presentation file on mac

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How to Open a PPT File on PC or Mac

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 Tested

Using PowerPoint

Using google slides, using powerpoint online.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 87,146 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to open and view the contents of a PPT (PowerPoint presentation) file in Windows and macOS. PPT is the native presentation format in Microsoft PowerPoint's earlier versions and is supported by all versions of the software. If you don't have PowerPoint, you can open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint Online (a free version of PowerPoint accessible on the web).

• If you don't have PowerPoint installed on your computer, make sure to check out this article for detailed instructions on how to download it.
• Alternatively, you can download and use Apache OpenOffice ( https://www.openoffice.org/download ), or Apple Numbers ( https://itunes.apple.com/tr/app/numbers/id409203825 ).
• To open the PPT with a different program, just select the program you want to use on the "Open with" menu.

• If you're prompted, sign in with your Google account.

• Alternatively, you can drag and drop your PPT file here.

• If you're prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.

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How to Open PPTX on a Mac

There are several ways to open a PowerPoint PPTX file on a Mac computer. These include Apple's built-in apps like Keynote and Preview, as well as other apps you may already have installed on your Mac.

Exploring Your Options

Every Mac with any version of OS X should be able to open a PowerPoint file. To find which applications are available to you, right-click the PPTX file in Finder and select Open With . Depending on what you have installed on your Mac, you can choose apps such as:

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• Microsoft PowerPoint , available as a free trial.
• Keynote , which comes with most Macs for free
• Preview, which comes as part of OS X
• OpenOffice for Mac , a free open-source program

Selecting any of these apps will open PPT and PPTX PowerPoint files, as well as PPSX PowerPoint Slideshow files.

If you select the Column view in Finder , you can look at the file without launching an app. Click the arrows that appear on the preview in Finder to move through the slides. Clicking the Quick Look option after right-clicking the file name opens a larger window with thumbnails you can click to navigate through the slides.

Using PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 for Mac computers opens any PowerPoint file. If you make changes to a PPTX file and save it, it saves it in the same PPTX format, which can then be opened using PowerPoint on any computer, including Windows.

Using Keynote

Keynote is Apple's equivalent to Microsoft PowerPoint. It comes as part of Apple's built-in apps on all Mac computers. When you open a PPTX file, it opens just like any Keynote file. If you make changes to the file, you'll need to export it rather than saving it, if you want to keep the file in PPTX format.

Saving Changes In Keynote

Click the File menu and select Export To . Click PowerPoint .

Click the Format menu and select PPT if you want to save the file in PPT format for older computers. Otherwise, click Next to use the default PPTX format. Note that Keynote can password-protect the file if you click the Require Password to Open check box.

Type a file name in the Save As box so that you don't write over the original PPTX file. Click the Export button.

Using Preview

The Preview app in Mac OS X can open all PowerPoint files, just as it would a PDF file. However, you can't make changes to the file. This is a quick option if you just want to see the slides or print them. To see the slides, scroll down.

Other Options

If you have a Microsoft Office subscription, you can open and edit any PowerPoint file saved to Microsoft OneDrive using PowerPoint Online . Select OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, when saving the PowerPoint file. When you log in to PowerPoint Online, the file will be waiting for you there.

If you have a Google or Gmail account, upload the file to Google Drive . Click the gear icon in Google Drive, select Settings and click the Convert check box to convert PPTX files to Google Slides format for viewing and editing. To download the file in PPTX format from Google Slides, select Download As from the File menu and select Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) .

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How to edit .pptx PowerPoint files on Mac, iPad or iPhone

Keynote is arguably the best way to create presentations on your Mac or iOS device, but it’s not necessarily the software most people have installed. If you work with Windows PCs then there’s a good chance that Microsoft Powerpoint will be the go-to package. The problem is that when it comes to sharing Powerpoint creations they arrive in the .pptx format – one not often seen on macOS or iOS. Read next: How to edit PDFs on Mac for free

Stay your angst though, as Apple won’t be overcome by the wrong letters at the end of a filename. So here are the easiest ways to edit a .pptx file on a Mac, iPad or iPhone.

For a more detailed look at how to work with Apple’s presentation software you could also take a look at our How to use Keynote guide.

What is a .pptx file?

As you’ve probably guessed, a .pptx file is the proprietary file format used by Microsoft for its PowerPoint software.

This file type actually replaced the .ppt version in 2007, with the x indicating Microsoft’s switch to an XML format which is far friendlier for other applications to open.

By contrast, .key is the standard file format for Keynote presentations.

How to edit a .pptx file on a Mac

Import .pptx files to keynote.

This one is pretty straightforward as every Mac since 2013 comes with Keynote preloaded. For those with older machines you’ll be pleased to know that Apple has now made the entire iWork suite (Keynote, Pages, and Numbers), along with GarageBand, and iMovie free to download from the App  Store.

With Keynote installed you just locate the .pptx file in Finder. Right click on it, then move the cursor onto Open with… and select Keynote .

You may see some warnings of fonts not being available. These will be proprietary ones, but Keynote will substitute them with a suitable replacement which you can always change if you prefer a different style.

Now you can edit the file as normal.

Export .pptx files from Keynote

Once you’ve finished editing your presentation you can export it in a .pptx format that your colleagues can use on PowerPoint.

Open the file in Keynote then go to File > Export To and select PowerPoint .

You’ll see a box appear with Format: pptx . This is what you want so click Next , name the file then click Export .

This will create a file that you can now share without fear of getting a ‘how do I open this?’ email.

