Microsoft PowerPoint

Whether your a child in school or an adult at work, Microsoft PowerPoint can be fun for all.

Maybe your in a hurry? Maybe you have time to sit and play. Check out these articles to show you how to use the exciting features that Microsoft PowerPoint has on offer.

Here you can explore 3D models, animations, rehearse your presentation, embed videos, work with SmartArt, or create a memorable photo album for your child’s next birthday party.

How to create links between slides in PowerPoint

Whenever we create a presentation, we want to captivate our audience and highlight the important information we are delivering. While many users are familiar with the basics of creating slides, many users are not aware that you can create links ...

How to compress images in PowerPoint

A common issue that arises with many PowerPoint presentations is an inflated file size. It's too big to email or it's slowing down the computer during the presentation. So let's look at how to compress images in PowerPoint to reduce ...

How to add slide transitions in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is one of those programs that has so many bells and whistles that it can sometimes be a little overwhelming. One of the features you can use to add a simple effect to your presentation is the use of ...

How to use Morph and Zoom in PowerPoint

If you haven't seen the new morph function in PowerPoint yet then you are in for some fun. I wrote about Morph in PowerPoint on my business website in mid 2021 because it's such a fun new feature to show ...

How to create a “Choose your own adventure” storybook in PowerPoint

Over my years providing professional development for teachers, I've had the opportunity to show participants the variety of ways we can use PowerPoint to engage students. One fun exercise is the ability to create an interactive story where the user ...

How to convert PowerPoint to Microsoft Sway

There is no doubt that Microsoft Sway is a fun program to create engaging presentations or Sways. But the thought of converting all your existing content into a Microsoft Sway may be too much to handle. Thankfully this is an ...

How to create a concentration game in PowerPoint

How to create a concentration game using PowerPoint

Recently I saw a question asking how to create a "memory game", or a game of concentration using Microsoft 365. While there are third-party programs that can do this, I assumed that there would be a way to create this ...

3D Model Animations in PowerPoint 365

This week I am presenting a few sessions at the Leading a Digital School Conference being held in Melbourne, Australia. To provide participants with some additional resources I am publishing a series of posts which contain information from my sessions ...

Rehearse timings of your PowerPoint presentation

A common concern for any presenter (including me) is knowing if they have enough content or too much in their presentation. The Rehearse Timings feature in Microsoft PowerPoint provides a quick and simple way to rehearse the timing of your ...

Use PowerPoint animations to make an object appear and disappear

This week I saw a great question on an online forum relating to Microsoft PowerPoint. The question asked how to make an object appear on screen for a few seconds, and then make it disappear only to be replaced with ...

Save time! Pin a file to the Open list in Microsoft Office

At the start of every training course, I show participants through a few really useful features of the Microsoft 365 programs. These features help save you time during a busy workday. One such feature is AutoCorrect, another is the ability ...

Embed a YouTube video in a PowerPoint slide

How to embed a YouTube video in PowerPoint

Wondering how to embed a YouTube video in PowerPoint slides? Check out these quick tips to allow you to insert a video into PowerPoint slides with ease. Presentations have become much more dynamic, interactive and most importantly, engaging. Part of ...

Create speaker notes in your PowerPoint presentation

How to add speaker notes in PowerPoint

When creating a presentation it can be daunting trying to remember what needs to be said and when. You may also encounter the odd occasion when a presentation will be shared between multiple presenters. There can be confusion in knowing ...

How to disable the Start Screen at startup in Office programs

In recent versions of the Microsoft Office programs, users now see a Start screen appear when any of the programs are launched. This Start Screen gives you quick access to various functions such as any recent files you have opened ...

How to insert a SmartArt graphic in PowerPoint

Being able to represent content in a graphical way can add immense meaning and visual appeal to any presentation. I always find that graphics can portray information in a better way than a screen full of text and for that ...

