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A Beginner’s Guide to PowerPoint on the iPad

This is the third in our series of articles about Microsoft Office for the iPad, and the results so far have been decidedly mixed. We found Word to be surprisingly powerful and a good alternative to the desktop version for all but the most hardcore word processors out there. Excel was more of a let down with lots more functionality missing, including many elements that would be notable to even light spreadsheet users. We’re happy to report that PowerPoint is much closer to Word than Excel, and even more than either of those apps, you could use PowerPoint perfectly well on your iPad and never touch the desktop version. In fact, some of the design decisions Microsoft have made might even make you put together better presentations than if you had the complete desktop app at your disposal.

Our Must-Have, Most Used Productivity Apps

We spend an inordinate amount of time sorting through hundreds of apps to find the very best. We put together a short list of our must-have, most-used apps for increasing productivity.

PowerPoint for iOS is free from the App Store and allows you to view PowerPoint files from anywhere. If you want to edit or create presentations from the iPad though, you’re going to need to subscribe to Office 365 , which runs $6.99/month or $70/year for individuals on up to 5 devices. An Office 365 subscription comes with the full Microsoft Office suite of apps as well was 1TB of OneDrive storage, so there is quite a bit of value there.

Whether this is a fair price is a matter we can only leave to you, but the software package on offer, and especially the 1TB of cloud storage that works across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux, makes this a pretty compelling subscription in our eyes.

Of note, Microsoft only requires iPads over 10.1” to pay up to get editing functionality. If you have a 9.7” iPad, iPad Mini, or even an iPhone, then you can use the full version of PowerPoint (and all other Office apps) without an Office 365 subscription. Apparently productivity starts at 10.1” in Microsoft’s world — not that we’re complaining.

Out of the Box Experience

If you start with PowerPoint on the iPad and want to begin building presentations from scratch, the iPad version gives you everything you need to start creating right away.

There are 25 built-in templates you can start with. While not all of them are great, ones like Parcel, Celestial, Ion, and Mesh are all really nice templates that you can use to create professional-looking presentations. Some of them are more fun and offer a more distinct look, but for many people, simplicity is king and the options here are more than capable of making you look good at your next speaking gig.

As you would expect, each of these 25 templates have an assortment of slide types so you can move between titles, lists, and giant images with a consistent experience for your audience.

And if you were worried about getting your content into these slides, fear not because PowerPoint for iPad has tons of tools around adding animations to elements on your slides, transitions between slides, drawing on and marking up content, and adding things like tables, images, icons, and videos into your slides.

Basically, if you work entirely from the iPad, you’ll have more than enough control over everything to put together a presentation that you can be proud of.

Adding Some Flair

PowerPoint has quite a few tools for customizing the feel of your presentations, and while I’d contend that adding too many effects and transitions to a slide deck can be detrimental, these can of course be used well and the fact that so much is here should allow most people to create exactly what they want.

There are 35 ways you can have items on a slide appear or disappear and 17 different ways you can emphasize specific elements on a slide. And if you like transitions, there are a sweeping 49 options for how you move from one slide to another. Should you use all of these? God no. Does this level of flexibility enable a bunch of cool one-off effects? Oh yes!

And then there are a bunch of different drawing tools you can use to add a little panache. Similar to most markup apps you know and love , there are several drawing tools like pencils, markers, and highlighters, as well as a cool cosmic pen that is just fun. You can make this animate into the slide so you can have custom-looking animations that call out something specific on your slides.

Another thing I really like is a feature called Design Ideas. This is found under the Design tab and you can use it on any slide in your presentation. PowerPoint will look at the content of the slide and give you a few suggestions for alternative styling. For example, I had a basic bulleted list and it suggested this nicer layout for a short list:

One of the things I love about how this is set up in the PowerPoint UI is that none of these effects are visible from the main tabs you’ll use when creating your slides. This breaks up the workflow between content and style. You’ll likely find yourself putting together all your content together across however many slides you need and then going back through it all to add whatever animations and transitions you think you need. Again, since the content of a slide deck is far more important than the flair on top of it, this behavioral encouragement is spot on.

Collaboration

As with Microsoft’s other Office apps, the collaboration features from the desktop and web versions are here and they work great. You can work in real time with anyone else whom you’ve shared the document. You can see their edits in real time and they’ll see yours, no matter the platform they are on.

