How to Start PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Starting PowerPoint is as easy as opening the program and selecting a template or a blank presentation. Once you’ve got the program open, you’ll be greeted with various options to create your perfect presentation, whether it’s for a business meeting, a school project, or just for fun. Just be sure you have PowerPoint installed on your computer or you have access to it online through Microsoft 365.

After you’ve opened PowerPoint and selected your template, you’ll be able to add text, images, videos, and other elements to your slides to make your presentation unique and engaging.

Introduction

PowerPoint is a versatile tool used by millions to create engaging and dynamic presentations. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who just wants to make a fun slideshow for friends and family, knowing how to start PowerPoint is a must-have skill in today’s digital world. This program has been around for decades, evolving with technology to offer a wide range of features that can make any presentation go from bland to brilliant.

But why is it so important to know how to start PowerPoint? Well, think about it. Presentations are a key part of communication in various settings. They can make or break a business pitch, help or hinder a teacher’s lesson, and add a lot of fun to personal projects. PowerPoint is relevant to just about anyone who needs to convey information in a visual and organized way. So let’s dive in and get started on mastering the basics of opening and using PowerPoint.

Step by Step Tutorial: Starting PowerPoint

Before we begin, make sure you have PowerPoint installed on your computer. If you do, fantastic! If not, you can download it from the Microsoft website or access it online through Microsoft 365. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Open PowerPoint

Launch PowerPoint by clicking on the program icon on your computer.

Once you’ve found the PowerPoint icon, either on your desktop, start menu, or taskbar, give it a click, and the program will open. You may see a loading screen briefly before the main window appears.

Step 2: Choose a Template

Select a template or a blank presentation to start creating your slides.

PowerPoint offers a variety of templates to fit every need and occasion. Whether you want something simple and professional or colorful and creative, there’s a template for you. If you prefer to start from scratch, you can choose a blank presentation.

Step 3: Customize Your Slides

Add text, images, videos, and other elements to your slides.

Once you’ve picked your template or opened a blank slide, it’s time to make it your own. You can add title text, bullet points, images, and even videos. PowerPoint has a range of tools for customizing each slide to fit your content perfectly.

BenefitExplanation
Easy to UsePowerPoint is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners and experts alike.
CustomizableWith a wide range of templates and design tools, PowerPoint allows for high levels of customization.
Multimedia IntegrationPowerPoint supports various media types, letting you create rich, engaging presentations.
DrawbackExplanation
Can Be OverwhelmingThe vast array of features can be daunting for new users to navigate.
Template LimitationsWhile there are many templates, finding the perfect one can sometimes be challenging.
Potential for Technical IssuesLike any software, PowerPoint can experience glitches or crashes, which may cause inconvenience.

Additional Information

When starting PowerPoint, it’s essential to keep your audience in mind. Who will be viewing your presentation? What is the main message you want to convey? Answering these questions can help you choose the right template and design elements. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fonts, colors, and layouts to find what works best for your content.

Remember, a well-organized and visually appealing presentation can significantly impact your audience’s engagement and retention of information. Also, consider using PowerPoint’s various features like transitions and animations sparingly – while they can add a dynamic touch, overuse can be distracting. And always save your work regularly!

  • Open PowerPoint by clicking on the program icon.
  • Select a template or a blank presentation.
  • Customize your slides by adding text, images, videos, and other elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a microsoft account to use powerpoint.

Yes, to download and use PowerPoint, you’ll need a Microsoft account.

Can I access PowerPoint online?

Absolutely, PowerPoint is available online through Microsoft 365, which allows you to work on presentations from any browser.

Is PowerPoint free?

PowerPoint is not free, but it is included in the Microsoft Office Suite, which is available for purchase. However, you can use the online version with a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Can I collaborate with others on a PowerPoint presentation?

Yes, PowerPoint supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.

Can I convert a PowerPoint presentation to a video?

Indeed, PowerPoint has a feature that lets you save your presentation as a video file.

Starting PowerPoint is just the beginning of creating compelling and memorable presentations. Whether you use a template or start from a blank canvas, the key to a great PowerPoint presentation is creativity, clarity, and audience engagement. Remember, practice makes perfect!

