This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

  • 1 contributor

Applies to: Office 2021, Office 2019, Office 2016

Supported file formats and their extensions are listed in the following tables for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

File formats that are supported in Word

The following table describes the file formats that are supported in Word, alphabetized by extension.

.doc
Word 97-2003 Document
The binary file format for Word 97-Word 2003.
.docm
Word Macro-Enabled Document
The XML-based and macro-enabled file format for Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Office Word 2007. Stores Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro code.
.docx
Word Document
The default XML-based file format for Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Office Word 2007.
.docx
Strict Open XML Document
Conforms to the Strict profile of the Open XML standard (ISO/IEC 29500). This profile of Open XML doesn't allow a set of features that are designed specifically for backward-compatibility with existing binary documents, as specified in Part 4 of ISO/IEC 29500.
.dot
Word 97-2003 Template
Template for Word 97-Word 2003 files.
.dotm
Word Macro-Enabled Template
Template for creating new Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Office Word 2007 files that contain macros. Users who want to include UI customizations or macros in the template should use this file format.
.dotx
Word Template
Template for creating new Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Office Word 2007 files that don't contain macros.
.htm, .html
Web Page
A web page that is saved as a folder that contains an .htm file and all supporting files, such as images, sound files, cascading style sheets, scripts, and more. Good for posting on a site or editing with Microsoft Office FrontPage or another HTML editor.
.htm, .html
Web Page, Filtered
Saving in the Web Page, Filtered file format removes Microsoft Office-specific tags. If users save in filtered HTML and then reopen the file in an Office application, text and general appearance are preserved. However, some features might work differently.
.mht; .mhtml
Single File Web Page
A web page as a single file that includes an .htm file and all supporting files, such as images, sound files, cascading style sheets, scripts, and more.
.odt
OpenDocument Text
A file format for saving Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 files so that they can be opened in document applications that use the OpenDocument format. Users can also open documents in the .odt format in Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013. Formatting might be lost when users save and open .odt files.
.pdf
PDF
Portable Document Format (PDF), a PostScript-based electronic file format developed by Adobe Systems. It preserves document formatting and enables file sharing.

Files that use the PDF file format can be saved and opened by using Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.

PDF files might not have a perfect page-to-page correspondence with the original. For example, the pages might break at different locations.
.rtf
Rich Text Format
RTF controls the representation and formatting of a document, both on the screen and in print. When they use the .rtf file format, documents created under different operating systems and with different software applications can be transferred between those operating systems and applications.
.txt
Plain Text
When users save a document as a .txt file, the document loses all formatting.
.wps
Works 6-9 Document
This is the default file format of Microsoft Works, versions 6.0 through 9.0.
.xml
Word 2003 XML Document
The XML format supported in Office Word 2003.
.xml
Word XML Document
The XML file format supported in Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Office Word 2007 (Open XML).
.xps
XPS Document
XML Paper Specification, a file format that preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. When the XPS file is viewed online or printed, it keeps exactly the format that users intended, and the data in the file can't be easily changed.

You can save documents in the XPS Document file format using Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, or Word 2013. However, these versions of Word don't support opening XPS files.

File formats that are supported in Excel

The following tables describe the file formats that are supported in Excel.

.csv
CSV (Comma delimited)
Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on another Windows operating system, and makes sure that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
.csv
CSV (Macintosh)
Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and makes sure that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
.csv
CSV (MS-DOS)
Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and makes sure that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
.dbf
DBF 3, DBF 4
dBase III and IV. Users can open these files formats in Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013, but, users can't save an Excel file to dBase format.
.dif
DIF (Data Interchange Format)
Saves only the active sheet.
.htm, .html
Web Page
A web page that is saved as a folder that contains an .htm file and all supporting files, such as images, sound files, scripts, and more.
.mht, .mhtml
Single File Web Page
A web page that is saved as a single file that includes an .htm file and all supporting files, such as images, sound files, scripts, and more.
.ods
OpenDocument Spreadsheet
A file format for saving Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013 files so that they can be opened in spreadsheet applications that use the OpenDocument Spreadsheet format, such as Google Docs and OpenOffice.org Calc. Users can also open spreadsheets in the .ods format in Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013. When users save and open .ods files, they might lose formatting.
.pdf
PDF
Portable Document Format, a format that preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. When the PDF format file is viewed online or printed, it keeps the format that users intended. Data in the file can't be easily changed. The PDF format is also useful for documents that will be reproduced by using commercial printing methods.
.prn
Formatted Text (Space delimited)
Lotus space-delimited format. Saves only the active sheet.
.slk
SYLK (Symbolic Link Format)
Saves only the active sheet.
.txt
Text (Tab delimited)
Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on another Windows operating system, and makes sure that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
.txt
Text (Macintosh)
Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and makes sure that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
.txt
Text (MS-DOS)
Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and makes sure that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
.txt
Unicode Text
Saves a workbook as Unicode text, a character encoding standard that was developed by the Unicode Consortium. Saves only the active sheet.
.xla
Excel 97-2003 add-in
The Excel 97-2003 add-in, a supplemental program that runs other code and supports VBA projects.
.xlam
Excel add-in
The XML-based and macro-enabled add-in format for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, and Office Excel 2007. An add-in is a supplemental program that runs other code. Supports VBA projects and Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).
.xls
Excel 97-Excel 2003 Workbook
The Excel 97-Excel 2003 Binary file format.
.xls
Microsoft Excel 5.0/95 Workbook
The Excel 5.0/95 Binary file format.
.xlsb
Excel Binary Workbook
The binary file format for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, and Excel 2010 and Office Excel 2007. This is a fast load-and-save file format for users who need the fastest way possible to load a data file. Supports VBA projects, Excel 4.0 macro sheets, and all the new features that are used in Excel. But, this isn't an XML file format and is therefore not optimal for accessing and manipulating content without using Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010 or Excel 2007 and the object model.
.xlsm
Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook
The XML-based and macro-enabled file format for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010 and Office Excel 2007. Stores VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).
.xlsx
Excel Workbook
The default XML-based file format for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Office Excel 2007. Can't store VBA macro code or Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).
.xlsx
Strict Open XML Spreadsheet
An ISO strict version of the Excel Workbook file format (.xlsx).
.xlt
Excel 97 - Excel 2003 Template
The Excel 97 - Excel 2003 Binary file format for an Excel template.
.xltm
Excel Macro-Enabled Template
The macro-enabled file format for an Excel template for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Office Excel 2007. Stores VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).
.xltx
Excel Template
The default file format for an Excel template for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Office Excel 2007. Can't store VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).
.xlw
Excel 4.0 Workbook
An Excel 4.0 file format that saves only worksheets, chart sheets, and macro sheets. Users can open a workbook in this file format in Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013. But, users can't save an Excel file to this file format.
.xml
XML Data
XML Data format.
.xml
XML Spreadsheet 2003
XML Spreadsheet 2003 file format.
.xps
XPS Document
XML Paper Specification, a file format that preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. When the XPS file is viewed online or printed, it maintains exactly the format that users intended, and the data in the file can't be easily changed.

File formats that are supported in PowerPoint

The following tables describe the file formats that are supported in PowerPoint.

.bmp
Device Independent Bitmap
A slide that is saved as a graphic for use on web pages.
.emf
Enhanced Windows Metafile
A slide that is saved as a 32-bit graphic (for use with Microsoft Windows 95 and later versions).
.gif
GIF Graphics Interchange Format
A slide that is saved as a graphic for use on web pages.
.jpg
JPEG File Interchange Format
A slide that is saved as a graphic for use on web pages.
.mp4
MPEG-4 Video
A presentation that is saved as a video.
.odp
OpenDocument Presentation
A format that can be opened in presentation applications that use the OpenDocument Presentation format, such as Google Docs and OpenOffice.org Impress. Users can also open presentations in the .odp format in PowerPoint. Some information might be lost when users save and open .odp files.
.pdf
PDF
Portable Document Format, a PostScript-based electronic file format that was developed by Adobe Systems. It preserves document formatting and enables file sharing.
.png
PNG Portable Network Graphics Format
A slide that is saved as a graphic for use on web pages.
.pot
PowerPoint 97-2003 Template
A template for PowerPoint 97 to Office PowerPoint 2003 presentations.
.potm
PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Template
A template for PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and Office PowerPoint 2007 presentations that contain macros.
.potx
PowerPoint Template
A template for creating new PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and Office PowerPoint 2007 presentations.
.ppa
PowerPoint 97-2003 add-in
A PowerPoint 97 to Office PowerPoint 2003 add-in.
.ppam
PowerPoint add-in
An add-in that stores custom commands, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code, and specialized features.
.pps
PowerPoint 97-2003 show
A presentation that always opens in Slide Show view instead of in Normal view.
.ppsm
PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Show
A slide show that includes macros.
.ppsx
PowerPoint Show
A presentation that always opens in Slide Show view instead of in Normal view.
.ppt
PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation
The default PowerPoint 97 to Office PowerPoint 2003 format.
.pptm
PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation
A presentation that contains Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code.
.pptx
PowerPoint Presentation
The default PowerPoint 2021, PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and Office PowerPoint 2007 XML-based file format.
.pptx
PowerPoint Picture Presentation
A PowerPoint 2021, PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010 or PowerPoint 2007 presentation where each slide is converted into a picture. Saving a file as a PowerPoint Picture presentation reduces the file size, but some information is lost.
.pptx
Strict Open XML Presentation
An ISO strict version of the PowerPoint Presentation file format (.pptx).
.rtf
Outline/RTF
A presentation outline that is saved as a text-only document that provides smaller file sizes and the ability to share macro-free files with other users who might not have the same version of PowerPoint or the operating system. Any text in the notes pane isn't saved with this file format.
.thmx
Office Theme
A style sheet that includes definitions of a color theme, font theme, and effect theme.
.tif
TIFF Tag Image File Format
A slide that is saved as a graphic for use on web pages.
.wmf
Windows Metafile
A slide that is saved as a 16-bit graphic (for use with Microsoft Windows 3.x and later versions).
.wmv
Windows Media Video
A presentation that is saved as a video. PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, and PowerPoint 2013 presentations can be saved at High Quality (1024 x 768, 30 frames per second); Medium Quality (640 x 480, 24 frames per sec); and Low Quality (320 X 240, 15 frames per second).
.xml
PowerPoint XML Presentation
The XML format that is supported in PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and Office PowerPoint 2007.
.xps
XPS Document
XML Paper Specification (XPS), an electronic paper format for exchanging documents in their final form.

Unsupported file formats in Office

Office applications don't support the file formats described in the following table.

Excel
- Excel Chart (Excel 2.0, 3.0, and 2.x file formats) (.xlc)
- Lotus 1-2-3 file formats (all versions) (.wk1, .wk2, .wk3, .wk4, .wks)
- Microsoft Works (all versions) (.wks)
- DBASE II file format (.dbf)
- Quattro Pro for MS-DOS file format (.wq1)
- Quattro Pro 5.0 and 7.0 for Windows (.wb1, .wb3)
PowerPoint
- Opening or saving to PowerPoint 95 (or earlier) file formats
- Pack and Go Wizard (.ppz) files.
- Web Page (.htm, .html) files

More file format information

This section provides more file formats and whether they're supported in the applications in Office.

Microsoft Office Clipboard file formats

Users can paste data from the Office Clipboard into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint if the Office Clipboard data is in one of the formats shown in the following table.

