Merging multiple PowerPoint presentations into one single file is a common need for many professionals. Whether you are combining slides from different team members into one cohesive presentation or gathering slides from previous projects to reuse, having a streamlined process to merge files can save a lot of time and headache.
In this article, we will walk through the step-by-step process for combining PowerPoint files using the tools available right within PowerPoint.
Why Merge PowerPoint Files
There are a few key reasons you may need to merge PowerPoint files:
- Consolidate information – Bring together slides from multiple presentations to create one new presentation with all relevant information in one place.
- Collaborate with a team – Have several people work on separate presentations then combine them into one final deck.
- Reuse slides – Repurpose slides from old presentations instead of recreating the content.
Merging allows you to pick and choose the best slides from various presentations to make your next one even better.
Methods for Merging PowerPoint Files
There are a couple built-in options for combining presentations within PowerPoint. The two main methods are:
- Reuse Slides
- Copy and Paste Slides
The best approach depends on exactly what you are trying to accomplish with the merged presentation.
Reuse Slides
This method allows you to insert an entire presentation as an object within another presentation. It maintains the formatting and slide layouts from the inserted presentation.
Pros:
- Retains original formatting
- Quickly inserts all slides at once
Cons:
- Can leave leftover blank slides
- Links back to original file
Copy and Paste Slides
You can also manually copy slides from one presentation and paste them into another. This gives you more control over exactly which slides get moved over.
Pros:
- Customize which slides get merged
- Break link with original file
Cons:
- Time consuming for many slides
- Loses original formatting
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to easily merge PowerPoint presentations:
1. Open Presentations
First, open the PowerPoint presentation that you want to be the “master” file – this will be the main presentation you’ll merge everything into.
Also open any additional presentations that have slides you want to move over to the master file.
2. Arrange Windows
Resize and arrange all open presentation windows so you can view them comfortably side-by-side.
3. Choose Merge Method
Decide whether you want to reuse entire presentations or copy individual slides. Reusing slides is fastest if you want everything.
4. Merge Slides
If reusing slides, select “New Slide” > “Reuse Slides” and choose a file to insert. If copying slides, drag them over to the master file.
5. Refine and Format
With the merged slides now in your main presentation, delete any unwanted blank slides. Tweak formats to keep things consistent.
6. Save Merged File
Finally, save your new merged presentation file. You can overwrite the existing file or save as a new file.
And that’s it! With just those few simple steps, you can easily combine multiple PowerPoint files into one single presentation.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly merge PowerPoint files is an invaluable skill for any professional who creates presentations. Whether you want to carry over valuable slides from previous projects or work collaboratively with teammates, merging allows you to consolidate files quickly.
With the techniques covered in this article, you now have a streamlined approach to combine presentations right within PowerPoint. So next time you need to bring together slides, you’ll know exactly what to do.