So go ahead and play around with all the tools and features PowerPoint offers. The more you use it, the more proficient you’ll become. And if you ever get stuck, there’s a vast community of PowerPoint users and an array of online resources to help you out. Now that you know how to start PowerPoint, where will your presentations take you?

Matthew Burleigh Solve Your Tech

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

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

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

Read his full bio here.

Share this:

Join our free newsletter.

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related posts:

  • Can I Convert My Powerpoint to Google Slides?
  • How to Save Powerpoint as PDF with Notes
  • How to Drag Slides From One PowerPoint to Another: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Save a PowerPoint Template Folder: Easy Steps to Follow
  • How to Make a Powerpoint Slide Vertical in Powerpoint 2013
  • How to Set Time for Slides in Powerpoint
  • How to Change PowerPoint Template: 2024 Guide for a Fresh Look
  • How to Check Word Count on Powerpoint 2010
  • How to Use a Mac With PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Create a PowerPoint Presentation Step by Step: 2024 Guide
  • How to Create a Template in PowerPoint: 2024 Guide for Success
  • How to Unhide a Slide in Powerpoint 2013
  • How Is Microsoft PowerPoint Used in Business: A Comprehensive Guide
  • How to Insert Slides from Another Presentation in Powerpoint 2010
  • How to Change Hyperlink Color in Powerpoint 2010 (An Easy 5 Step Guide)
  • How to Change the Font on All Slides in Google Slides
  • What Are Benefits of PowerPoint? A Comprehensive Guide
  • How to Convert a PowerPoint to Word and Edit with Ease
  • How to Combine PowerPoint Presentations With Different Orientations
  • How to Insert Check Mark in Powerpoint for Office 365

A step-by-step guide to captivating PowerPoint presentation design

november 20, 2023

a dark pink colored circle logo with corporate powerpoint girl in the center of it

by Corporate PowerPoint Girl

Do you often find yourself stuck with a lackluster PowerPoint presentation, desperately seeking ways to make it more engaging and visually appealing? If your boss has ever told you to "please fix" a presentation and you didn't know where to start, you're not alone. In this article, we'll walk you through a straightforward method to transform your PowerPoint slides into a visually captivating masterpiece. 

Let's dive right in! 

Clean up your slides 

The first step in this journey to presentation excellence is all about decluttering your slides and elevating their impact. Say goodbye to those uninspiring bullet points that often dominate presentations. Instead, focus on what truly matters – the key call-out numbers. By increasing the font size of these numbers, you ensure they take center stage, immediately drawing your audience's attention. 

To make those numbers pop, consider breaking the text after the numbers into the next line and adding a touch of color. The contrast created by pairing a dark color with a lighter shade, like dark teal and light teal or burnt orange with peach, can work wonders. This simple adjustment makes your data more engaging , enhancing the overall impact of your presentation. 

Add dimension with boxes 

Now, let's introduce an element of depth and organization to your slides. By adding boxes, you'll create a visually pleasing structure that guides your audience through the content. In the "Insert" menu, select "Table" and opt for a one-by-one table. Change the table color to a light gray shade, elongate it, and position it neatly to the left of your text. 

To improve readability and aesthetics, increase the spacing between text phrases. A small adjustment in the before spacing setting (setting it to 48) significantly enhances the visual appeal of your slides. 

Insert circles 

To further enhance the visual appeal and engagement of your slides, let's introduce circles. In the Insert menu, navigate to Shapes and choose the circle. Adjust the circle's height and width to 1.2, ensuring it complements your content seamlessly. Match the circle's shape fill color with the corresponding text color for a harmonious look. 

Avoid using colored outlines for the circles, as they may distract from the overall aesthetic. This simple addition of circles adds an element of visual interest to your presentation, making it more captivating. 

Choose icons 

Now, it's time for a touch of creativity. Selecting icons to complement your text can elevate the clarity and appeal of your slides. In the "Insert" menu, you can search for relevant keywords to find the perfect icon from PowerPoint's extensive library . 

For instance, if your text discusses investment portfolio yield, search for "growth" and choose an upward arrow growth icon. These icons add an extra layer of visual appeal and clarity to your content, making it more engaging and informative. 

