How to Convert PowerPoint File to Video on Mac and Windows

Converting a PowerPoint presentation into a video can make it much easier to share and view on devices that don’t have PowerPoint installed. Both Windows and Mac provide built-in options to export PowerPoint slides as video files.

Exporting PowerPoint as Video on Windows

The process for converting a PowerPoint file (.pptx) to video (.mp4) on Windows is straightforward:

1. Open the PowerPoint file and ensure all changes are saved. Go to File > Export > Create a Video.
2. Select the video quality. Higher quality means larger file size. Full HD 1080p is a good balance.
3. Check the box for “Use Recorded Timings and Narrations” if applicable.
4. Adjust slide duration if needed, or use recorded timings.
5. Click Create Video. Name the file and select MP4 or WMV format. MP4 has wider compatibility.

The video resolution, inclusion of narration, and format options allow customization for the intended purpose. For example, a 1080p MP4 with narration is great for sharing online, while a 720p WMV could work for playing on older devices.

Converting PowerPoint to Video on Mac

The process is similar on Mac:

1. Open the PowerPoint file and ensure changes are saved. Go to File > Export.
2. Select MP4 or MOV format. Note that PowerPoint 2016 for Mac lacks video export.
3. Choose the video quality, check narration if needed, and set slide duration.
4. Click Export to convert the presentation. Name the video file.

If MP4/MOV options aren’t available or the presentation contains effects incompatible with video formats, consider using a third-party video converter instead for maximum compatibility.

Video Conversion Considerations

Keep a few things in mind when converting PowerPoint files to video:

• Some transitions and animations may not convert properly. Simplify if needed.
• Larger video resolution and higher quality lead to bigger file sizes. Balance with intended use.
• MP4 format tends to have wider device and platform compatibility than WMV.
• Inserted audio and video may need optimization for best results.
• For Mac PowerPoint 2011 and older, narration audio won’t be included.

Testing the converted video before sharing it widely can help identify and troubleshoot any issues.

Alternatives for Converting PowerPoint to Video

If the built-in PowerPoint video export isn’t fitting your needs, third-party software alternatives can help:

• Microsoft Stream – Cloud-based video service for enterprise environments. Requires an organizational account.
• Camtasia – Robust screen recording and video editing suite with PowerPoint import tools.
• iSpring Suite – Specialized PowerPoint conversion and eLearning software.
• Movavi – Intuitive video converter and editor with multiple export formats.

Many of these tools offer additional customization, optimization, effects, and sharing capabilities compared to the PowerPoint video export feature.

Sharing Your PowerPoint Videos

Once converted effectively to video, PowerPoint presentations can be shared in many ways:

• Upload to video hosting sites like YouTube and Vimeo
• Share via Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive
• Embed on websites and blogs
• Play locally on computers, mobile devices, DVD players, and more
• Email attachments or messaging apps
• Stream over the internet on services like Microsoft Stream

Videos can bring presentations to life and make them accessible to broader audiences. By following the right workflow to convert PowerPoint slides and taking advantage of video sharing platforms, presentations can make a bigger impact. Carefully check the converted video and optimize when needed.

With the techniques covered here, you’ll be ready to convert your PowerPoint files and distribute dynamic video presentations seamlessly on Windows and Mac.