In the world of Linux, you can open PowerPoint through MS Office in your browser, but it has limitations. So, what's the solution? Well, there are plenty of free alternatives to Microsoft PowerPoint out there. In this guide, I'll introduce you to some of my favorites.
Part 1 Best 5 Microsoft Powerpoint Alternatives for Linux
WPS Office
WPS Office is a free and powerful office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. It's designed to help users create, edit, and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations effectively.
Features:
Writer (Word Processor): WPS Writer is the word processing component, similar to Microsoft Word. It offers a wide range of formatting and document creation features, including templates, styles, spell-check, and more.
Spreadsheets (Excel Alternative): WPS Spreadsheets is similar to Microsoft Excel and provides tools for data analysis, chart creation, and complex calculations. It supports various formulas and functions.
Presentation (PowerPoint Alternative): WPS Presentation is the presentation software, similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. It enables you to create slideshows with animations, transitions, and multimedia elements.
PDF Editor: WPS Office includes a built-in PDF editor, allowing you to edit, convert, and annotate PDF documents.
Cloud Integration: WPS Office integrates with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, making it easy to access and save your documents online.
Pros:
Free Version: WPS Office offers a free version with essential features, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
User-Friendly Interface: The user interface is intuitive and resembles Microsoft Office, making it easy for users familiar with Office software to transition.
Good Compatibility: WPS Office can open and save documents in various formats, including those from Microsoft Office, PDFs, and more.
Lightweight: It's a relatively lightweight office suite compared to some alternatives, which means it runs efficiently on older hardware.
Regular Updates: The developers frequently release updates, ensuring the software remains up-to-date and secure.
Mobile Apps: WPS Office offers mobile apps for Android and iOS, making it convenient to work on documents while on the go.
Language Support: It supports multiple languages, making it accessible to users around the world.
OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a comprehensive office suite developed by Ascensio System SIA. It is available as both an online platform (OnlyOffice Workspace) and desktop applications (OnlyOffice Desktop Editors) for Windows, macOS, and Linux. OnlyOffice is designed to be a complete office productivity solution for individuals and businesses.
Features:
Document Editor: OnlyOffice offers a powerful document editor that is compatible with Microsoft Word documents. It supports a wide range of formatting options, styles, and templates.
Spreadsheet Editor: The spreadsheet editor is similar to Microsoft Excel and includes features for data analysis, formula calculations, and chart creation.
Presentation Editor: OnlyOffice's presentation editor is similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, allowing users to create and design engaging slideshows.
Document Management: OnlyOffice Workspace offers document management features, including version control, access control, and the ability to create and manage workflows for document approval.
Integration: OnlyOffice integrates with popular cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, as well as with third-party applications like Nextcloud and SharePoint.
Pros:
Strong Collaboration Tools: Real-time collaboration features make it easy for teams to work together on documents, which is particularly useful for remote and distributed teams.
Compatibility: OnlyOffice provides excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, reducing formatting issues when opening and saving documents.
Document Management: OnlyOffice Workspace's document management capabilities are beneficial for businesses looking to organize and control their documents effectively.
Cross-Platform: It is available as both a web-based platform and desktop applications for various operating systems, offering flexibility to users.
Open Source: OnlyOffice Desktop Editors are open-source software, making it accessible to developers and customizable for specific needs.
Cons:
Complexity: Some users may find OnlyOffice's interface and features to be more complex compared to simpler office suites.
Limited Free Options: While there is a free community edition of OnlyOffice Workspace and OnlyOffice Desktop Editors, more advanced features and enterprise-level capabilities are typically available in paid versions, which may be costly for some users or organizations.
Learning Curve: New users may require some time to become familiar with the interface and collaboration features, especially if they are used to other office suites.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a popular open-source office suite that provides a comprehensive set of productivity applications for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It is known for its compatibility with various file formats and its commitment to free and open-source software principles. Here's an overview of LibreOffice, its features, as well as its pros and cons:
Overview: LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite developed by The Document Foundation. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other platforms. LibreOffice includes a set of applications that are analogous to Microsoft Office and other office suites, making it a versatile choice for personal, educational, and business use.
Features:
Writer (Word Processor): LibreOffice Writer is a powerful word processing application that offers tools for creating and formatting documents. It supports various document formats, including Microsoft Word files.
Calc (Spreadsheet): LibreOffice Calc is a spreadsheet application that allows users to perform data analysis, create charts, and work with complex formulas. It is compatible with Microsoft Excel.
Impress (Presentation): LibreOffice Impress is a presentation software similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. It enables the creation of slideshows with multimedia elements and animations.
Draw (Graphics): LibreOffice Draw is a vector graphics editor for creating diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual content.
