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Chm Blog Curatorial Insights , From the Collection , Software History Center

Slide logic: the emergence of presentation software and the prehistory of powerpoint, by david c. brock | october 04, 2016.

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In many parts of our world today, group communication centers on visual materials built with “presentation software,” often crafted by a speaker him or herself. As a result, meetings now generally depend on the use of personal computers, presentation software in the guises of product or service and display by digital projectors or flat-screens.

A humorous sample PowerPoint presentation supplied with the very first version in 1987. This clip was created with PowerPoint 1.0 for Mac running in a Mac Plus emulator.

So central have these visual materials become that the intended functioning of digital files, programs, computers, and peripherals has become an almost necessary condition for public communication. Choice of presentation software has even become a mark of generational and other identities, as in whether one uses Facebook or Snapchat. Millennials and Generation Z choose Google Slides or Prezi. Everyone else uses PowerPoint, its mirror-twin by Apple called Keynote, or, for political expression and/or economic necessity, LibreOffice. Membership in a highly technical community can be signified by using the typesetting program LaTeX to build equation-heavy slides.

It is PowerPoint, nevertheless, that has become the “Kleenex” or “Scotch Tape” of presentation software. A “PowerPoint” has come to commonly mean any presentation created with software. Microsoft rightly boasts that there are currently 1.2 billion copies of PowerPoint at large in the world today: One copy of PowerPoint for every seven people. In any given month, approximately 200 million of these copies are actively used. PowerPoint is simply the dominant presentation software on the planet. 1

It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that PowerPoint was not the first presentation program. Rather, there were several programs for personal computers that performed similarly to PowerPoint in many respects, which appeared starting in 1982—fully five years before PowerPoint’s debut. PowerPoint’s ubiquity is not the result of a first-mover advantage. 2

Further, many of PowerPoint’s most familiar characteristics—the central motif of a slide containing text and graphics, bulleted lists, the slide show, the slide sorter, and even showy animated transitions between slides—were not absolute novelties when PowerPoint appeared. These elements had been introduced in one form or another in earlier presentation software.

created by presentation graphics programs

Here, the principal developers of PowerPoint—Dennis Austin and Tom Rudkin—describe the structure of the source code defining slides. Austin and Rudkin worked closely with the product’s architect, Bob Gaskins. This document is in a collection of materials donated to the Computer History Museum by Dennis Austin.

From 1982 through 1987, software makers introduced roughly a dozen programs for several different personal computers that allowed users to create visual materials for public presentations as a series of “slides” containing text and graphic elements. Frequently, these slides were printed on paper for incorporation into a photocopied report and transferred to a set of transparencies for use with an overhead projector. Other presentation programs allowed slides to be output as a sequence of 35mm photographic slides for use with a slide projector, a videotape of a series of slide images, or a digital file of screen-images for computer monitors. Makers and users called these programs “presentation software,” and just as commonly “business graphics software.” “Business” here is significant, I think. 3

Early presentation software was most commonly used to create overhead presentations. In this clip, Dennis Austin—a principal developer of PowerPoint—demonstrates the use of overhead projectors and presentations.

The six years from 1982 through 1987 saw the emergence of presentation software (including PowerPoint), with multiple makers introducing competing programs offering many similar capabilities and idioms. Why did multiple, independent software creators develop presentation software for personal computers at just this moment?

I believe that an analytical framework that I developed with historian Christophe Lécuyer to understand episodes in the history of solid-state electronics can also help us to unpack this very different case from software history. Our framework consists of three “contextual logics” that we argue shaped the emergence of the planar transistor, the silicon microchip, the simultaneous-invention of silicon-gate MOS technology, and, as Christophe and Takahiro Ueyama recently show, the history of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). 4

In their 2013 article, “The Logics of Materials Innovation,” Christophe and Takahiro describe these logics beautifully:

This framework distinguishes different types of contextual challenges that shape the creation of new materials and manufacturing processes: the materiality of substances, tools, and fabrication techniques (referred to as “material logic”); the needs, demands and interests of intended customers (“market logic”); and the competitive tensions among laboratories, firms, and nations (“competitive logic”). These material, market, and competitive logics are not determinative, in the sense that they do not lead to necessary outcomes. But they are particularly stable over time and provide powerful resources and constraints to innovators and their patrons.

The implication seems straightforward: People from similar backgrounds, in similar organizations, facing a common, structured set of contextual logics, will do similar—but not identical—things. But can these logics that help make sense of the history of semiconductor electronics, a technology deeply about materials, also give insights into the history of the ne plus ultra of the digital—software itself? I think it can. Competitive logic, Market logic, and Material logic: Let’s consider them in that order, and see what they can mean for the “prehistory” of PowerPoint.

Competitive logic centered on software makers. In the first half of the 1980s, makers of presentation software were typically connected to companies. There were, of course, makers of non-commercial software of various stripes—hobbyist, open source, libre and the like—but they do not appear to have been a factor in early presentation software. Rather, the makers of presentation software were what I call “integrated software manufacturers,” “software publishers,” and “author houses.” Sometimes the boundaries between these maker-types are blurry, but I think the categories are useful.

Integrated software manufacturers, ranging from cottage firms to public companies, wrote code, manufactured it mainly on magnetic media, wrote and printed technical documentation and guides, and distributed it in shrink-wrapped boxes. For integrated software manufacturers of this era, think of Microsoft, Lotus Development, and MicroPro International." Software publishers" did everything that the integrated manufacturers did, except write the code. Rather, they entered into contracts on a royalty basis with those who did write programs. Software publishers ran the gamut from stand-alone companies that only produced software written by others, to firms that published a mix of programs written internally and externally, and also to computer makers like Apple, who published software written by others under their own label as well as selling their own programs. Code authors ranged from individual sole proprietorships to “author shops,” partnerships between two or more programmers in an LLP or a small company.

The origins of Microsoft, perhaps the best-known integrated software manufacturer.

These author shops, publishers, and integrated manufacturers were, by 1982, competing in a growing market for personal computer application software: Spreadsheets, word processors, databases and “business graphics” programs that often used data from spreadsheets to generate line-graphs, pie-charts, bar-graphs, and other standard plots used in business, science, and engineering. This battle for market share in applications for personal computers was the ‘competitive logic’ for presentation software’s emergence. 5

“Market logic” centered on the intended users of software, and, in the case of presentation software, focused to the communication practices of white-collar workers in the United States (and, perhaps, elsewhere), particularly “managers” and “executives.” Contemporary commentators noted that personal-computer “business” software like spreadsheets represented a turn in “office automation,” the opening of a new phase in which software users would expand beyond specialists and secretaries to managers and executives. Personal computers with new software would be in the offices of Mahogany Row in addition to the accounting department and the typing pool.

For example, in September 1982, John Unger Zussman, a columnist for InfoWorld, noted: “…the market is changing. An examination of the changing word-processor marketplace can tell us a lot about the maturation of microcomputers and give us a clue to the role of micros in the office of the future. ‘There’s an expanding concept of reality in the modern office,’ says Gary Smith, NCR’s director of marketing. Software oriented toward managers, such as spreadsheet and slide-show programs and electronic mail, has increased the demand for distributed data processing. It is now legitimate for a computer to appear on a manager’s desk—or a secretary’s. The personal workstation, says Smith, is becoming ‘the major focus of white-collar productivity.’ This was not always the case. In the past, computers were the province of the data-processing department…and, besides, managers wouldn’t be caught dead typing at a keyboard…word processing became a stepping-stone into the automated office…the introduction of microcomputers into the office of the future seems to be more a process of infiltration than one of direct assault.” 6

In this 1979 commercial, Xerox presented just this vision of the office of the future.

In a 1984 article in the Proceedings of the IEEE titled “A New Direction in Personal Computer Software,” MIT Sloan School professor Hoo-Min Toong, with his postdoc Amar Gupta, identified the crux of the market logic to which presentation software was a response: The time that executives and managers spent in meetings. They write: “Top managers are noted to spend four-fifths of their time attending meetings—delivering or receiving presentations and reports, communicating, and gathering information for subsequent meetings. Meetings are the most prominent, time consuming element of an executive’s job.” They continue: “At present, business personal computers only represent information in numeric form, in text, and in simple charts and graphs. A crucial missing component is the ability to present and manipulate visual, pictorial data…A new layer…will bridge the gap from the present position…to supporting business communications with sophisticated images and color.” 7

created by presentation graphics programs

Toong and Gupta’s diagram of the proportion of an “executive’s” time spent in meetings. © 1984 IEEE. Reprinted, with permission, from Proceedings of the IEEE.

