unique fonts can be fun and amusing. But they don’t have a place in a professional slide deck. It’s bad PowerPoint form to use these fonts.

Instead, you need to choose a clear, stylish font that’s easy to read. Remember, audiences might be reading your slides from the back of a large room.

This doesn’t mean fonts have to be boring. Far from it - and again, Envato Elements is here to help. As a member, you've got access to thousands of custom font designs with unlimited downloads.

Each one will work in your PowerPoint. Avoid becoming an example of bad PowerPoint form and choose a premium custom font today! They look great and help you succeed.

3. Consistency Is Key

The number one tip for your PowerPoint design is to be consistent. This simply refers to using the same fonts and colors throughout your presentation instead of changing them up every other slide.

It’s a good idea to use the same fonts and colors used in the rest of your brand assets. But if you aren’t sure which colors and fonts are a part of your brand identity, you can’t go wrong with keeping it simple.

Speaker and author Hugh Culver is proof that simplicity works:

“A consistent theme pulls together the variety in your images and message, as you move from problem to solution. You could use the baked-in themes supplied in PowerPoint or Keynote – I don’t because I want a simpler, more unique look.

I create a custom theme simply with my titles, a consistent white background, and sometimes with my logo or my client’s logo.”

4. When It Comes to Text, Less Is Always More

As mentioned earlier, too much text will overwhelm your audience. Another downside of using too much text is that your audience will read the content of the slide before you’re done talking about it and then tune you out.

TEDx in-house presentation expert, Aaron Weyenberg , makes an excellent argument for using less text in your PowerPoints:

“With text, less is almost always more. One thing to avoid—slides with a lot of text, especially if it’s a repeat of what you’re saying out loud. It’s like if you give a paper handout in a meeting—everyone’s head goes down and they read, rather than staying heads-up and listening. If there are a lot of words on your slide, you’re asking your audience to split their attention between what they’re reading and what they’re hearing. That’s really hard for a brain to do, and it compromises the effectiveness of both your slide text and your spoken words. If you can’t avoid having text-y slides, try to progressively reveal text (like unveiling bullet points one by one) as you need it.”

5. Use the Presentation as an Aid, Not the Main Tool

Don’t forget that you, the presenter, are the star of the presentation. Your presentation is there to reinforce your ideas and help you sell your point. Take advice from  Seth Godin :

“[...]make slides that reinforce your words, not repeat them. Create slides that demonstrate, with emotional proof, that what you’re saying is true not just accurate.”

6. Use Guides to Make Sure Everything Aligns Properly

PowerPoint experts from Nuts and Bolts Speedtraining firmly believe you should add guides to your slides.

“When creating a template in PowerPoint, add guides around the placeholders of the parent slide layout.

That way if you accidentally made a mistake or if you want to make things easier to align in the normal view, then you can just turn those on again and see where everything is supposed to be placed.”

7. Contrast Always Wins

Bad PowerPoint presentation examples don’t stand out. They’re hard to follow, both in style and delivery. You need your slides to stand out to succeed.

Contrast is your best design bet to do exactly that. By styling with contrast, your key ideas will be instantly recognizable.

They’ll never fade into the background. This keeps your audience focused and engaged. Plus, it looks great. This is crucial to remember.

Your slides go beyond real-time viewing while you’re presenting. They need to be stylish and understandable for later too.

8. Memorize the Concepts & the Scripts

Inc.500 entrepreneur and speaker, Kevin Daum says you should memorize both your presentation content and script. Memorizing your script and the concept also helps in case there are technical difficulties with your presentation.

“Audiences know an amateur the second the notes come out or the presenter looks at the screen as a reminder. This is your material. If you don't own it, you can't expect the audience to respect you as an expert.”

9. Use Relevant Imagery

There is no doubt that images and visual elements can enhance your presentation and make it even more impactful. But those images and other visuals need to be relevant. According to visual communications expert, Curtis Newbold :

“You may, for instance, need to give a presentation on dairy production in your community.[...]What I need to see are images that tell a story about the dying industry and its challenges, and infographics that explain processes for overcoming the hurdles. You need a lot of visual information, yes. But it also needs to be relevant.”

10. One Message Per Slide

Your presentation needs to pique curiosity in your audience and get them interested in the topic. Once you've got their attention, you need to keep it and the best way to do that is to stick to one message per slide.