Bitmap
.bmp
Pictures stored in Bitmap format (BMP).
CSV (Comma-delimited)
.csv
Comma-separated values format.
DIF
.dif
Data Interchange Format.
Embedded object
.gif, .jpg, .doc, .xls, or .bmp
Excel objects, Excel 2013 objects, objects from correctly registered programs that support OLE 2.0 (OwnerLink), and Picture or another presentation format.
Excel file formats
.xls
Binary file formats for Excel versions 5.0/95, Excel 97-2003, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, and Excel 2019.
Formatted text (Space-delimited)
.rtf
Rich Text Format (RTF). Only from Excel.
HTML
.htm, .html
Hypertext Markup Language.

When users copy text from another program, Excel pastes the text in HTML format, regardless of the format of the original text.
Linked object
.gif, .jpg, .doc, .xls, or .bmp
OwnerLink, ObjectLink, Link, Picture, or other format.
Office drawing object
.emf
Office drawing object format or Picture (Windows enhanced metafile format, EMF).
Picture
.wmf or .emf
Pictures in Windows Metafile Format (WMF) or Windows Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF).

If users copy a Windows metafile picture from another program, Excel pastes the picture as an enhanced metafile.
Single File Web Page
.mht, .mhtml
This file format integrates inline graphics, applets, linked documents, and other supporting items referenced in the document.
SYLK
.slk
Symbolic Link Format.
Text (tab-delimited)
.txt
Tab-separated text format.
Text
.txt
Display Text, OEM Text.

Opening or viewing unsupported file formats

If the file format that users want to use isn't supported, they can try the following methods to open the file.

Search the internet for a company that makes file format converters for file formats that aren't supported in the application.

Save to a file format that another program supports. For example, users might want to import their Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file into another program that doesn't support the application's native file format. However, the other program might support importing another supported file format, such as a text file format. In this case, users can save their work in text file format, and then from the other program, import the text file.

Related articles

  • XML file name extension reference for Office
  • Guide to Office Telemetry Dashboard resources

Was this page helpful?

Coming soon: Throughout 2024 we will be phasing out GitHub Issues as the feedback mechanism for content and replacing it with a new feedback system. For more information see: https://aka.ms/ContentUserFeedback .

Submit and view feedback for

Additional resources

Understanding Presentation File Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Cover image for Understanding Presentation File Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Presentation File Types

Introduction to Presentation File Types

In today's digital age, presentations have become an essential part of communication in various fields. Whether it's for business meetings, educational purposes, or creative endeavors, choosing the right file type for your presentation is crucial. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a deep understanding of different presentation file types, their advantages, and how to select the best one for your needs.

The Importance of Choosing the Right File Type

Selecting the appropriate file type for your presentation is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures compatibility across different platforms and devices, allowing your audience to access and view your presentation seamlessly. Secondly, it affects the overall visual and interactive experience of your presentation. Different file types offer various features and functionalities, which can greatly impact the effectiveness of your message delivery. Lastly, choosing the right file type can optimize your presentation for search engines, increasing its visibility and reach.

Common Scenarios for Different Presentation Formats

Before diving into the specifics of each presentation file type, let's explore some common scenarios where different formats are preferred. If you're presenting in a professional setting, such as a business meeting or conference, Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX) is widely used and accepted. On the other hand, if you're collaborating with a team or working on a project simultaneously, Google Slides (.GSLIDES) provides excellent real-time collaboration features. For Apple users, Apple Keynote (.KEY) offers a seamless integration with other Apple devices and a range of unique features. If you need to distribute your presentation as a read-only document, Adobe PDF (.PDF) is a popular choice. Lastly, OpenDocument Presentation (.ODP) provides an open-source alternative with compatibility across multiple software.

Most Popular Presentation File Types

Most Popular Presentation File Types

Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX)

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most widely used presentation software globally, making it the go-to choice for many professionals. It offers two file formats: .PPT and .PPTX. The .PPT format is compatible with older versions of PowerPoint, while .PPTX is the newer XML-based format.

Advantages of PowerPoint Presentations

  • User-friendly interface : PowerPoint provides a familiar and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create and edit presentations.
  • Rich multimedia support : PowerPoint allows you to incorporate various multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio, enhancing the visual appeal of your presentation.
  • Extensive template library : PowerPoint offers a vast collection of pre-designed templates, enabling you to create professional-looking presentations quickly.

How to Create and Edit PowerPoint Files

Creating and editing PowerPoint files is a straightforward process. Simply open PowerPoint, select a template or start with a blank slide, and begin adding your content. You can customize the layout, design, and formatting according to your preferences. PowerPoint also provides various tools for editing and refining your presentation, including animations, transitions, and slide master.

Google Slides (.GSLIDES)

Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software offered by Google. It allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online.

Benefits of Using Google Slides

  • Real-time collaboration : Google Slides enables multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote collaboration.
  • Cloud storage : All Google Slides presentations are stored in the cloud, eliminating the need for manual file backups and ensuring accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
  • Integration with other Google services : Google Slides seamlessly integrates with other Google services such as Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets, providing a cohesive productivity suite.

Collaborating with Google Slides

Collaborating on Google Slides is simple and efficient. Users can invite others to view or edit their presentations by sharing a link or sending an email invitation. Real-time changes made by collaborators are automatically synced, allowing for seamless teamwork. Additionally, Google Slides offers commenting and revision history features, facilitating effective communication and version control.

Apple Keynote (.KEY)

Apple Keynote is a presentation software designed exclusively for Apple devices, including Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Key Features of Apple Keynote

  • Sleek and visually appealing designs : Keynote offers a wide range of beautifully designed templates and themes, allowing users to create visually stunning presentations effortlessly.
  • Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem : Keynote seamlessly integrates with other Apple software and devices, offering features like Handoff, which allows you to start a presentation on one device and continue on another.
  • Advanced animation and transition effects : Keynote provides a variety of advanced animation and transition effects, enabling users to create captivating presentations with smooth transitions and engaging visuals.

Compatibility and Sharing Keynote Presentations

Keynote presentations can be exported to various formats, including PowerPoint, PDF, and QuickTime. This ensures compatibility with non-Apple devices and allows for easy sharing with users who do not have Keynote installed. Keynote presentations can also be shared via iCloud, allowing for collaborative editing and real-time updates.

Adobe PDF (.PDF)

Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely used file format for presenting documents in a read-only format.

Using PDFs for Presentations

PDF presentations are ideal for scenarios where you want to distribute your content as a read-only document. PDFs preserve the formatting and layout of your presentation, ensuring consistency across different devices and platforms. They are also highly secure and can be password-protected, preventing unauthorized access or editing.

Tips for Optimizing PDF Presentations

To optimize PDF presentations for search engines and accessibility, consider the following tips:

  • Add alt text to images : Alt text provides a textual description of images, making them accessible to visually impaired users and improving search engine optimization.
  • Include hyperlinks : Hyperlinks within your PDF presentation can enhance interactivity and provide additional resources for your audience.
  • Optimize file size : Compressing images and removing unnecessary elements can reduce the file size of your PDF, making it faster to load and easier to share.

OpenDocument Presentation (.ODP)

OpenDocument Presentation (ODP) is an open-source file format used by various presentation software, including LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice.

Understanding OpenDocument Format

OpenDocument Format is an international standard for office documents, including presentations, spreadsheets, and word processing files. ODP files adhere to this standard, ensuring compatibility across different software and platforms.

Software Supporting ODP Files

ODP files can be opened and edited using various software, including LibreOffice Impress, Apache OpenOffice Impress, and Google Slides. These software offer similar features to Microsoft PowerPoint and provide a cost-effective alternative for creating and editing presentations.

Other Presentation Formats

Apart from the most popular presentation file types mentioned above, there are a few other formats worth considering:

Prezi Presentations (.PEZ)

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that offers a unique zooming user interface, allowing for non-linear presentations. Prezi presentations are saved in the .PEZ file format.

HTML5 Presentations

HTML5 presentations are created using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They offer a highly interactive and dynamic presentation experience, with the ability to embed multimedia elements and integrate with other web content.

Flash Presentations (.SWF)

Flash presentations, saved in the .SWF file format, were popular in the past but have become less common due to compatibility issues and the decline of Adobe Flash Player support.

How to Choose the Best File Type for Your Presentation

When selecting the best file type for your presentation, consider the following factors:

Factors to Consider

Audience and accessibility.

Consider the technical capabilities and preferences of your audience. If they predominantly use a specific software or device, choose a file type that is compatible with their platform. Additionally, ensure your presentation is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, by following accessibility guidelines and using compatible file formats.

Software Availability

Evaluate the availability and compatibility of presentation software across different platforms. Choose a file type that can be opened and edited using widely used software or online tools to ensure seamless collaboration and accessibility.

Interactivity and Multimedia Support

If your presentation requires advanced interactivity, multimedia elements, or animations, choose a file type that supports these features. Consider the level of interactivity you need and whether the file type allows for smooth transitions and engaging visuals.

Comparing File Types: Pros and Cons

Each presentation file type has its own advantages and limitations. Consider the pros and cons of each format in relation to your specific requirements. For example, PowerPoint offers a user-friendly interface and extensive template library, but it may lack real-time collaboration features compared to Google Slides.

Converting Between Different Presentation File Types

Converting between different presentation file types is often necessary to ensure compatibility or meet specific requirements. Several tools and software options are available for this purpose.

Tools and Software for Conversion

Online conversion services.

Numerous online conversion services allow you to convert presentations between different file types. Some popular options include Zamzar, Smallpdf, and Convertio. These services typically support a wide range of file formats and provide a user-friendly interface for easy conversions.

Desktop Applications

Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote offer built-in conversion features. These applications allow you to export your presentation to various formats, including PowerPoint, PDF, and other compatible file types.

Best Practices for Managing Presentation Files

Managing presentation files effectively is essential for easy access, compatibility, and security. Consider the following best practices:

Organizing Your Files for Easy Access

Create a logical folder structure to organize your presentation files. Use descriptive file names and include relevant metadata or tags to facilitate quick searching and retrieval.

Ensuring Compatibility Across Different Platforms

When sharing or distributing your presentation, ensure compatibility across different platforms and devices. Test your presentation on various software and devices to identify any compatibility issues and make necessary adjustments.

Security Considerations for Presentation Files

If your presentation contains sensitive or confidential information, consider implementing security measures. Password-protect your files, restrict editing or printing permissions, and encrypt your presentation if necessary.

Choosing the right file type for your presentation is crucial for a seamless and impactful communication experience. By understanding the advantages, features, and limitations of different presentation file types, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs. Consider the audience, software availability, interactivity requirements, and conversion options to ensure your presentation reaches its full potential.

Recap of Key Points

  • Different presentation file types offer various advantages and features, including user-friendliness, real-time collaboration, and compatibility.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Apple Keynote, Adobe PDF, and OpenDocument Presentation are among the most popular file types.
  • Consider factors such as audience preferences, software availability, and interactivity requirements when choosing the best file type for your presentation.
  • Conversion between file types can be done using online conversion services or built-in features in presentation software.
  • Organize your presentation files, ensure compatibility, and implement security measures for effective management.

Final Thoughts on Selecting the Right Presentation File Type

Selecting the right presentation file type is crucial for delivering your message effectively and ensuring a seamless experience for your audience. By considering the specific requirements of your presentation and the features offered by different file types, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the impact of your presentation. Remember to regularly update and optimize your presentation files to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of presentations.