Toong and Gupta then discuss a newly released example of such “presentation graphics software,” VCN ExecuVision, offered by the book publisher Prentice-Hall. VCN ExecuVision, which ran on the IBM PC, cost $400 but also required libraries of images and icons, that is, “clip art,” at $90 per floppy disk. Users could create “slide shows” of multiple “slides” that the user could craft with text, clip art, and geometric shapes, as well as pie, bar, and line graphs, with the completed slide show either printed or displayed on the PC monitor.

The idiom of the slide was directly adapted from the world of 35mm photographic slides. “Seeing a single slide is one thing,” Toong and Gupta write, “seeing an aggregate of slides is another. VCN ExecuVision supports slide shows in which the transition from one slide to another can be controlled either manually (pressing a key causes display of the next slide) or automatically… More significant is the support of animation techniques which give an illusion of seeing a running movie rather than a slide show…VCN ExecuVision brings sophisticated graphical capabilities to the realm of personal computers thus vastly expanding the horizons of personal computer applications in all four domains – office, home, science, and education.” Continuing their celebration of ExecuVision, Toong and Gupta illustrated their journal article with three full-color pages of ExecuVision slides, replete with images having the unmistakable aesthetic of clip art. Presentation software and clip art may have been born together.

created by presentation graphics programs

Sample slides from VCN ExecuVision. © 1984 IEEE. Reprinted, with permission, from Proceedings of the IEEE.

Evidently, ExecuVision was the creation of Toong himself—in a Cambridge, Massachusetts author shop called Visual Communication Network Inc.—before the program had been sold or licensed to Prentice Hall. Toong filed articles of incorporation for the firm in October 1983, with his brother and a former MIT industrial liaison as the other directors. His brother was listed as the president and a Sloan School building was the firm’s address. Toong’s connection to ExecuVision is not mentioned in the article. 8

created by presentation graphics programs

Lotus’ announcement of Executive Briefing System. Courtesy of the Kapor Archive.

Toong’s ExecuVision was, in late 1983, a new entrant into the presentation software market that two new integrated software manufacturers, located in neighborhoods on opposing sides of the MIT campus, had already enjoined. On one side was Mitch Kapor’s startup, Lotus Development. Kapor created his new firm on a windfall from two programs he had written that were published by Personal Software, Inc., later renamed VisiCorp. VisiCorp was also the publisher of the breakthrough spreadsheet program VisiCalc, written in Cambridge by Software Arts Inc., the “author shop” of Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston.

Mitch Kapor had written a statistical analysis and data graphing program for the Apple II called TinyTROLL, which he sold through a partnership with his friend and then MIT finance PhD student Eric Rosenfeld who had suggested the program to Kapor. The partnership was called Micro Finance Systems, and Kapor was approached VisiCorp to adapt TinyTROLL to work with data imported from VisiCalc. Kapor soon delivered VisiPlot and VisiTrend, programs that took VisiCalc spreadsheet data and generated pie, bar, and line graphs from them, as well as performed various finance-relevant statistical functions on the data. Kapor and Rosenfeld’s Micro Finance Systems received hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties for VisiPlot and VisiTrend before VisiCorp bought them outright for $1.2 million. With his share in the windfall, Kapor set up an integrated software manufacturer of his own, Lotus Development, and, in 1982, the firm released its first product, Executive Briefing System, for the Apple II. Todd Agulnick, a 14-year-old high school student, had been hired by Kapor and wrote the BASIC code for Executive Briefing System under his direction. 9

Lotus’ $200 Executive Briefing System was centered on the color video display of the Apple II. In brief, a number of programs for charting and graphing like VisiPlot offered the “BSAVE” command. Instead of routing data to immediately render an image on the video display, BSAVE sent the very same data to a stored file. In this way, a “screen shot” could be rendered on the video display at a later time, shared with others, archived for future use, etc. Lotus’ Executive Briefing System treated BSAVE’d files—these screen shots—as “slides” that could be modified and then displayed on the Apple II’s video display as a “slide show” for a “presentation.” Executive Briefing System users could edit slides of charts and plots by adding text and/or clip art of lines, geometric shapes, or “ornamental” motifs. Slides were arranged in slide shows, and saved to floppy disk. While the program allowed a slide show to be printed—as a paper report or for transparencies for overhead presentation—it focused on slide shows for the video display. A variety of animated “transitions” between slides were available, such as fades, wipes, and spinning-into-view. 10

An early Executive Briefing System demonstration. This clip was created by running an image of the demonstration disk in an Apple II emulator.

David Solomont’s Business and Professional Software Inc., another integrated software manufacturer developing products for the Apple II, was located at 143 Binney Street just a 25-minute walk across the MIT campus—and past Hoo-Min Toong’s office—from Kapor’s Lotus Development office at 180 Franklin Street. Like Kapor, Solomont’s firm had earlier developed a plotting and charting program for the Apple II to work with VisiCalc spreadsheets. Solomont struck a deal with Apple to license the plotting program, which was sold by Apple under the company’s brand as “Apple Business Graphics.” Soon thereafter, arriving on the market about the same time as Lotus’ Executive Briefing System, came Solomont’s “Screen Director” program in 1982. 11

A 2015 CHM oral history interview with David Solomont.

Screen Director, made for the then-new Apple III computer, fully embraced treating a computer running Screen Director like a 35mm slide projector. Users could organize BSAVE’d image files from programs like VisiPlot and Apple Business Graphics into various “slide trays” for presentation on the video display. While Screen Director did not allow for the editing of existing image slides, it did provide for the creation of text slides and for a limited set of animated transitions between slides. Screen Director even shipped with the standard two-button wired controller for slide projectors, but modified to plug into the Apple III for controlling Screen Director slide shows. 12

created by presentation graphics programs

A 1982 print advertisement for Business and Professional Software’s Screen Director program.

So far I have described a meaning for “competitive logic” and “market logic” in the case of presentation software, and some early programs from 1982 through 1984. But what of “material logic?” Material logic here includes personal computers themselves, specifically personal computers with graphics capabilities that were expanding in the early 1980s. The computers’ physical performativity, their material agency, constituted a resource, medium, and constraint for software makers and users. Existing programs widely used on these computers, like spreadsheets and plotting programs, were themselves a critical part of the material logic. Software, like hardware, has an unavoidable materiality. At the most abstract, a computer program can be considered to be a specific pattern. In practice, every instance of a program is a pattern in something material, including the body of an author.

Finally, the material logic for presentation software included operating systems centered on the graphical user interface, or GUI. This style of computing had been pioneered at Xerox PARC in the late 1970s, most famously on the Xerox Alto computer. The Alto inspired other efforts to bring the GUI into personal computing during the first half of the 1980s: Apple’s Lisa and Macintosh computers, Microsoft’s Windows software, and VisiCorp’s VisiOn software to name but a few. 13

This material logic was especially important in the creation of PowerPoint. In 1983, two Apple managers, Rob Campbell and Taylor Pohlman, left the firm and created a new integrated software manufacturer, Forethought Inc. Simply put, they left Apple to bring a Xerox Alto like GUI operating system to the IBM PC. By 1986, however, Forethought Inc. had a change of plans. This story—of Forethought’s creation of PowerPoint—and other stories about what PowerPoint and its competitors can tell us about software history, will be the subjects of upcoming essays by me on the @CHM blog.

For more information about the development of PowerPoint, please see our Guide to the Dennis Austin PowerPoint Records .