Professional training and coaching expert David JP Phillips even goes so far to state presenters should focus on one key message per slide and include no more than six objects (or lines) on each.

11. Use Animation Carefully

Animation can certainly make a good PowerPoint design more dynamic, but only when used correctly. Otherwise, it’s a distraction that can ruin the impression of your presentation. Learn from Konrad Schroth , PowerPoint expert:

“Like a lot of other PowerPoint features, animation can be distracting if used badly. However, if used rationally, animation can grab your audience's attention at strategic points, allow you to "chunk" information for better comprehension, and help explain complex systems and relationships. After all, we are "wired" to pay attention to movement.”

Learn the basics of using animation:

12. Pay Attention to the Structure

Your presentation needs to have a good flow. It’s important to include all the necessary elements if you want your presentation to be compelling. More specifically, a good presentation resembles a stage production, according to leadership development and executive coaching expert Jeff Black .

“You have to have all the elements: You’ve got to have a great opening act, you’ve got to have something in the middle to pull it through and you’ve got to have a great curtain’s finale at the end.”

13. Practice Is the Key to Success

Don’t forget to practice, practice, and then practice some more the delivery of your presentation. Nancy Duarte , the author of Resonate , shares this as her best advice for new presenters:

“Nothing worthwhile is easy, and the best communicators aren’t always born that way. Many of them saw the importance of improving their skills and put the work in. It will be work. But if you become a golden communicator, your life is in your hands.”

Learn some valuable tips for practicing your presentation:

14. Build for Online Sharing

Learn about online-focused slide decks, and look at some of the best templates now:

15. Build Presentations to Engage

Examples of bad PowerPoint slides may take many forms. But they all tend to bore an audience. Maybe they’re overloaded with content, hard to understand, or just aren’t interesting. That’s why you should always engage with your audience.

This can take many forms. If nothing else, always include a Q&A slide at the end of your deck. This gives your audience the chance to clarify anything they might’ve missed.

An even better option is to be engaging and interactive throughout. By using a game or quiz, you can make presentations fun! And a happy audience is always a more engaged audience.

Learn more about interactive quiz game PowerPoints with the help of this tutorial:

How to Quickly Customize Good PowerPoint Designs (With Premium Templates)

Want to know the ultimate way to avoid bad PowerPoint slides? Two words: premium templates.

By using a premium Envato Elements PowerPoint template , you can impress any audience. Elements has thousands of stunning options available now.

Premium templates offer stunning styles, unlike free templates. Plus, they save you time thanks to their ease of use. In fact, you can customize one in just five quick steps. Let’s look at how.

Want to follow along and learn more? Download the great Virtually PowerPoint template  from Envato Elements now.

1. Select Your Key Slides

Bad PowerPoint examples are often overloaded with dozens of slides in a row. Even the most fascinating topics will eventually lose an audience if they drag on too long. That’s why you should choose only a few key slides to get your points across.

This is easy with a premium template in PowerPoint. Find the View tab, then click on Slide Sorter. Here, you’ll see a thumbnail for every slide in the deck. You can remove unwanted slides by right-clicking on them and choosing Delete Slide . Once you’re finished, click Normal on the View tab to start editing.

2. Edit Text Features

Words are the backbone of winning PowerPoint decks. And thanks to premium templates, they’re easy to add. Notice how slide layouts have text already in place. To change it out, click into one of the text boxes. Select the contents, then type over them using your keyboard. Repeat throughout your slide deck.

Keep in mind: bad PowerPoint presentation examples are often too wordy. Avoid this by deleting any unwanted text boxes to free up some space on your slides.

3. Explore Font Effects

Once you’ve added text, you can customize it. Go to the Home tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon and find the Font section on the left. Here, you’ll see many buttons and dropdowns.

The dropdowns control the size and style of your font. The buttons drive custom effects like underlines, italics, and more. Click through them and watch your choices apply to the text that you have selected.

4. Customize Photos

Another example of bad PowerPoint technique: a lack of images. Don’t forget to add illustrations at regular intervals. These boost visual interest and keep viewers and readers focused on you.

Premium templates, once again, make this easy. On many slides, you’ll see shaped image placeholders. Browse to a stored image file on your computer, then drag it over your slide.

Drop it into place, and watch PowerPoint import it. Notice it'll scale to fit perfectly. It’s an effortless way to build a good PowerPoint slide.

