Let's say you have a whole bunch of information, and you need to convey it to a group of people. Maybe those people are in your office or classroom, in the boardroom of a company you're going to visit, or scattered throughout the world, connected by the internet. Presentation apps can handle the whole process. First, they let you put your material into a format that's right for sharing with others, usually—but not always—a slideshow. Then, they enable you to present the material, whether that's using a projector and screen onsite; or offsite with a portable projector; or online in real time; or even online but asynchronously, at the leisure of each audience member. A few of the very best apps even have tools for taking questions from the audience and tracking how many people online watched your presentation.
- Best Presentation Software For Mac
- Best Free Online Presentation Tools
- Free Presentation Tools
- Best Presentation Tools
The term 'presentation app' used to be synonymous with Microsoft PowerPoint, a part of the Microsoft Office suite. While PowerPoint is still one of the strongest players in the field, many other apps have entered the space, bringing with them innovative ways for changing how we format and present information. This subclass of productivity apps, which used to be best known for inducing snoring during meetings, has grown tremendously to give presentation creators new ways of making their information more palatable, easily digestible, and sometimes downright entertaining.
The Best Slideshow Creation Apps
Find and compare Architecture software. Free, interactive tool to quickly narrow your choices and contact multiple vendors. Architectural drawing and illustration simple and affordable on the Mac. Personal Visualization Software provides a unique in-home sales presentation tool. We’ve created this list of the best presentation software to shed some light and to give you a comprehensive presentation software list to ensure you make the right call in the platform you select. This article is the result of several weeks of research and review of 50+ presentation tools currently available on the web. Top 10 Best PowerPoint Alternatives: Keynote is the best option for Mac users who want a powerpoint look a like. The pros: short learning curve, easy to use The cons: Only available on mac, PowerPoint clone. 4 – 10 Best PowerPoint alternatives: Prezentit. Preszentit is another PowerPoint look alike.
Presentation tools can be used to make a presentation for delivering lectures, for addressing employees, for HR purposes, for presenting a proposal to a prospective client and for delivering any message to your target audience effectively.
The slideshow format is the classic presentation option, and the best two apps in this category are Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote, which is a part of the former Apple iWork suite (the apps are now only available separately). Both are Editors' Choice apps.
PowerPoint has by far the most, well, everything. It has the most effects, transitions, supported formats, and so forth. You can use it as a desktop app or in a web browser. It supports real-time collaboration, though with some limitations, as I'll explain later. PowerPoint has a lot of features, even a few that help people who are bad at laying out slides do it better.
PowerPoint, for all its glory, has a few weaknesses, and price is a big one. Apple Keynote is an excellent alternative for Mac users, and one that costs a lot less. In fact, it comes preinstalled on new Macs purchased on or after October 1, 2013, meaning most users pay nothing extra for it. If you have an older Mac and do need to buy it, the price is a low one-time fee of $19.99—less than a fifth of the cost of PowerPoint's $109.99.
The Most Innovative Presentation App
PowerPoint and Keynote are slideshow apps, and some people find that format inherently limiting. They pigeonhole you, the argument goes, into thinking about the information you have to present in a linear way. In fact, many people can't imagine a presentation that isn't a linear slideshow. But that's not your only choice.
The best alternative for getting you thinking differently is Prezi, another Editors' Choice among presentation apps. It's by far the most innovative presentation tool. Prezi is a cloud-based service that completely ditches the idea of sequential slides. Instead, what you create with Prezi is a giant canvas of ideas and information. You present your work by zooming in and out on different areas of the canvas, as if directing a camera. The effect is surprisingly dynamic and engaging, and its price is reasonable, at $10 per month.
Prezi also doubles as a collaborative brainstorming space. One alternative use for this app is to have multiple people share their ideas in real time on the canvas. Whether the final results ever have to be shown to anyone else is entirely up to you.
Another app that throws slide decks to the wind is PowToon. Instead of slides, you create animated scenes so that the final product looks more like a video than a standard presentation. You don't have to have any high-tech animation skills to use it, though you do need deep pockets, as it is expensive, at $89 per month. There's a free version, but it's very limited.
The Best Free Presentation App
While PowerPoint has a limited free version and Keynote is often free for Mac owners, there's a free presentation app that I like perhaps even more: Google Slides. Google Slides, a third of the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides suite of office apps (which is in turn part of Google Drive), is free for anyone with a Google account. It's only available as a Web app, but it's stable and quick, nonetheless. One feature I especially like in Google Slides is the ability to generate a link where audience members can submit questions to a presenter in real-time. It adds a wonderful interactive component to your pitches.