Final touches 

To wrap up the transformation process, we come to the final touches that give your presentation a polished, professional finish. Align your icons with their corresponding circles and change the shape fill color to white. This simple adjustment creates a crisp, cohesive look that ties everything together seamlessly. 

In conclusion, by following these steps, you've embarked on a journey to enhance your PowerPoint presentation . These initial steps are just the beginning of your exploration into the world of design elements and styles that can cater to your specific presentation needs. The key to a stunning PowerPoint presentation lies in the details. By following these steps, you can turn a lackluster set of slides into a visually engaging and dynamic presentation that will captivate your audience. So, the next time your boss says, "Please fix," you'll know exactly where to start. Happy presenting! 

Related topics

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • Happiness Hub
  • This Or That Game
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Presentation Software
  • PowerPoint Presentations

How to Make a Great PowerPoint Presentation

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 Tested

This article was co-authored by Maureen Taylor . Maureen Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SNP Communications, a leadership communications company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has been helping leaders, founders, and innovators in all sectors hone their messaging and delivery for almost 30 years, and has worked with leaders and teams at Google, Facebook, Airbnb, SAP, Salesforce, and Spotify. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 498,327 times.

PowerPoint is a Microsoft Office Suite program which is used to make presentation slideshows, combining text and images to create captivating and motivating presentations. However, the skills and secrets to make these excellent presentations are often, simply not there within the ones who make them! If you feel your presentation could use a little extra something, read below for some helpful ideas to take it from so-so to absolutely amazing.

Create Your Narrative

Step 1 Decide what you want your audience to learn.

  • The structure of an academic presentation should follow roughly the same structure as an academic paper, first introducing your main point, supporting it with evidence, and then a short conclusion.
  • The Problem
  • Your solution
  • Business model
  • Underlying magic/technology
  • Marketing and sales
  • Competition
  • Projections and milestones
  • Status and timeline
  • Summary and call to action

Utilize the Format

Step 1 Streamline text.

Nail Your Presentation

Step 1 Practice.

  • It’s not enough to show why your information is important to someone else; you have to make it important to your audience. Make them understand why they should care. For example, don’t give a lecture on history and just expect students to care. You need to show them how that history directly ties to current events and affects their lives. Look for parallels and direct correlations to tie your information to your audience.

What Is The Best Way To Start a Presentation?

Sample PowerPoint Presentations

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Expert Q&A

Maureen Taylor

  • If you're using Flickr Creative Commons images, make sure you give attribution to the owner of the picture (you can do a whole page of credits at the end of your presentation). Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Remember the 10/20/30 Rule -- no more than 10 slides, no longer than 20 minutes, and no smaller than 30 point font. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't use someone else's image unless you are sure that you have permission to do so. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

  • Even if you miss a slide or miss a topic, avoid fumbling to find it. Move along and just before the end, say that you need an important addition to be looked upon which you had skipped purposely and then revert to the slide that you have missed and fill in the gaps. At no point should it be felt that you are not in-charge of your own PPT. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 1
  • Sometimes the projector you are using may develop a problem. Be patient and let the appropriate authorities handle it. Do not swear or sweat , it happens! Then, once it's fixed, you may continue from where you left with a smile or a short joke or, if the repair took a very long time, start from the beginning. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 1
  • Never read your slides word for word. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 4
  • Do not overdo with the transitions and slide animations, as it can become a distraction Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2
  • Practice makes perfect. Finish your presentation and then speak it out loud. Try again until you have it "down." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Create a PowerPoint Presentation

  • ↑ https://www.inc.com/guides/201102/how-to-create-a-great-powerpoint-presentation.html
  • ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngreathouse/2012/09/24/9-easy-ways-to-create-powerpoint-slides-that-suck-less/
  • How to Make Animation or Movies With Microsoft PowerPoint
  • How to Make a Computer Scrapbook Using Power Point
  • How to Animate Your Own Show
  • How to Animate Clay
  • How to Animate With Pivot Stickfigure Animator
  • How to Insert a PowerPoint to Google Page
  • How to Add a PowerPoint File to a Blog
  • How to Insert a PowerPoint to MySpace Profile

About This Article

Maureen Taylor

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Genesis Gallegos

Genesis Gallegos

Feb 20, 2017

Is this article up to date?