FAQs About Presentation File Types

Which presentation file type is the most widely used? Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPT and .PPTX) is the most widely used presentation file type globally.

Can I collaborate on a presentation using Google Slides? Yes, Google Slides offers real-time collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously.

Are Apple Keynote presentations compatible with non-Apple devices? Yes, Apple Keynote presentations can be exported to formats such as PowerPoint, PDF, and QuickTime, ensuring compatibility with non-Apple devices.

What is the advantage of using Adobe PDF for presentations? Adobe PDF presentations preserve the formatting and layout of your presentation, ensuring consistency across different devices and platforms. They are also highly secure and can be password-protected.

What are some online tools for converting presentation file types? Some popular online conversion services include Zamzar, Smallpdf, and Convertio.

Remember to follow the instructions provided at the beginning of this article to optimize your content for search engines and improve its visibility.

ShapeChef

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding PowerPoint File Formats

It’s possible to use PowerPoint for years without ever thinking about the various file formats that are available to you. By learning about PowerPoint’s file formats and options, however, you can do a much more effective job of creating presentations, backing them up, sharing them with colleagues, and protecting the information that they contain.

Ordinary PowerPoint Presentations

When you save a simple PowerPoint presentation, you give it a name, and PowerPoint adds the file extension .pptx. Your Sales Presentation file becomes Sales Presentation.pptx .

If your PowerPoint presentation contains one or more macros, PowerPoint will automatically detect their presence and save your presentation as a .pptm file. You can force PowerPoint to save a presentation that includes macros as a .pptx file, but PowerPoint won’t let you play the macros that you’ve included in your slide slow. So it’s best to let it save your file with the .pptm extension.

PowerPoint File Formats

If you need to share your presentation with a colleague who is using an older version of PowerPoint, then save your slides as a .ppt file. PowerPoint 97 through 2003 cannot open and process .pptx or .pptm files.

If you’re using PowerPoint 2007 or newer, you should always save your work in .pptx format (or in .pptm format if you’ve used macros in your presentation). The options described below are additional ways to save your work. Be sure to save them first as ordinary .pptx or .pptm files before you save them in any of these other formats.

PowerPoint Shows

If you want to give your PowerPoint presentation to a friend or colleague, and you don’t want them to change anything, then save your presentation as a PowerPoint Show file. Your colleagues can display your slides, but they will be unable to change any part of your presentation.

There are three types of PowerPoint Shows: Save an ordinary presentation as a .ppsx file. If you’re using macros in your presentation, save it as a .ppsm file. If you’re sending your slide show to somebody who is using PowerPoint 97 through 2003, then create a .pps PowerPoint Show file.

Be sure to save your presentation as a plain vanilla (.pptx) file or as a macro-enabled (.pptm) file. If you’ve only saved the Show file, you won’t be able to make changes to your presentation.

PowerPoint Picture Presentations

Picture Presentations add an additional layer of protection to your work. To the casual observer, a PowerPoint Picture Presentation looks like an ordinary PowerPoint slideshow. But when you save your work as a Picture Presentation, each slide is converted to a simple image.

Slides contain text objects, image objects, animations, transitions, and many other special effects. By contrast, Picture Presentations contain only snapshots of your slides.

If somebody wants to copy your work, they can see each of the images and retype the text. They can even grab (and re-crop) the images. But they cannot capture any of the magic that is PowerPoint.

If you create a Picture Presentation, be sure to give it a unique name. If you only save the Picture Presentation .pptx file, you won’t be able to modify your presentation in the future.

Windows Media Videos

You can convert your PowerPoint presentation to an ordinary Windows Media Video (.wmv) file, and play it using the built-in Windows Media Player or any other video player. Your .wmv file can be enjoyed by any Windows or Mac user, even if they don’t have PowerPoint installed on their computer.

As always, don’t make your .wmv file the only version of your slideshow or you’ll be very disappointed when you want to make changes to the presentation.

Outline/RTF

PowerPoint lets you turn your slideshow into plain text. This is handy if you want to move some of the presentation’s text to your website or blog.

When you create a rich text format (.rtf) file, you save only the text. You lose all of the images, animations, slide-to-slide transitions, and other non-text objects.

It’s easy to save your presentation as a portable document format (.pdf) file. These .pdf files can be opened on any Windows, Mac, Unix/Linux, iOS, or Android device. The resulting file, however, is a static document. Don’t expect to see slides fade in and out. All of your animated objects will become static.

You can save your slides as an XML Paper Specification (.xps) file. That’s a fancy way to say that if you double-click your .xps file in Windows Explorer, the operating system will open your file using its built-in XPS Viewer.

The XPS format is ideal for sending your slideshow to users who have neither PowerPoint nor Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on their computers. As with the .pdf format above, .xps files have text and images, but no animation.

If you’re happy with this year’s Financial Results slideshow, and you want to create next year’s presentation using the same colors and fonts, then save your current presentation as a template, and use it over and over.

As you may have guessed, save your work as a .potx file for use in PowerPoint 2007 and newer, as a .potm file for a 2007 or newer macro-enabled presentation, and as a .pot file for use on PowerPoint 97 through 2003.

Office Themes and Backups

Because Microsoft PowerPoint is part of Microsoft Office, you can use two Office file types to make your PowerPoint work easier and safer.

You can save your presentation theme as an Office .thmx file. Future PowerPoint presentations, as well as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, can use this Office theme to set their fonts and colors. This results in a consistent look and feel to all of the Office documents that you present to prospects and customers.

Autosave is built into most Office applications, including PowerPoint. If you experienced a power outage and hadn’t saved your PowerPoint presentation before you lost power, it’s possible that there’s a recent version of your slideshow in the Office Autosave library. If you click File , click Open , and click Recover Unsaved Presentation , you may be pleased by the information that PowerPoint saved for you.

The Bottom Line

There’s no need to memorize all of the PowerPoint file extensions and options that are available. But be sure that you’re including all of these files when you do your regular on-site and off-site backups. And bookmark this blog page so that you can return to it when you need to save or open a PowerPoint presentation in one of the less popular file formats.

  • September 20, 2014

About ShapeChef

ShapeChef: Graphic and Chart Library for PowerPoint

Blog Categories

  • Slides and Objects
  • Video and Audio
  • Presentation Tips and Techniques

Copyright © 2024 Wulfsoft. All rights reserved.

  • Terms of Service
  • Legal Notice
  • Editor's Choice: Best Back-to-School Tech Gifts
  • Get These 12 Student Discounts!

What Is a PPT File?

This is an older PowerPoint presentation format, but you can still edit one in Microsoft's program or other free slideshow creators

presentation document file format

  • Emporia State University
  • Google Drive
  • Backup & Utilities
  • Cryptocurrency

What to Know

  • A PPT file is a PowerPoint presentation.
  • All versions of PowerPoint can open one, as well as WPS Office Presentation and Google Slides .
  • Convert from PPT to PDF, MP4, and other formats with those same programs.

This article explains what a PPT file is and how to open one or convert one to a different format.

A file with the PPT file extension is a Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003 presentation file. Newer versions of PowerPoint have replaced this format with PPTX .

PPT files are often used for educational purposes and office use alike, for everything from studying to presenting information in front of an audience.

It's common for these files to contain various slides of text, sounds, photos, and videos.

PPT is also short for a number of technology terms that have nothing to do with presentations, like propagation prediction tool, program processing table, program planning team , and Precision Pad Technology .

How to Open a PPT File

PPT files can be opened with any version of Microsoft PowerPoint .

If it was created with versions of PowerPoint older than v8.0 (PowerPoint 97, released in 1997), it's not reliably supported in newer versions of the program. If you have an older PPT file, try one of the conversion services listed in the next section.

Several free programs can also open and edit one, such as WPS Office Presentation , OpenOffice Impress, Google Slides , and SoftMaker Presentations .

Another way to open PPT files without PowerPoint is to use one of Microsoft's free PowerPoint viewer programs .

If you want to extract the media files out of one, you can do so with a file extraction tool like 7-Zip . First, convert it to PPTX either through PowerPoint or a PPTX conversion tool (these are usually the same as PPT converters, like the ones mentioned below). Then, use 7-Zip to open the file, and navigate to the ppt > media folder to see all the media files.

How to Convert a PPT File

Using one of the PPT viewers/editors from above is the best way to convert the file to a different format. In PowerPoint, for example, File > Save As lets you save to PDF , MP4 , JPG , PPTX, WMV , and lots of other formats.

PowerPoint's File > Export menu provides some additional options that are useful when converting PPT to a video.

In the Export menu is also a Create Handouts option that will translate the slides into pages in Microsoft Word. You'd use this option if you want an audience to be able to follow along with you as you make a presentation.

Another option is to use a free file converter to convert the file. FileZigZag and Zamzar are two free online PPT converters that can save one to MS Word's DOCX format as well as PDF, HTML , EPS , POT, SWF , SXI, RTF , KEY, ODP, and other similar formats.

If you upload the file to Google Drive , you can convert it to the Google Slides format by simply opening it. See How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides if you need help.

If you're using Google Slides to open and edit the PPT file, it can also be used to convert the file again, from the File > Download menu. PPTX, ODP, PDF, TXT , JPG, PNG , and SVG are the supported conversion formats.

Still Can't Open It?

Files that aren't opening with the programs mentioned above might not actually be related to a slideshow. Check the extension again to make sure it's not really a file that's spelled with similar file extension letters

PSTs , for example, are used with email programs like Outlook. Another is PTP, a preferences file used by Pro Tools.

There are others that are used in PowerPoint, though, and so are also similar looking to PPT. PPTM is one example—it does work with the slideshow programs linked above.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

  • What Is a PPTM File?
  • What Is an EXR File?
  • What Is a PPS File?
  • What Is an HTACCESS File?
  • What Is a POTX File?
  • What Is a PPSX File?
  • What Is a PPTX File?
  • What Is a PPSM File?
  • What Is a CPGZ File?
  • What Is a GRD File?
  • What Is an XBIN File?
  • What Is an ALP File?
  • What Is an IFC File?
  • What Is a TEX File?
  • What Is an FB2 File?
  • What Is an XNB File?

Media Hygiene

What Is a PPT File: The Basics and Using Them

what is a ppt file

Do you know what a PPT file is? Find out here!

In this article, we’ll explain the basics of PPT files, how to open them, and the differences between variations of PPT windows file formats.

You’ll also learn about compatibility issues and conversion options.

Plus, we’ll show you how to embed PowerPoint into a website.

So, if you’re curious about PPT files, keep reading to expand your knowledge!

Key Takeaways

  • PPT files are digital file formats used for creating and delivering presentations.
  • PPTX is the newer file format introduced with PowerPoint 2007, offering advantages like smaller size and improved graphics.
  • Compatibility issues can arise between different versions of PowerPoint, and it is important to ensure compatibility with the file format.
  • There are different methods of embedding PowerPoint into a website, including using embedding code, converting to HTML5 format, and using plugins for platforms like WordPress.

Overview of PPT files and their importance

You’ll learn about the three key components of a PPT file and why it’s important for presentations.

A PPT file, short for PowerPoint Presentation, is a digital file format used to create and deliver presentations. It consists of slides that contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements.

The three key components of a PPT file are the slides, the design templates, and the speaker notes.

Slides are the individual pages that make up the presentation, while design templates provide a consistent visual style throughout the entire presentation. Speaker notes allow the presenter to add additional information or reminders for each slide.

