Got a big presentation coming up, but don’t know whether to use PowerPoint or Keynote to make the greatest impact?
Not to worry.
We’ve got you covered with this simple guide to understanding the pros and cons of converting PowerPoint to Keynote. Now, you can spend more time creating quality presentation content instead of hassling over how to use and manage the software of your choice.
PowerPoint to Keynote: Pros and Cons
Especially for those Mac users out there, your choices for presentation software are pretty obvious: PowerPoint or Keynote.
Each one has useful and unique features. Both come with varying fees and costs as well. To find which is best for your presentation, it’s best to consider what type of content you’ll be using them most often for.
Pros of Converting to Keynote
If you didn’t realize already, Keynote is specifically designed for Apple products. This means it works great for phones running iOS software, Apple tablets, laptops and computers.
Keynote is a great asset if you like your presentations to look “profesh” but you’re seriously lacking in personal design capabilities.
You get an easy choice between various templates and fonts and you can even convert your old PowerPoint slides into a Keynote presentation. Bada-bing, bada-boom!
Other incentives for making the jump from PowerPoint to sleek Keynote include:
- Keynote offers a mild learning curve. Creating presentations in Keynote is not that different from doing them in PowerPoint. This is good for you as you won’t need to spend hours relearning how to design things. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
- Keynote is extremely user-friendly.
- You get a more modern, clean presentation.
- Your presentation looks less like it’s using the same deck as the presentation given last week from the HR department. Basically, you get a less “standard” format.
- You can download new or additional templates to look even more unique.
- Choose from several high-design templates.
- Intuitive element placement help so your presentation doesn’t look cluttered.
- Capable of supporting multiple media files from video, audio, images and more.
- Transport files with ease from your iPhone to your MacBook without converting files and risking format changes.
- Transitions and animations are modern. No more checkered boxes or zippers changing your screen from one slide to the next.
- Keynote is FREE if you are using an iOS device.
- You can manipulate and crop photos within Keynote easily.
Cons of Converting to Keynote
While anyone might like free presentation software on their iPhone, there are still some potential costs and other things to be aware of when considering the switch to Keynote.
- It’s not as adaptable as PowerPoint. Manipulating and sharing files is harder unless all you or colleagues are using are Apple products.
- If you’ve never used Keynote or an Apple product, there will be a slight learning curve.
- Not all effects are supported when converting from PowerPoint. Mostly these include 3D effects, so be aware if you’re making a move over.
- Additional templates may cost a fee.
Overall, Keynote is easy to use and easy to transition to from PowerPoint if you’re familiar with Apple products and plan to use them exclusively. Keynote also gives your presentations a much more modern look to remove the feeling of being lectured to.
Pros of Sticking with PowerPoint
PowerPoint is a classic for a reason. It’s likely the most well-known and maybe even the most commonly used presentation software out there.
If you’re one of the millions who have spent your whole work life using PowerPoint then making a switch may present a challenge. PowerPoint is adaptable to both PCs and Macs, however, this does mean your presentation is a bit limited to your laptop.
Other pros:
- Data integration and chart creation work excellently.
- Adding Excel spreadsheets, data, word documents, and any other Microsoft files are seamless.
- Use drag and drop for easy adding and editing of elements.
- Most people have used PowerPoint before and will be easily able to navigate the presentation or the files should the presentation be shared.
- You get literally thousands of themes, templates, fonts and more to choose from for free.
- The “notes” function makes printing out your slides for easy review simple.
- Smart design suggestions help you create a clean, professional looking design without the use of a restrictive template.
- You can control just about anything in your design using Advanced Functions.
- Great for collaborative projects where different contributors are using various devices and files.
- Best for complex data.
Cons of Sticking with PowerPoint
PowerPoint has many features and capabilities to offer. Unfortunately, this complexity can create challenges for some users:
- So many features that users can become confused.
- PowerPoint must be purchased. It does not come free with your device.
- It’s easy to look dinky or unprofessional as there are many cheesy animations and designs or templates to choose from.
- Adding multimedia files can be iffy. Not all files convert well unless they were created on the same device you are presenting with.
- Photo editing and cropping is tougher.
When it comes down to it, PowerPoint may be a bit tricker for some users to navigate. Still, the ability it has to adapt various files and data may rule out many of the cons.
You’ve got the pros and cons of converting PowerPoint to Keynote. So now the question is, should you do it?
Which Presentation Software is Best for You?
All in all, if you do presentations often as part of your team or job, it’s best to familiarize yourself with both types of software. This will ensure you’re ready to present professionally regardless of which software you are required to use.
Not to mention, each has its place and offers pros the other does not that could be an asset to you depending on what type of presentation you need. Presentations with large amounts of data are best done via PowerPoint.
For cleanliness, simplicity, and professionalism, converting PowerPoint to Keynote is a good idea. For more techy hacks and advice on files, software, conversions and more, check out our blog.