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Yogendra Singh

Sep 20, 2016

A. M.

Jan 7, 2017

Anonymous

Aug 26, 2016

Do I Have a Dirty Mind Quiz

Featured Articles

Enjoy Your Preteen Years

Trending Articles

Pirate Name Generator

Watch Articles

Make Fluffy Pancakes

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

How-To Geek

8 tips to make the best powerpoint presentations.

4

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Microsoft Office vs. Google Docs, Sheets, Slides: Which Is Best?

6 steps to ensure you never lose a microsoft office file again, i love my google pixel despite the privacy concerns, quick links, table of contents, start with a goal, less is more, consider your typeface, make bullet points count, limit the use of transitions, skip text where possible, think in color, take a look from the top down, bonus: start with templates.

Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed. Here are some tips to make your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations sing while avoiding common pitfalls.

define a goal

It all starts with identifying what we're trying to achieve with the presentation. Is it informative, a showcase of data in an easy-to-understand medium? Or is it more of a pitch, something meant to persuade and convince an audience and lead them to a particular outcome?

It's here where the majority of these presentations go wrong with the inability to identify the talking points that best support our goal. Always start with a goal in mind: to entertain, to inform, or to share data in a way that's easy to understand. Use facts, figures, and images to support your conclusion while keeping structure in mind (Where are we now and where are we going?).

I've found that it's helpful to start with the ending. Once I know how to end a presentation, I know how best to get to that point. I start by identifying the takeaway---that one nugget that I want to implant before thanking everyone for their time---and I work in reverse to figure out how best to get there.

Your mileage, of course, may vary. But it's always going to be a good idea to put in the time in the beginning stages so that you aren't reworking large portions of the presentation later. And that starts with a defined goal.

avoid walls of text

A slideshow isn't supposed to include everything. It's an introduction to a topic, one that we can elaborate on with speech. Anything unnecessary is a distraction. It makes the presentation less visually appealing and less interesting, and it makes you look bad as a presenter.

This goes for text as well as images. There's nothing worse, in fact, than a series of slides where the presenter just reads them as they appear. Your audience is capable of reading, and chances are they'll be done with the slide, and browsing Reddit, long before you finish. Avoid putting the literal text on the screen, and your audience will thank you.

Related: How to Burn Your PowerPoint to DVD

use better fonts

Right off the bat, we're just going to come out and say that Papyrus and Comic Sans should be banned from all PowerPoint presentations, permanently. Beyond that, it's worth considering the typeface you're using and what it's saying about you, the presenter, and the presentation itself.

Consider choosing readability over aesthetics, and avoid fancy fonts that could prove to be more of a distraction than anything else. A good presentation needs two fonts: a serif and sans-serif. Use one for the headlines and one for body text, lists, and the like. Keep it simple. Veranda, Helvetica, Arial, and even Times New Roman are safe choices. Stick with the classics and it's hard to botch this one too badly.

use fewer bullets

There reaches a point where bullet points become less of a visual aid and more of a visual examination.

Bullet points should support the speaker, not overwhelm his audience. The best slides have little or no text at all, in fact. As a presenter, it's our job to talk through complex issues, but that doesn't mean that we need to highlight every talking point.

Instead, think about how you can break up large lists into three or four bullet points. Carefully consider whether you need to use more bullet points, or if you can combine multiple topics into a single point instead. And if you can't, remember that there's no one limiting the number of slides you can have in a presentation. It's always possible to break a list of 12 points down into three pages of four points each.

avoid transitions

Animation, when used correctly, is a good idea. It breaks up slow-moving parts of a presentation and adds action to elements that require it. But it should be used judiciously.

Adding a transition that wipes left to right between every slide or that animates each bullet point in a list, for example, starts to grow taxing on those forced to endure the presentation. Viewers get bored quickly, and animations that are meant to highlight specific elements quickly become taxing.

That's not to say that you can't use animations and transitions, just that you need to pick your spots. Aim for no more than a handful of these transitions for each presentation. And use them in spots where they'll add to the demonstration, not detract from it.

use visuals

Sometimes images tell a better story than text can. And as a presenter, your goal is to describe points in detail without making users do a lot of reading. In these cases, a well-designed visual, like a chart, might better convey the information you're trying to share.

