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How to Download PowerPoint on Mac [A Complete Guide]

October 26, 2023 846 views

Do you want to download PowerPoint on your Mac computer but are unsure where to start? This guide will walk you through downloading, installing, and using PowerPoint presentation software on Mac OS. You'll learn how to get the full desktop version of PowerPoint through Microsoft 365 or one-time purchases. Also covered are free options like WPS Presentation, which allows you to test PowerPoint compatibility on Mac for free.

Benefits of Using Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint remains one of the most versatile and powerful presentation software available for personal and business use. The ability to use it on both Windows and Mac makes PowerPoint an excellent choice for inter-platform collaboration.

“Microsoft PowerPoint logo”

PowerPoint is the industry standard presentation software that offers many benefits for personal and professional use:

  • Unmistakably Office, designed for Mac with full MacBook Pro Touch Bar support.

  • Navigate your presentation seamlessly with Touch Bar controls, including slide thumbnails and a timer.

  • Ease your eyes with Dark Mode for low-light environments on macOS Mojave.

  • Stand out with beautiful design, rich animation, and intelligent technology.

  • Sync presentations to OneDrive for on-the-go editing and presenting with PowerPoint mobile.

  • Collaborate in real-time with Office 365, saving and accessing your work in the cloud across devices.

Versions Available on Mac

There are a few versions of Microsoft PowerPoint available for Mac users:

Feature

Microsoft 365

Office 2021 Home & Student

Office 2021 Home & Business

Subscription Model

Monthly/Yearly

One-time purchase

One-time purchase

Included Apps

PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook

PowerPoint, Word, Excel

PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook

Price (USD)

$69.99/year or $6.99/month

$149.99 (one-time)

$249.99 (one-time)

Cloud Storage

1TB OneDrive (varies for Family plan)

No

No

Number of Users (Family)

Up to 6

Not applicable

Not applicable

Mobile Device Access

Yes

No

Yes

How to Get PowerPoint on Mac?

Does Mac Come With PowerPoint?

To acquire PowerPoint on your Mac, follow the download and installation guidelines outlined in the subsequent sections of this article – or, as previously mentioned, opt for a direct acquisition from Microsoft's official source.

How to Download PowerPoint on Mac

Step 1: Open the App Store on your Mac.

App Store Icon on Mac Launcher

Step 2: Type "PowerPoint" in the search bar at the top right and press the Return key.

App Store Search Bar

Step 3: Find the Microsoft PowerPoint app effortlessly by selecting it as the top result. Simply choose Get, followed by Install.

Get and Install App Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac OS

Step 4: Track PowerPoint's download progress with the displayed bar. Once completed, find it in your Applications folder.

“Download PowerPoint for Mac for free”

Step 5: Access PowerPoint, sign in with your Microsoft account, or create a new free account for usage.

“Microsoft PowerPoint on Mac homepage”

“Microsoft PowerPoint on Mac homepage”

Free Mac Version of PowerPoint - WPS Presentation

If you don't want to pay for Microsoft Office, consider WPS Presentation – a free office suite for Mac that is fully compatible with PowerPoint.

WPS Presentation logo

WPS Presentation logo

WPS Office Presentation is a great alternative to older versions of MS Office, offering a variety of features and benefits. It's highly recommended due to its compatibility with low-configuration computers, ensuring smooth performance even on less powerful systems. The software is completely free to use, and updates are provided at no cost, making it a cost-effective solution.

“wps office presentation”

“wps office presentation”

In terms of functionality, WPS Office Presentation boasts an AI integration called WPS AI, introduced on July 11, 2023. This feature acts as a work assistant, enhancing overall work efficiency. The suite includes writer, spreadsheet, presentation, and PDF tools, serving as alternatives to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

“wps ai”

“wps ai”

WPS Office has a Microsoft-like interface that's easy to use, making the transition from older MS Office versions seamless. The product is lightweight, occupying only 200M of computer memory, and is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

 “wps office presentation interface”

“wps office presentation interface”

Some specific advantages include a rich template store, supporting online documents with multi-person collaborative editing (WPS AirPage), and strong compatibility with common document formats. It also offers features like resume assistants, smart forms, screen recording, and file repair tools integrated into the product.

 “wps 365 interface”

“wps 365 interface”

However, it lacks support for some advanced Excel functions. Positive user reviews on TrustPilot highlight its versatility and reliability. In conclusion, WPS Office is a powerful, cost-effective option with features suitable for individuals and businesses alike.

Trustpilotstars4.8
WPS Office- Free All-in-One Office Suite
  • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

  • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

  • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

  • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

5,820,008 User
avator
Algirdas Jasaitis
logo

FAQs

Can you reinstall PowerPoint on Mac?

If PowerPoint is unresponsive, crashes, or needs troubleshooting, you can uninstall and reinstall PowerPoint on Mac via the App Store.

Can Apple Keynote open PowerPoint files?

Yes, Keynote is Apple's alternative to PowerPoint and can open PPT and PPTX files. However, some formatting and transitions may be lost when opening complex PowerPoint files in Keynote.

Does PowerPoint work the same on Windows and Mac?

While PowerPoint on Mac has mostly the same core features as its Windows counterpart, there may be slight variances in how certain tools, effects, fonts, and media operate when files are moved between platforms.

Summary

If you're looking for reliable presentation software, PowerPoint is a great option available on both Windows and Mac. To get started, you can purchase and download different Office for Mac editions that include PowerPoint. Once you've purchased, simply use the Office installer app to download and install PowerPoint on your Mac. To activate the app, sign in with your Microsoft account.

If you're looking for a free alternative, WPS Presentation is a good option that provides full .PPT file compatibility and a similar interface to PowerPoint. It's perfect for basic needs without costing you anything.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.