PowerPoint Online is the web-based version of Microsoft PowerPoint that allows users to view, create, edit, and share presentations directly in a web browser. With PowerPoint Online, you can access your presentations anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
PowerPoint Online offers many great features, but it also has some limitations compared to the desktop version. Knowing the key differences and following best practices will help you make the most of PowerPoint Online.
In this article, we provide 10 tips to effectively use PowerPoint Online for creating professional presentations.
Step 1: Use Built-In Themes and Layouts
PowerPoint Online provides various built-in themes and layouts that you can use to quickly design your slides. Themes include coordinated fonts, colors, and effects so that your presentation looks polished and professional.
Using the built-in options not only saves time but also ensures accessibility for users with disabilities, as these comply with the reading order, color contrast, and other accessibility guidelines.
Step 2: Optimize Use of Visuals
Visuals make presentations more engaging and help convey ideas effectively. PowerPoint Online supports inserting pictures, icons, charts, SmartArt, and even animated gifs.
However, certain types of media like video files have size limitations. So optimize your visuals for web delivery when working in PowerPoint Online.
Step 3: Limit Text
Too much text can overwhelm your audience. Follow the 10/20/30 rule for text – no more than 10 slides, 20 minutes long, and 30-point font size minimum.
Use concise bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs. Break up text using headings, lists, and white space.
Step 4: Use Available Fonts
PowerPoint Online has a limited font library compared to the desktop app. Stick to web-safe fonts like Arial, Georgia, Times New Roman, and Verdana for best rendering across devices.
Step 5: Check Accessibility
Make sure your presentation is inclusive and accessible for all users. Use the built-in Accessibility Checker to catch issues before sharing your deck.
Step 6: Store Files in OneDrive
PowerPoint Online can directly access presentations stored on OneDrive or SharePoint. Save your files to these cloud platforms for easy access from anywhere.
Co-authoring features also allow real-time collaboration with colleagues on presentations stored in the cloud.
Step 7: Link to Desktop App
You can always open a presentation in the desktop app for more advanced editing by clicking “Edit in PowerPoint” while in PowerPoint Online. This seamlessly transfers the file while retaining all formatting and edits.
Step 8: Reuse Slides
Create custom templates by saving slides with logos, themes, and layouts that you can reuse for new presentations. This saves time while ensuring brand consistency.
In PowerPoint Online, open the presentation with the slides you want, select the slides, and save them as a template.
Step 9: Practice Presenter Mode
Use Presenter View to practice delivering your presentation with a digital timer and speaker notes.
Unfortunately this feature is only available in the desktop app, so you will need to open your presentation using “Edit in PowerPoint” first.
Step 10: Download for Offline Access
Before your presentation, use the “Download As” option to save a local copy of your deck as a PowerPoint file or PDF. This allows you to present even without an internet connection.
You can also print handouts and slides directly from PowerPoint Online if you have a PDF viewer installed.
Conclusion
We hope these 10 tips help you make the most of PowerPoint Online for all your presentation needs. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions!