The right image adds visual appeal and serves to break up longer, text-heavy sections of the presentation---but only if you're using the right images. A single high-quality image can make all the difference between a success and a dud when you're driving a specific point home.

When considering text, don't think solely in terms of bullet points and paragraphs. Tables, for example, are often unnecessary. Ask yourself whether you could present the same data in a bar or line chart instead.

find a color palette

Color is interesting. It evokes certain feelings and adds visual appeal to your presentation as a whole. Studies show that color also improves interest, comprehension, and retention. It should be a careful consideration, not an afterthought.

You don't have to be a graphic designer to use color well in a presentation. What I do is look for palettes I like, and then find ways to use them in the presentation. There are a number of tools for this, like Adobe Color , Coolors , and ColorHunt , just to name a few. After finding a palette you enjoy, consider how it works with the presentation you're about to give. Pastels, for example, evoke feelings of freedom and light, so they probably aren't the best choice when you're presenting quarterly earnings that missed the mark.

It's also worth mentioning that you don't need to use every color in the palette. Often, you can get by with just two or three, though you should really think through how they all work together and how readable they'll be when layered. A simple rule of thumb here is that contrast is your friend. Dark colors work well on light backgrounds, and light colors work best on dark backgrounds.

change views

Spend some time in the Slide Sorter before you finish your presentation. By clicking the four squares at the bottom left of the presentation, you can take a look at multiple slides at once and consider how each works together. Alternatively, you can click "View" on the ribbon and select "Slide Sorter."

Are you presenting too much text at once? Move an image in. Could a series of slides benefit from a chart or summary before you move on to another point?

It's here that we have the opportunity to view the presentation from beyond the single-slide viewpoint and think in terms of how each slide fits, or if it fits at all. From this view, you can rearrange slides, add additional ones, or delete them entirely if you find that they don't advance the presentation.

The difference between a good presentation and a bad one is really all about preparation and execution. Those that respect the process and plan carefully---not only the presentation as a whole, but each slide within it---are the ones who will succeed.

This brings me to my last (half) point: When in doubt, just buy a template and use it. You can find these all over the web, though Creative Market and GraphicRiver are probably the two most popular marketplaces for this kind of thing. Not all of us are blessed with the skills needed to design and deliver an effective presentation. And while a pre-made PowerPoint template isn't going to make you a better presenter, it will ease the anxiety of creating a visually appealing slide deck.

  • Microsoft Office

How To Make A PowerPoint Presentation

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Table of Contents

Creating a powerpoint presentation, how to create a title slide, search powerpoint, pick a pre-made template, double-click, how to add your first slide, type the title, add a subtitle, move both texts, how to add more slides.

  • Find The ‘Insert’ Tab

New Slide Option

How to add content to the slides, add your own text, click insert, click transitions, insert audio, final thoughts.

Since the 1990s, PowerPoint has been a go-to tool for computer users, allowing them to construct their own presentation projects for business, school, college, or even just for pleasure. 

PowerPoint slideshows are a great tool to use to attract everyone’s attention during a presentation, especially if you know how to use each of its features to its fullest extent.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own PowerPoint Presentation from scratch, using the program’s features to produce an attention-getting, show-stopping slideshow.

On your PC or laptop, either search for ‘PowerPoint’ in the search bar, or locate the icon (an orange-red icon with a white ‘P’) if it appears on your desktop. Once you have found the link, double-click it to open the program.

When it opens, PowerPoint will show you a list of templates to choose from. You can either pick a pre-made template for your presentation, or you can select ‘Blank Presentation’ to start from scratch.

Double-click on whichever template you want to use, and this will lead you to the creation page.

The first slide available to you will be the first slide, or the title slide.

Type the title into the larger text box. You change the font, color, and/or size of the title by highlighting the writing, and customizing it with the tools on the Home bar.

Add a subtitle or your name/credentials into the smaller text box. Again, you can change the font, color, and/or size of this writing to your preference.

Move both texts around the page until you decide where you would like to place it.

Find The ‘Insert’ Tab

Find the ‘Insert’ tab at the top of the screen, between ‘Home’ and ‘Design’

Double-click on the ‘Insert’ tab, and a new menu will appear, revealing other options.

In the top, left-hand corner of the screen, you will see the ‘New Slide’ option.