Base (Database): LibreOffice Base provides database management tools for creating and managing databases, forms, and reports.
Math (Formula Editor): LibreOffice Math is a formula editor for creating and editing mathematical equations and formulas.
Pros:
Free and Open Source: LibreOffice is completely free to use, and its source code is open for anyone to view and modify, promoting transparency and customization.
Cross-Platform: It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more, ensuring broad accessibility.
Regular Updates: The community-driven development ensures frequent updates and bug fixes, keeping the software up-to-date and stable.
File Compatibility: LibreOffice's ability to open, edit, and save documents in various formats, including Microsoft Office formats, reduces compatibility issues when sharing documents.
Community Support: There is an active and helpful LibreOffice community that provides support, documentation, and assistance for users.
No Licensing Costs: LibreOffice does not require any licensing fees, making it a cost-effective solution for individuals and organizations.
Localization: It is available in numerous languages, making it accessible to users worldwide.
Cons:
User Interface: Some users may find the user interface less polished and less visually appealing compared to proprietary office suites like Microsoft Office.
Advanced Features: While LibreOffice offers a wide range of features, some advanced capabilities available in proprietary software may be missing or less refined.
Learning Curve: Users transitioning from other office suites may experience a learning curve, as the interface and features may differ.
My personal recommendation for the best Microsoft Powerpoint alternative on Linux is WPS Office. I find the interface to be user-friendly and the compatibility with Microsoft Office formats to be excellent. I also appreciate the fact that WPS Office is free to download and use.
In summary, the choice among WPS Office, OnlyOffice, and LibreOffice as Microsoft PowerPoint alternatives for Linux will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Your choice may also depend on whether you prefer desktop or web-based solutions. It's recommended to try each of them to see which one best suits your requirements and workflow.
Part 2 How to Open Powerpoint on Linux?
Opening Microsoft PowerPoint files on Linux can be done using native applications or online browsers. Here are the methods for both approaches:
Natively Installed Applications:
WPS Office Presentation:
If you have WPS Office installed on your Linux system, you can use WPS Presentation to open PowerPoint files.
Step 1 Launch WPS Presentation from your Linux menu.
Step 2 Select "Open" or press Ctrl+O.
Step 3 Locate your PowerPoint file, select it, and click "Open."
Online Browsers:
Google Slides:
Step 1 Open your web browser and go to Google Slides (slides.google.com).
Step 2 Sign in with your Google account or create one if needed.
Step 3 Click Folder icon to open an existing PowerPoint file from Google Drive or your computer.
Recommendation:
The choice between natively installed applications and online browsers depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Natively Installed Applications: Using LibreOffice Impress or WPS Presentation can be a good choice if you prefer working offline and want full control over your presentations. These applications offer a wide range of features for creating and editing PowerPoint files.
Online Browsers Google Slides are excellent options for collaboration and easy access from any device with an internet connection. If you need to collaborate with others in real-time or access your files from multiple devices, using an online browser-based solution might be more convenient.
Part 3 How to Install WPS Office on Linux?
Step 1 Go to the WPS Office download website
Step 2 select the Linux distribution that you are using. You can choose between Deb Package and Rpm Package depending on your system.
Step 3 Open the installer file with the default software manager of your system. Run the following command to install WPS Office:
sudo dpkg -i wps-office_11.1.0.10086_amd64.deb
Step 4 Once the installation is complete, you can start WPS Office by running the following command:
wps
FAQs
Can I open and edit .pptx files on Linux without Microsoft PowerPoint?
Yes, you can edit .pptx files on Linux without Microsoft PowerPoint. You have a few options available: LibreOffice Impress, a free and open-source office suite with PowerPoint compatibility; WPS Office, another free suite that works on Ubuntu; Google Slides, which allows .pptx file editing in the cloud with a Google account; and Microsoft Office Online, offering .pptx editing through a web browser with a Microsoft account
Is Microsoft PowerPoint available for Linux?
Microsoft PowerPoint is not officially available for Linux. Microsoft has not released a native Linux version of its Office suite, which includes PowerPoint. However, you can still open and edit PowerPoint files on Linux using alternative office suite applications.’
Summary
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best free Microsoft PowerPoint alternative for Linux, WPS Office stands out as a powerful and user-friendly option. With its intuitive interface and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, it provides a reliable platform for creating, editing, and managing presentations. Additionally, the inclusion of essential features like word processing, spreadsheet capabilities, and a built-in PDF editor makes WPS Office a versatile office suite for a wide range of users.
While OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer strong alternatives with their respective features and advantages, WPS Office's combination of functionality, ease of use, and compatibility sets it apart in the realm of Linux office applications. For those seeking a reliable PowerPoint alternative on Linux, WPS Office emerges as a standout choice.