Best Collaborative Presentation App
The aforementioned Google Slides is only available as a Web app, and, partly for that reason, it handles collaboration better than other presentation apps. Because your Google Slides presentations are always saved to Google Drive by default, they're always available to share. That's not the case with PowerPoint and Keynote, two apps that also support collaboration (Keynote's collaborative features are in beta as of this writing). With those apps, you have to make sure you take the extra step to save your presentation to a cloud storage space, such as Microsoft OneDrive or Apple iCloud Drive, for the collaborative features to work. It can get confusing if you've been saving the file locally with the desktop app and now have to make a copy to share.
Collaboration in Google Slides works the same as it does in other G Suite apps. The familiar interface is there. When two or more people simultaneously edit a file, you'll see your collaborators' cursors on screen, color-coded to their name and picture (or initials) in the upper right corner. Prezi is also one of the best presentation apps for collaboration, largely because it mimics the G Suite implementation and design.
PowerPoint and Beyond
Presentation apps are a critical piece of any office suite, and there's a good chance that most anyone who needs to convey information to a group of people—whether it's other employees, potential customers or clients, a university class, or any other group of people—will need to give the occasional presentation. Whether you love standing up and giving a live talk, or you'd prefer to let people consume your prerecorded wisdom via the internet, there's a tool for you. There's no denying that PowerPoint is the king of the hill, but that doesn't mean it's your only choice.
Check out the table above, read the capsule reviews below and click through to the full reviews to learn more about your choices for presentation apps. Do you have a strong opinion about one of the apps listed here (or one that we missed)? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Presentation Software Reviews:
Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 Review
MSRP: $109.99Pros: Most feature-rich of any presentation app. Supports collaboration. Abundance of visual aids. Excellent presenter tools.Cons: Huge number of bells and whistles, which can encourage bad presentation skills.Bottom Line: PowerPoint is a powerhouse among presentation apps. With real-time co-authoring, new design suggestions, and other tools for supporting slideshow creators, it remains the best in its class.Read ReviewApple Keynote (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $19.99Pros: Beautiful, eye-catching, customizable presentation templates. Clear interface. Tight integration with MacOS. Good transition and animation effects.Cons: MP4 not supported as export file type. Collaboration features still in beta.Bottom Line: Keynote is a powerful app for building and delivering beautiful presentations. Gorgeous templates and tight integration with other Apple apps make it an Editors' Choice for Mac users.Read ReviewPrezi Review
MSRP: $10.00Pros: Easy to use. Unique, dynamic, single-canvas presentation format. Creates lively, graphics-rich presentations. Suitable for use as a collaborative whiteboard.Cons: Free-form interface makes it hard to create consistently sized and shaped text and graphics. Chat not included for collaboration.Bottom Line: Unique and dynamic, Prezi is free-form presentation software that's terrific for informal and unstructured information. But if you're looking for a slide-based alternative to PowerPoint, this isn't it.Read ReviewGoogle Slides Review
MSRP: $0.00Pros: Free slideshow creation tool. Solid collaboration features. Excellent audience question submission tool. Easy to learn to use.Cons: No desktop app. Cannot export to video. No audio import. Limited transitions and effects.Bottom Line: Google Slides is a reliable and free presentation app. It has strong collaboration capabilities, including the option to take audience questions as you present, but is missing a few features found in PowerPoint.Read ReviewPowToon Review
MSRP: $89.00Pros: Enables nonexperts to easily make animated videos. A welcome alternative to slide decks. Good interface and tools for adding custom images and voice-overs.Cons: Expensive. Limited collaboration features. Heavy reliance on templates may make videos formulaic. No snapping guidelines for aligning, centering. Must first export to embed and reupload any time the presentation changes.Bottom Line: With PowToon, anyone can make video animations instead of drab slide decks to use for presentations, training, and more. You don't have to be an expert in video editing, but you do need deep pockets.Read Review
May 16,2019• Proven solutions
A good slideshow maker software assist users to develop impressive presentations or videos with various customizable tools like templates, effects, text options and shapes etc. The generated files are saved in various popular file formats like .MPEG, mov, .AVI or .MP4 etc. so that they can be easily accessed on other platforms like Android, iOS or computers. You can easily find so many software applications as well as online tools to transform all video clips and images into eye catching slideshow videos. These slideshows can help you to make your special occasions like birthdays and weddings more memorable as they give you best way to express your thoughts among others.
Turn pictures and photos to slideshow videos in a more creative way with Filmora9
When looking for a photo slideshow maker, you will always want this picture slideshow maker is easy enough to use which can save you much time, and this slideshow maker would be great if it has some fantastic music sound. And you may also hope this slideshow maker will allow you to add titles, words for better expression. In this case, try Wondershare Filmora9. It is a video editor which also means it is a good choice for photo slideshow. Click the free download button and have a try before purchasing.