  • Oral history interview with Shawn Villaron, PowerPoint manager at Microsoft, date, forthcoming/in process.
  • Indeed, a wonderfully helpful list of presentation software offerings from 1986 compiled by Robert Gaskins, the initiator and architect of the original PowerPoint project, can be found on pages 131-134 of his painstakingly detailed and comprehensive memoir, Sweating Bullets .
  • One place in which these identifying names for the presentation software genre were evident was, and is, the pages of the trade magazine InfoWorld . Google Books has a large number of issues of the periodical available with full text and search. On the more general use of the genre names, see this Google Books NGram .
  • See Christophe Lécuyer and David C. Brock, Makers of the Microchip: A Documentary History of Fairchild Semiconductor (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2010); David C. Brock and Christophe Lécuyer, “Digital Foundations: The Making of Silicon Gate Manufacturing Technology,” Technology and Culture , 53 (2012): 561–97; and Christophe Lécuyer and Takahiro Ueyama, “The Logics of Materials Innovation: The Case of Gallium Nitride and Blue Light Emitting Diodes,” Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences , 43 (2013): 243-280.
  • See, for example, Martin Campbell-Kelly, “Number Crunching without Programming: The Evolution of Spreadsheet Usability,” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing , 29 3 (July-September 2007): 6-19 and Thomas J. Bergin, “The Origins of Word Processing Software for Personal Computers: 1976-1985,” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing , 28 4 (October-December 2006): 32-47.
  • The article may be viewed in InfoWord on Google Books.
  • Hoo-Min D. Toong and Amar Gupta, “A New Direction in Personal Computer Software,” Proceedings of the IEEE , 72 3 (March 1984): 377-388.
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Articles of Organization, Visual Communications Network, Inc., October 13, 1983.
  • Mitch Kapor, “Reflections of Lotus 1-2-3: Benchmark for Spreadsheet Software,” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing , 29 3 (July-September 2007): 32-40; David C. Brock telephone call with Todd Agulnick, July 15, 2016.
  • Rik Jadrnicek, “ Executive Briefing System, a slide-show program ,” InfoWorld, May 17, 1982, 47–49.
  • Oral History of David Solomont , Computer History Museum, 2015. Or watch it on YouTube .
  • Richard Hart, “ Screen Director helps you present ‘slide shows,’ ” InfoWorld, November 8, 1982.
  • See Michael Hiltzik, Dealers of Lightning: Xerox PARC and the Dawn of the Comptuer Age, (New York: HarperCollins), 1999.

About The Author

David C. Brock is an historian of technology, CHM's Director of Curatorial Affairs, and director of its Software History Center. He focuses on histories of computing and semiconductors as well as on oral history. He is the co-author of Moore’s Law: The Life of Gordon Moore, Silicon Valley’s Quiet Revolutionary and is on Twitter @dcbrock.

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12 platforms and programs to create presentations and decks

Producing great creative work is often just half the task – the next step is communicating the story behind your ideas to others. While most creative roles will see you putting together a presentation at some point, working out what programs to use can be consuming and overwhelming. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of ideation, presentation and deck design platforms, with varying price ranges, to help you find one that’s the right fit. Whether it’s design packages to put together a beautiful deck, or virtual places to collaborate on multimedia slide-making, there will be something here for you.

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Presentations, working with other Apple products Cost: Free A free programme that comes built-in with all Macs, Keynote is a slideshow presentation tool that syncs with all Apple devices and has a clean, design-driven interface. You can create slideshows using your own images, text and 2D or 3D charts; different themes, fonts, styles, transitions and animation can also be selected. There are thousands of slick templates to choose from, and it also has a touch interface option, allowing you to draw and sketch on presentation slides. Check it out here

2. Google Slides

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Presentations, collaborative working Cost: Free An online-only presentation tool, Slides is part of the Google workspace, so it’s integrated with other Google products like Drive and Sheets, alongside being free to use.

One big draw is that Google Slides allows you to work on a presentation with multiple people. So if you’re working on a group project, everyone can simultaneously edit slides within the same presentation. Designers have also praised the platform interface’s little touches, such as pasted text staying in the same field and the fact that images move smoothly within the crop. Check it out here

3. Powerpoint

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Presentations, collaborative working (on Microsoft systems) Cost: £5.99 a month when you buy in a bundle with Microsoft 365 The OG presentation graphics package, developed for Microsoft systems. Its stripped-back slide design process keeps things simple, but means functionality is limited when it comes to integrating complex video-audio systems or adding lots of layers to a design. Collaborative working was recently added, but can only be done through Microsoft Office Online, Microsoft Office 365 or OneDrive. A nice perk is that Adobe Stock – a curated collection of thousands of great visual references and royalty-free assets from leading designers – is available within PowerPoint. Check it out here

4. InDesign (then exported to PDF)

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Deck design and layouts, smooth transition to PDF Cost: £19.97 a month with a 7 day free trial available In terms of design capabilities, it’s hard to beat InDesign: if you’re looking to create a PDF deck that doesn’t compromise on design, it’s a sure winner. Although you won’t be able to work collaboratively and it’s not geared up to be a standalone presentation tool, you can add in elements such as .psd files or movie clips which can be imported into other programmes like PowerPoint. It can also import more formats, such as vector objects, and can be easily and quickly converted to PDF.

Check it out here

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Collaborative ideation Cost: Free and additional packages start £8 per month

Miro styles itself a ‘remote whiteboarding tool’ where teams can come together in a presentation style to discuss ideas. Highly rated for its UX (user experience) ease and aesthetics, the software has tools such as virtual sticky notes, wire framing, dot voting and templates for mindmaps, ideation, workshops and meetings. You can also join the Miroverse, a community templates gallery showcasing the very best boards from the Miro community, as well as their creators’ work.

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Range of templates, ease of use, pitching Cost: Free and additional packages start at £8 per month

A presentation platform with a good range of contemporary design-led templates ready for you to add your own text and imagery to. It’s easy to use for those with limited design skills, but also reliable for presentation experts wanting to create an on-brand deck. The software is set up for collaboration, as team members can leave comments, assign slides, track progress and go to a quick video call all within the app. As the name suggests, most templates are also set up in the flow of pitching, but they are versatile enough to work as a straightforward package for info, images or moodboarding.

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Presentations, multimedia Cost: Free with additional packages from £5 per month

With its dynamic transitions and zooms, Prezi became a strong alternative to its longtime competitor PowerPoint, and is now even able to import existing PowerPoint presentations. It allows for more advanced designs and combines screen shares with graphics and animations. In ‘picture-in-picture’ mode, you can present visually within your charts, ideas and topics. It also supports downloading of files on a desktop app, in case you present in places with poor connectivity.

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Beginners to pros, variety of templates Cost: Free, additional packages from £10.99 a month

The popular, simple graphic design software app has an impressive library of templates, stock images, fonts, shapes and music. It also boasts easy-to-use features, with a drag-and-drop slide creation function. A Pro version is available with a subscription cost, but is smoother to use on desktop and contains more features, such as creating bespoke graphics that are aligned with your visual branding, the ability to download images with transparent backgrounds and a presentation creator. It’s worth noting, though, that you can’t insert video or create more than 30 slides.

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: More advanced design, image-heavy decks, working with large files Cost: £10.30 per month, with a 30 day free trial available

Ludus claims to be “like Sketch and Keynote had a baby in the cloud.” This one has a bit more of a learning curve but, in turn, has more possibilities, such as integration with Dropbox, Soundcloud, Sketchfab, Google Drive and even Google Maps. Because it’s cloud-based, you can be working with very large video files without worrying that anything is being slowed down. It’s also possible to collaborate on Ludus, and you can set up multiple workspaces with different permissions so you have control over who can edit your work.

10. Powtoon

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Animation, video, number of functions Cost: Free, extra packages start from £15 a month A web-based professional video creation and animation platform aimed at creating engaging presentations. You write a script, record a voiceover and add visuals into templates, ensuring a minimal initial learning curve. Animated characters are a big feature of the platform, which has undergone a recent diversity overhaul. You also add in live footage or mixed media. There are tools to screen cast, as well as one to doodle across the slides and a range of free music available. Check it out here

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Design, team collaboration Cost: Free with limitations, £9.99 a month for extra functions

A web-based platform to connect everyone involved in the design or creative process, Figma aims to smoothen teams’ delivery of their work. It has a live collaboration design flow that really speeds things up, as team members can check in on files as they are being edited. Templates for presentations are available in abundance, but there are also lots of tutorials and exercises within the platform that help you hone your design skills.

12. Beautiful.ai

created by presentation graphics programs

Good for: Speeding things up, modern look Cost: £10 a month, with 14-day free trial available

It’s software with clean, simply designed templates. There aren’t endless bells and whistles, as its main focus is minimising time spent on creating visually slick presentations. As you add content, slides automatically adapt so that you don’t have to spend extra time lining things up or moving text boxes around. There are also collaborative features, and sharing a link with others allows them to view or edit your presentation in real time. Plus, there’s a live chat function that can be helpful in fixing errors and clarifying things on the spot.

Written by Rebecca Hoh-Hale

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best presentation software cover image

8 Best Presentation Software Tools (Free and Paid) in 2023

created by presentation graphics programs

Designing a presentation that’s engaging, informative, and aesthetically pleasing is challenging. If you’re a non-designer, you may find it even tougher to put together a visual slide deck using presentation software.

You’re not the only one either–– 45% of presenters find it difficult to design creative layouts for their presentations. But with intuitive templates, user-friendly interfaces, and effective collaboration, the whole creation process becomes easier.

To help you create effective presentations, we’ve made a list of the best presentation software available now.

What makes great presentation software?

