7 best services and programs for creating presentations

1. Microsoft PowerPoint

Platforms: Windows, macOS, web, Android and iOS.
Price: from 5,990 rubles as part of the Office 365 suite of programs, the web version is available free of charge.

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint

This program is so popular that its name has become a household name. When it comes to presentation software, PowerPoint is the first thing that comes to mind for most users.

It should be noted that this popularity is very deserved. PowerPoint offers all the features you need to create stylish interactive presentations. A large number of editing tools, backgrounds, templates and fonts, the ability to work in a team on the web, embed video, audio, tables and graphs - all this and much more is in PowerPoint.

In truth, there are so many functions and settings that this abundance can be confusing for a novice user. But for authors who create complex professional presentations, PowerPoint is perfect.

2. Apple Keynote

Platforms: macOS, web and iOS.
Price: is free.

Apple Keynote is another heavyweight in the presentation software world that can easily compete with Microsoft PowerPoint on equal terms. Keynote has a rich set of beautiful effects, themes, fonts, and versatile text editing tools to style your ideas professionally. The project allows you to work collaboratively over the Internet and is compatible with PowerPoint formats.

The main differences between the two products include the cost and the number of platforms supported. So, Apple Keynote does not have versions for Windows (although it is available through the website) and Android, but it is offered free of charge to all owners of iOS devices and Mac.

3. LibreOffice Impress

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Price: is free.

Presentation software: LibreOffice Impress

Impress is a simplified alternative to PowerPoint and other professional presentation software. This program lacks a beautiful interface, some design chips and online functions for working in teams. In addition, the Impress mobile apps have gotten heavily curtailed features.

On the other hand, unlike many competitors, the program is absolutely free, is present on all platforms and is compatible even with older OS versions like Windows XP.

4. Google Slides

Platforms: web, Chrome, Android and iOS.
Price: is free.

Google Slides has attracted a huge number of users working in teams. This is because the developers have placed special emphasis on co-editing presentations, best of all by working on the online part of the project. You can collaborate with colleagues to edit slides in real time. The changes made by each user are recorded in a special journal.

However, presentations can be edited and saved offline. It is enough to install the browser extension. In Google Slides, you'll find most of the basic slide-making features found in PowerPoint. In addition, the Google service works great with PowerPoint formats, is very easy to learn and available for free.

5. Prezi

Platforms: Windows, macOS, web, Android and iOS.
Price: free or from $ 3 per month for the offline version.

Among other programs on the list, Prezi stands out. The creators of this project have abandoned the usual slide format. Your presentation looks like one large map on which you can place text, videos, pictures and other information. During the display, the image does not move from slide to slide, but from one area of the map to another. At the same time, the desired areas are enlarged with the help of beautiful effects.

Prezi can be used for business presentations as well, but it is best suited for creative presentation of ideas. Even without the skills of a designer, you can create a dynamic, non-linear presentation that can present absolutely any topic in a captivating way. Prezi has plenty of design functions. There is also an opportunity to work with colleagues online.

6. Canva

Platforms: web, Android.
Price: Free or from $ 119, $ 40 per year for additional features.

Canva is the perfect tool for those who aren't presenting all the time but want to quickly create something simple yet stylish. The service offers a large collection of ready-made backgrounds, images of graphic elements and fonts. You can also add music and video to your creation.

The finished presentation can be exported in PPTX format, published as a one-page site with parallax effect or a mobile site with a navigation bar, inserted as HTML code. In addition, there is a speaker mode and a live broadcast in which the audience can send questions. In both the free and paid versions, presentations can be co-edited.

Canva is completely free to use as a Canva Pro subscription is more for those who want unlimited access to graphic libraries and brand preferences.

Canva →

7. WPS Office

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.
Price: free of charge or from RUB 1,685 per year for additional features.

WPS Office is an analogue of Microsoft Office from Chinese developers. It fully supports PowerPoint files. The software for presentations in the package offers almost all the same features as PowerPoint. In the presence of a bunch of animations, effects and transitions between slides.

The user interface here is very peculiar - it is an attempt to copy products from Microsoft and at the same time come up with something of their own. But it's not hard to figure it out. WPS Office provides access to its own cloud, thanks to which you can collaboratively edit documents and access them from any device.

The disadvantage of WPS Office is the presence of ads and requests to upgrade to the premium version. In the paid version, you will have free access to the template library. Otherwise, you will have to pay $ 9.99 for each individual template.

WPS Office →

The text was updated on February 15, 2021.