How to open any Microsoft 365 program

For those starting out using Microsoft Office and even for those familiar with the programs, our computers can sometimes be a treasure trove full of so many programs that it's impossible to find the one we want. Being able to ...

How to use a Placeholder in PowerPoint

Ever wondered how to use a placeholder in PowerPoint? The term “placeholder” is used to identify the containers on a slide which are shown with a dotted external border. Placeholders are specifically used to position different types of content on ...

How to copy formatting using Format Painter

Each of the Microsoft programs includes some basic clipboard options which incorporate the Cut, Copy and Paste functions. Generally users are pretty familiar with these tools. What many users have not utilised is the fourth function in the group called ...

The Best Keyword Shortcuts for PowerPoint

The best keyboard shortcuts for PowerPoint

If you've read a few of my posts, you may have noticed that I’m a fan of efficiency. If there is an option to do something faster in any of the Microsoft programs then I use it. During any of ...

10 Presentation Tips for PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a fun program to use and offers many great features. Like me though many people have had the joy of sitting through a terrible presentation! It’s not fun and tends to make you want to go to ...

Convert text to SmartArt in PowerPoint

When creating presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, it is common to see slides containing a heading and a bulleted or numbered list. Let’s be honest, we’ve all sat through a boring presentation which was text, text and more text. A simple ...

How to create a screenshot using Office

For years I have been creating screenshots for various reasons; for use in training courseware; to illustrate to a remote user a button I want them to press; to relay information about a technical problem or error, and the list ...

How to create a photo album slide show using PowerPoint

Have you ever attended an event where a slideshow of photos was showing on a screen for everyone to view? Ever wondered how to create one? It’s very easy using the Photo Album function available in Microsoft PowerPoint. I’ve used ...

The Office Clipboard – a hidden treasure

One feature that MOST users are familiar with is the Cut, Copy and Paste function. The ability to cut, copy and paste within any of the Microsoft applications or third-party apps provides a user with a high level of productivity ...

Choosing a slide layout in PowerPoint – why it’s important

Today I am going to discuss the use of the slide layout feature and how it can assist you to create a consistent and professional looking presentation. Microsoft PowerPoint is probably one of my favourite applications to teach. It provides ...

Customise the Quick Access Toolbar

At the start of almost every Microsoft course I teach, I discuss the options you have to customise any of the Microsoft Office products. The Quick Access toolbar (QAT) is right up there on my list of favourite ways to ...

Preview a slide show in PowerPoint

Many people use Microsoft PowerPoint to share information with an audience. It's important to check your presentation during development, to ensure the formatting, layout, and other elements appear as intended. Learn how to preview a slide show correctly in PowerPoint ...

How to create a PowerPoint presentation using a template

How to use PowerPoint templates

Ever wondered how to create a quick presentation using PowerPoint templates? Maybe you're in a hurry and don't have hours to spend playing with design, colours and slide layouts. Let me show you how to create an effective PowerPoint presentation ...

How to copy slides from one presentation to another

How to reuse slides in PowerPoint

If you are a regular user of PowerPoint then you may find yourself wanting to reuse slides in PowerPoint presentations you've created in the past. Many users resort to using the copy & paste feature to copy slides between presentations ...

Introduction to PowerPoint

So you're after an introduction to PowerPoint? Maybe you've seen PowerPoint mentioned in different places, maybe you've seen PowerPoint is installed on your computer and you're curious what you can use it for or what it's all about. You've come ...

Create PDF file using any Microsoft Office program

Create a PDF file using any Microsoft Office program

Any of the Microsoft Office programs includes the ability to create a PDF file for you. I’m always surprised at how many people are still unaware that this function is now built-in. Quite often people are not aware of this ...

How to use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Office

The Microsoft 365 programs include a powerful feature called Autocorrect. Autocorrect helps to reduce typing errors whilst you work and is set up by default to correct common spelling and punctuation errors. Typing errors such as irregular capitalisation, or commonly ...