Downloadable or cloud-based. Presentation software is no longer limited to downloadable desktop programs–today, many software options are available via your web browser. Whether you want to work offline or prefer to back your presentations up on the cloud, there are multiple options.

User-friendly. It can be easy to get caught up in all the creative possibilities of a software’s advanced features. Really, though, you need a software solution that will create professional-looking presentations and be easy for your team to use. Think about how tech-savvy the users are and which features will be most useful to them.

Device compatibility. Depending on where you’re giving your presentation, you may want the option of presenting from a tablet or mobile device. Some presentation software come with mobile-compatible apps too––enabling you to make edits on the go.

Content asset library. Top-quality images and graphics help ensure your presentation looks sharp and professional. Today, many presentation software tools come with stock image and video channel integrations to make it easier to include engaging visuals. After all, no one wants to see endless slides of black and white text.

Slideware vs. canvas-based. Conventional presentations usually follow a linear slide-by-slide presentation format. Increasingly though, presentation software tools are providing non-linear canvas-based presentation options which enable users to fly around a modular digital map. With canvas-based presentations, users are free to switch between topics without having to follow a set one-way route.

8 best presentation software options

1. zoho show.

best presentation software - zoho show

Zoho Show is a cloud-based software that is part of Zoho’s office CRM suite. This is a top option if you’re looking for strong team collaboration features, easy-to-use design features, and robust formatting tools.

Its clean user interface is simple to navigate—making it easier to focus on building your presentation. Choose from 100+ presentation templates and quickly insert tables, charts, images, and text boxes.

Top features:

  • Integrations enable users to add videos via YouTube and audio via Soundcloud
  • Reach a wider audience by publishing slides online, sharing the link on social media, and embedding presentations on your site as an Lframe
  • Collaboration features enable team member tagging using “@” and contextual commenting

Limitations:

  • You can only create presentations from a computer—there’s currently no option to build presentations from other devices
  • Custom branding is only available with the top paid plan

Pricing: Zoho Show is free for individuals. For access to Zoho CRM’s full suite of tools, the Standard plan is $20/user/month.

Best for: Startups who want to use Zoho’s suite of tools for team collaboration.

best presentation software - prezi

New kid on the block, presentation software Prezi , has turned traditional (and sometimes dull) work presentations on their head. Instead of typical slide-based presentations, Prezi pioneers conversational presentations by giving users a single giant canvas.

Within the canvas, you can add blocks of images or text and even create mini slides. While presenting, users can fly around different sections of the canvas and zoom in to look at specific pieces of content in more detail.

  • Show your content alongside a live or recorded video of you presenting, an effective way of maintaining a personal connection during meetings
  • Choose from a library of hundreds of customizable presentation templates including quarterly business reviews, daily standup meetings, and portfolio templates
  • Integrate with other work apps like Slack, Google Meet, and Zoom for easier sharing and presenting of Prezi projects between team members
  • Charts and graphs aren’t totally customizable or editable for a more personalized appearance
  • With the free or lower-tiered versions, your presentations depend on the internet to be viewed
  • The zooming in and out movements can be confusing for users who aren’t familiar with Prezi presentations

Pricing: The Free plan enables users to create and share up to five presentations online. The Plus plan is $15/month and allows unlimited projects and offline access.

Best for: Startup founders and digital creators looking for an original style of presenting that doesn’t follow the conventional slide-by-slide methods.

best presentation software - canva

You may already be familiar with Canva as a social media graphics design tool. But you might not know that you can also create visually pleasing presentation slides.

Canva is great for making slick presentations straight from your web browser. The presentation software comes with a few free customizable layouts to help you get going quickly. Alternatively, you can create your own template from scratch.

  • Search a library of thousands of free images to include in your presentation
  • Include different content elements like logos, grids, charts, graphics, shapes, and icons
  • Invite team members to collaborate on your presentation online or share your finished version
  • You can’t import presentations from PowerPoint or export presentations in a PowerPoint-editable format
  • You can’t simultaneously collaborate with team members on images

Pricing: The Free plan has templates, design types, and images to help you get started. A Pro plan is $12.99/month and provides more images, template storage, and a branding kit.

Best for: Users who want to create a visual presentation quickly and effectively from their web browser.

4. Microsoft PowerPoint

best presentation software - microsoft powerpoint

Created in 1987, Microsoft PowerPoint is probably the best-known presentation software on this list. Although many other companies have built more advanced presentation tools, PowerPoint remains popular due to its ease of use, and familiarity.

As the original presentation software, PowerPoint has all the main features you’d expect. Providing a menu of options for animations, transitions, and formatting, along with a library of templates, PowerPoint is suited to advanced users as well as those creating their first presentation.

Initially only available as downloadable software, users can now access Microsoft 365, a cloud-based package of productivity apps including Office 365 programs Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

  • Use Android and IOS apps for building presentations on the go
  • Embed files created in other Microsoft Office apps like graphs created in Excel, or any other programs that enable Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
  • Extensive animation and transition options help presentations look professional
  • Some of PowerPoint’s templates look outdated
  • The free version only enables presentation viewing and no editing or collaboration

Pricing: The Microsoft 365 Personal plan is $69.99/year and allows access for one user. A Family plan enables up to 6 users and is $99.99/year.

Best for: Entrepreneurs who aren’t seeking out innovative new tools or features.

5. Google Slides

best presentation software- google slides

Part of Google Workspace, Google Slides is another app that’s freely available for both personal and business use. Just as you can create spreadsheets in Sheets or documents in Google Docs, you can create presentations in Slides.

Similar to PowerPoint in layout and features, users of the Microsoft software should be able to find their way around the software and identify the locations of key tools and settings. Like PowerPoint, Slides puts the current slide in the center, with other slides available in a vertical menu on the left side.

Using the horizontal toolbar, users can perform actions like embed videos, insert diagrams, and include animations.

  • Up to 100 users (with editing permission) can collaborate on a presentation simultaneously
  • A built-in group chat helps you track what everyone is doing
  • Play your presentation in presenter mode so you can preview how it will look to your audience
  • Exporting and importing between Slides and PowerPoint can cause messy layout changes
  • The template selection is limited and basic (although you can import hundreds of others)

Pricing: Google Workspace is free for personal use but if you find yourself needing more logins and storage space, you can upgrade to the Business Starter plan for $6/user/month.

Best for: Entrepreneurs already using Google Workspace who need access to an easy-to-use and effective collaborative presentation software.

6. StoryDoc

StoryDoc's homepage

Storydoc is an online interactive presentation maker, ideal for sales teams, business owners, and product marketing. Designed as a modern-day business alternative to static slides and PDF presentations, Storydocs are proven to engage more viewers than conventional presentations thanks to an amazing interface and advanced data visualization options.

The software comes with an array of built-in templates for all business use cases from sales decks to pitch decks to business proposals, so that anyone can create a stunning and effective presentation.

  • Allows embedding video and social media content, sign-up forms, schedulers, and personalized outbound
  • Integrates with major CRMs like Salesforce and Hubspot
  • Presentations are designed for any device and look perfect on mobile
  • Tracking analytics allow you to see how and when a prospect or an investor interacted with your deck
  • Advanced storytelling features and slides
  • Use for web only
  • Can be pricey for single users

Pricing:  Free trial for the first 14 days after which a starter plan is $40 per seat/month

Best for:  Medium and large sized companies with big sales teams and the daily need for high–performance sales collateral.

7. Slidebean

best presentation software - slidebean

Slidebean is a top choice for startup founders and entrepreneurs. Their template library features decks made for investor updates, demo day presentations, and sales plans.

Slidebean even has the original pitch deck template Airbnb used to raise their first $600,000 round back in 2009. Entrepreneurs can access this one and others to help build a slide deck to present to investors.

  • Track your investors’ slide activity by viewing which slides they saw, how much time they spent on each, and what percentage of the presentation they interacted with
  • AI helps you arrange the best possible slide layouts and configurations
  • Use presentation templates created by the likes of Doordash and Tesla
  • Fewer graphics and shapes available compared to other options like PowerPoint
  • Fewer templates available—and most are geared towards startup founders and entrepreneurs

Pricing: Users can access Slidebean for free. But to enable collaboration, exportation, and access to more templates, you’ll need to subscribe to the Starter plan at $8/month.

Best for: Startup founders and entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business to investors.

8. Paste by WeTransfer

best presentation software - paste by wetransfer

Paste is an intuitive and easy-to-use presentation software inspired by the modular compartments of Japanese lunch boxes.

Flexible layouts enable you to change the size of text, insert columns, and reorganize your slide without messing up the rest of the slide’s formatting.