Part 1: 4 Best Free Slideshow Makers - Desktop Software
The best slideshow makers listed below are desktop based slideshow creator for Windows and Mac. The steps of making slideshow with photos are similar: add photos first and then add audio/music, save to DVD or to computer or share to social media.
1.Wondershare Filmora9
Wondershare Filmora9 is not only a versatile video editor, but also a photo/video slideshow maker for beginners as well as professionals due to its feature rich platform that makes video and slideshow development task much easier on both Windows and Mac. As a photo slideshow maker with music and transitions, filters, overlays, etc., Filmora9 offers over 300 effects and 20+ copyright music which enables you to take you slideshow to the next level. It supports all major file formats and resulting slideshows can be directly shared on popular social media platforms like YouTube, Vimeo. Download it to have a try!
Filmora9 allows you to create photo slideshow with photos and music within a few minutes. In this following part, I will show you how to make a slideshow on Windows with Filmora9. If you are a Mac user, you can check this guide about How to make a slideshow on mac.
Import your photos to Filmora9 and drag and drop them to the timeline in a proper order, add some titles and texts to the slideshow, apply some transitions and filters from the Effects library and then add some music from the built-in Audio Library. Click the Export button to save it on your computer or share it with your friends on Vimeo or YouTube. What’s more, you can burn it to CD for better reserve. If you prefer to watch it on your phone and TV, then switch to Device tab.
Pros of using Filmora9 to make photo slideshow:- The loads of features make slideshow development much effective.
- Intuitive interface with simple to use tools.
- Filmora9 slideshow maker features built-in Audio Library which provides different music styles and sound effects
- It contains numerous music, filters, motion elements, transitions and overlays.
- All popular file formats are supported.
- Easy social media uploading.
2.DVD Slideshow Builder
Wondershare DVD Slideshow Builder tool offers a powerful solution to develop feature rich slides for professional needs. Users can easily combine videos, photos into slideshows along with 2D or 3D transition effects and the resulting files can be immediately shared on YouTube, iPod or TV.
Pros:- It is extremely easy to apply this tool for feature loaded application.
- DVD slideshow builder offers huge collection of image, video and audio formats.
- Basic editing tasks can be implemented to media before applying final creation.
- It does not allow users to share their slideshows via emails or directly to interactive CDs.
3.Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter is ideal software for making slideshows fast by arranging best collection of videos and photos in most impressive manner for Windows PC. If you have to merge large number of pictures into your presentation then Freemake is best choice for you.
Pros:- Absolutely Free and no sign up required.
- Numbers of output file formats supported.
- It allows direct uploading to YouTube.
- Slideshows can be directly transferred to DVDs.
- You will not be able to access ready templates here.
- It offers only one effect and you cannot add text into slides.
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4.Windows Movie Maker
This video editing program allows users to add their favourite collection of music, videos and photos into slides. Videos can be even directly recorded from webcam and then merged into videos. It is much easier to apply visual effects and animation to selective portions of slides.
Pros:- Easy to use and lightweight platform.
- Large numbers of transitions along with impressive visual effects.
- It offers direct sharing facility to social media networks.
- Limited features as compared to other tools available in market.
- It supports limited file formats.
Part 2: 3 Best Free Online Slideshow Makers
For these who want to make slideshow without downloading any software to computer, we have figured out the following 3 online slideshow makers.
1.Slidely
Slidely is a well known social media stuff that allows easy sharing of content over network and at the same time provides ability to follow curated collections or favourite creators. Users can either import videos or images from their home computer or can access media directly from social media platforms as per need.
Pros:- It has capabilities to do many stunning things other than developing simple slideshows.
- Possesses lots of community based sharing features.
- Users can easily import media files from different social media platforms.
- Videos can be marked as private or public.
- It offers various customizable options for photo transition speeds.
- It is not much user friendly.
- Developed videos cannot be downloaded.
2.Photosnack
This tool is 100% free and still offers wide set of features to every user. You need not to download this slideshow maker rather it works online with all interesting slide development tools. Users can easily add video or music to Photosnack platform and files can be later shared with social media platforms.
Pros:
Best Presentation Software For Mac
- Simple to use with social media sign in facility.
- You need not to download any software
- The micropayment feature is useful for infrequent users.
- Only few templates are able to support auto play feature.
- Limited templates.
- Trial version leaves watermark behind on slideshows.