Use Microsoft Office

Of course the easiest way to interact with PowerPoint files on a Mac is to actually use PowerPoint itself. Microsoft offers the entire Office suite on macOS, and it’s very good.

The current trend is to pay a monthly or yearly fee, the cost of which is £5.99 p/m or £59.99 p/a for a single user licence. Other tiers are also available if you want access to the software on more than one machine.

How to edit a .pptx file on iPad or iPhone

Importing to keynote.

Much like on the Mac, Apple has now made Keynote, Number, Pages, iMovie and GarageBand free on iOS. So if you don’t already have Keynote installed, go to the App Store and download it.

To import your .pptx file you’ll first need to ensure that the file is stored in your iCloud Drive. Once this is done open Keynote, tap Locations in the upper left corner, then select iCloud Drive .

You’ll now be presented with the various folders on iCloud. Navigate to your file and tap it to import it to Keynote.

You might see a dialog box saying you need to change your iCloud settings to allow this. If this happens select Go to Settings and you’ll be taken to the iCloud section. Here you just need to turn the Use iCloud option on.

Once that’s done return to Keynote and repeat the above steps to open your presentation. Again you might see a warning saying that the presentation was created in an older version of the software and that some fonts will be different. Tap Open and you’ll finally see your PowerPoint presentation.

Now you can edit the file, add new slides, effects, and what have you, just like any other Keynote presentation.

Exporting from Keynote

Any presentation you work on in Keynote will automatically be saved as a .key file. When you want to share this with PowerPoint users you’ll first need to convert it to a .pptx file. This is achieved through the Send a Copy feature.

Tap the Presentations option in the top left corner to take you back to the main Keynote menu. Here you’ll see all your files. In the upper right corner is the Share button (a square with a arrow pointing out of the top), tap this.

You’ll be presented with three options – Collaborate with Others , Send a Copy , and Move to… – from which you should choose Send a Copy .

You’ll now be asked to select which file you want to send. Tap your presentation and you’ll see a pop-up box with the file types available. Tap PowerPoint and Keynote will convert your file.

Of course you’ll want to send it to someone, so Keynote will open the Share menu where you can pick which method of communication you wish to use: Mail, Message, WebDav, and a number of others.

Use Microsoft Office Apps

Yep, just like on the Mac you can also use Microsoft’s official PowerPoint app on iPhone and iPad. You can do basic editing on the free version and save to OneDrive, but for full features you’ll need a paid Office365 account.

So there you go, various ways to share and edit PowerPoint files on your Mac, iPhone or iPad. For similar tips be sure to check out our How to open .docx files on Mac, iPhone, and iPad .

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How to Get PowerPoint on a Mac

Get the widely used presentation tool

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What to Know

• From the Mac App Store: Apple Menu > App Store > search for PowerPoint > Get > Install > enter Apple ID if prompted > Open .
• PowerPoint requires a subscription from Microsoft. You can sign up via In-App Purchase or at the Microsoft website.
• Keynote, Apple's alternative to PowerPoint, comes pre-installed on new Macs (and can be downloaded from the Mac App Store).

This article explains how to get PowerPoint on Mac, its requirements—including a subscription—and some free alternatives available on the Mac.

How Do I Get PowerPoint on Mac?

Getting PowerPoint on your Mac is very easy. Just a few clicks, and you'll be ready to start making slides and building presentations. Here's what to do:

Open the Mac App Store by going to the Apple menu > App Store or the Applications folder > App Store .

You can also download PowerPoint directly from Microsoft , but these instructions focus on the Mac App Store.

Search for PowerPoint .

On the search results screen, click Get .

Click Install .

Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

When the download is finished, click Open to launch PowerPoint.

Once you've opened PowerPoint, you'll need to sign into your Microsoft account or use a free trial.

Is PowerPoint Free for the Mac?

PowerPoint is not free on the Mac (or on Windows, for that matter). Microsoft offers a free, 30-day trial after you download PowerPoint. Once the free trial expires, you need to pay to keep using the app. Options include a one-time purchase price or a monthly or annual subscription , which provides cloud storage features and ongoing technical support. You can subscribe through Microsoft's website or use in-app purchases via your Apple ID.

Do Macs Come With PowerPoint?

No. To get PowerPoint on your Mac, you need to download and install it using the steps from the first section of this article (or, as noted before, directly from Microsoft).

What Is the Mac Version of PowerPoint?

While PowerPoint may be the most well-known program for making slides and creating presentations, it's far from the only one. Your Mac probably came with one of the alternatives pre-installed.

Apple makes a program called Keynote which is a direct competitor to PowerPoint. It offers all of the core features of PowerPoint—creating slides and presentations, animations, templates, presenter mode, etc. It integrates tightly with Apple's other software and services like iCloud.

Keynote comes pre-installed for free on all modern Macs. It's likely in your Applications folder as you read this. If it's not, and if your Mac and version of the macOS are compatible with it, you can download it for free from the Mac App Store by searching for "Keynote."

Need to make slides and want to avoid both PowerPoint and Keynote? There are many other PowerPoint alternatives , but one place to start is Google Slides , which is free, web-based, and integrates with your Google account and other Google productivity tools.

To print PowerPoint slides with Notes on a Mac, open your presentation and select Print . In the Print dialog box, select Show Details . In the Layout box, select Notes . Configure the rest of your printing options and select Print .

The easiest way to record a voiceover in PowerPoint on a Mac is to record by slide. Select the slide where you want to add the narration, then select  Insert from the menu bar and click Audio > Record Audio . Enter a name for the narration, select Record , read your script, and select Stop when you're finished recording.