  • To add a blank slide, click the top section of the icon, and it will appear in your PowerPoint below the title slide.
  • To add a custom slide, click the downward arrow symbol to reveal a drop-down menu. Double-click on the slide template that you would like to use.

Note: You can reposition the slides in your PowerPoint by clicking and dragging the slides up/down in the preview box on the left side of the screen.

Click on the slide you want to edit in the preview box, or by scrolling through the slides. Then, you will be able to customize each slide with endless amounts of content.

If the slide already has a text box, you can add your own text and modify the color/size/font.

Add your own text boxes by clicking ‘Insert’, ‘Text’, and then ‘Text Box’.

Left-click one of the slides, and click ‘Format Background’ to change the color of the slides, or to add a pattern or image.

Add images by copying and pasting them from your folders, or from the internet.

Click ‘Transitions’ on the top menu, and add transitions to each individual slide to make your presentation more fun!

Add your own music/sound effects by clicking ‘Insert’ from the top menu, ‘Audio’, and then ‘Audio From My PC’.

By following these steps, you can easily create your very own slideshow using PowerPoint. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that this program is very easy to use, and can even be fun!

We hope you found this article useful.

Kevin Pocock

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.

How to create a stacked bar chart in Excel…

How to calculate z-score in excel – step-by-step guide, how to take a screenshot in excel – 5…, how to make a bar graph in excel –….

Your current User-Agent string appears to be from an automated process, if this is incorrect, please click this link:

  • Enter Our Giveaway
  • Meta Quest 4
  • Google Pixel 9
  • Google Pixel 8a
  • Apple Vision Pro 2
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • Samsung Galaxy Ring
  • Yellowstone Season 6
  • Recall an Email in Outlook
  • Stranger Things Season 5

How to create a Powerpoint Presentation

powerpoint best practices slide sorter view windows laptop

Powerpoint presentations are a great way to share information with a team, but making them is a skillset in its own right. We've got guides on general Powerpoint use , but if you're keen to just get started making a slideshow right now, this is the way.

How to create a Powerpoint presentation

How to build your first slide, how to add more slides to a powerpoint presentation, how to make an awesome slideshow presentation.

Here's how to make a Powerpoint presentation.

What You Need

Powerpoint or Microsoft 365 subscription

The first step in building your fancy slideshow is to create the presentation itself. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Download and install Powerpoint (as part of Microsoft 365 ) if you haven't already, then open the app up.

Step 2: The home screen will give you a range of options for selecting templates and premade presentations to give you a great starting-off point. Select one of them if they're applicable. For even more options, select the New tab from the left-hand menu.

Alternatively, if you want to start from a blank canvas, select Blank presentation.

Step 3: From there, it's a good idea to name and save the presentation so you can come back to it later. Select File > Save or* Save As*, then name the file on the right, choose a location for it, and select Save .

Step 1: Your first slide will automatically have text fields for a title and subtitle. If you want to have that on your first slide, select them, then type in what you want them to read. You can also click and drag them around, or resize them using your mouse.

Hover your mouse over the white circles, then click and drag them to resize the box. Alternatively, select the rotational arrows near the corners of the box, to rotate it.

If you don't want those text fields, select their boundary individually and press the Delete key to remove them.

Step 2: If you want to add more text to this slide (or any others in the future), select the Insert tab, then select Text box. Click on the slide where you want the box to appear, then use your mouse to drag the box to the desired shape.

Then click the box and type in what you want that text box to say. The contextual home menu will automatically adjust to give you quick access to font choices and other text style options.

You can access more detailed text formatting options by selecting the Format tab. There you'll find options for changing text coloring, its outline, and any text effects you want to use.

Step 3: To add pictures to your slideshow, select the Insert tab, then select Pictures in the top-left. You'll then have the option to insert an image from your local PC, a selection of stock images, or a range of online images.

You can also change the background of your PowerPoint slides .

Step 4: You can also freehand draw or annotate your slides, using the Draw tab, or alter the entire theme of the slideshow by selecting Design.

Step 1: To add a new slide to your presentation, select the Insert tab at the top of the screen, then select New slide on the left. Then choose the type of slide you want. You can have a blank slide to do it all yourself, or you can get a headstart on its design by copying a previous slide, using the same theme as another part of your presentation, or having a predefined layout.