Understanding these components is important because they help create visually appealing and effective presentations that engage the audience. By using design templates and organizing content on slides, a PPT file allows presenters to communicate their message in a clear and structured manner.

What is a PPT File

So, you want to know what a PPT file is?

Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the definition and history of a PPT file and its origins and purpose. PPT stands for PowerPoint Presentation, and it’s a file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint, a popular presentation software.

PPT files contain slides that can include text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements. PowerPoint was first released in 1987 as a graphical presentation program for Macintosh computers. It quickly gained popularity and became a standard tool for creating professional presentations.

When it comes to types of PPT files, there are two main formats to be aware of: PPT and PPTX.

PPT stands for PowerPoint Presentation and is the older file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint.

PPTX, on the other hand, is the newer file format introduced with PowerPoint 2007. PPTX files are based on the XML format and offer several advantages over PPT files.

They’re smaller in size, more secure, and support advanced features like improved graphics and multimedia integration.

PPTX files can also be opened and edited in newer versions of PowerPoint, while PPT files may require compatibility updates.

Over the years, PowerPoint has undergone numerous updates and enhancements, adding new features and improving its functionality. Today, PPT files are widely used in business, education, and other fields as a means of conveying information and delivering impactful presentations.

How to Open a PPT File

To open a PPT file, you have a variety of software options available. There is paid and free software available to be used both on your desktop and mobile.

One of the most popular choices is Microsoft PowerPoint, which is specifically designed for creating and editing presentations. PowerPoint allows you to easily open PPT files and make changes to their content, layout, and design.

Another software option is Google Slides, which is a free web-based tool that offers similar functionality to PowerPoint. With Google Slides, you can open PPT files, collaborate with others in real-time, and access your presentations from any device with an internet connection.

Additionally, there are other presentation software programs available, such as Keynote for Mac users, LibreOffice Impress for those looking for a free alternative, and Prezi for creating more dynamic and interactive presentations.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you’re having trouble opening a PPT file, there are a few common issues that you might encounter.

One issue could be that you don’t have the right software to open the file. PowerPoint, the software developed by Microsoft, is commonly used to open PPT files. Make sure you have the latest version PowerPoint installed on your computer.

Another issue could be that the file is corrupted or damaged. In this case, you might need to try opening the file on a different device or ask the sender to re-send the file.

Additionally, check if the file extension is correct. PPT files should have the extension ‘.ppt’ or ‘.pptx’. If the extension is different, try renaming the file to the correct extension.

File Formats and Their Differences

When it comes to file formats, understanding the differences between PPT and PPTX is key.

While both formats are supported by PowerPoint, PPTX offers more advanced features and compatibility with newer versions of the software.

PPT vs. PPTX

PPT files are the older version of PowerPoint presentations, while PPTX files are the newer version. The main difference between the two file formats lies in their underlying technology.

PPT files were developed for earlier versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, while PPTX files were introduced with the release of PowerPoint 2007. PPTX files use XML-based formatting, making them more efficient and compact compared to the older PPT format.

The PPT file format, while an older format is still being used by Microsoft PowerPoint. It supports various features such as animations, transitions, slide timings, and embedded media files.

Additionally, PPTX files offer enhanced features and compatibility with newer versions of PowerPoint. They support advanced formatting options, such as tables, charts, multimedia elements. and PPTX files also have better recovery capabilities, making them less prone to corruption.

Understanding the supported features in each format is essential for choosing the right format for your slideshow presentation needs.

Compatibility Issues

When it comes to compatibility issues with PPT files, you may encounter problems when trying to open an older version of PowerPoint in a newer version. This can result in formatting and content discrepancies.

However, there are solutions available, such as converting the file to a compatible format or using compatibility modes in PowerPoint to ensure smooth viewing and editing.

Older vs. newer PowerPoint versions

You may encounter compatibility issues between older and newer versions of PowerPoint. When working with PowerPoint files, it’s important to consider the version of PowerPoint you’re using and the version that the file was created in. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • File format : PowerPoint files have the extension .ppt or .pptx. The newer versions of PowerPoint use the .pptx file format, while older versions use the .ppt format. This difference in file format can sometimes cause compatibility issues between versions.
  • Versions : PowerPoint has gone through several updates and releases over the years, with each version having its own set of features and capabilities. Newer versions of PowerPoint may have additional features that aren’t supported in older versions, which can lead to compatibility problems when opening files created in newer versions with older versions of PowerPoint.

In order to avoid compatibility issues, it’s recommended to check the version of PowerPoint you’re using and make sure it’s compatible with the file you’re trying to open or edit.

Solutions for compatibility

In order to overcome compatibility issues, you can use various solutions when dealing with PPT files.

One solution is to save the file in a different file format that’s compatible with the version of PowerPoint you’re using. This can be done by selecting the ‘Save As’ option and choosing an older file format, such as PPT instead of PPTX.

Another solution is to use online file converters that can convert the file into a compatible format. These converters can be found on various websites and allow you to convert the PPT file into formats like PDF or JPEG.

Additionally, updating your PowerPoint software to the latest version can also help resolve compatibility issues as it ensures compatibility with newer file formats and features.

Conversion Options

Sometimes PPT files aren’t suitable for the purpose at hand and you need to convert. If you need to convert PPT to a different format, there are several tools available that can help you with that.

How to convert PPT to other formats

Easily convert your PPT files to other formats using various conversion options. When it comes to converting your PowerPoint presentations, you have several options to choose from. Here are two relevant conversion methods:

  • Online conversion tools: Many websites offer free online tools that allow you to upload your PPT file and convert it to a different format, such as PDF, JPG, or MP4. These tools are convenient and easy to use, requiring no software installation.
  • PowerPoint software: Microsoft PowerPoint itself provides an option to convert your PPT files to different formats. Simply open your presentation, go to the ‘File’ menu, and select ‘Save As.’ From there, you can choose the desired format, such as PPTX, PDF, or video formats like MP4 or WMV.

Tools available for conversion

You can utilize various tools for conversion, such as online converters or PowerPoint software.

When it comes to converting a ppt file to another format, it’s important to choose the right tool that meets your needs.

Here are some online tools that can convert PPT files:

  • AltoPPT to PDF Converter : This is a simple and free online tool that allows users to convert PPT to PDF. It displays the conversion progress, and upon completion, the converted file can be downloaded.
  • Adobe Acrobat PPT to PDF converter : This is another online tool that can convert PPT to PDF for free. It can turn any Microsoft PowerPoint presentation into a PDF file.
  • CloudConvert PPT Converter : This is an online document and presentation converter that supports various file formats, including PPT. It can convert PPT to PDF, PPTX, ODP, and many others. It is a universal app for file conversions, and it supports nearly all audio, video, document, ebook, archive, image, spreadsheet, and presentation formats. It is also secure, and users can use the online tool without downloading any software.
  • Zamzar : This is an online file conversion tool that can convert PPT to PPTX in real-time. It is secure and free for most users, and the converted file can be downloaded upon completion.
  • HeyGen : This is an online video production tool that can convert PPT to MP4. Users can upload their PowerPoint file and have an AI avatar present it as a video. The AI’s dialogue is based on the text or audio submitted. It is a dependable tool that allows users to effortlessly convert their PowerPoint to video and share it across multiple platforms.
  • Xodo : This is a versatile tool that supports various file formats, including PowerPoint to PDF conversion. It is a free online tool that can convert PPT to PDF. Users can upload their PPT file and follow the steps to convert it to PDF.

As you can see, online converters offer convenience as they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. They usually support a wide range of file formats and allow you to convert your ppt file quickly and easily.

On the other hand, PowerPoint software provides more advanced features and customization options. It allows you to convert your ppt file while maintaining the integrity of the original design and layout.

Depending on your specific requirements and the contextually relevant limitations mentioned in the previous article section, you can choose the most suitable tool for your conversion needs.

Embed Powerpoint into a Website

Now let’s talk about how to embed a Powerpoint presentation into a website.

There are several methods you can use to achieve this, and it’s important to consider which one works best for your specific needs.

We’ll explore how to embed Powerpoint into WordPress, as well as compare the different methods available.

Methods of Embedding Powerpoint into Websites

Embedding PowerPoint into your website is a straightforward process that allows you to share your presentations with your online audience. There are several methods you can use to achieve this:

  • Embedding code: PowerPoint provides an embed code that you can copy and paste into your website’s HTML. This method allows you to display the PowerPoint presentation directly on your webpage.
  • Converting to HTML5: Another method is to convert your PowerPoint presentation into HTML5 format using third-party tools. This allows you to create a more interactive and responsive presentation that can be easily embedded into your website.

Alternatively, if you are using WordPress, you can use the above methods or use plugins to embed a Powerpoint into the website.

How to Embed Powerpoint into WordPress

You can easily embed Powerpoint into WordPress or any website by using a plugin. WordPress offers several plugins that allow you to seamlessly integrate Powerpoint presentations into your website.

There are several plugins that allow you to embed PowerPoint presentations in WordPress. Here are some of them:

  • EmbedPress: This plugin lets you embed audio-video, images, upload presentations, and other content into your WordPress website.
  • iSpring Suite: This plugin allows you to embed PowerPoint presentations into your WordPress website. It offers a variety of customization options, including the ability to add quizzes, surveys, and interactions to your presentations.
  • Embed Any Document: This plugin allows you to embed various types of documents, including PowerPoint presentations, into your WordPress website. It supports multiple file formats, including PDF, DOC, and PPT.
  • Google Slides: You can upload your PowerPoint presentation to your Google Slides page and then embed it into your WordPress website. This method is simple and easy to use[5].

To use any of these plugins, you need to install and activate them on your WordPress website. Once activated, you can upload your PowerPoint presentation to your website and then use the plugin to embed it into your posts or pages.

How to Remove Powerpoint Documents from WordPress

To remove a PowerPoint presentation from WordPress, you need to follow these steps:

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Go to the page or post where the PowerPoint presentation is embedded.
  • Edit the page or post and locate the PowerPoint presentation.
  • Delete the PowerPoint presentation by selecting it and pressing the delete button on your keyboard or using the delete option in the editor.
  • Save the changes to the page or post.

If you are having trouble removing the PowerPoint presentation, you can try disabling the plugin that you used to embed it. To do this, go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard, find the plugin that you used to embed the PowerPoint presentation, and deactivate it. This should remove the PowerPoint presentation from your website.

What if you have multiple PowerPoint documents in the WordPress Library?

You can use a plugin called Media Hygiene. The Media Hygiene plugin is designed to remove unused media files from the WordPress Media library. It helps to keep your media library clean and organized by identifying and deleting files that are not being used on your website. By removing these unused files, you can free up storage space and improve the overall performance of your WordPress site.

In conclusion, a PPT file, also known as a PowerPoint presentation file, is a digital document created using Microsoft PowerPoint software. It’s widely used for creating and delivering presentations in various settings. PPT files can be opened and edited using PowerPoint or other compatible software.

Understanding file formats and compatibility issues is crucial for seamless sharing and collaboration. Additionally, embedding PowerPoint into a website provides a convenient way to share presentations online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ppt file be opened on a mac computer.

Yes, a PPT file can be opened on a Mac computer. You can use software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote to open and view PPT files on your Mac.

What Are Some Common Alternative File Formats to Ppt?

Some common alternative file formats to ppt include PDF, Keynote (for Mac), and Google Slides. These formats can be used for presentations and offer compatibility with various operating systems and devices.

