PowerPoint stands for the language of love and hate. On the one hand, this office application is incredibly popular, and for good reason. On the other hand, many simply don’t see it anymore and despair of trifles, like fine-tuning their layout. Especially if you look at the business arena, PowerPoint has had an undeniable dominant position for a long time.
It is arguably still the most widely used presentation tool, but one thing needs to be said: There are good alternatives to PowerPoint and worth checking out.
In recent years – not least thanks to digitization – more and more presentation software companies have grown. Some of them are now global corporations and also sell international software solutions that compete with PowerPoint.
Because it would be wrong to say that the monopoly of an Office application cannot be broken. In some respects, the new tools were years ahead of PowerPoint. In the end, which tool is best to work with will always be an individual decision.
Alternatives to PowerPoint
Anyone with anything to do with presentations knows them by heart: PowerPoint Design Templates. This does not mean that they are bad, but they seem outdated. The wow effect that can be achieved with the new animation types does not materialize. There is a risk of losing attention even before the first word, because the visual stimulus tells the audience that something is approaching that you have already seen 1000 times.
In addition, some alternatives may offer a redesigned user interface to make it easier to customize features and layout. Anyone who has actually worked with PowerPoint before knows how annoying it is when you try to place an object and just don’t want it where the program suggests, or just move it around everything else.
The new display options also ensure that you can even better portray the actual relationship, which in turn ensures that the people you want to sell your idea or product to can follow you even better and the benefits become more evident! This is good not only for your presentation, but also for your business.
Here’s why it’s worth working with PowerPoint alternatives:
- they increase the attention of the audience;
- create new incentives;
- make it easier to represent more complex constructs;
- is easier to use in some cases.
Design is a matter of taste, and it is well known that taste is debatable. That’s why we want to introduce you to six presentation software.
Prezi
Prezi is a presentation tool that is now well known in European countries and is increasingly used in the business sector. It offers the ability to create animated, structured and dynamic presentations with simple shapes, tools, and slides. There are no ordinary tapes here.
The advantage is that there is a very large database of templates to choose from. These templates are often great for telling a story in a presentation. It is very attractive and can help you visualize your intention. The only drawback is, perhaps, the price.
You cannot purchase a license in the strict sense of the word, you must pay monthly fees. Plus, the processes are very different from PowerPoint, which means you should be familiar with it. In the free basic version, you only get the basic features and everyone can view your presentation online.
Brief characteristics:
- dynamic storytelling on a digital screen;
- suitable for creative and non-standard presentations;
- large selection of effects;
- time required for training;
- there are several templates;
- will be charged monthly.
Google Slides
In contrast, Google Slides is very easy to use. The online offline tool is a good alternative to PowerPoint as it is available for free to users with a Google account. It works in a similar way to its competitor: various design templates, text basics, and other effects.
Teamwork is an attractive addition. Other users with a Google account can work with the presentation at the same time or just read, depending on the rights assigned to them. But PowerPoint documents can also be downloaded and edited here.
Brief characteristics:
- ease of use;
- team work possible;
- design templates and slide layouts;
- Free if you have an account.
Google Cover Set
A set of decks for those close to the deadline. If the deadline is very tight or the meeting is spontaneous, this software may be for you. It is based on Markdown, so you work like a text editor in this program. This text file can then be opened directly in Deckset and used quickly and easily.
Gradually, the tool automatically assembles the components that make up a good presentation, resulting in a coherent overall picture. The customization options are somewhat limited, which means that this tool cannot be fully compared to PowerPoint. Decksets are especially interesting for beginners who don’t want to spend hours fiddling with layouts and design elements. This tool is also a paid tool and can be purchased for a one-time fee.
Brief characteristics:
- fast alternative tool;
- multiple design options;
- suitable for beginners;
- easy to use;
- paid.
Keynote
The Keynote tool is essentially a PowerPoint alternative for Apple users. It has a typical Apple design and is clearly in the foreground here. In addition to these high-quality design elements, Keynote also offers a team feature.
The tool can be used with iPhone, iPad or MacBook. It also uses typical design, so the learning curve – especially for Apple enthusiasts – is relatively short. Plus, Keynote offers a live feature that you can use to stream your presentation. However, the software is free only for Apple users.
Brief characteristics:
- ease of use;
- large selection of designs;
- team work possible;
- Live function;
- free for Apple users only.
PowToon
PowToon is part of a series of previous PowerPoint alternatives. Because this tool is geared towards animated characters and storytelling. It can be used to create video clips that can bring any presentation to life.
Since animation is in the foreground here, this tool can also be seen as an add-on to PowerPoint. The program is available online and is offered free of charge. However, many features are limited or the animation is watermarked. Therefore, you should use the paid version for the full functionality of the program.
Videos can be up to three minutes long, and then they can simply be saved to the cloud. One of the advantages is that animations not only work in a presentation through PowToon, but can also be easily integrated into websites.
Brief characteristics:
- creative animation and video design;
- normal presentation with slides possible;
- short introduction;
- a time-limited version is free.
Haiku Deck
An alternative to PowerPoint, Haiku Deck, works with artificial intelligence to create suitable photos and designs for you that match your theme. Here you can also define your slide layout normally and prepare your information. The main focus of Haiku Deck is on aesthetics. With filters like Instagram, the tool enhances your presentation and makes it more beautiful to your audience. You can then share your presentation on websites, social media, or email.
The exact placement of text boxes is more difficult here than with other PowerPoint alternatives. The tool is free to use, but in a limited version. If you want to use all the features, you can purchase three different versions for a fee.
Brief characteristics:
- using artificial intelligence;
- focuses on optics and aesthetics;
- missing practical features;
- free limited version.
As such, there are many alternatives to PowerPoint, each geared towards different features. Different tools are suitable depending on your working method, industry and your preferences.
All in all, the information in the article shows you that there are countless alternatives, some of which even offer you more options than PowerPoint itself. Therefore, it is worthwhile to test new programs from time to time or additionally use certain tools.
