How to Convert from PowerPoint to Google Slides

If you are only used to Google Slides presentations, other formats should not slow you down. The modern Google Slides version allows conversions for different presentation types, not to mention the possibility to edit. So, if you want to convert your PowerPoint (PPT) to a Google Slides presentation, read on to find detailed instructions. But first, you should learn the best practices when conducting the conversion. 

Best Practices When Converting PowerPoint to a Google Slides Presentation

Maintain high-Quality files

The quality level of your PowerPoint presentation will determine the Google Slides presentation-quality after conversion. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your original files are of top-notch quality and design. Also, use clean images, working links, and readable fonts.

Eliminate redundancy

Having a small size file expedites the process while drastically reducing the post-conversion tasks. Reducing the file size may include deleting any unwanted images or slides before conversion. 

Consider the File Type

While PowerPoint allows you to import fonts, Google Slides only supports fonts available in the Google library. So, any foreign fonts you use may change to Arial when you convert PPT to Google Slides presentation.   

Expect Format Change

Check whether the resulting Google Slides presentation maintains the same format as in the PPT. Sometimes you may need to improve the formatting by tweaking the presentation.  For instance, a PPT presentation uses animation to communicate to the audience engagingly. However, the Google Slides only allows limited timing, depriving you of the option to delay animations as in PPT. 

Moreover, Google Slides only offers animation duration up to one decimal place, while PPT allows two decimal places. Although the variance appears minor, it can cause noticeable differences and inconsistencies, especially in a complex animation. 

Activate Triggers

PowerPoint allows you to add eternal links and create triggers for easy and free navigation within the document. Luckily, Google Slides now preserves internal and external links. However, finding the trigger function in Google Slides is somewhat a hassle. You may need advanced techniques such as Macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to activate it. 

Step by Step PowerPoint to Google Slides Conversion

You can choose any of the two simple methods below for your conversion. In addition, we also recommend using SlideModel’s pre-made templates, as they allow you to download and Open in Google Slides directly, without the need to perform a conversion on your presentation.

Method:1 Import file through Google Slides

Step 1. Click “New” on Google Drive

Step 2. Select “Google Slides” to open a blank Google Slides presentation 

Step 3. Select the “File” option at the top and then the “Open” option at the bottom right.

A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose a file source.

Step 4. Select your PPT file location by clicking either the “Upload,” Shared with Me,” or “My Drive” option at the top.

Step 5. Open the selected file to access or edit as a converted presentation

Method 2: View the Presentation in Google Drive

Step 1. Open Google Drive and drag your PPT file

Step 2. Open and covert. Ensure you can locate the file in Google Drive and double click it to Open.

Step 3. Click the drop-down arrow on the folder icon labeled “Open with Google Slides” and click “Google Slides.”

This step automatically converts the file making it available in Google Slides format. Now your drive should show the original PPT and the editable file you just created. 

The inconsistencies between PowerPoint and Google Slides could lead to damaging differences in your presentation. Therefore, you need to recheck the converted file to ensure they are intact. And since no one wants to deliver a broken deck, it’s wise to decide on a single platform throughout your content creation process to avoid unwanted anomalies caused by crossovers.