Comments are supported as well, and you or others can leave comments on certain points of the presentation, and there is even version control so you can go back to potentially dozens of versions of the presentation and restore them (or save them as a new copy).

Giving Your Presentation

The presentation itself is the whole reason for making a slide deck — that experience is rock solid — but might be limited compared to what you have on the desktop.

First off, you can present a presentation you created on the iPad on any device that runs PowerPoint, but if you want to present from an iPad, the easiest way to do so is to plug into the screen you are going to be using via a DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI cable that uses Lightning or USB-C (depending on your iPad). After you’re connected to an external display, you’ll see your slides in all their glory on the external display and the presenter view will appear on the iPad itself.

If you happen to be somewhere that has an AirPlay compatible screen (most likely through an Apple TV), then you can also mirror your screen to the AirPlay device and you’ll get the same effect where the slides show on the AirPlay receiver and the presenter view shows on the iPad.

Whether using wired or wireless connections for the presentation, you can always tap and hold on your iPad screen to bring up a virtual laser pointer to point out whatever you want to highlight on a particular slide. It’s actually pretty slick and more useful than I expected it to be.

PowerPoint as a Good iOS Citizen

Unlike some other companies who take forever to support iOS’s latest and greatest features, Microsoft has done a pretty decent job of keeping up with the times. Using PowerPoint in late 2019 feels like using an app built to use most of iOS’s (and iPadOS’s) latest features.

Pretty much all the main contenders are here: drag and drop works well and lets you drag in your own media straight from things like Files, Photos, or even Safari and drop them into your slides with ease. The UI for this is rather limited, and you don’t quite know what will happen when you drop something like a photo onto a slide, but you can of course resize and reorient objects once they’re on the slide.

PowerPoint also supports split screen, which is very useful for this sort of app as it allows you to have your research on one side of the iPad and your presentation on the other. I constantly find myself bouncing back and forth when putting together a PowerPoint presentation, and this would be a near deal-breaker for me personally.

The one major iPadOS feature this doesn’t currently support is multi-window. iPadOS 13 enabled apps to have multiple documents open at once and PowerPoint does not support this at all. This is a less egregious omission since most people tend to work on one presentation at a time, but sometimes you might want to reference another presentation that you’ve created or are comparing your slides to ones someone else made.

Overall, PowerPoint strikes a good balance of being unmistakably Microsoft without feeling like a Windows app on the iPad.

Apple Keynote and Google Slides

While PowerPoint is the undisputed standard for presentations, the options from Apple and Google are also compelling and have the distinct advantage of each being completely free. Without getting too much into the weeds here, the short overviews of each of these competitors are:

Apple Keynote lets you more easily create great-looking slides with modern, elegant templates. The app also feels more finely tuned to iPadOS’s UI is a very smooth experience from start to finish. Collaboration is a big issue though if you are not working with others on iPads or Macs. And even if you are, the collaborative editing capabilities are far less robust than what Microsoft has in PowerPoint.

Google Slides is a very minimal presentation tool, but it gets the job done. If your needs are very basic and you value a cloud-based solution with great real-time collaborate editing, then Slides can serve your needs very well. But if you want to have a little more style in your deck, then you’re going to be left wanting here. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s certainly not the best in class.

In short, if you value compatibility and collaboration, PowerPoint is the clear winner. If you value great design in your slides and a delightful iPadOS experience, Keynote is king. And if you just want what is on the web and included in your Google account, then Slides will be okay for you, but you’re probably not going to fall in love with it.

Ultimately, many of us don’t have a choice in the apps we use to give presentations. These usually happen at work and the company has some standard in place for creating presentations, so the choice has been made for you already. If you have any say at all in what presentation software to use, then we think PowerPoint is a great way to make them on the iPad.

With a rich set of tools to make everything from basic to wild and flashy presentations possible, it’s bolstered by a robust set of collaboration features as well as the simple fact that it’s the de-facto standard across most of the business world. You’ll probably have little-to-no friction in making this work for you and your business.