5. Style Shapes with Color

A bad PowerPoint deck often will lack in color and style. A bland aesthetic is a quick way to lose an audience. That’s why the use of color is so important. And a premium template like Virtually makes creative use of color.

You can also change shape colors in PPT to fit your own style. Click on a shape, then find the Shape Format tab on the ribbon. On it, you’ll see the Shape Fill dropdown color chooser. Explore the countless options and click one to apply it. This is one of the top ways to build a great slide layout with plenty of cool colors. 

Find Even More Good PowerPoint Examples

If you're trying to make a PowerPoint that doesn't suck, you'll want plenty of good PowerPoint examples for inspiration. Here are some good PowerPoint designs to inspire you:

The Top Source for Great PowerPoint Templates (To Build Good Presentations)

Want the best source for great PowerPoint templates? Envato Elements is your answer. For a flat monthly rate, you’ll have access to unlimited downloads of the world’s best PowerPoint templates . These help you make great slides every day. Plus, you’ll find other resources like stock photos, custom fonts, and much more.

Elements is the top creative value today. The unlimited downloads included give you unlimited possibilities. You can try out as many stunning PowerPoint designs as you want to find the one that’s right for you.

Envato Elements helps you build great PowerPoint slides. It avoids the pitfalls of bad PowerPoint designs. That’s because every template is designed by creative experts. You’ll benefit from:

• pre-built text placeholders
• room for images and illustrations
• custom infographics to illustrate data
• unique fonts used throughout
• animated options for smooth transitions

As you can see, Elements templates save you from building bad PowerPoint slides. In moments, you can build amazing layouts that audiences will adore.

Check Out Our Free Online Presentation Guide

Do you want to learn even more about making great PowerPoint presentations? We've got the resource for you! We'll take you through the complete process to get you ready for your next business presentation—from start to finish.

Don't miss our free online presentation guide, The Complete Guide to Making Great Business Presentations . It's chock full of powerful business presentation advice to help you make your next business presentation your best yet.

Avoid Making PowerPoints That Suck By Applying These Pro Tips

Death by PowerPoint is a real thing that can happen to anyone. If you want to make sure that your presentations leave a positive impact, keep these tips in mind. Great content and stellar design pair together to help you avoid bad PowerPoint presentation examples. Follow the PowerPoint design tips and good PowerPoint examples in this article.

If you need a good PowerPoint design template for your presentation, make sure to check out our sites. Grab PowerPoint templates and design away today. Both are sure to help you avoid the curse of bad PowerPoint slides!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Andrew Childress . Andrew  is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.

Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Which is Better?

Creating presentations can be easy with Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint. Though they share many functions, certain features might sway your decision.

This article compares Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint to help you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Takeaways: Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft powerpoint, google slides, accessibility, ease of use, collaboration/team work, offline and online performance, available pre-made templates, autosave, backup, and storage, design and customization, supported file types.

• Price: Google Slides is free, while Microsoft PowerPoint requires a subscription as part of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Accessibility: Google Slides is web-based and accessible from any internet-connected device. PowerPoint is primarily a desktop application but has an online version with limited features.
• Collaboration: Google Slides excels in real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously. PowerPoint has collaborative features but requires more setup.
• Customization: PowerPoint offers more advanced design features and templates. Google Slides provides basic customization but allows easy access to online templates.
• Autosave and Backup: Google Slides automatically saves to the cloud, reducing the risk of data loss. PowerPoint requires manual saves unless integrated with cloud services.

Microsoft PowerPoint, part of Microsoft’s Office products, is the leading presentation tool used by millions daily. It includes features like slide themes, animations, and transitions, making it a versatile choice for presentations.

The program lets users create professional presentations easily. But, unlike Google Slides, PowerPoint is a desktop app that needs installation on your computer.

Google Slides is a web-based program for creating presentations easily. Developed by Google, it’s part of the Google Gsuite.

It offers all the standard features of PowerPoint or Keynote, including slides, shapes, and images. The key difference is there’s no need for downloads or installation. Just connect to the internet, and you’re set!

Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint: Comparison

Now that you know the basics of Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint, here’s how they compare:

Google Slides is free for everyone. There’s no monthly subscription or fee to access and use its features.

Microsoft PowerPoint comes with Microsoft’s Office Package, which can be pricey. The basic package costs $70 per year, with higher-priced plans offering additional features.

Google Slides is available across your desktop, laptop, or mobile device with an internet connection. Just sign in to your Google account and begin. It also functions offline once you enable offline access.

