Are you using macOS and facing challenges in opening PowerPoint files? This is a common scenario when users either transition from Windows to Mac or when their colleagues send them PowerPoint files. In reality, Windows users primarily use Microsoft PowerPoint, which saves files in the *.PPTX format, while Apple has its own PowerPoint equivalent called Keynote. In this article, we will learn how to open PowerPoint files on a Mac, and we'll discuss various methods to make it convenient for you.
Open PowerPoint on Mac Using KeyNote [Most Convenient]
The most convenient method to open PowerPoint files on a Mac without having PowerPoint installed is to use Apple's free PowerPoint alternative for viewing and editing *.PPTX files.
Edit PowerPoint on KeyNote
Step 1: Go to Finder and, in the Favorites section, click on Applications.
Step 2: Search for Keynote and double-click to open it.
Step 3: Browse for your files and open your .PPTX file using Keynote.
Step 4: Once the PowerPoint file opens, you can edit and make relevant changes or simply go through the presentation.
Step 5: To view the slideshow of your presentation, simply click on the "Play" button in the toolbar at the top.
Step 6: If you want to save your presentation back in the .PPTX format, go to the File menu and choose the "Export to" option. Select PowerPoint there.
Step 7: If you want to password-protect your PowerPoint, click on the "Require password to open" checkbox, set your password, and click "Next".
Step 8: Choose where you want to export your presentation and click "Export".
This method is quite convenient because Keynote is readily available on Mac devices by default, and it's free. However, the interface may be unfamiliar to most PowerPoint users, so Mac users might need to go through tutorials to learn how to edit their presentations. Moreover, the options for editing files are limited, making it inconvenient for users looking to do more.
Method 2: Open PowerPoint on Mac Using Preview
You can also open your .PPTX files on Apple Mac using the default app 'Preview.' However, keep in mind that you can only view them in PDF format using this method; editing is not possible. To use this approach, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Apple Finder app and click on “Applications” in the sidebar menu.
Step 2: In the search bar, type “Preview” and scroll down to click on the Preview app icon to open it.
Step 3: Now, browse and open your .PPTX file.
This method is free and convenient for those who want to view PowerPoint files on Mac. However, if you need to edit them, this method is not suitable for your needs.
Method 3: Open PowerPoint on Mac Using PowerPoint
Opening PowerPoint on your Mac with PowerPoint itself is a convenient option. You can also use PowerPoint online to open your .PPTX files.
Open PowerPoint Using PowerPoint
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser, such as Safari, and visit the official Microsoft website.
Step 2: Click on “Sign In” in the top right corner and log in with your Microsoft account.
Step 3: After signing in, you will be directed to your Microsoft dashboard. Click on “PowerPoint” on your Microsoft dashboard, and you can access all your .PPTX files saved in OneDrive.
If your .PPTX files are already saved on your Mac device, it's advisable to download the PowerPoint app for your Mac system.
Download PowerPoint on Mac
Obtaining PowerPoint for your Mac is a hassle-free procedure. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Apple Store on your Mac to get started. Type "PowerPoint" into the search box.
Step 2: Select "Get" from the first search result to begin the installation procedure.
Step 3: Then click "Open" to start Microsoft PowerPoint on your Mac when the download is complete.
Step 4: To access Microsoft PowerPoint, you must register if you are a new user.
Step 5: Upon signing in, click on the “Open” option in the sidebar, and then select “On your Mac”. Browse your .PPTX file and open it.
Step 6: Mac users can now simply make the necessary changes and then save their .PPTX for later using PowerPoint Mac.
This is one of the easiest but also the most expensive ways to open a .PPTX file on your Mac. While it retains the familiar Windows-like settings, its subscription cost is significantly high. We wouldn't recommend choosing this alternative. Let's move on to the next method to learn how to open PowerPoint on Mac efficiently and cost-effectively. We've saved the best for last.
Method 4: Open PowerPoint on Mac Using WPS Office
Moving on to the last method, this one happens to be our favorite – cost-effective, user-friendly, and advanced. Allow us to introduce WPS Office, the optimal solution on how to open PowerPoint on a Mac without PowerPoint. Let's explore how:
How to Download WPS Office
Step 1: Open Safari on your Mac and go to the official WPS Office website to get started.
Step 2: To begin the download of WPS Office to your Mac system, look for the "Free Download" icon and click on it.