Ever proofread your presentation so much that your eyes hurt? Eye-balling font consistency, text size, and image formatting is time-consuming and boring, to say the least. Paste does a good job of removing this task by automatically adjusting your slides using AI.

Non-designers will love how easy it is to get started, too. Simply drop in all your videos, images, and GIFS—Paste will then arrange them into a well-presented slide.

  • Responsive slides put your content in place as you drop it in
  • Multi-slide controls enable you to edit multiple slides in one go
  • Integrations with stock image library Unsplash, Giphy, Figma, and Google Workspace
  • No controls for image appearance settings, like cropping, color, or contrast adjustments
  • No way of inserting images and icons outside of the layout Paste provides

Pricing: Create up to three decks with the Free plan. Upgrade to the Pro plan for $12/month to get unlimited decks, real-time collaboration, and 200 GB storage.

Best for: Non-designers who need to quickly create a visually pleasing presentation.

Which is the best presentation software for you?

Don’t automatically default to using PowerPoint as your go-to presentation software. As you can see, there are loads of alternative top-notch presentation software options with innovative features.

The best presentation software for you will depend on your personal skills and business requirements. If you’re a time-strapped solopreneur, opt for presentation software with ready-to-go templates like those from Collidu , Paste, or Slidebean.

If you work as part of a team, choose Google Slides or Zoho Show for their collaboration features.

Test out a few of the options above and remember to check out the AppSumo store for all the latest software deals. We have several deals for presentation software and templates for creating an engaging presentation.

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What are Presentation Graphics?

Pre-requisites: Introduction to Computer Graphics

Graphics are defined as any sketch or a drawing or a special network that pictorially represents some meaningful information. Computer Graphics is used where a set of images needs to be manipulated or the creation of the image in the form of pixels and is drawn on the computer. Computer Graphics can be used in digital photography, film, entertainment, electronic gadgets, and all other core technologies which are required. It is a vast subject and area in the field of computer science. Computer Graphics can be used in UI design, rendering, geometric objects, animation, and many more. 

Presentation graphics provides predefined backgrounds and simple page layouts to help in the creation of slides. These slides can be moved automatically within seconds.

Slides: 

Slides mean we have text, graphics, audio clips, video clips, animations, and other effects   Presentation graphics is also known as Presentation Software. The best example of presentation graphics is Microsoft PowerPoint. 

In recent days we have a new presentation tool that is: our Web browser and that is for creating Web pages, like Microsoft’s FrontPage and Adobe’s PageMill. 

Rules to Design Presentation:

  • Keep it simple: Make it simple to understand. It only contains information regarding your topic.
  • Correct Spelling:   We have to be careful with the spelling that we have written.
  • Consistency: There is need to be continuous flow from one slide to another.
  • Don’t put too much on a Slide: Don’t write too much. just give a brief description and important points.
  • Use Fonts Properly: Only you can use two font styles in the presentation.
  • Find Your Equipment: First, you have to be confident with your topic and details about it.

Uses: 

Presentation graphics programs are mainly concerned with the display of graphs and charts but now allow users to attach anything from text to animations. When Compared to other programs like Excel, PowerPoint follows a slideshow format.

Applications:  

In the following areas we can use presentation software:

  • Google Slides
  • Microsoft Office
  • WPS Office 
  • Photo Slideshow with Music

Advantages:

  • Less Cost: The cost is low to use presentation software
  • Logical Ideas: Tables and graphs are used to represent information then a logical order is created to give a clear idea for viewers.
  • Acceptability: By using this busy person can easily get an idea about the topic.

Disadvantages:

  • Time-taking process. It needs more time to prepare.
  • Data can sometimes be lost.
  • Errors and Mistakes can occur during design.

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30 Presentation Design Ideas & Tips to Impress Your Audience in 2022

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Presentation Design Ideas, 2018

Update March 2022: Fixed broken links and added new presentation design idea examples

PowerPoint and its alternatives are multifunctional tools that serve a wide variety of purposes for both marketers and non-marketers. The popular software for presentation design holds unlimited powers of influence, as long you know how to use it right.

Today we’ll share valuable presentation design ideas and tips, so you can make the most out of your presentation. Before moving on to the actual design process, put your ideas on paper. This will help you clear up your concept and is crucial for building a high-quality presentation. Now, let’s begin!

1. Make Sure Your Eye-Catching Visuals Don’t Steal the Spotlight

The design of a presentation is supposed to support your information in more than one way. Overlooking your presentation design means throwing away all of your efforts to prepare a presentation in the first place. No matter the topic, you need to convey value. This means you need to make your presentation eye-catchy but try not to let your visuals steal the spotlight from the information itself.

  • Presentation: Digital 2020 Global Digital Overview (January 2020) v01 by DataReportal

2. Go Simple and Witty

Simplicity is a highly advocated practice simply because it gives results. Now, there are simple and boring presentations, and there are simple and witty ones. The second one will win your audience to your side.

  • Presentation: Marco Gold Standard by MarcoTechnologies

3. Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity

Push the boundaries but not too far. Obviously, clarity is a factor that definitely works in favor of your presentation’s success. A familiar pattern is a better approach than presenting the information in a completely new arrangement.

  • Presentation: 10 Things your Audience Hates About your Presentation by Stinson

4. Turn your Presentation Design into a Story

We all know that design can provoke powerful emotions. But do you know which technique provokes even a stronger emotion? That’s right, stories. Use this double power for your presentation to influence your audience on a deeper level.

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5. Don’t Underestimate Power of Pop Culture References

Use the power of association to your advantage. When people connect new information with things they already know, they are more inclined to listen to you and accept your message.

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6. Leverage the Power of Whitespace

This is a blank space left between design elements in the composition. It is a great tool when you want to make a point and focus the viewer’s attention on a particular part of the design.

7. Apply the Rule of Thirds

3 stages, 3 steps, 3 points, 3 ideas… People tend to accept, understand and memorize these things better if they are narrowed down to 3. The audience simply loves this number, so all that’s left for you is to make the best out of this rule.

  • Presentation: Achieving digital maturity: Adapting your company to a changing world from Deloitte United States

8. Use Minimum Text In Your Slides

A presentation design is created in order to help the presenter communicate certain information. Moreover, a presentation in front of an audience is meant to be listened to, and not read. This is why some professionals advise not to use more than 6 words per slide. Use more visual content, instead.

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9. Don’t Forget the Mobile Users

Mind this tip when designing a presentation that will also be watched on mobile devices. Big sections of text in presentation design are hard to read on small screens.

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10. Match the Presentation Design with the Topic

The topic of the presentation often dictates the theme of the design. For instance, a wedding-themed presentation suggests a soft, romantic color scheme, a business presentation is often designed in brand colors, etc.

  • Presentation: How To Have Your Dream Wedding Without Burying Your Budget by DesignMantic

You’d probably like to learn  4 Invaluable Presentation Design Tips You Wish You Knew Earlier

11. Use Semi-Transparent Gradient Graphs

Different tools are used to present data. However, presenting it in a visually appealing way will bring more positives for you. Semi-transparency and partial overlapping are super trendy when it comes to presenting graphs. Choose different colors complementing each other, and apply semi-transparency increasing to the top.

  • Presentation: Achieving digital maturity: Adapting your company to a changing world by Deloitte United States

12. Be Trendy with Gradient Overlays

Gradients and color transitions are still trendy. This means you can use them bravely in all of your designs including presentation design. White text on top works amazing for this kind of overlay.

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13. Use a Partial Overlay to Put an Accent

We already established that white lettering goes well with a colored semi-transparent background. Another technique is to use this background as an element and not a full background, so you can draw the eye to a certain area.

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14. Use Brand Colors

Choosing a presentation design style according to your brand is a smart move. This way, you will certainly differentiate your work from other presentations. Also, it’s wise to include your business’s branding – your logo in all of your slides.

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15. Try Bright Colors

Bright colors still rule the web in 2022, so there will be a lot of them in presentation design, as well. With these colors, it’s more than easy to catch the attention and make a statement. Combine them with 3D or flat illustrations and flattering text color (white works amazing) to make the presentation design pleasant for the eye.

16. Choose One Popping Color

If you want to keep the vibe of the bright colors but still make the presentation design elegant and classy, use just one popping color (it can be even neon) over a black-and-white themed background (or simply over muted colors).

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17. Try Sticking to Black and White

Going black-and-white has always been trendy. This look can provoke a variety of moods depending on how you use it. The Black and white duo provokes nostalgia, drama, mystery. But it could also make your concept look elegant and simple.