To convert PowerPoint to video on a Mac, open the presentation you want to save and select File > Export . In the export window, next to File Format , select a file format option, such as MP4 or MOV . Choose your video quality, choose whether you want to include narrations, adjust timing, and select Export .

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Keynote User Guide for Mac

• What’s new in Keynote 14.1
• Intro to Keynote
• Intro to images, charts, and other objects
• Create a presentation
• Choose how to navigate your presentation
• Open or close a presentation
• Save and name a presentation
• Find a presentation
• Print a presentation
• Undo or redo changes
• Show or hide sidebars
• Quick navigation
• Change the working view
• Expand and zoom your workspace
• Customize the Keynote toolbar
• Change Keynote settings on Mac
• Touch Bar for Keynote
• Create a presentation using VoiceOver
• Add or delete slides
• Add and view presenter notes
• Reorder slides
• Group or ungroup slides
• Skip or unskip a slide
• Change the slide size
• Change a slide background
• Add a border around a slide
• Show or hide text placeholders
• Show or hide slide numbers
• Apply a slide layout
• Add and edit slide layouts
• Change a theme
• Add an image
• Add an image gallery
• Edit an image
• Add and edit a shape
• Combine or break apart shapes
• Draw a shape
• Save a shape to the shapes library
• Add and align text inside a shape
• Add 3D objects
• Add lines and arrows
• Animate, share, or save drawings
• Add video and audio
• Record audio
• Edit video and audio
• Add live video
• Set movie and image formats
• Position and align objects
• Use alignment guides
• Place objects inside a text box or shape
• Layer, group, and lock objects
• Change object transparency
• Fill shapes and text boxes with color or an image
• Add a border to an object
• Add a caption or title
• Add a reflection or shadow
• Use object styles
• Resize, rotate, and flip objects
• Move and edit objects using the object list
• Add linked objects to make your presentation interactive
• Select text
• Copy and paste text
• Use dictation to enter text
• Use accents and special characters
• Format a presentation for another language
• Use phonetic guides
• Use bidirectional text
• Use vertical text
• Change the font or font size
• Add bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough to text
• Change the color of text
• Change text capitalization
• Add a shadow or outline to text
• Intro to paragraph styles
• Apply a paragraph style
• Create, rename, or delete paragraph styles
• Update or revert a paragraph style
• Use a keyboard shortcut to apply a style
• Adjust character spacing
• Add drop caps
• Raise and lower characters and text
• Format fractions automatically
• Create and use character styles
• Format dashes and quotation marks
• Format Chinese, Japanese, or Korean text
• Set tab stops
• Format text into columns
• Adjust line spacing
• Format lists
• Add a highlight effect to text
• Add mathematical equations
• Add borders and rules (lines) to separate text
• Add or delete a table
• Select tables, cells, rows, and columns
• Add or remove rows and columns
• Move rows and columns
• Resize rows and columns
• Merge or unmerge cells
• Change the look of table text
• Show, hide, or edit a table title
• Change table gridlines and colors
• Use table styles
• Resize, move, or lock a table
• Add and edit cell content
• Format dates, currency, and more
• Create a custom cell format
• Highlight cells conditionally
• Format tables for bidirectional text
• Alphabetize or sort table data
• Calculate values using data in table cells
• Use the Formulas and Functions Help
• Add or delete a chart
• Change a chart from one type to another
• Modify chart data
• Move, resize, and rotate a chart
• Change the look of data series
• Add a legend, gridlines, and other markings
• Change the look of chart text and labels
• Add a chart border and background
• Use chart styles
• Animate objects onto and off a slide
• Animate objects on a slide
• Change build order and timing
• Add transitions
• Present on your Mac
• Present on a separate display
• Present on a Mac over the internet
• Use a remote
• Make a presentation advance automatically
• Require a password to exit a presentation
• Play a slideshow with multiple presenters
• Rehearse on your Mac
• Record presentations
• Check spelling
• Look up words
• Find and replace text
• Replace text automatically
• Set author name and comment color
• Highlight text
• Add and print comments
• Send a presentation
• Intro to collaboration
• Invite others to collaborate
• Collaborate on a shared presentation
• See the latest activity in a shared presentation
• Change a shared presentation’s settings
• Stop sharing a presentation
• Shared folders and collaboration
• Use Box to collaborate
• Create an animated GIF
• Post your presentation in a blog
• Use iCloud Drive with Keynote
• Export to PowerPoint or another file format
• Reduce the presentation file size
• Save a large presentation as a package file
• Restore an earlier version of a presentation
• Move a presentation
• Delete a presentation
• Password-protect a presentation
• Lock a presentation
• Create and manage custom themes
• Transfer files with AirDrop
• Transfer presentations with Handoff
• Transfer presentations with the Finder
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Keyboard shortcut symbols

Save and name a Keynote presentation on Mac

The first time you save a presentation, you name it and choose where to save it—on your desktop or in a folder, for example. Thereafter, Keynote automatically saves your presentation as you work. You can rename a presentation at any time or create a duplicate of it with a different name.

Save and name a new presentation

Click anywhere in the presentation window to make it active, then choose File > Save (from the File menu at the top of your screen).

Enter a name in the Save As field, then enter one or more tags (optional).

Click the Where pop-up menu and choose a location.

To have the presentation appear on all your devices set up with iCloud Drive , save the presentation in the Keynote folder in iCloud Drive. (To see this option, iCloud Drive must be set up on your Mac .)

To create a new folder for the presentation, click the Where pop-up menu and choose Other, then click New Folder at the bottom of the dialog. Enter a name for the folder, then click Create.

Click Save.