Step 2: Think you've gone too far with the slides? If you decide to revise your presentation, perhaps remove a graph or truncate some text, you can easily delete a page from your PowerPoint .

Step 3: When your presentation is complete, you're ready to share it with an audience. Before you do, remember to add some notes to your PowerPoint slides . These are for your eyes only, and will help you to keep the presentation on topic and avoid forgetting your lines.

Want even more tips on making a great slideshow? We've got you covered. Check out our guide on how to use Microsoft Powerpoint , for all the most important tips.

We've also got a guide for more tips and tricks for making engaging and attractive slides .

Editors’ Recommendations

  • The best PowerPoint templates
  • How to change the background in Powerpoint
  • 5 ways to add music to PowerPoint
  • How to print a PowerPoint presentation with notes
  • How to convert PDF to PowerPoint
  • How-To Guides

Jon Martindale

While PowerPoint is widely used to develop presentations, using Google Slides has become a popular alternative. Part of what makes it so popular is that it's free to use, as is other Google software such as Google Docs and Google Sheets – which is a stark contrast to the premium price you'll pay for Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.

Even if you know how to use Microsoft PowerPoint, you might want to jump ship to Slides, and Google makes it easy to do so. In fact, it takes little more than a few clicks to convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides. Whether you need to change the format for a coworker or want to permanently switch to the free platform, here's a look at how to convert your PowerPoint into a Google Slides presentation.

We all know that Microsoft’s PowerPoint software has been a presentations staple for a few decades now. And whether you only used it in school once or twice, or you use it for work on a daily basis, there’s always something new to learn about the classic Microsoft platform.

Even if you know how to use PowerPoint, did you know that you can embed videos in your presentations?

Creating a successful slideshow is no small task. So, if you’re new to Microsoft PowerPoint, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the features and tools you need to build a presentation.

We’ll guide you through the process of creating a PowerPoint slideshow by adding slides and elements as well as how to present the show when you finish. These basics are just what you need as a beginner and should get you off to a terrific start with PowerPoint.

  • Use Presenter view Video
  • Set up your presentation Video
  • Deliver your presentation Video

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Set up your presentation

Your browser does not support video. Install Microsoft Silverlight, Adobe Flash Player, or Internet Explorer 9.

Before you give your presentation in front of an audience, you can rehearse it with your slides. Watch this video to find out how.

First, go to the SLIDE SHOW tab and make sure Use Presenter View is selected.

For rehearsal, you can press ALT+F5 to display the Presenter view on a single screen.

Rehearsing this way will help you get comfortable with your slides, and give you practice using the Presenter view.

View your speaker notes as you deliver your slide show

Draw on or highlight slides during a presentation

Turn your mouse into a laser pointer

Add speaker notes to each slide in a presentation

Before you give your presentation in front of an audience, you can rehearse it with your slides using the Presenter view.

During the show, you'll use dual monitors, but for rehearsal, you can press ALT+F5 to display the Presenter view on a single screen.

Keep in mind that when you are using the Presenter view, you are in Slide Show mode, so you can’t edit your slides or notes.

This is good, because it prevents you from unintentionally altering your slides during a show.

Laptops are used by many presenters for both creating and running their shows.

Most laptops available today have dual monitor capabilities built in.

So when you arrive at the presentation room, all you have to do is plug the presentation projector or monitor into the connector on your laptop and you are ready to go.

Start the show to make sure everything is working.

If you want to change which monitor shows the Presenter view, click DISPLAY SETTINGS , and then, click Swap Presenter View and Slide Show .

Before the audience arrives, run through some your slides to make sure everything works and you can see your laptop.

Also, make sure any non-essential programs, like email and browsers, are closed and your desktop is clean.

These other programs slow down your computer, and can cause a distraction if the audience sees them.

The last thing to do is start the Slide Show .

Plan your PowerPoint presentation, so the audience sees a welcome slide as they enter.

This way, the audience will know immediately that you are ready to begin.

Up next, we'll give the presentation using the Presenter view.