On the other hand, PowerPoint is a desktop program that you have to install on your computer. Its functionality is bound to one device. You don’t need an internet connection since it operates offline.

There’s an online version of PowerPoint accessible from browsers, but it has limited features.

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint are easy to use. However, they work differently, which might make one easier for you than the other.

If you’ve worked with traditional desktop programs like Microsoft Office, then PowerPoint will feel intuitive since it operates like other apps on your computer.

If you use web apps often, Google Slides will be easier for you. It’s web-based and doesn’t need any software installation or downloads.

Google Slides is a highly collaborative tool letting multiple users work on a presentation simultaneously. Just share the project URL or send invitations through email addresses linked to Google accounts (e.g., Gmail).

This simplifies teamwork, letting everyone share their ideas in one place. Plus, you won’t need to stress about version control. Changes happen instantly when someone saves their work.

Recent versions of PowerPoint support remote collaboration, but Google Slides makes it simpler. Some preparation is needed to make your PowerPoint presentation ready for teamwork. All team members must have PowerPoint 2010 or later.

Google Slides is always online, letting you work on your presentations anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. You can also download and edit your presentations in other offline apps. This flexibility makes it a convenient choice for all your presentation needs.

PowerPoint runs directly on your computer, so you need to install and update it for security. You can work on presentations online, but the experience isn’t as smooth as Google Slides.

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint offer a library of built-in templates for your presentation. However, PowerPoint provides a greater number and variety of pre-made templates.

Google Slides offers flexible options for getting presentation templates online. You can easily make a copy without downloading. For PowerPoint, there are both free and paid templates, but you must download them to use.

A major advantage of Google Slides over PowerPoint is that it’s cloud-based. All your work saves automatically on Google servers, so you don’t need to worry about losing files due to system crashes or other issues.

PowerPoint lacks this feature by default, so you need to save presentations regularly to avoid losing your work.

Google Slides lets you change the background, add text, shapes, and images. You can also select from various fonts and sizes.

PowerPoint provides more design options than Google Slides. You can use thousands of elements like animation, transitions, special effects, and 3D content to make your slides more interesting.

PowerPoint excels in Design and Customization over Google Slides.

Google Slides supports various file types, including the popular .ppt, .pptm, SVG, and .txt formats. This flexibility makes it easier to collaborate on presentations. You can also import files from programs like Microsoft Office and continue working on them in Google Slides.

PowerPoint supports multiple file formats like .ppt, .pptx, .pptm, and .pdf, but not SVG files. A major benefit is exporting slides in various video, pdf, and image formats. Google’s export options are more limited.

Related Posts:

What is a Slide Deck? Everything You Need to Know!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

In my personal experience alone, I’ve seen people use very many different words including the word “Slide Deck” for a presentation. I always wondered what is the meaning of Slide Deck, and how is it different from other words commonly used to describe a presentation. So, I did a little research, and here’s what I found out!

A Slide Deck is a term assigned to a group of slides that together form a complete presentation. A slide deck is usually created using a presentation design application. A slide deck is often used as an aid for storytelling or presenting information about a topic or an organization.

But, how is a slide deck different from a slide show or a PowerPoint? In this article, we will understand the nuances of the various presentation terminologies used. Plus, I will also help you understand why is a slide deck really called a slide deck!

So, let’s get started.

A Quick Note Before We Begin – if you want to make jaw-dropping presentations, I would recommend using one of these Presentation Designs . The best part is – it is only $16.5 a month, but you get to download and use as many presentation designs as you like! I personally use it from time-to-time, and it makes my task of making beautiful presentations really quick and easy!

What is a Slide Deck?

When it comes to describing a presentation, there are several words that are used. One word that is often used is a “Slide Deck”.

As mentioned above, a slide deck really is a collection of slides put together to form a presentation. A slide deck is used in many organizations to give an overview about their organization, to share strategies or plans, or showcase performance updates, or even just sharing a piece of interesting information about a topic. There are several use cases for a slide deck!

You may wonder, “Is slide deck not just the same as a presentation?”. If so, then why not just call it a presentation instead of a slide deck? Why use the term slide deck at all?

Pro Tip: All slide decks are presentations, but not all presentations can be classified as a slide deck!

A presentation is usually a much broader term. For instance, when you are displaying a physical product and verbally sharing nuggets of information about that product, it is still referred to as a presentation. More specifically, it is called a product presentation.