Rename a presentation

Click the presentation name at the top of the Keynote window, then type a new name.

Click anywhere outside the dialog to dismiss it.

Save a copy of a presentation

With the presentation open, hold down the Option key on your keyboard and choose File > Save As (from the File menu at the top of your screen).

Type a name for the copy, then press Return.

The copy is saved to the same location as the original. You can change where the copy is saved or send the copy to someone .

To save a copy of a presentation in another format (for example, Microsoft PowerPoint, PDF, or Keynote ’09), you make a copy of the presentation in that format. To learn how, see Export to PowerPoint or another file format in Keynote on Mac .

Can a PowerPoint Presentation Created on a PC Run on a Mac? Here’s How

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to run a PowerPoint presentation created on a PC, on a Mac? Well, you’re in luck because it’s definitely possible! In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make sure your presentation goes off without a hitch, regardless of the platform you’re using.

Step by Step Tutorial for Running a PowerPoint Presentation on a Mac

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that PowerPoint presentations are generally compatible across PC and Mac platforms thanks to Microsoft’s efforts to create cross-platform software. With that in mind, let’s get started.

Step 1: Save the PowerPoint Presentation Correctly

Make sure to save your PowerPoint presentation in a format that is compatible with Mac. The best option is to use the .pptx file format.

Saving your presentation in the .pptx format ensures that most of the formatting and features you used on your PC will be preserved when you open the presentation on a Mac. This format is the default for newer versions of PowerPoint, so you likely won’t need to change anything unless you’re using an older version.

Step 2: Transfer the File to Your Mac

You can transfer the PowerPoint presentation to your Mac using a USB drive, email, or cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

When transferring files between a PC and a Mac, it’s important to ensure that the file does not get corrupted. Be sure to safely eject your USB drive from your PC and properly mount it on your Mac to avoid any data loss.

Step 3: Open the Presentation on Your Mac

Once the file is on your Mac, simply double-click the .pptx file to open it in PowerPoint for Mac.

If you don’t have PowerPoint installed on your Mac, you can use the pre-installed Apple Keynote app to open the presentation, though some features might not work perfectly. Alternatively, you can view the presentation for free using PowerPoint Online through your web browser.

After completing these steps, your PowerPoint presentation should open on your Mac, just like it would on your PC. You can now present, edit, or share your presentation without any platform-related issues.

Tips for Running a PowerPoint Presentation on a Mac

• Always double-check your presentation after opening it on a Mac to ensure all features and animations work as expected.
• If you’re using custom fonts in your presentation, make sure to install those fonts on your Mac as well, since missing fonts can cause formatting issues.
• Keep your presentation files organized in a cloud storage service for easy access from any device, including Mac and PC.
• Familiarize yourself with PowerPoint for Mac’s interface, as it may have slight differences from the PC version.
• Consider converting your PowerPoint presentation to a PDF if you’re only planning to present the information without any interactive elements, as PDFs are universally compatible across platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a powerpoint presentation with embedded videos run on a mac.

Yes, PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos can run on a Mac, but make sure the video file formats are compatible with macOS.

What if I use PowerPoint-specific features like transitions and animations?

Most transitions and animations should work on a Mac, but it’s always best to test the presentation beforehand to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Can I edit the PowerPoint presentation on a Mac after it’s been created on a PC?

Absolutely! You can edit the presentation on a Mac just as you would on a PC, provided you have PowerPoint for Mac installed.

Is there a free way to view PowerPoint presentations on a Mac?

Yes, you can view PowerPoint presentations for free using PowerPoint Online through a web browser or by using Apple’s Keynote app, though some features may be limited.

Will hyperlinks and action buttons work when running a PowerPoint on a Mac?

Hyperlinks and action buttons should work as intended when running a PowerPoint presentation on a Mac, but it’s always good practice to test them out before your actual presentation.

• Save the PowerPoint presentation in .pptx format.
• Transfer the file to your Mac using a USB drive, email, or cloud storage.
• Open the presentation on your Mac using PowerPoint for Mac, Keynote, or PowerPoint Online.

So there you have it – running a PowerPoint presentation created on a PC on a Mac is not just a possibility, it’s quite straightforward. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your presentation is not only compatible but also maintains the integrity of its content and design. Remember, while both platforms offer different experiences, Microsoft and Apple have made significant strides in ensuring that their products can communicate with each other effectively.

Always remember to check your presentation thoroughly after transferring it to a different platform, as this will allow you to catch and fix any glitches that may have occurred during the process. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs to get their point across, mastering the art of cross-platform presentations will give you an edge in our increasingly digital world. So, go ahead and create your PowerPoint presentations with confidence, knowing that you can present your ideas on any platform, anytime, anywhere.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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2 Ways to Fix Microsoft PowerPoint Not Saving on Mac

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• Close PowerPoint files on other devices.
• Check file permissions.
• Manually save your presentation.

Basic Fixes

• Check your internet connection : If you use any cloud storage services, you must have an active internet connection to sync the latest changes in your PowerPoint file.
• Check OneDrive storage status : All Microsoft 365 plans have 1TB OneDrive storage. While it’s sufficient for most, you may run out of OneDrive space.
• Update PowerPoint app : You can update the version of the PowerPoint app on your Mac to install the latest one.

Fix 1: Manually Save the Presentation

Step 1: When the presentation is open in PowerPoint, click File in the menu bar > Save .

The option will save the presentation to the original location. You can change it using the steps below.

Step 2: Click File in the menu bar and select Save a Copy .

Step 3: Select another location in Finder and hit Save .