Facebook

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Microsoft 365 training

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Microsoft security

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Ask the Microsoft Community

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Microsoft Tech Community

how to make presentation on powerpoint on laptop

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

COMMENTS

  1. How to create a presentation in PowerPoint

    How to create a presentation in PowerPoint

  2. How to Create a PowerPoint Presentation: A Beginner's Guide

    How to Create a PowerPoint Presentation

  3. Create a presentation in PowerPoint

    Create a presentation in PowerPoint

  4. PowerPoint for Beginners

    Get started with PowerPoint for Beginners. Follow this 20-Minute step by step PowerPoint tutorial to start creating presentations smoothly.Contents of this v...

  5. How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation (Step-by-Step)

    To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide. This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on. You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint.

  6. Create a presentation in PowerPoint

    Create a blank presentation. Open PowerPoint. Select one of the Blank Presentation and start typing. Note: Microsoft 365 subscribers will find Design Ideas based on the words you type. You can browse and select a new look.

  7. Basic tasks for creating a PowerPoint presentation

    Basic tasks for creating a PowerPoint presentation

  8. The Beginner's Guide to Microsoft PowerPoint

    The Beginner's Guide to Microsoft PowerPoint

  9. How to Start PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

    Step 2: Choose a Template. Select a template or a blank presentation to start creating your slides. PowerPoint offers a variety of templates to fit every need and occasion. Whether you want something simple and professional or colorful and creative, there's a template for you. If you prefer to start from scratch, you can choose a blank ...

  10. A step-by-step guide to captivating PowerPoint presentation design

    A step-by-step guide to captivating PowerPoint ...

  11. 5 Ways to Make a Great PowerPoint Presentation

    Make sure that your speech matches well with your slides. You will also want to be sure you know how to time your speech, especially if you want to put the presentation on automatic, rather than having to stop or refocus to change slides. 2. Present as if there were no PowerPoint. Don't use your slides as a crutch.

  12. 8 Tips to Make the Best PowerPoint Presentations

    Make Bullet Points Count. Limit the Use of Transitions. Skip Text Where Possible. Think in Color. Take a Look From the Top Down. Bonus: Start With Templates. Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed.

  13. How to make a slide show

    How to Make a Slide Show | Microsoft 365

  14. How to Make a Presentation in Powerpoint

    Master the art of creating impressive presentations in PowerPoint with our step-by-step guide! Perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Watch now to el...

  15. How To Make A PowerPoint Presentation

    Since the 1990s, PowerPoint has been a go-to tool for computer users, allowing them to construct their own presentation projects for business, school, college, or even just for pleasure. PowerPoint slideshows are a great tool to use to attract everyone's attention during a presentation, especially if you know how to use each of its features ...

  16. Free Online Slide Presentation: PowerPoint

    Free Online Slide Presentation: PowerPoint | Microsoft 365

  17. How to create a Powerpoint Presentation

    Microsoft. Powerpoint presentations are a great way to share information with a team, but making them is a skillset in its own right. We've got guides on general Powerpoint use, but if you're keen ...

  18. Create and open a PowerPoint presentation

    Create and open a PowerPoint presentation

  19. Microsoft PowerPoint

    Microsoft PowerPoint - Presentation Tutorial in 13 MINS ...

  20. 60 Effective PowerPoint Presentation Tips & Tricks

    7. Share With a Friend. If the stakes are high for your presentation, it's never too early to get feedback from those that you trust. Here's an article that helps you collaborate as a team on a PowerPoint presentation. Get PowerPoint design tips from those that you trust when you collaborate.

  21. How To Create a PowerPoint Presentation

    In this video we will learn how to create a professional PowerPoint Presentation step by step.#powerpointpresentation#powerpoint_presentation#pptpresentation...

  22. Create a presentation in PowerPoint

    Create a presentation in PowerPoint

  23. Microsoft PowerPoint

    Make a slideshow with powerful and customizable presentations that make you stand out. Present and create slides from anywhere. Presentations made on PowerPoint help make an impact in the way you present and collaborate. With PowerPoint, you can collaborate and edit your ppt or pptx files in real time and customize it on the go.

  24. How to Create a Powerpoint Presentation

    How to Create a Powerpoint Presentation | a Beginner's Guide#powerpoint #howto #createpowerpointpresetation~~~~~"Links, Facebook.htt...

  25. Video: Set up your presentation

    Video: Set up your presentation