The key difference between a slide deck and presentation is that a presentation is an act of delivering information such as a speech or a talk. Whereas, a slide deck is the visual aid used while giving a presentation!

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, a slide deck and a presentation are actually two different terms!

Why is a Slide Deck called a Slide Deck? A Brief History!

The term slide deck evolved from an old technology that was used for projecting the slides on the wall. A physical 35 mm slide was inserted into a carousel slide projector . All the slides that were used during a presentation were collectively known as a slide deck (as in a deck of cards).

The term “slide deck” stuck around and became synonymous with a presentation even after the technology evolved . Thus, even today, many people refer to a presentation as a slide deck.

If you are wondering how this projector really worked, then you would be amazed to know that each model came with slots for 40 or 80 slides that could be inserted at a time.

Each slide would be placed upside down and backward in terms of the chronological order so that the image projected is in the correct orientation and order. The slide themselves were usually photographs and not much could be done on the slide.

Difference Between Slide Deck and Slide Show?

Another term that people often use interchangeably is a slide deck and a slide show.

A slide deck is the group of slides used to create a presentation. However, when these slides are displayed or shown to an audience while giving a presentation, the process is known as a slide show.

In other words, a slide deck is usually a presentation file whereas a slide show is a process of showing the contents of that file to an audience.

Slide Deck vs PowerPoint: What’s the Difference?

I’ve also seen people get confused between a slide deck and PowerPoint. Again, these are also another set of terms that are used interchangeably. But, there is a difference.

As mentioned before, a slide deck is usually a group of slides collectively put together to give a presentation. The term slide deck has existed even years before PowerPoint was introduced. As we learned above, a slide deck was initially used to describe the batch of physical slides used in a projector.

PowerPoint, on the other hand, is a presentation design software. Unlike a slide or a presentation, PowerPoint is actually a program that is used for designing a slide or creating a presentation.

As the technology evolved and a computer started to have more computing power, complex applications were designed to enable the ease of leveraging technology.

Contrary to the common opinion, PowerPoint was not created by Microsoft. It was first released by Forethought Inc in 1987 initially only for Mac OS. However, Microsoft acquired PowerPoint 3 months after its initial release and rebranded it as Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is the Difference Between Slide Deck and a Pitch Deck?

Another term that you may hear often, especially in the more recent times, is a pitch deck. It is important to note that using the two interchangeably might not be the correct thing to do. Here’s why –

A slide deck is basically all the final slides put together to create a presentation. However, a pitch deck is a type of a slide deck created with a very specific purpose of pitching an idea or a business model to an investor with the intention of raising funds for implementing the idea.

In this era of start-ups and entrepreneurs, a pitch deck is quite common. In fact, every time an organization is looking to raise funds for the project or business, a pitch deck is required.

Simply put, a pitch deck can also be called a slide deck, but not all slide decks can be referred to as a pitch deck!

What is a PowerPoint Slide Deck?

There are multiple ways of creating a slide deck. As we learned earlier, traditionally a slide deck was created using actual physical slides.

As the technology evolved, sophisticated computer applications were used to create a slide deck. One such application is Microsoft PowerPoint.

A PowerPoint slide deck is a term used to describe a slide deck or a presentation that is created using Microsoft PowerPoint as the presentation design application. A PowerPoint slide deck usually consists of multiple slides put together to create a presentation.

That said, a PowerPoint slide deck is more commonly referred to as a “slide deck” or just “Presentation” as PowerPoint is not the only presentation design application available to a user.

What is a Slide Deck in Google Slides?

Although PowerPoint has been one of the most well-known and commonly used presentation design programs, another application that has been gaining in popularity amongst the users is Google Slides!

The idea of a slide deck in Google Slides is pretty much the same. When you put together all the final slides that are going to be used in a presentation using Google Slides, it is known as a slide deck in Google Slides.

If you are not sure what exactly is Google Slides and would like to understand this a bit more in detail, I’ve written a detailed post on this topic. Make sure you check it out! Click on the below link.

What is Google Slides? The ULTIMATE Guide!

How to Make a Slide Deck in PowerPoint?

If you are using PowerPoint, one of the things that you may often be asked to do at work is to make a slide deck in PowerPoint. But, how exactly do you do that? Let me try to answer this question.