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18. Use Trendy Pantone Colors

This presentation uses the Ultra Violet Pantone color of the year 2018 , but you can go with any annual Pantone color to vibe with the current. Now is the time to try Very Peri Color of the year 2022 .

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19. Use Simple Outline Illustrations to Explain a Concept

Using illustrations instead of pictures can help you emphasize a point. Illustrations are great conceptual tools, so when it comes to presenting, they can help you get your message across with ease. Flat outline illustrations, on the other hand, are simplistic enough to explain a concept and attractive enough to catch the viewer’s attention in a presentation design.

20. Flat Illustrations are Always a Good Choice

Flat has been the king of illustration in the graphic design world for so long, that we can’t make this list without it. The multifunctional simplistic shapes make this style suitable for both icons and conceptual illustrations in a presentation design.

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21. Mix Styles

You don’t have to limit yourself to using only one style throughout the whole presentation. Feel free to combine gradients with flats, outlines, and other styles to achieve a more attention-grabbing look.

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22. Use Art Illustrations

A fully illustrated slide is a move that pushes the boundaries of the ordinary presentation design. This approach, especially used as an opening slide, will certainly nail your audience’s attention from the very beginning, so it’s worth giving it a shot.

  • Presentation:  Achieving digital maturity: Adapting your company to a changing world by Deloitte United States

23. Try Modern Low-Poly Illustrations

Low-poly is a style of illustration that has become modern in recent years. The style brings a futuristic vibe and makes the design look edgy. This style can be applied to the presentation design elements or even the background for a bolder look.

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24. Use Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes can totally make a design look modern, elegant, and more interesting. Whether circles, triangles, diamonds, or else, geometric shapes provide a wide field for experimenting. This means your opportunities are endless and the result could be an absolutely unique presentation design.

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25. Give Each Concept a Different Color

Colors are a perfect way to distinguish different ideas and concepts. Plus, they help the audience follow your thought more easily. Distinguishing your ideas from each other by using colors is a great way to focus on different messages in the same presentation. Just make sure to keep the style consistent.

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26. Try Creative Typography

You should absolutely step outside your comfort zone and experiment with attractive new ways of presenting your lettering.

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27. Try Unconventional Fonts

With the huge diversity of fonts available online, don’t be afraid to try out new looks. A new font stands out and makes the presentation design feel completely different.

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28. Use Numbers to Mark Progress

Numbers are a great way to help your audience keep track of your thoughts. They help you take the viewer through the whole process and they boost the clarity. Numbers also give the feeling of a step-by-step process. They can simplify any idea and make it easier to be understood. In the following example, each slide is a numbered step. This is a provenly effective practice but you can experiment with expanding each number over a few slides.

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29. ABC of Anything

The ABC is a cool way to make your audience follow a list. Unlike numbering which could be infinite, this type of alphabetical bulleting does have an end obviously.  This technique engages the viewer a lot because, first of all, the viewer sees something familiar – the alphabetical order. Secondly, people like the feeling of completion which helps them keep their interest till the end of the alphabet.

  • Presentation: The ABC’s of Living a Healthy Life by Dr. Omer Hameed

30. Call to Action

Don’t be afraid to tell your audience what to do next. A CTA button is rewarding your efforts spent on the presentation.

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Presentation design doesn’t have to be boring. These 30 presentation design ideas and tips will help you breathe life into your presentation and win your audience’s attention. You are welcome to share more ideas in the comments below, so we can discuss what works and what doesn’t. Happy designing!

You may also be interested to read these related articles:

  • The Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Download in 2022
  • How to Calm Down Before a Presentation: 10 Practical Tips and Techniques
  • Top Graphic Design Trends 2022: Raising the Game

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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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Do more with tools from Adobe Creative Cloud.

Access other Creative Cloud tools that make InDesign an even more effective presentation maker.

Choose unique fonts.

Pick from over 17,000 high-quality fonts from Adobe Fonts to make your information organized and easy to read. User-friendly font styles make slides simpler to digest.

Start with Adobe Stock.

Find inspiration with Stock assets. Use Stock photos for stunning background images or transitional slides, and use Stock to find a presentation template as a basis for your custom design.

How to design a presentation from scratch.

With some creativity, and these simple steps, you can create a custom presentation with InDesign.

  • Find the right page size. Whether you’re presenting a keynote on a massive screen or creating for mobile devices, start by selecting the dimensions you’ll use for your presentation.
  • Choose your background. Pick a striking background image that works with text overlay. The deck’s title can also become part of the background.
  • Create paragraph styles. Create no more than three text styles so you can keep the title font, body font, and footnote font consistent throughout the presentation. Set paragraph styles to change font and size with a click of a button.
  • Set up master pages. Create a few master pages to help ensure your presentation looks professional and well designed. Add image and text frames to the master pages so you can drop your content in later without having to overthink the layout.
  • Add images and text. Drag and drop Photoshop (PSD) files, PDFs, Illustrator (AI) files, JPEGs, PNGs, or GIFs into the image frames. To add text, just copy and paste text files or select the Type tool from the toolbar and type directly into the text frame.
  • Add page numbers. Insert page numbers to keep you and your audience on the same page. InDesign can automatically number the slides.
  • Add finishing touches. From movies and sound clips to hyperlinks, cross references, and page transitions, you’ve got plenty of interactive options to make your story more compelling.
  • Export your slide deck. The final step is to export your presentation in a format that can be projected or distributed in any presentation program. Exporting as Adobe PDF (Interactive) lets you play or click through interactive content in real time during the presentation.

Discover more presentation design skills.

Explore these tutorials to start mastering design tools and techniques to help you create beautiful presentations with InDesign.

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Enhance your slideshows with tables

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How to Create Graphics in PowerPoint

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PowerPoint is not just limited to creating presentations; it can also be used to create eye-catching graphics for various purposes. In this article, we will explore the different techniques you can use to create professional-quality graphics in PowerPoint, from understanding the basics to troubleshooting common issues.

Table of Contents

Why Use PowerPoint for Graphic Design?

PowerPoint may not seem like an obvious choice for graphic design, but it has several advantages. Firstly, most people already have access to PowerPoint, so you don’t have to invest in expensive software. Secondly, PowerPoint is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for even beginners to create graphics. Finally, PowerPoint gives you the ability to create dynamic and interactive graphics by using animations and other features.

Another advantage of using PowerPoint for graphic design is that it allows for easy collaboration. Since PowerPoint is a widely used tool in the business world, it’s likely that your colleagues or clients are already familiar with it. This means that you can easily share your designs with others and receive feedback in real-time.

Additionally, PowerPoint offers a range of design templates and themes that can be customized to fit your specific needs. This can save you time and effort in creating a design from scratch. You can also easily incorporate multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio into your designs, making them more engaging and interactive.

Understanding the Basics of PowerPoint Graphics

When creating graphics in PowerPoint, it is important to understand the basics. Firstly, you should choose the appropriate slide size and orientation for your graphic. Secondly, consider the design elements, such as color scheme, typography, and layout. Thirdly, decide on the type of graphic you want to create, such as an infographic or a chart. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can begin creating your graphic.

Another important aspect to consider when creating graphics in PowerPoint is the use of images and icons. These visual elements can enhance the overall design and help convey your message more effectively. However, it is important to use high-quality images and icons that are relevant to your topic and do not distract from the main message. Additionally, you should ensure that any images or icons used are properly licensed and credited to avoid any copyright issues.

How to Choose the Right Colors for Your PowerPoint Graphics

The color scheme you choose for your graphic can greatly affect its impact. When choosing colors, consider the emotions and associations they evoke. For example, red is associated with passion, energy, and danger, while blue is associated with calmness, trust, and professionalism. You may also want to take into account the colors of your brand or company. Use the color palette feature in PowerPoint to choose complementary colors that work well together.

Another important factor to consider when choosing colors for your PowerPoint graphics is accessibility. It’s important to ensure that your color choices are accessible to all viewers, including those with color blindness or visual impairments. You can use online tools such as Color Safe to check the contrast ratio between your chosen colors and ensure that they meet accessibility standards. Additionally, avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information, as this can exclude viewers who cannot distinguish between certain colors.

Tips for Creating Eye-Catching PowerPoint Graphics

There are several tips you can follow to create eye-catching graphics in PowerPoint. Firstly, use contrasting colors to make your graphic stand out. Secondly, use a consistent color scheme throughout your graphic to create a cohesive look. Thirdly, use high-quality images and icons to add visual interest. Fourthly, use animations to add movement and interaction to your graphic. Finally, pay attention to the design elements, such as symmetry and balance, to make your graphic aesthetically pleasing.