3.Kizoa
Kizoa is a well known online video editor tool that allows easy access to impressive features even without registration. The advanced editor supports animations, transitions, effects and also offers loads of music options to develop interactive videos. Users can easily customize timing, duration, size or position etc detail as per need.
Pros:- You can immediately get started even without doing registration.
- Offers much higher level of customizations.
- Provides easy control over aspect ratio.
- Free package also contains lots of impressive features.
- The user interface appears little frustrating.
- Cheaper plans offer limited features.
- Full HD is supported only with professional plan.
Part 3: Best Free Slideshow Makers - For Android
For those who want to make slideshow with Android smartphone, check the following free slideshow making apps.
1.PhotoStory
It can develop fantastic slideshows and movies with ease using three step process. Users simply need to select photos from device gallery, create slideshow with desired transitions and themes and finally save or share as per choice.
Pros:- There are lots of unique filters, animations and subtitles.
- It offers high resolution results.
- Playback speed can be adjusted as per need of users.
- Limited photos can be selected.
2.PIXGRAM – Music Photo Slideshow
Pixgram is well known as a convenient, simple and amazing application tool that can easily gather al photos together to form a slideshow along with impressive background effects. There are so many customizable features for effects adjustments as per requirements.
Pros:- Easy sharing over social media platforms.
- Simple to use with loads of features.
- Available for free
- Offers basic editing features and effects.
3.FilmoraGO
This mobile application promises a highly customizable user platform with easy to use interface. It is much easier to cut videos and one can also apply various filters over content with lots of ready-made themes. FilmoraGo has received higher attention from user community due to its professional setup and development tools.
Pros:- Offers wide collection of themes.
- Possesses so many cool effects like reverse, slow motion and fast motion etc.
- Easy sharing on social media platforms.
- It sometimes go slow with heavy files.
Part 4: Best Free Slideshow Maker apps - for iOS [iPhone & iPad]
Besides the Apple iMovie on your iPhone, you can also use the following free slideshow making apps.
1.SlideLab
Those who need a slide show developer with rich and intuitive features on their iphone will find Slide Lap application quite interesting. It is much easier to process, images, music and videos using this tool and slide shows of any length can be developed with ease. SlideLab is an advanced, beautiful and interesting tool for development of impressive collages that can be utilize for professional as well as personal needs.
Pros:- Enjoyable and simple to use application.
- It is much easier to add interesting effects.
Best Free Online Presentation Tools
Cons:- It is little difficult to arrange photographs as per need.
2.PicPlayPost
This application allows users to combine photos in unique frame combinations, with customizable aspect ratios, sizes and frame colours etc. It is a step ahead with advanced filters and frames so that highly interactive slide shows can be developed with ease. PicPlayPost allows users to pick gifs, videos and photos etc for development of eye catching slideshows.
Pros:- It offers easy video integration facility to slideshows.
- Sequential as well as simultaneous playback can be created along with lots of unique features.
- It allows users to think outside the box with arrangements of multiple video sets.
- It does not offer any iCloud based support for transferring or saving content between different devices.
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Conclusion
Free Presentation Tools
Above are the slideshow makers that we think it’s worth a try on desktop/online/mobile and we have made a comparison table of the 12 best slideshow makers.
Supported system | Effects | Pros | Cons | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wondershare Filmora9 | Mac/Windows | Y | Built-in audio and music library;Various transitions and overlays; Supports social media sharing | Free version is watermarked |
DVD Slideshow Builder | Mac/Windows | Y | You can add text effects; Dynamic DVD menu templates | Can't share by email |
Freemake Video Converter | Windows | Y | Popular import and export formats; Best slideshow make to merge files | Lacks of ready templates |
Windows Movie Maker | Windows | N | Lightweight to use | Limited features for beginners |
Slidely | Online | N | Community sharing culture is fun | Can't download video for developed video |
Photosnack | Online | N | Mobile-friendly to edit slideshow | Templates are limited |
Kizoa | Online | Y | Customizations for making slideshow; Easy to use | Full HD is only for advanced plan |
PhotoStory | App | N | Hide unwanted photos while editing; Clean design | Crash sometimes |
PIXGRAM | App | Y | Directly share to social media | Basic editing features |
FilmoraGO | App | Y | A large number of themes to use; Effects are various | |
SlideLab | App | N | Enjoyable to use as the best slideshow maker | Not eady to arrange photographs |
PicPlayPost | App | N | Customizable aspect ratios | Lacks of cross platform |
Best Presentation Tools
If you want to have a better solution to make photo or video slideshow, please downlaod Wondershare Filmora9 to have a better editing experiece.
Easy-to-use and powerful video editor for all creators.
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