Is It Possible to Convert a PPT File Into a Video Format?

Yes, you can convert a PPT file into a video format. There are various tools and software available that allow you to easily convert your PowerPoint presentation into a video file.

Can a PPT File Be Opened on a Mobile Device?

Yes, you can open a PPT file on a mobile device. There are various apps available that allow you to view and edit PowerPoint presentations on your phone or tablet.

Are There Any Limitations or Restrictions When Embedding a Powerpoint Presentation Into a Website?

When embedding a PowerPoint presentation into a website, there may be limitations or restrictions depending on the platform or software being used. It’s important to check the requirements and compatibility beforehand.

@ 2024 All rights reserved. See our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .

Presentation File Formats at FileFormat.com

When it comes to working with applications development for manipulating different file types, the job is not easy. It requires detailed information about the file format specifications and structures to overcome the issues in developing such applications. FileFormat.com is your one stop for guidance about file formats. Its unique combination of file format wiki, news and support forums gives you the opportunity to get knowledge about file types and engage in fruitful discussions with file format community.

Presentation File Formats #

The Presentation file format category on FileFormat.com includes file formats that can be processed by Slides applications like Microsoft PowerPoint, OpenOffice, Google Drive, and others. Let us have a look at some of these file formats.

A file with PPT extension represents PowerPoint file that consists of a collection of slides for displaying as SlideShow. It specifies the Binary File Format used by Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003. A PPT file can contain several different types of information such as text, bulleted points, images, multimedia and other embedded OLE objects. Microsoft came up with newer file format for PowerPoint, known as PPTX, from 2007 onwards that is based on Office OpenXML and is different from this binary file format. Several other application programs such as OpenOffice Impress and Apple Keynote can also create PPT files.

Files with PPTX extension are presentation files created with popular Microsoft PowerPoint application. Unlike the previous version of presentation file format PPT which was binary, the PPTX format is based on the Microsoft PowerPoint open XML presentation file format. A presentation file is a collection of slides where each slide can comprise of text, images, formatting, animations, and other media. These slides are presented to audience in the form of slideshows with custom presentation settings.

Files with ODP extension represent presentation file format used by OpenOffice.org in the OASISOpen standard. A presentation file is a collection of slides where each slide can comprise of text, images, formatting, animations, and other media. These slides are presented to audience in the form of slideshows with custom presentation settings. ODP files can be opened by applications that conform to the OpenDocument format (such as OpenOffice or StarOffice).

File Format Resources #

File Format News  – Your one stop for all the news related to file formats from around the world File Format Forums  – Post your queries in file format forums to get useful information from file format experts and community users File Format Wiki  – Explore file format categories for information about various file formats

What is a PPTX file?

Files with PPTX extension are presentation files created with popular Microsoft PowerPoint application. Unlike the previous version of presentation file format PPT which was binary, the PPTX format is based on the Microsoft PowerPoint open XML presentation file format. A presentation file is a collection of slides where each slide can comprise of text, images, formatting, animations, and other media. These slides are presented to audience in the form of slideshows with custom presentation settings.

Brief History

PPTX file format was introduced in 2007 and uses the Open XML standard adapted by Microsoft back in 2000. Previous to PPTX, the common file format used was PPT that was pure binary file format. The new file type has added advantages of small file sizes, less changes of corruption and well formatted images representation. It was in the early 2000 when Microsoft decided to go for the change to accommodate the standard for  Office Open XML . By 2007, this new file format became part of Office 2007 and is carried on in the new versions of Microsoft Office as well.

PPTX File Format Specifications

Files generated with office Open XML file format is a collection of XML files along with other files that provide links between all the constituent files. This collection is actually a compressed archive that can be extracted to view its contents. To do so, just rename the PPTX file extension with zip and extract it for observing its contents (See PPTX file format specifications by Microsoft).

Following sections shed some light on each one of these.

[Content_Types].xml

This is the only file that is found at the base level when the zip is extracted. It lists the content types for parts within the package. All references to the XML files included in the package are referenced in this XML file. Following is a content type for a slide part:

If new parts need to be added to the package, it can be done by adding the new part and update any relationships within the .rels files. It has to be kept in mind that for such a change, the Content_Types.xml must also be updated.

_rels (Folder)

Relationships between the other parts and resources outside of the package are maintained by the relationships part. The Relationships folder contains a single XML file that stores the package-level relationships. Links to the key parts of the PPTX files are contained in this file as URIs. These URIs identify the type of relationship of each key part to the package. This includes the relationship to primary office document located as ppt/presentation.xml and other parts within docProps as core and extended properties.

Each part of document that is the source of one or more relationships will have its own relationships part where each such relationship part is found within a _rels sub-folder of the part and is named by appending ‘.rels’ to the name of the part. The main content part (presentation.xml) has its own relationships part (presentation.xml.rels). It contains relationships to other other parts of the content such as slideMaster1.xml, notesMaster1.xml, handoutMaster1.xml, slide1.xml, presProps.xml, tableStyles.xml, theme1.xml, as well as the URIs for external links.

Explicit Relationship

For an explicit relationship, a resource is referenced using the Id attribute of a  element. That is, the Id in the source maps directly to an Id of a relationship item, with an explicit reference to the target.

For example, a slide might contain a hyperlink such as this:

The r:id#“rId2” references the following relationship within the relationships part for the slide (slide1.xml.rels).

Implicit Relationship

For an implicit relationship, there is no such direct reference to a  <Relationship> Id . Instead, the reference is understood.

This is the main folder that contains all the details about the contents of the Presentation. By default, it has following folders:

  • slideLayouts
  • slideMasters

and following xml files:

  • presentation.xml
  • presProps.xml
  • tableStyles.xml
  • viewProps.xml
  • [MS-PPTX] - PPTX File Format
  • Open Office XML
  • AVIF File Format
  • RA File Format
  • KT File Format
  • RM File Format
  • RV File Format

6 Ways to Open PPT and PPTX Files for Free

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.

Did you just receive a Microsoft PowerPoint file and don't have PowerPoint installed on your PC? Or maybe you want to open an old file, but your Microsoft 365 subscription has already lapsed?

Regardless of why, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to open, edit, or present from a PPT or PPTX file. Sure, you could purchase the whole Microsoft Office suite, but that's an expensive endeavor, especially for a small project.

Luckily, a wide variety of alternatives will let you open up your PPT or PPTX files entirely for free. Here are six of the best.

1. Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides

A Screenshot of Office Editing for Docs Sheets Slides in Use

First up on this list is the Chrome extension Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. This extension is heading off this list because it is probably the easiest way to quickly and easily open and edit Microsoft PowerPoint files for free.

For most installations of Google Chrome, the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides extensions comes installed by default. This means that you're already ready to use it.

All you have to do is open up your Chrome browser window and then drag and drop any PPT or PPTX file into the window. You can see the file if you already have the extensions installed.

If not, all you have to do is download and install the extension. Learning how to find, install, and manage extensions in Chrome couldn't be easier, so this is a pretty straightforward method, even if you don't have the extension pre-installed.

The functionality of this extension is pretty impressive. You can easily open, view, edit, and even present your PowerPoint presentations with ease. There's support for animations and even internal links, so while you won't be able to do everything you could with Microsoft PowerPoint, you can get a pretty far way with just the extension.

2. Google Slides

A Screenshot of Google Slides in Use

Next up, we have Google Slides. Google Slides is like Google Docs or Google Sheets, but for PowerPoint presentations instead of Word or Excel.

If you've never heard of Google Slides, it's a cloud-based online alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint. It lets you create slideshows online and then present or share them with others entirely from your browser.

It can also open up PPT and PPTX files. All you have to do is go to Google Slides and navigate to the header that reads File . From there, just click on Import slides , then Upload , and select your file.

You'll need to pick which slides you want to import from here. Since you're trying to open a PPT or PPTX, you probably want to select all of them, but that's up to you. From there, just hit Import slides, and you're done.

From there, you have all of the best Google Slides presentation tools you would get if you had made your presentation there from scratch, and you can save, present, and edit to your heart's desire.

3. LibreOffice Impress

A Screenshot of LibreOffice Impress in Use

Next, we have LibreOffice. LibreOffice is an open-source and entirely free program that has been in development for over ten years. It acts as a free alternative to the Microsoft Office suite and does a pretty good job of it.

LibreOffice Impress is the equivalent of Microsoft PowerPoint and functions more or less identically to how PowerPoint does—from presentation creation, editing, and of course, opening up PPT and PPTX files.

If you're aiming to create a PPT or PPTX file from scratch, this is a great option to do just that. It behaves much the same as PowerPoint does without the price tag. The interface also looks quite good, though a little dated compared to Microsoft's more modern designs.

4. Apache OpenOffice

A Screenshot of Apache OpenOffice Impress in Use

If you want an alternative to LibreOffice, there's Apache OpenOffice. Both programs are free and open-source because they're forks of a previous project. This much is evident even in the naming conventions, with OpenOffice's equivalent to PowerPoint also being called Impress.

OpenOffice Impress does a pretty good job as an alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, especially considering that the project is entirely free.

There are plenty of tools to work with, and a lot of the functionality you would expect from Microsoft PowerPoint is here. For opening and making tweaks to a PPT or PPTX file, you'll be more than fine, and for larger projects, you probably won't have much to worry about either.

Even the interface is pretty good. It's maybe not as sleek as PowerPoint, but it doesn't look bad.

5. Aspose Online PowerPoint Viewer

A Screenshot of Aspose Online PowerPoint Viewer in Use

If you don't want to install anything on your computer, an online solution is a good place to go. Aspose's online PowerPoint viewer is a web service that allows you to upload your files to the internet to view them.

All you have to do to get going with Aspose's online PowerPoint viewer is to upload your file to the site. To do this, just drag and drop the file into your browser, or click the center of the screen to upload it using folder navigation.

From there, you're pretty much good to go. Aspose will automatically open up your PowerPoint file for viewing.

The result is pretty good and gives you a solid idea of what the file looks like, though there can be problems with some fonts not being supported. The presentation will still open but will substitute them with default fonts, which can be problematic if they are critical to your presentation.

6. Online Document Viewer

A Screenshot of Online Document Viewer in Use

Finally, we have Online Document Viewer. This online web service allows you to upload and view documents, including PPT and PPTX files.

Online Document Viewer has some decent viewing options, such as navigation menus, rotation options, and more. There's no ability to edit your files once you've uploaded them, though, so if you were hoping to make any changes, then you're unlikely to have much success with Online Document Viewer.

Make Opening PowerPoint Files Easy

As you can see, a wide variety of different methods are available to let you open and even edit your PPT and PPTX files without spending any money on the Microsoft Office suite.

If you're trying to make an engaging presentation, there are a few better ways to do it. As long as you know how to captivate your audience and have the right tools for the job, you shouldn't have any problems.

  • Productivity
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

presentation document file format

Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to Format Presentation Slides

How to Format Presentation Slides

Learn how to give your presentation slides a facelift so they captivate your audience.

presentation document file format

Why is Presentation Design and Formatting Important?

A well-designed presentation can help you connect with your audience and gets your message across in an easily digestible manner. Great presentation design can impart a positive first impression and is more likely to draw in and engage an audience.

Pretend you’re attending a presentation and instead of formatted PowerPoint slides, each one is plain white with a lot of dark text that’s hard to read. And even though the background and text colors are the same, none of the text is lined up and multiple fonts are used. There are no transitions or title pages that help to differentiate between topics being discussed and you’re presented with slide after slide of confusing, jumbled text.