If you are working solo or there really isn’t any need to use one app or another, then Keynote is a very compelling alternative, and is the feather in iWork’s cap. it’s an excellent app that makes is dead simple to create professional-looking presentations with very little effort. Oh yeah, and it’s completely free! Not everyone will love this, but it’s definitely something to consider using if you’re not totally sold on PowerPoint.

How to Make PPT in iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Presentations

Creating a PowerPoint presentation on an iPad is straightforward and efficient. By using the PowerPoint app available on the App Store, you can design professional slides with ease. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it: Download and install the PowerPoint app, open it, start a new presentation, add and edit slides, and finally save or share your presentation.

How to Make a PowerPoint in iPad

In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a PowerPoint presentation on your iPad. By the end of this, you will be able to make a full-fledged presentation directly from your tablet.

Step 1: Download and Install the PowerPoint App

First, download and install the PowerPoint app from the App Store.

Simply open the App Store on your iPad, search for “PowerPoint,” and tap the download button. Once the app is installed, open it and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Open the PowerPoint App

Open the PowerPoint app on your iPad.

After opening the app, you’ll be greeted with the home screen, which shows recent presentations and options to create a new one.

Step 3: Start a New Presentation

Tap on the + icon to create a new presentation.

You will be given the option to start with a blank presentation or choose from various templates. Select the one that suits your needs.

Step 4: Add a Slide

Tap the “New Slide” button to add a slide.

You can choose different layouts like title slides or content slides. This flexibility allows you to structure your presentation effectively.

Step 5: Edit Slide Content

Tap on text boxes or image placeholders to add or edit content.

You can format text, insert images, shapes, and even embed videos, making your slides engaging and informative.

Step 6: Save or Share Your Presentation

Tap the “File” option and then “Save” or “Share” your presentation.

You can save your presentation to your iPad or share it via email, cloud storage, or other apps.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your presentation will be ready to use. You can review it, make final adjustments, and ensure everything looks perfect.

Tips for Making PowerPoint in iPad

Use Templates: Templates can save you a lot of time and make your presentation look more professional.
Explore PowerPoint Features: The app offers various features like transitions and animations. Don’t hesitate to explore and use them.
Practice Editing: Editing on the iPad can be different from a computer. Familiarize yourself with touch controls for better efficiency.
Save Often: To avoid losing your work, save your presentation periodically.
Utilize Cloud Storage: Use services like OneDrive or Google Drive to save and access your presentation from multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use the powerpoint app for free on my ipad.

Yes, you can use the basic features for free. However, premium features require an Office 365 subscription.

How do I add animations to my slides?

Tap on the object you want to animate, then select the “Animations” tab to choose from various animation options.

Can I collaborate with others on my presentation?

Yes, you can share your presentation with others and work on it simultaneously using the “Share” option.

Is it possible to present directly from my iPad?

Absolutely! You can use AirPlay or an HDMI adapter to connect your iPad to a projector or screen and present your slides.

How can I convert my presentation to a PDF?

Go to the “File” option, select “Export,” and choose “PDF.” This will convert your presentation to a PDF file.

Download and install the PowerPoint app.
Open the PowerPoint app.
Start a new presentation.
Add a slide.
Edit slide content.
Save or share your presentation.

Creating a PowerPoint presentation on an iPad is a breeze once you get the hang of it. The PowerPoint app offers a user-friendly interface and a suite of features that make it versatile enough for both basic and complex presentations. Whether you’re a student or a professional, the ability to create, edit, and present from your iPad can make your workflow more flexible and efficient.

Don’t forget to explore all the tools and options available in the app to maximize your presentation’s impact. If you’re new to the app, take some time to experiment with different templates, animations, and layouts. With practice, you’ll be creating stunning presentations in no time. If you’re looking for more detailed guides or specific tips, many resources are available online to help you master PowerPoint on your iPad.

So grab your iPad, download the app, and start creating! Happy presenting!

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

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

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

Read his full bio here.

