Knowing how to convert PowerPoint to Google Slides can help you streamline presentations, increase accessibility, and improve your collaboration. If you need to switch from PPT to Slides, I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, I walk you through the easiest ways to turn your PowerPoint into Google Slides. Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
What to Know Before Converting PowerPoint to Google Slides
- You’ll need internet access.
- It’s easy to turn a PPT into Google Slides, but certain elements may not convert perfectly.
- Wait until your PPT presentation is finished before converting it to Slides.
How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides: 3 Methods
It’s quite simple to convert PPT to Google Slides. I’ve compiled three ways to accomplish this task.
Option 1. Upload & Convert PPT Presentations to Google Slides
Manually converting PowerPoint to Google Slides may take more time and effort.
Note: If you plan on storing and sharing the final PPT presentation (without editing it later). If you fall into this category, proceed directly to the next step.
- To get started, open your PowerPoint file.
- Go to File > Export.
- Choose “Create PDF/XPS Document.” Follow the prompts to save the file to your computer.
4. Log in to your Google Drive account and click the “New” button.
5. Select “File upload.” Choose the PDF file you’ve just saved and upload it to your Google Drive.
6. Right-click the PDF file and select Open with > Google Slides.
Option 2. Import PPT to an Existing Google Slide Presentation
You can also import PowerPoint slides directly into the Google Slides editor, where you can modify the layout and contents. This is especially beneficial if you combine various slides from different presentations.
- Open a new, existing, or imported presentation in Google Slides.
- Select File > Import Slides and directly import them from your device (or a presentation file) in your Google Drive.
- Select the PowerPoint file you want to import.
- Choose to keep the original formatting of your PowerPoint presentation or apply the theme of your existing Google Slides presentation.
- Click “Import Slides” to add the presentation/slides to your existing Slides file. You can add and edit text, images, and other elements with Google Slides’ built-in tools.
Note: This process is similar to inserting Google Sheets in Google Slides.
Option 3: Use Online Conversion Tools
You can also use an online conversion tool to transfer presentations from PowerPoint to Google Slides. Some popular programs include:
- Upload your PowerPoint presentation to the website of your conversion tool. Either drag and drop the file or select it from your computer.
- Click the “Convert Now” button to convert your PowerPoint presentation (e.g., PPTX, ODP, PPT). This may take up to a few minutes.
- Click the “Download” button.
Note: Some conversion tools may save the file to your Google Drive account.
Extra Tips for Converting PowerPoint to Google Slides
Before transferring files, there are a few issues to be aware of when converting PowerPoint to Google Slides.
- Check the compatibility of your PowerPoint presentation’s fonts, images, and multimedia elements.
- Try to keep the original formatting of the PowerPoint presentation.
- If automatic conversion works poorly, convert the presentation manually. You can copy and paste the contents into a new Google Slides presentation.
- After converting, be sure that charts and tables match the Google Slides format.
- To convert multiple PowerPoint presentations, use the Google Slides API to automate the process.
Pros and Cons of Uploading a PowerPoint to Google Slides
Choosing between PowerPoint and Google Slides offers various advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Google Slides is free to use for any GSuite user.
- The platform is cloud-based and doesn’t require any software installation.
- You can check the timeline to see whether previous changes have been made.
- It’s easy to share for seamless collaboration.
- You can access it on iOS, PC, Android, and more.
Cons
- Google Slides has limited basic animations and transitions.
- The templates aren’t as robust as those on PowerPoint.
- There are fewer export options.
- Some corporations and organizations won’t accept the format.
Choosing PowerPoint vs. Slides: Which Is Better?
PowerPoint is widely used because it’s available on nearly all Windows desktops, laptops, and other devices. The program has several tools and functions, like PowerPoint Designer, a unique feature that uses a suggestion engine to generate automatic design suggestions for each slide.
That said, Google Slides has exploded in popularity because it’s cloud-based and shareable via Google Drive.
Another advantage of using Google Slides is that multiple users with access to the file can change, edit, and save the presentation. Therefore, making it a great collaborative tool among teams.
So, is Google Slides Better than PowerPoint? I think it’s preferable for Macbook users who need collaborative features (like me).
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides Without Losing the Format?
To convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides without losing formatting, check for compatibility to ensure that fonts, images, and multimedia elements work on both platforms.
Next, try converting the presentation manually. Test it by copying and pasting the contents into a new Google Slides presentation. Make any necessary adjustments to charts and tables, then confirm that everything looks and functions correctly.
Why Does My PowerPoint Look Different on Google Slides?
There are a number of reasons that your slideshows look different. Google Slides may not support all of PPT’s features or fonts. There could be compatibility or aspect ratio issues, too.
Whatever the case, try sticking to standard fonts and simpler designs in the future. Also, be sure to check compatibility before transferring anything.
How Do I Open a Large PPT in Slides?
To open a large PowerPoint presentation in Google Slides, reduce the size of images, audio, and video files. Next, convert the PowerPoint to a Google Slides format:
- Select File > Save As > Google Slides
- Upload the converted file to Google Drive.
- Open the file in Google Slides.
Wrapping up
Knowing how to convert PowerPoint to Google Slides is simple and straightforward. With this step-by-step guide, I hope you can easily convert your presentations to a more compatible, accessible, and presentable format!
If you want to master your skills within either platform, consider checking out Udemy’s range of courses!
Related:
- How to Add a GIF to Google Slides (Easy 2 Minute Guide)
- Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint: Which Program Is Better?
- How To Insert a PDF into Google Slides [3 Easy Ways]