Fix 2: Use PowerPoint Web

Do you encounter issues saving the latest presentation changes on the native app? PowerPoint is also available on the web. You can visit it on the web and save it on your Mac.

Step 1: Open Microsoft PowerPoint in a web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Import a PPT file from the Mac storage or open it from OneDrive.

Step 3: Start making changes, and PowerPoint should save the changes in real time. You can also click on File at the top and select Save as to create another copy.

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Last updated on 06 June, 2024

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How to Recover Deleted or Unsaved PowerPoint File on a Mac

• Last updated: May 9, 2023

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Did you accidentally delete your PowerPoint Presentation or close the program without saving your file? You don’t have to show up to work (or class) empty-handed – at least not yet. As long as you act quickly, there are different methods you can try to recover your lost PowerPoint on Mac… and most of them are free!

Options to Restore Unsaved or Deleted PowerPoint Files on a Mac

There are 4 different methods to restore a deleted or unsaved PowerPoint presentation on your Mac: (1) using data recovery software, (2) using PowerPoint’s autosave feature, (3) pulling your data from the temp folder, and (4) restoring a Time Machine backup.

Regardless of which method you choose to restore your PowerPoint file, make sure that you don’t save ANYTHING new to your Mac. Doing so may overwrite your PowerPoint data.

Option 1: Recover Deleted PowerPoint with Data Recovery Software

If you accidentally deleted your PowerPoint file, its data isn’t actually “erased” yet. The data still exists on your computer’s hard drive, but it’s inaccessible and marked to be overwritten.

You can use data recovery software to restore a deleted PowerPoint on your Mac. Even if you can’t access your files through macOS, data recovery software can retrieve (and rebuild, if necessary) your lost PowerPoint directly from the file system.

We’ll demonstrate the recovery process using a tool called Disk Drill . Disk Drill is popular data recovery software that works on all Mac file systems (HFS+, APFS) and supports pretty much all common Microsoft Office file types – including PowerPoint presentations.

To recover a deleted PowerPoint on Mac using Disk Drill:

• Download and install Disk Drill.

Recover Unsaved PowerPoint Using PowerPoint Autosave Feature

The autosave feature in Microsoft PowerPoint is a super useful tool that saves a temporary copy of your file at regular intervals. It contains all the changes that were made since the last autosave.

And because the copy uses a different file extension from the original, it won’t overwrite the previous version of the original file’s history. You can use it in case you prematurely closed your file or to recover overwritten files .

To recover your unsaved or overwritten PowerPoint using the autosave feature:

• Save your file.

Option 3: Restore Unsaved PowerPoint Files with Temp Folder

Let’s say you didn’t enable the autosave feature and you’re in a situation where you couldn’t have saved your file. For example, your computer suddenly shut down or you encountered a critical system error.

In such cases, the process of unsaved PowerPoint recovery (on Mac) entails locating the file in the temporary or “Temp” folder. This folder stores temporary data for various applications to improve performance and efficiency.

To recover your unsaved PowerPoint on Mac using the Temp folder:

This command will open the Temp folder in Finder. You can check the TemporaryItems and com.microsoft.PowerPoint subfolders for your unsaved presentation. If you find it, double-click your file to open it in PowerPoint and save it ( File > Save/Save As ).

Option 4: Recover .PPT Files with Time Machine Backup

In other words, it may have saved a previous version of the folder that once stored your PowerPoint. By restoring this version of that folder, you will also restore its contents at the time of the backup.

To recover your PowerPoint presentation from a Time Machine backup:

• Connect your Time Machine drive to your Mac.

You should find your missing PowerPoint in its original location.

We understand that PowerPoint presentations require a lot of effort to put together, which is why we prepared this guide. But while there are multiple ways to restore an unsaved PowerPoint on Mac (or a deleted one), they aren’t always guaranteed to work – data can easily be overwritten even by innocuous operating system processes.

To avoid losing your presentations in the future (and prolong your lifespan), we suggest the following: (1) enable the autosave feature in Microsoft PowerPoint (top left corner of the window), (2) enable Time Machine, and (3) manually back up your data to a separate drive or to a cloud storage service like iCloud or Google Drive.

How do I recover a PowerPoint that was not saved on my Mac?

To recover a PowerPoint file not saved on your Mac:

• If you didn’t save your presentation at all, check your Mac’s Temp folder for a copy of the file. To go to the Temp folder, use the open TMPDIR$ command in Terminal.
• If autosave was enabled and you saved your presentation at least once, you might be able to access the most recent version. With PowerPoint open, click File > Open Recent > Recover Unsaved Presentations.

Where are auto-recovery files saved in PowerPoint?

PowerPoint’s auto-recovery files are saved in the autorecovery folder, which is a good place to look if your PowerPoint disappeared. It has different locations depending on your version of Microsoft Office. For Office 2009 and 2011: /Users/username/Library/Application Support/ Microsoft/Office/Office (version) AutoRecovery

How do I restore a previous PowerPoint File?

To restore a previous PowerPoint file, you have 2 options:

• Restore a previous version from the Version History menu. With PowerPoint open, click File > Open and right-click your presentation and select Version History . Click the version you want to restore and click Restore .
• Restore a Time Machine backup containing the version you want.

How do you recover unsaved PowerPoint after accidentally clicking don’t save?

How do i recover files on my mac.

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How to Recover Lost or Unsaved PowerPoint File on Mac [Guide]

At Macgasm, we’re dedicated to bringing you insightful Apple-centric content that adheres to our comprehensive editorial guidelines whose purpose is to maintain the utmost accuracy, relevance, and impartiality in everything we publish. This commitment to preserving the integrity of our content is shared across our team, from expert writers to seasoned editors.