Tell your story with captivating presentations Banner

Tell your story with captivating presentations

Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices

Formatting slides in your presentation is what enhances the look of the slides and transforms them into something that complements the content and resonates with the audience.

What Else Should a Good Presentation Include?

While formatted slides can help to connect with the audience, a good presentation should also include:

  • Well-written, concise content that clearly explains the problem that you’re trying to solve and the unique solution you’ve come up with.
  • A great hook or emotionally compelling introduction.
  • Visuals that support your message and aren’t too busy.

Most importantly, a good presentation should be efficient and engage with the audience. And that engagement can be found in the content as well as how the slides are formatted.

Tips for Creating & Formatting Presentation Slides

Before you start creating your PowerPoint presentation, make sure that your content is solid. Making an outline can help you keep information organized, clear, and concise before you put it into a presentation. The outline can also help you break down what information is shared on each slide to keep things from being overcrowded or wordy. Take a minute to consider your audience and the best ways to connect with them and present what you’re trying to share.

Once your content is finalized, you can get to work on creating and formatting your presentation slides.

How to Make a Slide

A PowerPoint presentation is sometimes known as a deck and is composed of different slides. When you’re putting your own deck together, you’ll certainly need to add slides and format them in different ways.

In order to make a new slide appear in your presentation, first select the slide that you’d like your new slide to follow. Then click Home and choose New Slide . From there, you can choose your desired layout , and start inputting content. The layout options in PowerPoint are great for keeping your text lined up and consistent through the deck. You can also rearrange, duplicate, and delete slides as necessary.

Formatting Your Presentation Slides

Once you’ve created your content or slides, it’s time to consider design and formatting. This is where you make choices about themes, templates, color schemes, and fonts.

If you don’t feel confident about your design abilities, you might want to try applying a template . This customizable option offers a variety of artistic skins that can give your deck a professional polish. There is even a range of downloadable templates available from Microsoft to suit any kind of presentation.

Don’t feel like you must use a template, though. Many users may prefer to use or create a theme to visually tie together their presentations. PowerPoint provides a variety of themes which include color schemes, backgrounds, fonts, and placeholder slides. In the Design tab, you can choose a theme that appeals to you or matches with your content. You can even try different color variations within the theme by selecting Variants . Each variant has built in options for colors, fonts, and background colors and styles that can help you format your slides and create a cohesive look throughout the deck.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to eschew the suggestions made by PowerPoint:

  • Consider the colors you’re using. There are definitely a few color combinations you should avoid .
  • Choose fonts that are easy to read and make sure that your text isn’t too small to be read across a large room. You’ll also want to remember to keep the text on your slides relatively sparse, with no more than three bullet points per slide.

Using Visual Aids in Your Presentation

One way to break up the monotony of an all-text presentation is to use visual aids like charts, graphs, static images, gifs, and movies.

As with all other aspects of your deck, ensure that your visuals are easy to see and understand, and aren’t too wordy. Imagine trying to read a line graph with lots of muddy colors and small text from across a conference room. The goal of a visual aid is to make the presentation you’re giving more compelling and the information you’re sharing easier to understand.

Here are a few tips for adding visuals to your presentation:

  • Make sure the images you use are of high quality and that they fit in your deck. They shouldn’t be distorted or pixelated, as this will distract from the content.
  • All charts should be very easy to read and understand. If someone can’t immediately glean what information is presented, you may be trying to fit too much into a single chart.
  • Don’t use more than one chart per slide unless it’s necessary. Keep it simple.
  • If you’re including a brand or logo in your deck, make sure you’re adhering to that brand’s style guide .

A great way to get design ideas for slides in your presentation us to use the Designer feature in PowerPoint. It automatically generates design ideas for you to choose from based on the content of your slide. Designer detects when you’re using pictures, charts, and tables and gives you suggestions for arranging them on your slides in a cohesive layout that’s easy on the eyes. Designer can also help to format your lists and timelines into easy-to-read graphics and suggests relevant graphics to pair with keywords that it finds within your content.

Create a PowerPoint deck that stands out and resonates with your audience by formatting it in a professional manner. And don’t forget to prep for your presentation !

Microsoft 365 Logo

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

More articles like this one.

presentation document file format

How to introduce yourself in a presentation

Gain your audience’s attention at the onset of a presentation. Craft an impressionable introduction to establish tone, presentation topic, and more.

presentation document file format

How to add citations to your presentation

Conduct research and appropriately credit work for your presentation. Understand the importance of citing sources and how to add them to your presentation.

presentation document file format

How to work on a group presentation

Group presentations can go smoothly with these essential tips on how to deliver a compelling one.

presentation document file format

How to create a sales presentation

Engage your audience and get them interested in your product with this guide to creating a sales presentation.

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

LinkedIn Logo

Explore Other Categories

Sample .ppt and .pptx download

Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation

.ppt is a file extension for a presentation file format for Microsoft PowerPoint. Download this free presentation file in 3 size.

A .ppt file can contain text (formatted), images, tables, graphs, charts, video, sound.

.ppt files can be viewed by PowerPoint, PowerPoint Viewer and the Open Office.

Microsoft PowerPoint official page

250 kB ppt
500 kB ppt
1 MB ppt

Associated MIME types:

application/mspowerpoint application/powerpoint application/vnd.ms-powerpoint application/x-mspowerpoint application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation

Start Your 5-Day Free Trial

Draftable Support

Compare Two PowerPoint Files, Presentations.

Advanced document comparison software..

Experience a high level of accuracy with our online PPTx presentation comparison solution.

Software to compare Powerpoint Files

Draftable Legal

Why our customers love draftable legal.

presentation document file format

Fair pricing

Customer support, trusted by over 750 global brands.

Intuit logo

What Our Customers Say

Client's logo - Draftable Legal for PPT comparison

Try Draftable Legal for the comparison of PPTx Documents

More about draftable legal, how to compare two powerpoint files.

Upload your PowerPoint files into the Draftable launcher, click Compare and see the identified changes in side-by-side or Tracked Changes format. This is the quickest and easiest way to compare PPT files and accurately detect the differences, including text, formatting, and style changes including font, sizing, bold, italics, and more.

How does Draftable Legal display the differences?

You can choose how you’d like to compare PowerPoint documents and see the changes, with options for side-by-side view and tracked changes output:

Tracked Changes document:   This output is an MS Office document with the changes shown in Tracked Changes (a Microsoft Office feature). This is useful when you need to see the differences between two files, but also accept/reject the changes picked up during the review. You can simply click the accept/reject button and navigate to the next change.  

Side-by-Side:   This output shows both PowerPoint documents side-by-side on the same screen, with changes highlighted. The synced scroll and view allow you to scroll through both documents at the same time and review the changes. You can also navigate through the change list within the Draftable viewer. This is useful when you need to easily see changes, and have the option to export, tag and annotate the changes.   Side-by-side comparisons can be shown for the following PowerPoint file types:

  • .pptx (PowerPoint Presentation)
  • .pptx (PowerPoint Picture Presentation)
  • .pptx (Strict Open XML Powerpoint)
  • .pptx (Office Open XML Presentation)
  • .pptm (PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation)
  • .ppt (PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation)

Can I try Draftable Legal for PowerPoint comparison before purchasing?

Absolutely. You can start a free five-day trial of Draftable Legal to put it through its paces and ensure it’s 100% right for you before purchasing. Start your free trial here .

Why should I use Draftable Legal to compare PowerPoint files over the Microsoft feature?

Side-by-side view: Draftable Legal offers a synced side-by-side view of both documents with all the changes highlighted. This makes it easier to see all the changes, than with Tracked Changes in PowerPoint.

More efficient workflows: Draftable Legal seamlessly integrates with essential legal software such as Document Management Systems and the Microsoft Office suite including PowerPoint, Word and Excel. This smooth integration reduces the number of clicks required to run a comparison and speeds up tasks like uploading files or sending comparison results, offering greater workflow efficiency.  

Broader file compatibility: Draftable Legal supports a wide range of file formats for comparison, including PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, scanned documents, Word documents , Excel spreadsheets and free text .

Who uses Draftable Legal?

Legal teams, including law firms and in-house legal teams, love using Draftable Legal to compare two PPTx files quickly and easily. Draftable Legal was built specifically for legal teams to ensure it fits seamlessly into legal workflows and helps to efficiently review documents and spot differences. Other non-legal teams, including large organisations with heavy workflows, also use Draftable Legal for their document comparison needs.

Can I compare PowerPoint presentations offline?

Draftable Legal is delivered via a desktop application, so you can compare PowerPoint files with ease from the privacy of your computer, without uploading your files to a third-party server. Alongside the MS PowerPoint comparison options, the desktop app offers the ability to compare text and other file types, including MS Word , Excel . It also provides Redline, native and side-by-side options for comparison output.

If you need to embed Draftable within another application or run comparisons via API request, we have a REST API solution. If you require additional security, we also have API self-hosted services. Read more  here . Contact us  here .

Is Draftable secure?

Draftable takes security seriously. We are ISO27001 certified and specialise in document comparison for large organisations. We can cater to teams who have obligations concerning privacy and security and will gladly work with your IT or Dev teams to get you up and running smoothly.

To discuss our self-hosted version or API,  Contact Us . Read More About  Security .

How-To Geek

How to view and restore old versions of powerpoint files.

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.

Quick Links

Requirements, how to see older versions of your powerpoint presentations.

Microsoft PowerPoint lets you view and switch to older versions of your presentations. If you accidentally deleted something important and it got overwritten in PowerPoint, here's how to restore it.

Before you get started, make sure that you have a Microsoft 365 subscription. The ability to view and restore previous versions of PowerPoint presentations can be accessed only through a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Fortunately, this subscription also gives you access to all other Office apps, along with 1TB of OneDrive storage. You can put the cloud storage to good use by automatically saving your presentations to OneDrive.

Also, enabling auto-save on PowerPoint is required for accessing version history. To do so, you'll need to create a new PowerPoint presentation and then turn the "AutoSave" switch on in the document's title bar. When PowerPoint shows you a confirmation pop-up, select "OneDrive."

Related: How to Automatically Save PowerPoint Presentations to OneDrive

Now that you've sorted out the basics, open PowerPoint and load any PowerPoint presentation. There are two ways to check version history here, and we'll show you both.

First, click "File" in the menu bar.

Click File

In the left pane, click "Info."

Click Info

Click "Version History" on the right.

Click Version History

Alternately, you can click the file name at the top of the document that you've opened and select "Version History" from the pop-up menu.

Click Version History

No matter which method you choose, a new pane labeled "Version History" will open up on the right-hand side of your presentation in PowerPoint.

Microsoft PowerPoint sorts older versions of the document by date and time here. To load a previous version of the presentation, click the "Open version" button below the version that you need to go back to.

Click Open version

This will open a read-only file that shows an older version of your PowerPoint presentation. Right below the ribbon menu, you'll see a button labeled "Restore." Click it to go back to the previous version.

Click Restore

Note that this will overwrite your PowerPoint presentation. You can always repeat the same steps to visit the modified version of your document in case you want to copy any additional changes to the older version.

If you use Microsoft 365 apps frequently, you might also be interested in knowing how to restore previous versions of Excel workbooks or Word documents .

Related: How to View and Restore Previous Versions of a Word Document

  • Microsoft Office

Convert Word to PPT

Convert your (docx/doc) word to ppt documents effortlessly, or drag and drop files here.