Here’s how to make a slide deck in PowerPoint –

• Open a PowerPoint Presentation
• Create a structure for your content
• Create a Title Slide
• Design the Other Remaining Slides
• Use Images relevant to the content
• Add Animations and Transitions
• Create a Thank You Slide
• Save Your Slide Deck
• Share the File with your team

Honestly, this topic deserves a separate article in itself. Perhaps even a single article may not be complete enough to cover this topic.

How to Make a Good Slide Deck?

Let’s face it – most of us don’t want to come across as incompetent. Thus, making a good slide deck is almost always important. But, how exactly does one do that?

There are actually several things that you can do to make an attractive presentation. I actually wrote a detailed article on how to easily create a good slide deck. The tips that I share in that article are also relevant for beginners. So, make sure you check out that article as well! The link is mentioned below.

7 EASY tips that ALWAYS make your PPT presentation attractive (even for beginners)

More Helpful Resources –

• Should You Add Table of Contents in your Presentation?
• How to Give a Presentation When You Are Not Prepared?
• A Quick Guide to Using Animations and Transitions in PowerPoint

Image Credit for the Featured Image

Microsoft PowerPoint vs. Google Slides: Which One Should You Be Using?

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How to Use Gemini in Google Sheets

Google sheets tables are the handy feature i didn’t know i needed, this new browser is a productivity miracle.

Slideshow is essential to present anything in an immersive way. Whatever your profession is, you may have to use slideshows for presentations. PowerPoint and Slides are the two most popular slideshow-making software.

Though some people still prefer PowerPoint, modern individuals are somewhat polarized towards Slides as there is an increase in demand for cloud-based apps. This article will help you understand which slideshow maker is ideal for you by comparing the essential features of these two apps.

What’s Microsoft Powerpoint?

PowerPoint is a slideshow maker from Microsoft. The tech giant initially released this software in 1990. Predominantly, PowerPoint was a Windows PC-based tool. However, Microsoft launched PowerPoint 2013 Web version in 2014 after seeing a significant rise of its cloud-based competitor Google Slides.

The tool is available as a standalone app for various devices like Windows, iOS, Android, etc. Over 500 million people use PowerPoint , churning out 300 million presentations each day.

What’s Google Slides?

It’s a free-to-use slideshow maker that comes with Google Workspace. Slides was the first cloud-based presentation maker , and due to that reason, it has gained immense popularity since 2006. You can experience effortless teamwork on one presentation as Google focused on delivering better workplace collaboration through Slides.

Slides remains a truly cloud-based app running on web browsers. However, if you use it in the Chrome browser, then you can activate offline editing. You’ll also find the tool for your Android or iOS devices.

Comparison Parameters

From vector art-making to online advertisement videos, Slides, and PowerPoint have vivid usage depending on users’ creativity level. In the following sections, you’ll see how Slides and PowerPoint fair on basic features:

1. Cost of Usage

PowerPoint comes with a Microsoft 365 subscription, which is $69.99 yearly or $6.99 monthly for one person. Other benefits are Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, 1 TB OneDrive storage, etc. You may try PowerPoint for free for 30 days.

On the contrary, Google Slides is a free tool. Whether you use it for personal or commercial use, there are no restrictions. All you need is a Google account and a compatible web browser on a PC or the smartphone app for mobiles. The free-to-use license is reportedly the most significant value proposition of Slides.

2. Ease of Access

PowerPoint offers two versions, the desktop and the web. However, the web version comes with minimal features as opposed to the desktop version. Therefore, most users rely on the desktop version for complex and professional presentations.

But, this makes you stick to one device. If you need to open your slideshows from another device, you need to use a flash drive or upload the PPT file to OneDrive cloud storage.

Google Slides presentation is highly portable. When you switch devices, all you need to do is sign in to your Google account, in which the slideshow is available. Google Drive will sync your files to the new device, and you can easily edit or present your slideshows.

3. Online & Offline Usage

PowerPoint is a powerful slideshow maker when you use standalone software on a PC. The web version of PowerPoint lacks many features, like can't open large files (>2 GB) or PowerPoint add-ins.

The standalone PowerPoint also requires a better PC configuration for smooth performance. Microsoft suggests at least 1.6 GHz processing power, 4 GB RAM, and 4 GB free hard disk space to run the tool.

Google Slides, however, doesn’t require a powerful PC as it works on the Chrome browser. You'll need a strong internet connection to create high-quality presentations. You may set up offline editing and presenting, but that’s only possible on Chrome browsers.