Thanks to the macOS version of Microsoft Office, it’s possible to view and edit PowerPoint files on Mac computers, but is it also possible to recover them? Yes, it is! In fact, there are multiple ways to recover PowerPoint files on Mac , and we cover them all in this article.

Table of Contents

Where Are PowerPoint Presentations Stored on Mac Computers?

You would be surprised just how many users spend hours and hours trying various recovery PowerPoint techniques for Mac just to discover that their PPT files were not deleted at all—they were simply hidden in some random folder.

This typically happens when users look for missing PPT files only in the main document folder:

However, PowerPoint users who also use OneDrive should check it as well because that’s where PPT files are saved by default when the two Microsoft products are connected. Since the default local save location can be changed at any time just by clicking on a single checkbox, it’s a good idea to search the entire computer.

If you remember how the PPT files you can’t find were called, you can easily search for them using Spotlight: 

• Launch Spotlight by pressing Command + Space.
• Enter the name of any missing PPT file and give Spotlight a few seconds to gather results.

If you don’t remember how any of your missing PPT files were called, you can search for all PPT files stored on your Mac:

• Launch Finder.
• Click the Search bar and enter: kind:ppt

If you haven’t found anything by searching your Mac, then it’s time to search the Trash folder. That’s because files in the Trash are not indexed, which means they don’t appear in search results.

• Open the Trash folder.
• Click the Search icon in the top-right corner and enter: kind:ppt.

Still no luck finding your PowerPoint presentations? In that case, they’re either deleted or haven’t been properly saved in the first place. The good news is that there are several other PowerPoint recovery solutions and techniques for Mac that you can try, starting with data recovery software.

How to Recover a Deleted PPT File with Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software can find PowerPoint presentations that macOS can no longer see because they’ve been deleted. There are many data recovery software solutions that you can use to find PPT files without paying, and many of them are so intuitive and well-designed that even regular Mac users can figure them out with little to no help.

For example, here’s how PPT recovery works with Disk Drill , one of the most popular data recovery software apps for Mac:

First, you need to download Disk Drill and install it on your Mac by dragging the app into the Applications folder. Disk Drill is a small application, so it doesn’t require much storage space.

Next, launch Disk Drill and give it a second to recognize all storage devices connected to your Mac. Click the recover button next to the storage device on which your PPT files were stored to begin a scan.

When Disk Drill is finished scanning the storage device, you can filter the scan results to display only documents. You can further narrow down the scan results by displaying only files of a certain size or files that have been deleted within the last X days, weeks, months, or years.

If you’re working with PowerPoint files on a regular basis, it’s very likely that Disk Drill will find a very large number of them, including corrupted PowerPoint files, AutoRecover PowerPoint files, and more. Instead of recovering them all, you can use preview and select only the PPT files you actually want to get back.

With all missing PPT files selected, you can click the Recover button and specify the recovery directory. For best recovery results, select a directory located on a different storage device than the one from which you’re recovering the deleted PPT files.

How to Recover a PPT File that Was Not Saved on Your Mac

Data recovery software is great for recovering permanently deleted PowerPoint presentations that are no longer in Trash, but even the best data recovery app won’t help you recover unsaved PowerPoint files on Mac.

To do that, you can take advantage of the AutoRecover feature or look for your unsaved PowerPoint presentations in the temp folder.

Solution 1: AutoRecover Feature

All Microsoft Office applications come with a handy feature that makes it possible to recover unsaved files that were lost after a system crash or sudden shutdown. The best thing about this feature is that it works completely automatically, presenting itself during the first PowerPoint launch after the data loss incident. All you need to do is open the recovered document and save it to your Mac.

By default, AutoRecover is set to save your presentations every 10 minutes, but you can change this frequency in Preferences:

• Open the PowerPoint menu and select Preferences.
• Click Save.

Where are AutoRecovery files stored?

Office 2008:

Office 2011:

Office 2016 & 2018:

Solution 2: Temp Folder

Even though it’s rare for PowerPoint files to end up in a temp folder, it’s still worth taking a look macOS temp folders since it takes just a couple of seconds.

If you don’t know, the temp folder is a special folder on your Mac where the operating system and applications store temporary files. In most cases, files are deleted from the temp folder automatically, but it’s not unheard of for them to end up stuck in the folder after a sudden shutdown or critical system error.

Here are three temp folders where you should look for your PowerPoint presentations:

The last temp folder can be opened by entering the following command in Terminal: open $TMPDIR

Solution 3: Open Recent Files

If you forgot to save your PowerPoint presentation before closing the app or didn’t have the time to save it due to some unforeseen challenges, you can try opening the recent files to recover your unsaved work.

Unfortunately, this method requires AutoSave or AutoRecover to be enabled, and it won’t help you if these features were turned off at the time of the incident.

To open a recently edited PowerPoint presentation:

• Launch PowerPoint.
• Go to the File menu.
• Select Open Recent to see a list of recent presentations.

