Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation – Exploring Features
It is worthwhile to compare Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, exploring the features and benefits. Comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, it can be said with certainty that each has its own plus and minus.
When it comes to creating presentations, there are two popular tools to choose from:
- Google Slides
- Microsoft PowerPoint
While both tools allow you to create visually appealing slides, there are some key differences to consider. One major difference is that PowerPoint is a downloadable software that you can use offline, while Google Slides is an online-only tool that is part of the Google Workspace. Depending on your needs and preferences, one of these tools may be a better fit for you.
PowerPoint Presentations, Google Slides, Keynote, Prezi and other presentation design software are gaining popularity in recent times. Choosing the best always depends on your requirements for each of the design projects.
What is the difference between Google Slides and PowerPoint?
The main difference between Google Slides and PowerPoint is that Google Slides is a cloud-based software, meaning that it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection and changes are automatically saved. PowerPoint, on the other hand, is a desktop-based software that requires a Microsoft Office subscription and changes must be manually saved. Additionally, Google Slides has more limited features compared to PowerPoint, but it is free to use.
PowerPoint presentations have been widely used all over the world, having a global acceptance, reach and penetration across the masses, giving an edge over all other applications. It strives to rank top among other applications.
The term “Presentation” itself means “Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation only – so much is the reach and acceptability of this application. Microsoft PowerPoint ceaselessly improvises its features to keep it abreast of dynamic changes happening at a global level in the business world.
Google Slide gains popularity among presentation designers in line with Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, in terms of features and adaptability. With the entry of “Google Slides”, gaining wider popularity across the globe, the competition is evident.
The Keynote presentation works well for Apple devices, gaining access and popularity among the Apple iPhone users (e.g. 41.3 million iPhones were sold worldwide, the third quarter of 2018). The Prezi, another presentation app supports over 85 million users; creating over 325 million Prezis – and counting.
We try to figure out to some extent on exploring the features of Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint.
Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Features
1) The cost factor
The pricing determines the affordability and plays a crucial role in creating a niche market in attracting more targeted customers into the business portfolio. By and large, consumers try to choose an application that fits the budget; good value for money.
The highly priced apps also penetrate the market and get recognized by a certain segment of customers, who eye on the multitude of value-additions.
Google Slides is available free with ease of accessing using a Google account, even as a collaborative working accessible across computer/mobile with an internet connection. No need for additional installations or apps etc. when used on a computer.
Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Cost Factor
Microsoft PowerPoint Office package is subscription based. To buy it at once, it comes nearly to $200. The free online version PowerPoint Online has limited features in comparison to Office package.
For people, who are on the lookout for a presentation app, accessible with just a Google account, Google Slides edges over other applications in many ways and means.
2) The ease of access
When comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, both are available online and offline. Microsoft PowerPoint comes with the Office package and needs installation on the computer. Once installed, allows complete access to all features for the design of presentations.
After installation, doesn’t require an internet connection except for saving the files on the drive, to access the files across other devices. PowerPoint Online has many features clipped to it.
Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Ease Of Access
Google Slides is completely cloud-based, you can access in many ways from a variety of devices simultaneously, making it easy to collaborate. As integrated with Google Drive, where changes are automatically saved, it is easy to update and edit.
Google slides offline services are being revamped to offer equally resilient offline access as that of PowerPoint. On the grounds of comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, both the apps provide ease of access to end users and stand on the same footing.
3) Availability of Storage and embedding options
On comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, both the apps provide cloud storage.
Slides are linked to Google Drive, where the free storage space is limited. Slides can be accessed easily from anywhere and by any device, as changes to the drive, accessed files are saved immediately.
PowerPoint could be integrated into the Microsoft’s cloud storage – One Drive. Changes to the drive, accessed files are saved in One Drive by enabling the auto sync.
Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Cloud Storage
For the embedding options, comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, both the apps provide embedding options, including video and other links.
4) Availability of ready to use templates
When we compare Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, both provide ready to use editable templates.
