A debate that’s been around for about as long as Mac and Windows have themselves — which is the best presentation software, Keynote or Powerpoint?
Where Microsoft Powerpoint used to be the undisputed champion, Apple Keynote has come on leaps and bounds to contend with the reigning champ. We’re doing a deep dive into the similarities and differences of Keynote vs PowerPoint to help you figure out which presentation program you should use.
Keynote Vs Powerpoint Similarities
Both presentation programs are by far the most popular options for their respective platforms. Though by no means the only presentation apps available.
They both offer slide-based presentations where users can add text, graphics, multimedia, and more to each slide. You can use existing templates as well as transitions on both to create professional-looking and engaging presentations for your audience.
However, the unique features for editing within both apps vary quite a bit.
Keynote Vs Powerpoint Differences
After being around for so long, each app has developed its own approach to features. In some instances, this gives one of the apps a distinct advantage over the other.
Shapes
You can add shapes to presentations in Powerpoint. While most business professionals won’t be doing this all too often, it’s a great tool for teachers.
In Powerpoint, head to insert, then ‘shapes’ and pick the shape you need. Your mouse will then change into a precision pointer and you can draw your shape wherever you’d like.
In Keynote, you’ll click on the shape you want and it will automatically appear in your slide. You can resize it after it has appeared.
You can even merge shapes in both apps. However, Keynote does not give you a preview of your merged shape whereas Powerpoint does. Powerpoint also has more shapes available.
Slide Master Edits
One of Powerpoint’s best features is the slide master. Editing this lets you make global changes to your presentation slides. So, for example, if you wanted a universal layout change last minute, it’s easy to do.
You can also use it to insert the same placeholder image, text, or media across all slides, which is very useful for branding your presentation.
Keynote is more limited in this aspect. You can make edits to the slide master, but there are fewer options for universal changes like in Powerpoint.
Slide Transitions and Animations
You can add a dramatic flair to your presentation by using slide transitions or animations in either program.
Keynote has the edge over Powerpoint when it comes to the number of animations and transitions available. It also has the edge in terms of aesthetics. This should come as no surprise considering it’s created by Apple, who are famed for their design capabilities.
Export and Save Options
Keynote save and export options are limited. By this we mean, you can only save it to one format which is the default .keynote file type. You can however open PPT files using Keynote.
Powerpoint gives you a lot more options for both saving and exporting your presentation. The default file type is the .PPTX format. You can export to PDF, XPS, and video, as well as publish to Microsoft Stream.
Frustratingly, you can’t import Keynote file types to Powerpoint. It’s not reflective of Microsoft. Apple is well-known for creating a lock-in in regard to its products.
Fortunately, it’s a bit of a moot point because you can use our software to convert KEY to PPT.
Who Should Use Powerpoint?
As you can see from the above differences, the two offer a few unique advantages. But if your mind still isn’t made up on which to use, we’ve got a few more pointers to help you.
Powerpoint has been around for so long that it’s synonymous with presentations. This means many PCs already come with it pre-installed.
Powerpoint licenses can be expensive, particularly for business use. A personal license for the Microsoft 365 suite is $69.99 annually. This fee also includes licenses for other Office programs like Word, Excel, Outlook, and more.
Our familiarity with Microsoft products is another reason to stick with Powerpoint. Most of us grew up using Microsoft Office products. As such, we’re all familiar with the layout, regardless of how they’ve changed over the years.
If you’re using Powerpoint as part of a wider team then it’s best to stick to the same app. Collaboration can be made difficult when there are compatibility issues. This advice would equally apply if all your team was using Keynote, then Keynote would be preferential in this instance.
Who Should Use Keynote?
The above isn’t to say you should always use Powerpoint. There’s plenty of instances where Keynote is the better platform option. Like if you’re an Apple user in general.
We mentioned the lock-in above already, but it has its positives. Apple’s obsession with having their own software on all their devices means their software works beautifully together. So if you’re on iPhone, Mac, and iPad and entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, stay there.
Keynote is available across all their devices. Better yet, it’s free. So you can switch seamlessly between the device that suits you depending on where you are.
You might think it being free comes at a cost, like fewer capabilities, but for the vast majority of users, Keynote has all the features you’d need. The app is updated often and you’ll never pay for the new features, unlike with Powerpoint.
If you’re new to Apple products, the new programs can be a little daunting at first. But Apple prides themselves on how user-friendly their applications are. Keynote is no exception to this rule and you’ll pick it up in no time.
You’ll be rewarded with better-looking themes, transitions, and animations. Even the default options on Keynote don’t look like a standard PowerPoint presentation. So if you’re looking to easily up your presentation aesthetic, Keynote can help.
No Clear Winner
As you can probably tell, there’s no clear winner when it comes to the Keynote vs Powerpoint debate. Much of it will come down to what device you’re using and your personal preferences. Both are great programs that can be used to create memorable presentations.
Remember, if you need help with converting file types between Apple and Microsoft products, we can help with almost any kind of file conversion. See our full free services on our site.