4. Remote Collaboration

Collaborative work on PowerPoint is not as interactive as Google Slides. It’s because you need to prepare a lot before your team can begin a collaboration. These preparations include uploading a copy on OneDrive, sharing links via email, setting up SharePoint Sites, etc.

The PC version requires that all the team members own PowerPoint 2010 or later versions for collaborative work. You can use PowerPoint online, but you may not get as many features that you get in the PC version.

Slides became popular in no time due to its instant collaboration feature. All of your team members can work on the same file while sharing comments and feedback. Google Drive automatically saves all the different versions, and restoring a previous version is a walk in the park.

5. Availability of Free-to-Use Templates

PowerPoint offers you a big library of editable templates. You’ll for sure find something in the template library that goes in line with your presentation theme. These templates are the value-added benefits of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Slides also offer free templates, but the variety is not that robust as PowerPoint. You’ll only find basic templates that you can edit to fit your needs.

6. Special Effects and Animations

The PC edition of PowerPoint offers thousands of effects, 3D content, animations, and transitions. Therefore, designers and creative professionals rely on PowerPoint for high-quality presentations with advanced graphics.

Slides offer the basic and essential elements, transitions, and animations that’ll help you make a professional presentation. If you’re someone who craves high-end content, then you’ll find Slides limited in terms of creative content.

7. Image Editing and Processing

PowerPoint is a comprehensive image editing and processing tool. In fact, you’ll see that most people use PowerPoint to edit pictures quickly instead of investing time in PhotoShop. It offers advanced features like removing background, compressing images, making SmartArt graphics, etc.

Slides also come with basic image editing features, but these are not enough for high-end slideshow making. Its image edit features are limited to resizing, rotating, color adjusting, adding transparency, etc.

8. Backup, Autosave, and Storage

PowerPoint's editions older than the 2016 version require you to save your slideshows manually. However, the 2016 and later editions come with AutoSave and AutoRecover features. The PC software will save the file in a local drive, unless you manually set the default location to OneDrive.

Slides automatically saves every change you make while making a slideshow. It also stores a version history of your slideshows in case you need to recover a specific version. It always saves the slideshows in your Google Drive account.

Be Flexible With Your Tech Stack

You may not want to force a set of tools upon yourself or your team members for whatever you do, be it slideshow making and presenting. Be flexible with these apps as you might find a client who would only accept PowerPoint presentations over Slides or vice versa.

Therefore, be prepared to improvise when it comes to presenting something to an audience. Concentrate on simple graphics, easy charts, and less writing to gain the attention of the crowd.

• Productivity
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Slides

More From Forbes

The 5 differences between a pitch and a presentation.

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Persuade me. If you can.

“Tell me a little bit about yourself.”

“Pitch me your business idea.”

“Why should I do business with you?”

Where, exactly, does the story begin? In order to pitch your ideas - or your job skills - effectively, it’s important to understand the fundamental differences between a presentation and a pitch. Because a pitch is more than just an informational presentation. Beyond the constructs of the various TV shows, like Shark Tank , a pitch doesn’t necessarily inform. A good pitch compels . In other words, a pitch inspires action.

Persuasion Creates Opportunity, inside Your Pitch

That’s right, “inspires”. Because if all you want to do is instruct, like an informational presentation, that’s not a pitch. True, your audience might get smarter. But are you getting any richer? What does “good” look like, when it comes to your pitch? Maybe it looks like a new job . A new promotion. Or a new initiative that’s delivered (persuasively) by none other than you. Would you invest in that pitch?

Consider these five key differences between a presentation and a pitch:

• You Don’t Have to Go it Alone : it’s easy to fall into the trap that you’re alone on an island when it comes to your pitch - and that’s why you better talk fast, right? Wrong. A presentation is about information. A pitch is about connection . Slow down, and stop trying to lift the world by yourself. Instead, connect your message to the people you wish to influence most: your investors, your potential new employer, your boss. Stop focusing on yourself and consider the puts and takes for the person right in front of you. You may not be facing off with Mr. Wonderful, but if you can find a way to connect to your audience, you’re making wonderful progress. How does your pitch impact the person you’re trying to influence? Are you clear on their outcomes, not just your own?
• Outcomes, Not Obstacles : there are four words that need to be a part of any persuasive conversation or pitch. Here they are: “I’ve thought this through”. Thinking things through means looking beyond the details. Zoom out and see if you see the big picture - have you thought things through? After all, a pitch is persuasive. It’s not a how-to. You’re not there to instruct, you’re there to inspire. Thinking things through points towards outcomes . What is the outcome of your business idea? What’s the outcome of you being hired by this firm? Stop focusing on your past experience and knowledge (Your background and resumé won’t disappear, when you make this shift). Turn your experience into outcomes for your audience. That way, you create an experience for your investor (or potential employer). Sharing outcomes starts by answering this simple question: “What’s the biggest promise you can keep?”
• What’s Your Log Line? Brant Pinvidic has sold over 300 different vehicles to various studios in Hollywood, including reality TV shows like Pawn Stars and Bar Rescue . In his book, The 3-Minute Rule, he explains how it can be useful to have a “log line”. He defines a log line as “the single most valuable element of your offering...in a single sentence or phrase.” He explains how he sold the idea of The Biggest Loser, the most successful show his company has produced so far: “Overweight contestants compete to lose weight; the winner is the biggest loser.” Simplicity wins, when it comes to your pitch.
• Use Leadership Language - Not Just Description: If you want a pitch that’s a winner, consider the difference between language that describes and language that creates. The language of description is all around us - in news reports, white papers and web pages. The language of creation, however, focuses on what we might be able to make, build or do together. Leadership language emphasizes creation: creating partnerships, opportunities, options and outcomes. Which do you think is more important in a pitch, description or creation? If an investor can take a quiz on your business idea, describe it, and earn an “A”, you might just be the biggest loser. Because if your audience is smarter, but they’re not co-creating a new solution with you, what have you won? Do you want to get a grade, or to get paid?
• Close Like You Know: a compelling pitch is, at its core, is a series of “yeses”. A pitch always finds a way to “yes”. How do you know if your pitch is going well? When you hear these three words from your audience: tell me more . Can you share ideas that are inarguable? Ideas and concepts that inspire agreement instead of inviting argument? These paths lead to yes. And then, at the end of your pitch, offer the easiest thing in the world to say “yes” to. And what is the easiest thing in the world to say “yes” to? No, it’s not free beer. It’s an invitation . What is the invitation you can offer? An invitation that’s logical and actionable and measurable. An invitation to co-create the next step - the step that just might get you into the winner’s circle. Or that new job you’ve been hoping for.

You don’t have to watch Shark Tank in order to see the value in a persuasive conversation. That’s right: a pitch is simply a conversation, if it’s done right. A conversation that’s compelling, clear and guided, so that your audience sees your vision. A vision that’s presented in a way that makes people say “yes”. Using the language of creation, a pitch builds to a “tell me more”, based on a story that gets your audience involved and connected with your vision. So, if you’re looking for a new job, or a new way to get your ideas across, consider how you might be able to create the one thing that every pitch needs: a connection to your audience. Instead of focusing intently on your background, your struggle, or your hero’s journey, consider instead how you can make your audience the hero. That kind of language just might help you create what’s missing. So, you’re invited to change the conversation - and change your results - whenever you’re ready to win.

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宝，答应我好吗，以后做PPT再碰到丑图就这么做

更适合中国大学生体质的论文辅助工具！

如何把PPT排版得又拥挤又清爽？

领导：“这PPT图表是我配看的吗？”

PPT里突出重点不要再标红了，真的丑哭了！

不愧是央企，这才是领导要的高级PPT！

4个做PPT必备的资源网站！好用不收费！（建议收藏）

国企PPT字太多没重点，改成这样后简洁又清晰！【跟我学个P】

PPT字多还不让删，我基本离不开这个版式！

党政风PPT这样做，真的好高级！！

改了份国企的PPT，同事：难怪都抢着进！

太卷了！我改了一份政务风PPT，同事：还好你不在国企！

华为内部员工PPT曝光！大厂真的太卷了……

领导：这份数据图表做得很好，以后公司的PPT你承包了

太难了！领导给的PPT全是字还不让删，咋办？！

明明是PPT神器，反而沦为背锅侠？

给领导改了份PPT，同事：国企人满级PPT！

PPT就要听领导的，把全部都放大！

原来公文PPT排版起来这么简单，全是字的ppt也不在话下！

领导给的PPT太丑，这样排版同事直接看傻眼……

领导公开表扬同事做的PPT，只因他删去了几个色块！

用前丑拒，用后真香的PPT神器：SmartArt！