In Google’s platform, many templates available over the internet can be used as well, while using Google Slide.
Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Editable Templates
The availability of Microsoft PowerPoint Templates, easily editable and customizable, the variety of design elements to choose upon, makes it handy while incorporating design changes in Microsoft PowerPoint that speak for you and your brand.
It also has a design board enabled with which we can choose to apply a specific design/layout for certainly defined slides like cover page etc. Further, the diversity of available PowerPoint chart types also makes it as a highly preferred one.
On this count, Microsoft PowerPoint presentation has an edge over the Google Slides.
5) Collaborations and Conversion options
For the ease of collaboration, comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, both are providing better options to collaborate with others.
PowerPoint is integrated into the Microsoft’s cloud storage – One Drive. Changes to the drive, accessed files are saved in One Drive by enabling the auto sync. It can be shared by a variety of means, including mail and social media. Offline direct collaboration is not possible but with the online version, it can be done.
As Google Slide is integrated into Google Drive and Google account, it is much easier to collaborate. The changes made get saved immediately is perfect for collaborations.
Both the apps allow conversion.
Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint – Collaboration
You can convert your PowerPoint or Google Slides into Adobe PDFs.
PowerPoint allows conversion into other formats including image, video and HTML files.
Slides can’t be converted directly but by using various online tools you can convert the Slides to the format of your choice.
Conclusion
On a concluding note, comparing Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint, we can say both have their own advantages and set of disadvantages, yet offers a comprehensive solution for presentation making. Google Slides is a recent development compared to Microsoft PowerPoint.
Instead of concluding which one is best, we ask the enlightened users to explore both the apps and decide which suits the best for their needs and get going on.
FAQs
- What are 3 benefits of using Google Slides rather than PowerPoint?
Three Reasons to Use Google Slides Instead of PowerPoint:
- Collaboration – Google Slides allows for real-time collaboration with multiple users, making it easier to work on presentations with others.
- Accessibility – Google Slides can be accessed from any device with internet access, while PowerPoint requires the software to be installed on a computer.
- Cost – Google Slides is free to use, while PowerPoint requires a subscription to Microsoft Office.
2. How is Google Slides and MS PowerPoint similar?
Google Slides and MS PowerPoint are both presentation software that allow users to create and edit slides with text, images, and multimedia. They both offer a variety of templates and themes to choose from, as well as the ability to customize the design of each slide. Additionally, both programs allow for collaboration and sharing of presentations with others.
3. Which PowerPoint features are not compatible with Google Slides?
Some of the PowerPoint features that are not compatible with Google Slides include: 3D models, slide transitions, embedded audio or video files, advanced animations, and some fonts and effects.
One of the prominent concerns regarding the compatibility of PowerPoint and Google Slides pertains to the use of fonts. While both applications present a rich assortment of font choices, thereby enabling users to access diverse styles with ease, there exist certain discrepancies that can pose challenges in terms of seamless operability.
4. How do I convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides without losing formatting?
In order to maintain the formatting of your PowerPoint presentation when converting it to Google Slides, there are a few options to consider. One approach is to import the PowerPoint directly into an empty Google Slides file and select the option to retain the original theme. Failure to do so may result in Google Slides automatically adapting the content to its own theme, potentially altering the appearance of your presentation. It is therefore recommended that you exercise caution when converting your presentation to ensure that the intended formatting is preserved.
5. Can you copy and paste formatting in Google Slides?
The paint format tool enables you to duplicate the format of text, cells, or an object. To initiate the process, open a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file on your system. Choose the text, range of cells, or object that requires the format to be duplicated.
Yes, you can copy and paste formatting in Google Slides. Simply select the text or object with the formatting you want to copy, right-click and select “Copy” or use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+C” (Windows) or “Command+C” (Mac). Then, select the text or object you want to apply the formatting to, right-click and select “Paste” or use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+V” (Windows) or “Command+V” (Mac). The formatting will be applied to the selected text or object.
