Getting Started with PowerPoint: A Simple Guide

PowerPoint presentations are the files you create in Microsoft PowerPoint. When starting a new project, you can make a blank presentation or use a ready-made template. You can also open presentations you made before.

How to Create a New Presentation

To begin a new project, you can make a blank presentation.

  1. Click the File tab to open the Backstage view.
  2. Choose New on the left side.

  3. Click Blank Presentation.
  4. A new, empty presentation will appear.

How to Use a Template

Templates help you save time. They have built-in designs and layouts.

  1. Go to File and click New.
  2. Use the search box or choose from the suggested templates.

  3. Click a template to see a preview.

  4. Click Create to use it.
  5. A new presentation will open with that design.

Note: Not all templates are made by Microsoft. Some are from other users. They may work differently.

How to Open an Existing Presentation

You can open a saved presentation at any time.

  1. Click the File tab.
  2. Select Open.
  3. Choose Browse or select from OneDrive.
  4. Find your file and click Open.

You can store files online using OneDrive. Make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account.

How to Pin a Presentation

If you use a presentation often, pin it for quick access.

  1. Go to File, then click Open.
  2. Hover over a file in the Recent list.
  3. Click the pin icon.

The file will stay pinned until you unpin it.

What is Compatibility Mode?

Sometimes, you might open older PowerPoint files. These may have been made in older versions like PowerPoint 2003. These files open in Compatibility Mode.

Some newer features won’t work in this mode. You’ll only see tools from the older version.

If others are using the older version, keep the file in Compatibility Mode. This keeps everything looking the same.

How to Convert to the New Format

If you want to use the latest PowerPoint tools, you can convert the file.

  1. Go to File, then click Convert.
  2. The Save As window will appear.
  3. Choose where to save the file, give it a name, and click Save.

Now your file will use the latest PowerPoint features.