*Files deleted after 24 hours

Convert up to 2 GB files free, Pro users can convert up to 100 GB files; Sign up now

Or drop your files here

How to convert a word to ppt file online.

To convert a Word to PPT, drag and drop or click our upload area to upload the file

Our tool will automatically convert your Word to PPT file

Then you click the download link to the file to save the PPT to your computer

(DOCX/DOC) Word to PPT conversion FAQ

How do i convert word documents to powerpoint (ppt) format, are animations preserved during word to powerpoint conversion, can i customize the design and layout of the powerpoint slides, is there a limit to the number of slides in word to powerpoint conversion, can i add speaker notes during word to powerpoint conversion, file-document created with sketch beta. word.

DOCX and DOC files, a format by Microsoft, is widely used for word processing. It stores text, images, and formatting universally. Its user-friendly interface and extensive functionality contribute to its dominance in document creation and editing

file-document Created with Sketch Beta. PPT

PPT ( PowerPoint presentation) is a file format used for creating slideshows and presentations. Developed by PowerPoint, PPT files can include text, images, animations, and multimedia elements. They are widely used for business presentations, educational materials, and more.

Rate this tool

Convert more files.

1,724,832 Files converted since 2020

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | About us | Contact Us | API

© 2024 Word.to | VPS.org LLC | Made by nadermx

Insufficient credits

You need more credits to be able to convert more files

  • ☝ Convert as many files as you want
  • ☝ Batch uploading so you can drag and drop as many files at a time instead of one by one
  • ☝ Convert larger files up to 100GB
  • 🚀 Have the ability to ask for extra conversion tools to be added to Word.to
  • List of All File Formats
  • Image Files
  • Audio Files
  • Video Files
  • Compress Files

List of File Formats with Types and Extensions

File Formats store a large variety of raw information in a structured format so that the data can be easily stored, processed, and harnessed. A file format is a standard way of storing data on a computer file. There are multiple types of file formats present which can be used to store and retrieve data efficiently. We will discuss the unique features and use cases for different kinds of file formats and compare them.

File Formats

As the technology is growing it has become more important to save the data in an organised and structured manner.

Table of Content

Most Used file formats

Text file formats, image file formats, audio file formats, video file formats, program file formats, compressed/archive file formats, web page file formats, features of file formats.

Explore a wide range of common file formats and learn how to work with them effectively.

  • Text: This type of file contains only text without any formatting and can be opened with any text editor. Different types of text formats include: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf, .wpd
  • Image: This file type includes binary information about images and defines how the image will be stored and compressed. Different types of Image File Format include: .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, .HEIF
  • Audio: This type of file format stores audio data. It stores raw data in an encoded format and uses codec to perform compression and decompression. Different types of Audio file formats include .aac, .mp3, .wav
  • Video: This type of file format contains digital video data. It performs lossy compression to store video data where audio and video are separately encoded and stored. Different types of Video File Formats include: .amv, .mpeg, .flv, .avi
  • Program: These file formats store codes that can be run on the computer through compiling or interpreting. Different types of Programming File Formats include: .c, .java, .py, .js
  • Compressed/Archive: These files store data in a compressed format on the computer and can be used to easily transport data between computers. These files need to be decompressed before use. Different types of Compressed File Formats include: .iso, .rar, .tar, .7z
  • Web page: These files include information related to the website, web pages, and server. these generally include programming scripts for static or dynamic web pages.  Different types of Web Page File Format include: .html, .asp, .css, .xps.

Recent File format published articles .

Plain Text The most basic text file format, containing only ASCII characters and carriage returns to separate lines.
Rich Text Format A more advanced text file format that allows basic formatting like bold, italics, and font styles.
Word Open XML Document Commonly used by Microsoft Word for storing and saving documents
Comma-Separated Values A simple format for storing tabular data, with each row representing a data record and commas separating fields.
Word Document Used for word processing documents stored in Microsoft Word Binary File Format
WPS Office Word Document A proprietary document file format developed by Kingsoft Office.
WordPerfect Document A document file format associated with WordPerfect, a word processing software.

Message

Microsoft Outlook message format; contains email messages with formatting, attachments, and other information.

.jpg Joint Photographic Experts Group A lossy compression format that is commonly used for photographs and other images with a lot of detail.
.png Portable Network Graphics A lossless compression format that is commonly used for images with sharp edges or text.
.webp Web Picture Format It Supports both lossy and lossless image compression with support of 24-bit RGB color.
Graphics Interchange Format The limited-color format is commonly used for animations and small images.
.tif Tagged Image File Format High-quality format that is commonly used for professional photography and printing.
.bmp Bitmap An uncompressed format that is commonly used by Microsoft Windows.
.eps Encapsulated PostScript file A vector format that is commonly used for print graphics.
.mp3 MP3 Audio File Commonly used for storing and distributing music.

Windows Media Audio

Developed by Microsoft for audio compression, often used for streaming and downloading music.
Sound A generic file extension for sound files, often associated with audio data.
WAVE Audio File Commonly used for storing and recording audio.
RealAudio It’s a playlist file format that is commonly used for storing and distributing playlists.

Audio

Used for storing audio data, commonly associated with Sun Microsystems.

Advanced Audio Coding

Used as an in-vogue sound field design for packed virtual sound and tune data.

MPEG-4 Video File Multimedia container format that commonly stores video and audio data.
.3gp 3GPP Multimedia File Multimedia container format that is commonly used for mobile phones.
.avi Audio Video Interleave File An older multimedia container format that is still supported by many devices.
.mpg MPEG Video File Older video compression format that is still supported by some devices.
Apple QuickTime Movie The format that is commonly used by Apple devices.
Windows Media Video File  The format that is commonly used by Microsoft devices.
C/C++ Source Code File General-purpose programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs between 1969 and 1972.
C++ source Code File A general-purpose programming language developed by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension to the C programming language.
Java Source Code File Programming language created by Sun Microsystems that is now owned by Oracle Corporation.
Python script  The programming language was developed by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991.
JavaScript A scripting language that is primarily used to add interactivity to web pages.
TypeScript A superset of JavaScript that adds optional static typing.
C# Ssource Code File A programming language developed by Microsoft as part of the .NET framework.
Swift Source Code File Programming language developed by Apple for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and Linux applications
.dta Document Type Definition File A data storage format commonly used by Stata, a statistical software program.
Perl Script A programming language developed by Larry Wall at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the early 1980s.
.sh Bash Shell Script A shell scripting language commonly used to automate tasks on Unix-like operating systems

Batch file

Batch file format used to automate tasks on Windows systems; contains a series of commands to be executed by the command interpreter.

Command file

A COM file is an executable file format used for programs on older Windows systems. COM files have limited functionality compared to modern formats.

Executable file

An executable file is a type of computer file that contains compiled code that can be run directly by the operating system. Executable files are commonly used to run programs.

WinRAR Compressed Archive A proprietary file archiver developed by Eugene Roshal.
Zipped File A lossless data compression format that packages multiple files into a single archive file.
BinHex A Macintosh binary-to-text encoding format, often used to transfer binary files through email.
Archived by Robert Jung A file compression format, similar to ZIP and RAR, used to compress and archive files.
Compressed Tarball File This file archiving format groups multiple files into a single archive file.

ARC archive file

An ARC file is an archive file format used for compressing and storing files. ARC is an outdated format and has been replaced by ZIP and other newer options.

StuffIt archive file

A SIT file is an archive file format used on Macintosh systems. SIT is similar to ARC but is specific to Macs.

GZIP compressed file

A GZ file is a file format created with gzip compression. Gzip shrinks the size of files for storage and transmission.

Compressed file

A Z file is a compressed file format associated with the “compress” compression program on Unix systems.

HyperText Markup Language File HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages.

HyperText Markup Language File

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) document format with the less common file extension; identical to .html files.

.xhtml Extensible Hypertext markup language File This is a markup language that combines HTML with XML.
.asp Active Server page A web development technology that allows developers to create dynamic web pages using server-side scripting.
Cascading Style Sheet This is a style sheet language used to describe the presentation of a web page.
.aspx Active Server Page Extended File This allows developers to create dynamic web pages using server-side scripting in ASP.NET.
Rich Site Summary This is a web feed format that allows users to subscribe to updates from websites.
  • Structure Data: File Formats have a basic structure of how data should be stored in the file.
  • Extension: Extensions are useful so that the operating system can check which type of file is being used.
  • Metadata: This is the data that stores useful information about the file such as author name, license, etc.
  • Interoperability: This feature enables multiple systems to use the same file format.

FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions):

What is the importance of file formats.

Ans. File formats are necessary as they help to determine in what structure the data will be stored, accessed, processed, archived and processed. It sets a standard to store information in a computer file.

What is a file extension and why it is important?

Ans. File extension are characters written after period symbol in a file name. They are used by the operating systems to define which program is the file associated with. File extensions indicate the file format and cannot be renamed.

What are JSON, CSV and XMl file formats used for?

Ans. JSON is used for data exchange in modern day web development as it is lightweight and compact. CSV is used when the amount of data to send is large and there are bandwidth issues. XML was used in document markups and its popularity has decreased after the introduction of JSON.

How to choose a file format for storing data for a project?

Ans. To choose a data format, we should have a clear understanding of what type of data we are going to work with. If the data is to be kept lightweight and compact we should prefer JSON format for storing data. If we want a structure data in format of row and column an the amount of data is large we should use XML anf if we are working on legacy projects we will generally work with XML data format for document markups.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

  • File Formats

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

 alt=

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Convert To PDF Online

This online pdf converter allows you to convert, e.g., from images or word document to pdf. convert all kinds of documents, e-books, spreadsheets, presentations or images to pdf..

To get the best results, select all languages that your file contains.

Fix crooked images.

Firefox extension for PDF2Go

Stay connected:

How to convert to PDF online?

  • Upload your image or document.
  • Choose "Use OCR" if you want to extract text from an image (optional).
  • Choose a language (optional).
  • Click on "Start".

Background image showing a folder

PDF Online Converter for free and wherever you want

Easily convert to pdf.

After uploading your file to PDF2Go via drag & drop, Dropbox, Google Drive or by an upload from your computer, you can choose the conversion method.

If you want to convert to PDF, you will get the option to use OCR. If you have a scanned page or image, you can use OCR to extract text from your file and paste it into the new PDF document. That way, you can easily convert from image to text.

Afterwards, click on "Save Changes" and leave the hard work to us!

Use An Online Converter

If you find a free converter to turn your files into PDF documents, you should always make sure that your computer or mobile device is safe. By using an online converter, you can be sure that you won't have to download and install any suspicious programs.

Say good-bye to worrying about malware, viruses or storage space when converting to PDF. On PDF2Go, you only download your edited file and nothing else.

Why Convert Files To PDF

PDF is a wide-spread and common document format. It's main features are print optimization and a fixed formatting that allows PDFs to look exactly the same on any device.

This is, for many, enough reason to use a free PDF converter to convert from Word to PDF. With OCR, you can even extract text from images, for example if you convert from JPEG to PDF. Simply check the "Use OCR" option in this case.

Conversion That's 100% Safe!

If you have safety concerns you will find them eased. PDF2Go's PDF converter handles your files 100% securely.

We do not obtain the right of your file and there will be no manual checking. After a certain amount of time, the files will be deleted from our servers.

For more information, feel free to have a look at our privacy policy.

