PowerPoint presentations often need to be edited and updated even after they have been finalized and saved as a show file (PPSX). Converting the show file back to an editable PowerPoint file (PPTX) is easy to do, but not immediately obvious. This step-by-step guide will show you how to convert a PPSX file into a fully editable PPTX file in just a few clicks.
Overview of PPSX and PPTX File Types
PowerPoint offers several file type options when saving presentations:
- PPTX: The standard PowerPoint file format that allows full editing capabilities.
- PPSX: A ‘PowerPoint Show’ file meant for playing presentations. Not editable.
- PPT: An older PowerPoint format.
- PPS: An older PowerPoint Show format.
The PPSX format runs the PowerPoint show but does not allow you to edit, add, or change anything. It is the final ‘show’ version.
The PPTX format gives you full editing access to add, revise, or update any part of the presentation. This is the file you work in when creating your slides.
When to Convert PPSX to PPTX
Common reasons you might need to convert a PPSX file into an editable PPTX file include:
- Fixing typos or incorrect information
- Adding or removing slides
- Updating charts/graphs with new data
- Changing the theme or design
- Rearranging the slide order
- Adding speaker notes
- And more…
Without converting the file, none of these edits are possible. So when updates are needed, the PPSX must be changed back to PPTX first.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to quickly convert your PowerPoint show (PPSX) into an editable PowerPoint (PPTX) file:
1. Locate the PPSX File
First, find the PPSX file you want to convert on your computer. This is usually saved in the PowerPoint Presentations folder or another designated location.
Tip: You can right click the file and select ‘Properties’ to confirm it is a PPSX file type.
2. Open the File in PowerPoint
Launch PowerPoint on your computer, then go to File > Open and browse for the PPSX file. Select the file and click ‘Open’.
This will automatically open the presentation in PowerPoint.
3. Select ‘File’ Again
At the top menu bar, click back on File. Then select Save As from the menu.
4. Choose Location and PPTX Format
In the Save As window:
- Navigate to the folder location you want to save the converted file.
- In the ‘Save as type’ dropdown, select PowerPoint Presentation (.pptx).
- Type a File Name.
- Click Save.
Save as window screenshot
PowerPoint will automatically convert the PPSX show file into a fully editable PPTX file as it saves.
5. Edit and Update As Needed
You can now modify the PowerPoint file however you need – edit text, add animations, rearrange slides, change themes, add speaker notes, etc.
Be sure to save periodically as you work. And remember to save as PPTX each time to retain editing capabilities. The file is now just like any other PPTX PowerPoint file.
Conclusion
Transforming a PPSX file into an editable PPTX PowerPoint document is a simple process that only takes a minute. Just open the file, use ‘Save As’ to select the .PPTX format, and PowerPoint handles the conversion automatically.
Now you can modify and update your presentation whenever needed, even if it was previously saved as a finalized show file. This flexibility makes revising presentations much easier.