Keynote User Guide for iPad

What’s new in Keynote 14.2
Intro to Keynote
Intro to images, charts, and other objects
Create a presentation
Choose how to navigate your presentation
Open a presentation
Save and name a presentation
Find a presentation
Print a presentation
Prevent accidental editing
Undo or redo changes
Quick navigation
Change the working view
Customize the toolbar
Copy text and objects between apps
Basic touchscreen gestures
Use Apple Pencil with Keynote
Create a presentation using VoiceOver
Add or delete slides
Add and view presenter notes
Reorder slides
Group or ungroup slides
Skip or unskip a slide
Change the slide size
Change a slide background
Add a border around a slide
Show or hide text placeholders
Show or hide slide numbers
Apply a slide layout
Add and edit slide layouts
Change a theme
Add an image
Add an image gallery
Edit an image
Add and edit a shape
Combine or break apart shapes
Save a shape to the shapes library
Add and align text inside a shape
Add 3D objects
Add lines and arrows
Add and edit drawings
Add video and audio
Record video and audio
Edit video and audio
Add live video
Set the movie and image formats
Position and align objects
Use alignment guides
Place objects inside a text box or shape
Layer, group, and lock objects
Change object transparency
Fill shapes and text boxes with color or an image
Add a border to an object
Add a caption or title
Add a reflection or shadow
Use object styles
Resize, rotate, and flip objects
Add linked objects to make your presentation interactive
Select text
Copy and paste text
Format a presentation for another language
Use phonetic guides
Use bidirectional text
Use vertical text
Change the look of text
Use text styles
Change text capitalization
Add drop caps
Make characters superscript or subscript
Format fractions automatically
Format dashes and quotation marks
Format Chinese, Japanese, or Korean text
Set tab stops
Format text into columns
Adjust line spacing
Format lists
Add mathematical equations
Add borders and rules (lines) to separate text
Add or delete a table
Select tables, cells, rows, and columns
Add or remove rows and columns
Move rows and columns
Resize rows and columns
Merge or unmerge cells
Change the look of table text
Show, hide, or edit a table title
Change table gridlines and colors
Use table styles
Resize, move, or lock a table
Add and edit cell content
Format dates, currency, and more
Highlight cells conditionally
Format tables for bidirectional text
Alphabetize or sort table data
Add or delete a chart
Change a chart from one type to another
Modify chart data
Move, resize, and rotate a chart
Change the look of data series
Add a legend, gridlines, and other markings
Change the look of chart text and labels
Add a chart border and background
Use chart styles
Animate objects onto and off a slide
Animate objects on a slide
Change build order and timing
Add transitions
Present on your iPad
Present on a separate display
Present on iPad over the internet
Use a remote
Make a presentation advance automatically
Play a slideshow with multiple presenters
Rehearse on your device
Play a recorded presentation
Check spelling
Look up words
Find and replace text
Replace text automatically
Set your author name for comments
Highlight text
Add and print comments
Send a presentation
Intro to collaboration
Invite others to collaborate
Collaborate on a shared presentation
See the latest activity in a shared presentation
Change a shared presentation’s settings
Stop sharing a presentation
Shared folders and collaboration
Use Box to collaborate
Create an animated GIF
Post your presentation in a blog
Use iCloud Drive with Keynote
Export to PowerPoint or another file format
Restore an earlier version of a presentation
Move a presentation
Delete a presentation
Password-protect a presentation
Create and manage custom themes
Transfer files with AirDrop
Transfer presentations with Handoff
Transfer presentations with the Finder
Keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcut symbols

Intro to Keynote on iPad

You can use Keynote to create beautiful and engaging presentations with fun animations, interesting transitions, and professional polish.

To create a Keynote presentation, you always start with a theme , then modify it however you want. Slides in a theme include placeholder images and text styled as headlines and body content.

The theme chooser, showing a row of categories across the top that you can tap to filter the options. Below are thumbnails of predesigned themes arranged in rows by category.

To build your presentation, you replace placeholder content with your own content, or delete placeholders you don’t need. You can also add other objects—like shapes, photos, and charts—to any slide.

You can quickly change the look of the selected text or object by applying a new style to it. Tap one of the alternative styles to change the object’s look, or use the style options to customize the object’s appearance however you like.

The Style tab of the Format menu with object styles at the top and controls below them to change the border, shadow, reflection, and opacity.

To explore the Keynote User Guide, tap one of the “See also” links below, tap Table of Contents at the top of the page, or enter a word or phrase in the search field.

Keynote 14.2 for iPad requires iPadOS 17 or later. Keynote is available in the App Store and requires an Apple Account to download. Features are subject to change, and some may require internet access. Additional fees and terms may apply.