Another important tip for creating eye-catching PowerPoint graphics is to use appropriate fonts. Choose fonts that are easy to read and complement the overall design of your graphic. Avoid using too many different fonts, as this can make your graphic look cluttered and unprofessional.

Additionally, consider the layout of your graphic. Use grids and guides to align your elements and create a clean, organized look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and designs to find what works best for your content.

Adding Text to Your PowerPoint Graphics

Adding text to your graphic is important to convey your message effectively. When adding text, keep it concise and easy to read. Use bold and italic formatting to emphasize important points. Use different fonts and sizes to create hierarchy and interest. You can also use text boxes and shapes to create text overlays and Callouts.

Another important aspect to consider when adding text to your PowerPoint graphics is the color scheme. Make sure the text color contrasts well with the background color to ensure readability. You can also use color to highlight important information or create a visual hierarchy. Additionally, consider the placement of the text within the graphic. Avoid placing text in areas that may be obstructed or difficult to read. By taking these factors into consideration, you can effectively enhance your PowerPoint graphics with text.

Creating Custom Shapes in PowerPoint

PowerPoint gives you the ability to create custom shapes that are not available in the Shapes menu. To create a custom shape, first, create a basic shape in the Shapes menu. Then, use the Merge Shapes feature to combine different shapes to create your custom shape. You can also use the Edit Points feature to adjust the shape manually.

Another way to create custom shapes in PowerPoint is by using the Drawing Tools. You can use the Freeform tool to draw any shape you want, and then use the Edit Points feature to adjust the shape as needed. This method gives you more control over the shape and allows you to create more complex designs.

Using Images and Icons in Your PowerPoint Graphics

Images and icons are a great way to add visual interest to your graphics. When using images and icons, make sure they are high-quality and relevant to your message. Use the crop feature to adjust the size and placement of your images. Use transparency and layering to create depth and dimensionality.

It’s important to also consider the file size of your images and icons when adding them to your PowerPoint graphics. Large file sizes can slow down your presentation and make it difficult to share. To reduce file size, consider compressing your images or using vector graphics. Vector graphics are scalable and can be resized without losing quality, making them a great option for icons and logos.

Animating Your PowerPoint Graphics

Animations can add energy and interactivity to your graphics. When animating your graphic, choose animations that are appropriate for your message. Use the Animation Pane to adjust the timing and order of your animations. Use triggers to control when animations occur based on user interaction.

It is important to remember that while animations can enhance your presentation, they should not be overused. Too many animations can be distracting and take away from the overall message. Additionally, be mindful of the file size of your presentation when using animations, as large files can be difficult to share and may not load properly on all devices.

Creating Infographics in PowerPoint

Infographics are a great way to convey complex information in a visual and easy-to-understand manner. When creating infographics, choose a specific topic and organize your information into categories. Use icons and images to add context and interest. Finally, use creative layouts and typography to make your infographic visually appealing.

It’s important to keep in mind that the purpose of an infographic is to simplify complex information, not to overwhelm the viewer with too much data. Stick to the most important points and use visuals to support your message. Additionally, make sure to choose colors that are visually appealing and easy on the eyes, as well as fonts that are easy to read. With these tips in mind, you can create an effective and visually stunning infographic in PowerPoint.

How to Create Graphs and Charts in PowerPoint

Graphs and charts can be used to visualize data and make it easier to understand. To create a graph or chart, choose a chart type that is appropriate for your data. Enter your data into an Excel sheet and import it into PowerPoint. Use the Chart Tools to customize the look and feel of your chart, including colors, fonts, and legend placement.

It’s important to keep in mind that the data you use in your graph or chart should be accurate and relevant to your presentation. Avoid using too much data or cluttering your chart with unnecessary information. Additionally, consider the audience you will be presenting to and choose a chart type and design that will effectively communicate your message to them.

Advanced Techniques for Creating Professional-Quality Graphics in PowerPoint

For more advanced users, there are several techniques you can use to create professional-quality graphics in PowerPoint. These include using gradients and shadows to create depth, using the Crop to Shape feature to create custom shapes, and using the Artistic Effects feature to add artistic filters to your images. Experiment with the different features and tools in PowerPoint to create unique and visually stunning graphics.

Another advanced technique for creating professional-quality graphics in PowerPoint is to use the Merge Shapes feature. This allows you to combine multiple shapes into one, creating more complex and unique designs. You can also use the Subtract and Intersect options to create cutouts and overlays.

Additionally, you can use the SmartArt feature to create visually appealing diagrams and flowcharts. SmartArt allows you to easily create and customize diagrams with various layouts and styles. You can also add animations and effects to your SmartArt to make it more engaging and dynamic.

Converting Your PowerPoint Graphics to Other Formats

If you need to share your PowerPoint graphics in other formats, such as PDF or JPEG, you can use the Export feature to convert them. Go to File > Export and choose the appropriate format. Make sure to choose the appropriate resolution and quality settings for your needs.

It’s important to note that when converting your PowerPoint graphics to other formats, some elements may not translate perfectly. For example, animations and transitions may not be preserved in a PDF or JPEG file. It’s always a good idea to preview your exported file to ensure that everything looks as expected before sharing it with others.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with PowerPoint Graphics

Finally, if you experience common issues with your PowerPoint graphics, such as blurry images or misaligned text, there are several troubleshooting techniques you can use. These include adjusting the image and text quality settings, using the Align and Distribute feature to align your objects, and using the Group feature to group multiple objects together for easier manipulation.

Creating graphics in PowerPoint can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips and techniques, you can create professional-quality graphics that will impress your audience and convey your message effectively.

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AI presentation maker

When lack of inspiration or time constraints are something you’re worried about, it’s a good idea to seek help. Slidesgo comes to the rescue with its latest functionality—the AI presentation maker! With a few clicks, you’ll have wonderful slideshows that suit your own needs . And it’s totally free!

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Generate presentations in minutes

We humans make the world move, but we need to sleep, rest and so on. What if there were someone available 24/7 for you? It’s time to get out of your comfort zone and ask the AI presentation maker to give you a hand. The possibilities are endless : you choose the topic, the tone and the style, and the AI will do the rest. Now we’re talking!

Customize your AI-generated presentation online

Alright, your robotic pal has generated a presentation for you. But, for the time being, AIs can’t read minds, so it’s likely that you’ll want to modify the slides. Please do! We didn’t forget about those time constraints you’re facing, so thanks to the editing tools provided by one of our sister projects —shoutouts to Wepik — you can make changes on the fly without resorting to other programs or software. Add text, choose your own colors, rearrange elements, it’s up to you! Oh, and since we are a big family, you’ll be able to access many resources from big names, that is, Freepik and Flaticon . That means having a lot of images and icons at your disposal!

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How does it work?

Think of your topic.

First things first, you’ll be talking about something in particular, right? A business meeting, a new medical breakthrough, the weather, your favorite songs, a basketball game, a pink elephant you saw last Sunday—you name it. Just type it out and let the AI know what the topic is.

Choose your preferred style and tone

They say that variety is the spice of life. That’s why we let you choose between different design styles, including doodle, simple, abstract, geometric, and elegant . What about the tone? Several of them: fun, creative, casual, professional, and formal. Each one will give you something unique, so which way of impressing your audience will it be this time? Mix and match!

Make any desired changes

You’ve got freshly generated slides. Oh, you wish they were in a different color? That text box would look better if it were placed on the right side? Run the online editor and use the tools to have the slides exactly your way.

Download the final result for free

Yes, just as envisioned those slides deserve to be on your storage device at once! You can export the presentation in .pdf format and download it for free . Can’t wait to show it to your best friend because you think they will love it? Generate a shareable link!

What is an AI-generated presentation?

It’s exactly “what it says on the cover”. AIs, or artificial intelligences, are in constant evolution, and they are now able to generate presentations in a short time, based on inputs from the user. This technology allows you to get a satisfactory presentation much faster by doing a big chunk of the work.

Can I customize the presentation generated by the AI?

Of course! That’s the point! Slidesgo is all for customization since day one, so you’ll be able to make any changes to presentations generated by the AI. We humans are irreplaceable, after all! Thanks to the online editor, you can do whatever modifications you may need, without having to install any software. Colors, text, images, icons, placement, the final decision concerning all of the elements is up to you.

Can I add my own images?

Absolutely. That’s a basic function, and we made sure to have it available. Would it make sense to have a portfolio template generated by an AI without a single picture of your own work? In any case, we also offer the possibility of asking the AI to generate images for you via prompts. Additionally, you can also check out the integrated gallery of images from Freepik and use them. If making an impression is your goal, you’ll have an easy time!