Step 3: Once the download is finished, open the "Finder" and look in the Downloads tab for the downloaded file.
Step 4: Click the WPS Office installation file inside of Finder, and then choose "Open" from the context menu.
Step 5: A pop-up window will open and request your approval before the installation can begin. Click "Open" to proceed.
Step 6: After reading and agreeing to the terms and conditions, click "Install Now" to start the WPS Office installation process on your Mac.
Step 7: Allow a few seconds for the WPS Office installation procedure to complete.
Step 8: Once the installation is complete, agree to the terms and conditions again and then click "Start now" to begin the application.
Step 9: The WPS Office package, which you've just downloaded for free, will now greet you with a clean and new interface. It allows you to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as use PDF tools and other sophisticated capabilities. Enjoy WPS Office's features on your Mac!
Open PowerPoint Using WPS Office
Once you've finished downloading WPS Office, here are the next steps to work with your PowerPoint files on a Mac:
Step 1: Open WPS Office on your Mac system, and click "Open." Browse through your Mac files to locate and open your .PPTX file.
Step 2: Once the file is open, you can unleash your creativity. Edit your presentation with advanced features, such as adding transitions, animations, curving text, or incorporating infographics.
WPS Office offers a wide range of possibilities to enhance and customize your PowerPoint on Mac to your heart's content.
Why do we strongly recommend WPS Office? It's not only free but also exceptionally proficient in handling all your PowerPoint tasks seamlessly. Additionally, it boasts a multitude of features that set it apart as the best choice.
Benefits of Using WPS Office
Let's take a closer look at the numerous benefits of WPS Presentation to understand why it stands out as the superior choice:
Free Office Suite: With WPS Office, you can access all the essential office applications, including Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and advanced PDF tools, completely free of charge by downloading it on your Mac.
Rich Functions: Beyond the powerful applications like Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools, WPS Office offers additional features such as resume assistants, smart forms, screen recording, and file repair tools, all integrated into a single product.
Exceptional Mac Version: The Mac version of WPS Office is robust and caters to the unique needs of Mac users. It bridges the gap left by Microsoft Office, which may not provide the best experience on Mac devices. Instead of having to download each application individually, WPS Office offers all the necessary apps in one convenient download.
Privacy and Security: WPS prioritizes user privacy and security. All user data, including emails, IDs, passwords, and document usage, is automatically encrypted. This ensures that no third party can access WPS user data. WPS Office recognizes the significance of security for Mac users, providing peace of mind.
WPS Template Store: Upon downloading WPS Office, users gain access to a treasure trove of over 10,000 templates for various everyday purposes. Whether you need a personal calendar or an invoice template, WPS Office has you covered.
Experience the seamless convenience that WPS Office delivers, providing Mac users with a similar experience to Microsoft PowerPoint but at no cost. These benefits cater to a wide range of users. Download WPS Office now and enjoy the ease of handling documents on your Mac devices!
FAQs
Q1. What app can I use to open a PPTX file?
WPS Office is the ideal program for opening PPTX files on your Mac. It provides a seamless experience with features for viewing and editing slideshows. While other applications like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote can also open PPTX files, WPS Office is especially proficient on Mac and offers compatibility with a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for your presentation needs.
Q2. What is the difference between PPT and PPTX files?
The primary distinction between PPT and PPTX is their file formats. PPT is a binary format utilized by older Microsoft PowerPoint versions. The Presentation content is stored in PPT files as a binary collection of records and structures, set up according to PPT file format standards in binary streams. PPTX is an open XML format used by more recent versions, starting from PowerPoint 2007. PPTX, part of the Office Open XML specification, is XML-based and employs ZIP compression, resulting in smaller, more efficient files. Notably, PPTX files are often recoverable in case of corruption and offer improved security against viruses and malware installation.
Closing Thoughts
Using a Mac device can sometimes be perplexing due to its entirely new interface and controls. That's why the question of how to open PowerPoint on Mac is of significant importance. In response, we've presented four methods. However, we believe that WPS Office stands out as the best choice. It's free, offers advanced features, user-friendly, and provides an experience quite similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. We firmly believe that opening PowerPoint files on Mac should be a straightforward process, and WPS Office prioritizes this ease of use. So, go ahead, download WPS Office, and effortlessly access your PowerPoint files on your Mac.