Possible Conversions To PDF

DOC, DOCX, ODT, RTF, TXT and more

AZW, EPUB, MOBI and more

GIF, JPG, PNG, SVG, TIFF and more

ODP, PPT, PPTX

CSV, ODS, XLS, XLSX

PDF2Go does exactly what the name implies: the online PDF converter works from any device, online, without installation of any additional software. Just use your browser.

Furthermore, PDF2Go provides a free PDF converter. This means there are no costs for you!

Rate this tool 4.5 / 5

You need to convert and download at least 1 file to provide feedback

Feedback sent

Thank you for your vote

Blog & Articles

Are My Files Safe Using PDF2Go?

Are My Files Safe Using PDF2Go?

Everything you need to know about the security of your files when using our online service

How to Efficiently Use the PDF2Go Chrome Extension

How to Efficiently Use the PDF2Go Chrome Extension

The article explains how to efficiently use the PDF2Go chrome extension

PDF2Go Web or Desktop – Which should I use?

The article offers a comparison between PDF2Go Desktop App and Web App.

Dictionary & File Formats

PDF is short for Portable Document Format. PDF documents can contain formatted text, different fonts, hyperlinks, images, and even media such as sounds and videos.

A JPG (or extended JPEG, Joint Photographic Experts Group file) is an image file format.

OCR is short for Optical Character Recognition. This process is used to recognize the visual representation of text, for example in an image.

We do our best to identify the content of your URL

Select this if your URL is a file

Select this if your URL is a website and you want take a screenshot of it

Select this if your URL is a website and you want to save it as PDF

Select this if your URL is a website and you want all its assets in your task

Piwik

presentation document file format

Summarize your files with Copilot

With Copilot in OneDrive, you can generate summaries for files stored on OneDrive without the need to open them individually. Whether it's Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, or Word documents – including those shared with you or by you – you can conveniently summarize the contents of single or multiple files with ease. 

Note:  Copilot in OneDrive is currently available on OneDrive Web for commercial users only.

screenshot of summarize files scenario for copilot in onedrive

Note:  Copilot in OneDrive does not support videos and images. 

Go to http://onedrive.com and sign in with your work or school account.

You can summarize one file or multiple files at a time by following these steps​​​​​​​:​​​​​​​

Summarize a single file: Hover over a supported file, select the  Copilot  button and then click on  Summarize . 

Summarize multiple files: Select up to 5 files, click on the  Copilot  button in the command bar, and then select  Summarize .

The Copilot panel will appear and begin to generate a summary. 

You can now select  Ask a question  ​​​​​​​and ask more custom questions or further customize your summaries from the chat pane. 

You can also generate a summary by mentioning a specific topic and make it as simple or complex as you like, such as “ Create a summary on the total sales of produce in January . List the sales of seasonal fruits and vegetables in a separate section from the sales of year-round produce.”

Tip:  Provide as much detail as possible in your questions - the more specific you are, the better Copilot can assist you.

Facebook

Need more help?

Want more options.

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

presentation document file format

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

presentation document file format

Microsoft 365 training

presentation document file format

Microsoft security

presentation document file format

Accessibility center

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

presentation document file format

Ask the Microsoft Community

presentation document file format

Microsoft Tech Community

presentation document file format

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

COMMENTS

  1. File formats that are supported in PowerPoint

    A PostScript-based electronic file format developed by Adobe Systems that preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. XPS Document Format.xps. A new electronic paper format for exchanging documents in their final form. PowerPoint Design Templates.potx. A PowerPoint presentation template that you can use to format future presentations.

  2. File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

    The binary file format for Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, and Excel 2010 and Office Excel 2007. This is a fast load-and-save file format for users who need the fastest way possible to load a data file. Supports VBA projects, Excel 4.0 macro sheets, and all the new features that are used in Excel.

  3. Understanding Presentation File Types: A Comprehensive Guide

    OpenDocument Presentation (ODP) is an open-source file format used by various presentation software, including LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice. Understanding OpenDocument Format OpenDocument Format is an international standard for office documents, including presentations, spreadsheets, and word processing files.

  4. Understanding PowerPoint File Formats

    It's easy to save your presentation as a portable document format (.pdf) file. These .pdf files can be opened on any Windows, Mac, Unix/Linux, iOS, or Android device. The resulting file, however, is a static document. Don't expect to see slides fade in and out. All of your animated objects will become static.

  5. What Is a PPTX File (and How Do I Open One)?

    A file with the .pptx file extension is a Microsoft PowerPoint Open XML (PPTX) file created by Microsoft PowerPoint. You can also open this type of file with other presentation apps, like OpenOffice Impress, Google Slides, or Apple Keynote. They are stored as a compressed ZIP file, which use a bunch of other files with formatted text, images ...

  6. PPT File (What It Is and How to Open One)

    If you want to extract the media files out of one, you can do so with a file extraction tool like 7-Zip. First, convert it to PPTX either through PowerPoint or a PPTX conversion tool (these are usually the same as PPT converters, like the ones mentioned below). Then, use 7-Zip to open the file, and navigate to the ppt > media folder to see all ...

  7. What is a PPT file? Learn the basics and PPT and PPTX formats

    A PPT file, short for PowerPoint Presentation, is a digital file format used to create and deliver presentations. It consists of slides that contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements. The three key components of a PPT file are the slides, the design templates, and the speaker notes.

  8. Save your presentation in a different file format

    Under Save presentations, in the Save files in this format list, choose the file format you want to use by default. See Also Use PowerPoint to open or save a presentation in the OpenDocument Presentation (.odp) format

  9. Understanding .PPT Meaning: How to Open, View and Edit

    The best way to open .PPT files is with Microsoft PowerPoint, as all the elements in the presentation will be fully formatted. Simply: Locate the .PPT file on your computer. Place your cursor on it and double-click it to open (you can also select it, then right-click it and press Open on the tab that opens).

  10. Save your presentation file

    Open Document format. Microsoft 365 supports the ability to save a presentation file in the OpenDocument Presentation format (.odp). When you use the Save As or Save a Copy command, the option to save in .odp format is listed at the end of the Save as type list of options.

  11. Ultimate guide to different document types

    Created by Adobe, PDF (Portable Document Format) files are the most used document type in the workplace. ... (PPT) are one of the most popular file types to use for uploading and sharing a slideshow or presentation. This format is helpful when you want to present visual elements with your content to your teams or clients. Sharing a PowerPoint ...

  12. File Formats in PowerPoint 2019 for Windows

    XPS (XPS Document) This file type saves the presentations to the XPS (XML Paper Specification) format. POTX (PowerPoint Template) This file type saves the presentations as a template that you can use as a starter for future presentations. This file format works with PowerPoint 2007 and subsequent versions of PowerPoint.

  13. PowerPoint File Formats

    It specifies the Binary File Format used by Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003. A PPT file can contain several different types of information such as text, bulleted points, images, multimedia and other embedded OLE objects. Microsoft came up with newer file format for PowerPoint, known as PPTX, from 2007 onwards that is based on Office OpenXML and is ...

  14. PPTX

    Files with PPTX extension are presentation files created with popular Microsoft PowerPoint application. Unlike the previous version of presentation file format PPT which was binary, the PPTX format is based on the Microsoft PowerPoint open XML presentation file format. A presentation file is a collection of slides where each slide can comprise ...

  15. 6 Ways to Open PPT and PPTX Files for Free

    Luckily, a wide variety of alternatives will let you open up your PPT or PPTX files entirely for free. Here are six of the best. 1. Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. First up on this list is the Chrome extension Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. This extension is heading off this list because it is probably the easiest way to ...

  16. OpenDocument

    The Open Document Format for Office Applications (ODF), also known as OpenDocument, standardized as ISO 26300, is an open file format for word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations and graphics and using ZIP-compressed [6] XML files. It was developed with the aim of providing an open, XML-based file format specification for office applications.

  17. How to Format Presentation Slides

    When you're putting your own deck together, you'll certainly need to add slides and format them in different ways. In order to make a new slide appear in your presentation, first select the slide that you'd like your new slide to follow. Then click Home and choose New Slide. From there, you can choose your desired layout, and start ...

  18. Sample .ppt and .pptx download

    Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation .ppt is a file extension for a presentation file format for Microsoft PowerPoint. Download this free presentation file in 3 size. A .ppt file can contain text (formatted), images, tables, graphs, charts, video, sound..ppt files can be viewed by PowerPoint, PowerPoint Viewer and the Open Office.. Microsoft PowerPoint official page

  19. Compare Two PowerPoint Documents, ppt & pptx Files

    Upload your PowerPoint files into the Draftable launcher, click Compare and see the identified changes in side-by-side or Tracked Changes format. This is the quickest and easiest way to compare PPT files and accurately detect the differences, including text, formatting, and style changes including font, sizing, bold, italics, and more. ‍.

  20. How to View and Restore Old Versions of PowerPoint Files

    There are two ways to check version history here, and we'll show you both. First, click "File" in the menu bar. In the left pane, click "Info." Click "Version History" on the right. Alternately, you can click the file name at the top of the document that you've opened and select "Version History" from the pop-up menu.

  21. List of file formats

    This is a list of file formats used by computers, ... SHOW - Haansoft(Hancom) Presentation software document; SHW - Corel Presentations slide show creation; SLP - Logix-4D Manager Show Control Project; SSPSS - SongShow Plus Slide Show; STI - OpenOffice.org XML (obsolete) Presentation template;

  22. Word to PPT

    Convert Your (DOCX/DOC) Word to PPT documents effortlessly. Select your files or Drag and Drop files here *Files deleted after 24 hours. ... PPT ( PowerPoint presentation) is a file format used for creating slideshows and presentations. Developed by PowerPoint, PPT files can include text, images, animations, and multimedia elements. ...

  23. List of File Formats with Types and Extensions

    A DOCX file is a document file format used by Microsoft Word which is part of the Office Open XML (OOXML) specification. However, DOC is the older binary file format used by Microsoft Word before Office 2007. ... WPS, a file extension stands for Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet. Released by Microsoft Works Word Processor (MWWP), it is now an ...

  24. Convert To PDF

    Convert To PDF Online This online PDF converter allows you to convert, e.g., from images or Word document to PDF. Convert all kinds of documents, e-books, spreadsheets, presentations or images to PDF.

  25. PPTX dps.ny.gov

    dps.ny.gov

  26. PPTX ht.dol.ny.gov

    ht.dol.ny.gov

  27. PDF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Docket No. NHTSA-2023-0038 Manufactured by

    65 See GM Presentation dated Oct. 6, 2021 on MY 2015 Chevrolet Traverse rupture in Michigan at p. 10. 66 See id. 67 See ARC Presentation dated Apr. 1, 2017 on SGO 2016-01/2017-01 Report 80 at pp. 8-11; ARC Presentation dated Nov. 10, 2017 on SGO 2016-01/2017-01 Report 120 at p. 7; ARC Presentation dated Apr. 5, 2017 on SGO

  28. Summarize your files with Copilot

    With Copilot in OneDrive, you can generate summaries for files stored on OneDrive without the need to open them individually. Whether it's Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, or Word documents - including those shared with you or by you - you can conveniently summarize the contents of single or multiple files with ease.

  29. PPTX U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  30. PDF Clark County Public Health STI HIV Prevention Program

    • Public health surveillance includes reporting, investigation, collection, and distribution of data about illness and death. • STI and HIV surveillance data directs the implementation of