Common Reasons Behind PPT Loss and Saving Issues

PowerPoint has been around for multiple decades, so Microsoft had plenty of time to polish the application and make data loss a very rare issue. Still, there are some potential causes of data loss that even Microsoft can’t fully protect its users against, including:

• Malware : The claim that Mac users are immune to viruses and other malware is simply not true. Yes, there’s not nearly as many strains of malware that target Mac computers as there are strains of Windows-specific malware, but one infection can be enough for you to lose all your PowerPoint presentations.
• Accidental deletion : Most Mac users don’t like to admit it, but accidental deletion is someone that nearly everyone has done at some point. If you notice in time, you should still be able to recover your PowerPoint presentation from Trash. But if you don’t notice in time, data recovery software is your only option.
• Formatting : It’s important to be extra careful when formatting a storage device because all it takes to wipe out gigabytes worth of data is one wrong click. Just like with accidental deletion, files from a formatted storage device can usually be recovered with the help of data recovery software, but you need to hurry up and don’t let them become overwritten.
• Corruption : Unfortunately, even modern storage devices are not 100% reliable, which is why PPT files sometimes become corrupted and unreadable. In extreme cases, they may even disappear from the storage device altogether.
• Application conflicts : The latest version of PowerPoint comes with a useful feature called AutoSave, which does exactly what the name suggests. However, you should never completely rely on this feature because all it takes for it to stop working is a conflict with another application installed on your Mac.

Keep these common reasons behind PPT loss in mind when creating and editing PowerPoint presentations, but always remember that only a proper backup strategy offers truly reliable protection against data loss.

Don’t Forget to Back Up Your PowerPoint Presentations

In this article, we’ve explained several methods that can be used to recover unsaved and lost PowerPoint presentations, but such methods should always be your very last resort. Ideally, you should have at least one backup of each important PowerPoint presentation so that you can easily recover it in case you experience a data loss incident.

Fortunately, macOS and PowerPoint itself make it very easy to create backups of important PPT files since they both include a useful backup feature.

Enable Time Machine in macOS

Time Machine is Apple’s real-time backup app, and it’s included in all recent versions of macOS. When enabled, it monitors files on your hard drive and automatically backs them up as soon as they’re created or modified. To enable Time Machine:

• Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.

• Click Select Backup Disk and add a suitable disk.

AutoSave PowerPoint Presentations to OneDrive

If you don’t have a backup disk for Time Machine or would like to access your PowerPoint presentations from anywhere, you should enable the AutoSave PowerPoint feature. This feature is available to Microsoft 365 subscribers, and it saves your work automatically every few seconds to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution. To enable AutoSave:

• Open PowerPoint.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Create a new PowerPoint document.

Recovering lost or unsaved PowerPoint files on a Mac is possible, and there are multiple methods to do so. We recommend you start with the simplest possible solutions, such as searching for the missing files using Spotlight or Finder. If the files are not found, you can use data recovery software like Disk Drill to scan your storage device and recover deleted files.

How do I recover a temp file in PowerPoint?

Use the following procedure to attempt to recover a PowerPoint file from the temp folder.

• Launch the Terminal app on your Mac.
• Type open $TMPDIR and hit Enter to continue.
• Navigate to the TemporaryItems folder.
• Locate the unsaved PowerPoint presentation. Copy it to the desktop and rename the file.
• Change the extension from .tmp to .ppt and open the file in PowerPoint.

Does PowerPoint save automatically?

Yes, it does. By default, PowerPoint automatically saves the presentation you are working on every ten minutes. You can modify this setting or turn it off if desired using the following procedure.

• Open the PowerPoint application.
• Click on the File menu.
• Select Options and then Save .
• Make sure the Save AutoRecover information every (X) minutes option is checked. Change X to the number of minutes you want between each autosave.

Where are Powerpoint autosave files stored?

Depending on which version of PowerPoint is installed, the autosave files will be stored in the following locations:

• For Office 2008: /Users/username/Library/Application Support/ Microsoft/Office/Office 2008 AutoRecovery
• For Office 2011: /Users/username/Library/Application Support/ Microsoft/Office/Office 2011 AutoRecovery
• For Office 2016 & 2018: /Users/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft.Powerpoint/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

How can I recover an unsaved Powerpoint on iPad?

Export your PowerPoint for Mac presentation as a different file format

If you want to send your presentation to someone but they don't have PowerPoint for macOS or PowerPoint for Windows, you can export your presentation in a different format, such as a picture format or a PDF file, so the recipient can view the slides.

Export your presentation as a video

Note:  Exporting your presentation as a video feature is only available to users using PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 for Mac, PowerPoint 2019 for Mac, or newer versions of PowerPoint for Mac. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, make sure you have the latest version of Office .

(Beginning with PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 for Mac version 16.19, audio narration is included in the video when you export your presentation.)

Click File > Export .

On the File Format menu, select the video format that you want (MP4 or MOV).

Select the video quality you want: Presentation Quality , Internet Quality , or Low Quality . The higher the video quality, the larger the file size.

If you have recorded timings and want to use them in the video you create from your presentation, make sure the box next to Use Recorded Timings and Narrations is checked. You can also choose to set the amount of time the video will spend on each slide if you don't have a set timing.

When you've made all your selections, choose Export .

Note:  When you export your presentation as a video, any narrated audio that was recorded in Slide Show will play, but other embedded media files won't play.

After you've saved your presentation as a video, you can share it just as you would any other video, by using applications or devices that can open and play videos.

Export your slides as pictures

You can save one or more slides as pictures so that the recipient can view the slides in any application or device that works with pictures. Just make sure that you choose a picture format that the application or device can open.

Note:  When your slides are converted to picture files, any transitions, animations, movies, or audio are removed from the presentation.

On the File Format menu, select the picture format that you want, such as JPEG or PNG.

Select either Save Every Slide or Save Current Slide Only . You may also enter a size for your slide images in the Width and Height boxes.

If you choose to save every slide, your presentation will be saved as individual image files, one for each slide.

After you save your slides as pictures, you can share them just as you would any other picture file, by using applications or devices that can open pictures.

Export your presentation to PDF format

On the File Format menu, click, PDF .