Is this new functionality free? As in “free of charge”? Do you mean it?

Yes, it is, and we mean it. We even asked our buddies at Wepik, who are the ones hosting this AI presentation maker, and they told us “yup, it’s on the house”.

Are there more presentation designs available?

From time to time, we’ll be adding more designs. The cool thing is that you’ll have at your disposal a lot of content from Freepik and Flaticon when using the AI presentation maker. Oh, and just as a reminder, if you feel like you want to do things yourself and don’t want to rely on an AI, you’re on Slidesgo, the leading website when it comes to presentation templates. We have thousands of them, and counting!.

How can I download my presentation?

The easiest way is to click on “Download” to get your presentation in .pdf format. But there are other options! You can click on “Present” to enter the presenter view and start presenting right away! There’s also the “Share” option, which gives you a shareable link. This way, any friend, relative, colleague—anyone, really—will be able to access your presentation in a moment.

Discover more content

This is just the beginning! Slidesgo has thousands of customizable templates for Google Slides and PowerPoint. Our designers have created them with much care and love, and the variety of topics, themes and styles is, how to put it, immense! We also have a blog, in which we post articles for those who want to find inspiration or need to learn a bit more about Google Slides or PowerPoint. Do you have kids? We’ve got a section dedicated to printable coloring pages! Have a look around and make the most of our site!

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  3. 7 Most Popular Software for Presentations

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  6. Computer graphics project: Digital clock ⏰⌚ in C programming language

COMMENTS

  1. Create Presentations, Infographics, Design & Video

    Create professional presentations, interactive infographics, beautiful design and engaging videos, all in one place. ... Created with Visme See All. Presentations . Infographics / Data Viz . Graphics ... (Beta). Do you need to create a presentation, document, or social media graphic but lack the time? Let Visme AI Designer help you save time ...

  2. Slide Logic: The Emergence of Presentation Software and the ...

    A "PowerPoint" has come to commonly mean any presentation created with software. Microsoft rightly boasts that there are currently 1.2 billion copies of PowerPoint at large in the world today: One copy of PowerPoint for every seven people. ... Spreadsheets, word processors, databases and "business graphics" programs that often used data ...

  3. 15 Best Presentation Software for 2024 (Full Comparison Guide)

    You need high-quality business presentation software to take your slides to the next level. Some of the best presentation software include Visme, Haiku Deck, Prezi, Microsoft Powerpoint, Canva and Google Slides. In this comparison guide, we'll analyze each of these tools and many more to understand what the difference is between them so you ...

  4. Microsoft PowerPoint

    Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation program, created by Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin at a software company named Forethought, Inc. ... 403 and in 1992 PowerPoint's market share of worldwide presentation graphics software sales was reported as 63 percent.

  5. Presentation program

    In computing, a presentation program (also called presentation software) is a software package used to display information in the form of a slide show. It has three major functions: ... Custom graphics can also be created in other programs such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP and then exported.

  6. Presentation Graphics Program

    A presentation graphics program is an application designed to create and enhance charts and graphs so that they are visually appealing and easily understood by an audience through the use of a slideshow. A full-featured presentation graphics package such as Lotus Freelance Graphics or Microsoft PowerPoint includes facilities for making a wide ...

  7. What is presentation software?

    presentation software (presentation graphics): Presentation software (sometimes called "presentation graphics") is a category of application program used to create sequences of words and pictures that tell a story or help support a speech or public presentation of information. Presentation software can be divided into business presentation ...

  8. 7 Most Popular Software for Presentations

    2. Google Slides. "Create, edit, collaborate and present wherever you are. For free.". Google Slides is a tool for creating presentations that you can use right in your browser or download on your PC. It comes with a library of interesting themes, fonts, animation effects, video embedding, and even more functions.

  9. 15 Best Presentation Software for 2021

    1. Powtoon. A web-based presentation tool, which means you can access your presentations wherever you are, with an internet connection. It is known for its animations, cartoons, and infographics, which help the user to create more interactive presentations and explainer-style videos. Example by Focusky.

  10. The Best Presentation Software: 8 Great Tools for Creating Striking

    Prezi. Prezi is a unique presentation tool that offers a more interactive experience than the traditional slide-to-slide format. Rather, you'll visually "leap" from key ideas to related topics, with the goal of emphasizing the relationship between certain ideas. Price: $5-$59/month.

  11. PowerPoint Graphics Complete 2022 Guide (PPT Presentation Design)

    After you add a shape, style it with the Drawing Tools > Format menu. Click on a shape, then check out options like Shape Fill, for example. Select a new color to transform the shape on your slide. Choose a new color from the Shape Fill dropdown, for example, to re-style your newly added PowerPoint graphics. That's it!

  12. 12 platforms and programs to create presentations and decks

    Good for: Presentations, collaborative working (on Microsoft systems) Cost: £5.99 a month when you buy in a bundle with Microsoft 365 The OG presentation graphics package, developed for Microsoft systems. Its stripped-back slide design process keeps things simple, but means functionality is limited when it comes to integrating complex video-audio systems or adding lots of layers to a design.

  13. 8 Best Presentation Software Tools (Free and Paid) in 2023

    8 best presentation software options. 1. Zoho Show. Zoho Show is a cloud-based software that is part of Zoho's office CRM suite. This is a top option if you're looking for strong team collaboration features, easy-to-use design features, and robust formatting tools.

  14. Best Free Online Presentation Software

    Create beautiful presentations, faster. Visme is the best presentation software for teams who need real-time collaboration and individuals who need advanced features. and customization for interactive presentations. Create beautiful presentations in minutes, not hours. "Frequently, members of the lead team need to give presentations and ...

  15. What are Presentation Graphics?

    It is a vast subject and area in the field of computer science. Computer Graphics can be used in UI design, rendering, geometric objects, animation, and many more. Presentation graphics provides predefined backgrounds and simple page layouts to help in the creation of slides. These slides can be moved automatically within seconds.

  16. 30 Presentation Design Ideas & Tips to Impress Your ...

    Presentation: Achieving digital maturity: Adapting your company to a changing world from Deloitte United States . 8. Use Minimum Text In Your Slides. A presentation design is created in order to help the presenter communicate certain information. Moreover, a presentation in front of an audience is meant to be listened to, and not read.

  17. How to create professionally designed presentations

    Drag and drop Photoshop (PSD) files, PDFs, Illustrator (AI) files, JPEGs, PNGs, or GIFs into the image frames. To add text, just copy and paste text files or select the Type tool from the toolbar and type directly into the text frame. Add page numbers. Insert page numbers to keep you and your audience on the same page.

  18. Before PowerPoint: The Evolution of Presentations

    In 1987, when PowerPoint was released, slide designers quickly jumped on board to learn the program and get presentations done faster. The design style of the first presentations created in PowerPoint was limited by what PowerPoint had to offer. The first ever PowerPoint version was launched for Apple computers in black and white.

  19. Scientific Image and Illustration Software

    Create science figures in minutes with BioRender scientific illustration software! Ready to level-up your presentations? Join the Top Tips for Effective Presentations Webinar! ... scientists have created figures with BioRender. 1500+ leading institutions have scientists collaborating on BioRender.

  20. How to Create Graphics in PowerPoint

    When creating graphics in PowerPoint, it is important to understand the basics. Firstly, you should choose the appropriate slide size and orientation for your graphic. Secondly, consider the design elements, such as color scheme, typography, and layout. Thirdly, decide on the type of graphic you want to create, such as an infographic or a chart ...

  21. Free AI presentation maker

    AI presentation maker. When lack of inspiration or time constraints are something you're worried about, it's a good idea to seek help. Slidesgo comes to the rescue with its latest functionality—the AI presentation maker! With a few clicks, you'll have wonderful slideshows that suit your own needs. And it's totally free! Get started.

  22. 12 Best Infographic Tools for 2024 (Full Comparison Guide)

    Beyond infographics, the tool offers numerous other design options, including social media graphics, presentations, and more. Features 1. Visual Assets. With a rich library of icons, illustrations, images and other graphic assets, VistaCreate ensures you'll find the correct elements to match any design preference or aesthetic you have in mind. 2.

  23. Chapter 6 Flashcards

    Created by. sean_sana777. Share. Share. Students also viewed. IT110- 51 Chapter 7. 15 terms. Babacar98. ... A presentation graphics program contains an assortment of tools and operations for creating and editing slides, including preformatted ____ containing placeholders for the various elements in the slide. ... (such as a group of graphics ...