Microsoft PowerPoint review: everything you need to know

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Microsoft PowerPoint has always been my go-to program when it comes to the task of generating engaging presentations. As a consequence of the exceptional features that it possesses, there is no doubt that it is among the most advanced presentation software that is now available on the market. Users of PowerPoint have the capacity to produce presentations that are not only smart but also intriguing and interesting enough to leave an impact that lasts. Users are granted the ability to explore nearly an infinite number of creative pathways because to its broad assortment of cutting-edge tools.

In addition to this, it is simple to incorporate into the wider Microsoft Office suite, which contributes to the establishment of a cohesive setting in which productivity may flourish. During this in-depth analysis of Microsoft PowerPoint, I will discuss each and every function of this widely used program.

I will focus particularly on its presentation capabilities. In this section, we will examine its user-friendly layout, talk about some of the most significant features it possesses, and walk you through the many purchasing options that are available to you. After you have completed reading this analysis, you will have all of the knowledge you require to assess whether or not Microsoft PowerPoint is capable of meeting the requirements that are specific to your company.

Microsoft PowerPoint Specifications

PowerPoint by Microsoft is a powerful and versatile presentation software that can be used to create a wide range of presentations, from straightforward slide displays to in-depth multimedia shows.

Feature	Description
Create presentations from scratch or a template	PowerPoint has several templates and themes for creating great presentations quickly. PowerPoint lets you construct presentations from scratch utilizing its many tools and capabilities.
Add text, images, art, and videos	PowerPoint supports a wide range of media content, including text, images, art, and videos. You can easily add this content to your slides and arrange it in a way that is both visually appealing and informative.
Select a professional design with PowerPoint Designer	PowerPoint Designer uses AI to produce professional slides with a few clicks. Simply enter a topic or keyword, and PowerPoint Designer will generate several slide layouts and designs.
Add transitions, animations, and cinematic motion	PowerPoint has many transitions and animations to enhance presentations. Cinematic motion can also make presentations lively.
Save to OneDrive, to get to your presentations from your computer, tablet, or phone	OneDrive lets you store PowerPoint presentations and access them from anywhere. The PowerPoint mobile app lets you view and edit presentations on your tablet or phone.
Collaboration features	PowerPoint allows you to collaborate on presentations with others in real time. You can also share your presentations with others for review or feedback.
Accessibility features	PowerPoint has many accessibility options to enable disabled users. You can use the built-in screen reader to listen to presentations and add alt text to photos and videos.
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What is Microsoft PowerPoint?

Forethought, Inc.’s Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin are responsible for the development of the presentation program known as Microsoft PowerPoint. On April 20th, 1987, it was made available for the first time, and it was created specifically for Macintosh computers. PowerPoint was acquired by Microsoft for $14 million three months after it was made available to the public.

This was the first large acquisition made by Microsoft, and shortly afterward, the corporation established a new PowerPoint business unit in Silicon Valley, which was formerly the location of Forethought’s headquarters. PowerPoint is a tool that allows users to create presentations, and it is included in the Microsoft Office software package. PowerPoint is one of the office programs that is utilized the most frequently, not only in personal settings but also in academic and professional ones. PowerPoint is extremely flexible, allowing you to tailor your presentations to fit either a professional or a more personal audience.

Microsoft PowerPoint review: Features

You can get started creating new presentations right away by selecting one of the many free or premium templates that are available in the Microsoft template collection. All users have access to the free templates, but only those with a Microsoft 365 subscription have access to the premium choices. If you use the online version of PowerPoint, you will have the ability to collaborate in real time with other individuals, including coworkers and anyone else who may be pertinent.

You need only provide a link to your presentation to the individuals you want to have access to it; then, depending on the rights you give them, they will either be able to alter it or see it. In addition, the web-based version of PowerPoint has a presentation coaching feature that is extraordinarily strong.

When you are practicing your presentation, the computer will, in essence, monitor your pacing, language, and a great number of other metrics, and it will provide you with complete feedback and on-screen guidance. PowerPoint is one of the greatest presentation systems available for users who intend to incorporate animated 3D elements into their presentations. You have the option of uploading and embedding your own files or adding 3D content directly from the PowerPoint collection.

Microsoft PowerPoint review: Interface and in use

The fundamental organization of the user interface is something that will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever worked with PowerPoint, Word, Excel, or any other desktop application developed by Microsoft. You should see a list of the slides that you have prepared for your presentation on the left side of the screen. You can navigate between slides by clicking on them, and you can add additional slides or sections by right-clicking on them.

You may navigate between the many editing and design options by selecting one of the tabs from the list that is located at the very top of the window. When it is finally time to alter your presentation, all you need to do is click on the parts you wish to modify and then follow the on-screen instructions. You may also move other components about by dragging and dropping them into position. This allows you to position them precisely where they are needed.

Microsoft PowerPoint review: Cost

PowerPoint is widely used because it may be accessed in a variety of ways. You can purchase the program directly for $159, but you should check to see whether it is already included at your company or through a Microsoft 365 account that is offered by your school. In that case, you have the option of purchasing a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription for either $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. This provides you access to PowerPoint, along with the other office applications, as well as a hefty 1 terabyte of storage space on OneDrive. The Microsoft Family plan, which costs $99 a year and provides six accounts that each have access to office applications as well as 1 terabyte of storage, makes this deal even more appealing.

An incredible value considering all of Microsoft’s services can be obtained for just $16.50 per person, per year. PowerPoint is able to undercut its paid competitors in terms of pricing, and this is true even with the $6.99-per-month plan. If you want to use the fancy video and zooming transitions-based presentation program Prezi offers offline, it will cost you $12 per month, but if you only want to use it online, it will only cost you $5 per month for an online-only Prezi account. The Pro subscription to Canva costs $12.99 per month and includes AI presentation skills as part of its offering.

If you already have a Google account, you may use Google Slides online without having to spend a single penny for the privilege. This is one pricing that simply cannot be beaten. If you use Apple products, you almost certainly already have Apple Keynote and the other components of Apple iWork installed on your Mac because they come standard with the purchase of the computer. PowerPoint is a superior tool that comes with a greater number of features compared to Slides and Keynote, which are both capable of making simple slideshows just well.

Final Words

My own experience has shown that Microsoft PowerPoint is a very powerful presenting software that has very few limitations. To begin, it is notable for being a cost-effective alternative, and it also offers the advantage of a free online version for users who do not wish to make an investment in the entire suite. Its excellent feature set, which includes real-time collaboration capabilities, as well as its vast help resources, making it a tool that users can depend on to get the job done.

In addition, Microsoft PowerPoint is a program that is quite simple to use in my opinion. The user interface is both simple to use and packed with a wide variety of design options, which makes it simple for you to create compelling presentations. My positive experience with the program has been largely influenced by important features including its practicability and accessibility.

Microsoft PowerPoint review: The Good and Bad

There is a reason why Microsoft PowerPoint is considered to be one of the most widely used presentation programs in the world. It comes with a plethora of cutting-edge features, tools for collaboration, and other goodies.

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