After you save your slides as a PDF file, you can share them just as you would any other PDF file, by using applications or devices that can open PDF files.

Export a PowerPoint for Mac presentation to PDF 

Convert Keynote presentations to Microsoft PowerPoint

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How to Open PowerPoint on Mac: The Beginner’s Guide

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!

Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

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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.

E xceptional 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!

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.

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Autodesk Maya: Create expansive worlds, complex characters, and dazzling effects

3D animation and visual effects software

Image courtesy of Framestore

• Capabilities
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• M&E Collection

What is Maya?

Autodesk Maya is professional 3D software for creating realistic characters and blockbuster-worthy effects.

Bring believable characters to life with engaging animation tools.

Shape 3D objects and scenes with intuitive modeling tools.

Create realistic effects—from explosions to cloth simulation.

See system requirements

Maya overview (video: 7:18 min.)

Hyperrealistic model made with Maya by Youssef Abbas 

Stylized character made in Maya by Alexandre Mougenot

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness VFX by Framestore

Louis & Luca and the Snow Machine by Qvisten Animation

Silhouette by VES-winning students of ArtFX School of Digital Arts

Why use Maya?

Accelerate workflows

Maya’s powerful tools help you iterate faster so you can focus on creativity and meet deadlines.

Deliver stunning visuals

Add fine details to characters and scenes, and deliver quality work that keeps clients coming back.

Scale for complexity

Top artists in the industry rely on Maya to create the most complex shots, characters, and worlds.

What you can do with Maya

Still from the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Image courtesy of Framestore.

Breathe life into 3D models with powerful animation tools

Whether you’re animating lifelike digi doubles or lovable cartoon characters, Maya has the animation toolset to bring your 3D assets to life.

Environment created with Bifrost for Maya. Image courtesy of Lucien Wutsh Michanol.

Create detailed effects and environments with Bifrost

From blazing explosions to luscious forests, Bifrost for Maya makes it possible to create complex simulations and worlds in a single visual programming environment.

“To create something new, unique, and never seen … we went for 3D dry brushes drawn on planes in Maya [for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ].”

—Gaspard Roche, Associate Head of Characters, Mikros Animation

“Maya and our other Autodesk tools have played an essential role in allowing us to excel in our animal and creature work.”

—Amaan Akram, Head of VFX, Untold Studios

“From Maya for 3D animation to Arnold for 3D rendering, these tools enabled us to bring the extraordinary to larger-than-life.”

—Jocelyn Birsch, Director of Experience, The Mill

“We used Bifrost to scatter everything that enriched the fantastic forest sequence in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania .”

—Thomas Kutschera, Head of Groom CFX, Pixomondo

Workflows and use cases

Animating Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 characters

Watch how Framestore developed stunning character animations for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with Maya.

Streamlining teamwork: Qvisten’s OpenUSD asset pipeline

Qvisten Animation built an OpenUSD (Universal Scene Description) asset pipeline with Maya to streamline teamwork and future-proof productions.

An Inside Look at the Hogwarts Legacy Game

Discover how the team at Warner Bros. Games Avalanche created and refined characters, animations, and cinematics for the highly anticipated fantasy game using Maya.

Maya resources

STAY UP TO DATE

M&E YouTube channel

Watch talks from industry experts and discover new tools, workflows, and more.

Maya learning channel

Find modeling, rigging, animation, FX, and rendering tutorials to get you producing digital content.

Read Maya news and stories from animation, VFX, and games studios.

When to choose Maya or 3ds Max

Maya and 3ds Max are used by creative studios around the world for animation, modeling, visual effects, and rendering.

USD in Production at Animal Logic

Animal Logic shares their journey of how they integrated USD in Maya into their production pipeline.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is maya used for.

Maya is a professional 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering toolset, designed for creating realistic characters and blockbuster-worthy effects. From fantastic creatures to sweeping landscapes and explosive battle sequences, top artists, modelers, and animators rely on Maya’s award-winning toolset to bring today’s most-loved animated and live-action films, TV shows, and video games to life.

Who uses Maya?

Maya is used by 3D modelers, animators, lighting artists, and FX artists across the film, TV, and games industries.

Maya vs 3ds Max

Maya and 3ds Max are used by creative studios around the world for animation, modeling, visual effects, and rendering. Learn when to choose Maya  and when to choose 3ds Max .

Which operating system does Maya run on?

Maya can run on Microsoft® Windows®, Apple® macOS®, and Linux®. See Maya system requirements  for details.

How do I download Maya?

Autodesk provides download and install instructions for individuals and administrators . Your available downloads appear in Autodesk Account . Find your product, select a version, platform, language, and download method. For more information, visit   Autodesk support .

Can I install Maya on multiple computers?

With a subscription to Maya software, you can install it on up to three computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the Software License Agreement  for more information.

How do I convert my Maya free trial to a paid subscription?

Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy Maya here . When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about converting a trial to a  paid subscription .

How much does a Maya subscription cost?

. If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit www.autodesk.ca/en/flex to learn more.

Do you offer subscriptions for students, educators, and educational institutions?

Students and teachers  at qualified academic institutions worldwide are eligible for free access to Autodesk software for one-year through the Autodesk Education Community .

Support and problem solving

Find troubleshooting articles and resolve your issue.

Get more with the Media & Entertainment Collection

Bring breathtaking scenes and characters to life for film, TV, and games.

Media & Entertainment Collection

All of the creative tools you need to build a powerful and scalable 3D animation pipeline for complex simulations, effects, and rendering.

Media & Entertainment Collection includes:

MotionBuilder

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