presentation software in mac

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15 software used for mac presentation, 6 online presentation software for mac, does mac have presentation software, how do you create a presentation on mac, is there a mac version of powerpoint, is powerpoint better than keynote, let your presentation talk, related articles, 15 best presentation software for mac [reviewed & ranked].

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Updated on: February 08, 2024

Presentations are integral to any design: how else would you explain your idea to your client or team? People tend to leave presentations as the last possible step of their process and don’t give them as much time and attention as they need.

If you are a designer, architect, artist, businessman, or any other person that regularly makes subpar presentations, take your game to the next level with some of the best presentation software for mac !

You don’t want to download or install any App? Then check these 6 online presentation software for mac .

Here is some of the best presentation software for Mac that you can use to make your ideas and design extraordinary:

Price: Free Best for: Mac users

Keynote is one of the top presentation software for Mac and comes included with most Apple devices.

With its stunning features and powerful tools, you can bring your slides to life and create the most effective presentations for your clients or your boss.

• Best in-built presentation software for Mac
• Simple and intuitive
• Poor compatibility with windows presentation software
• Presentations can take too much storage
• Does not have as many editing tools as PowerPoint

2. FlowVella

Price: Free (limited version) or $10/month Best for: Mac users

This presentation software is excellent to combine words, images, videos, links, PDFs, and other media into a presentation.

This way, having an interactive presentation is easy.

It’s oriented towards marketing, HR professionals, and sales teams.

• Great Drag & Drop Feature
• Dozens of free templates
• You have to buy the software to use all the features and tools

3. Prezi for Mac

Price: Free (limited version) or starting at $10/month Best for: Mac users

Prezi for Mac is another great Mac presentation software that lets you create dynamic presentations. It has a trial version of 14 days.

The bad thing about making presentations is choosing a video or image to put into it. But not with Prezi.

Prezi is a leader in the video presentation movement and allows you to make the most interactive slides for your presentation.

• Great User Interface
• Zoom and overview feature
• Integration with Zoom Software
• It takes time and practice to learn how to work on Prezi.
• Not easy for beginners.

Price: Starting at $35 Best for: Mac users

Deckset is a unique presentation software that lets you put your ideas and thoughts into it and makes the slides for you.

This is great for people that want to spend less time and energy making slides for their presentation but is only for text-based presentations.

It includes a trial version to try before purchasing the complete presentation software.

• It designs your slides for you, taking off most of the pressure of creating a presentation
• Trial Version
• It is a very costly software to buy

5. PowerPoint

Price: Free (With a Microsoft 365 subscription) Best for: Mac users

PowerPoint for Mac is old but gold.

It is one of the oldest presentation software and allows you to create beautiful slides with multiple templates of your choice.

This software has many tools and features that make the presentation process fun and easy.

• Easy and simple to use
• Multiple free templates
• Lack of creativity in the included templates
• Display Compatibility issues

6. LibreOffice’s Impress

In this software for Mac, multiple editing and viewing modes make the process of editing and creating slides versatile and interactive.

This software is great for presentations that are mostly text-based.

• Free software
• It does not put a lot of strain on your system
• Not very good user interface
• Lack of integration with other presentation software

7. iSkySoft Slideshow Maker

Price: $59.95 Lifetime Best for: Mac users

iSkyDoft Slideshow Maker has to be one of the best presentation software for Mac.

It allows the user to add text, photos, and videos to the slides and music, which makes the entire experience of watching a presentation even better.

This presentation software can be used to beautifully commemorate an event, activity, design process, or team activity in one file.

Moreover, the software also has a ton of features and aftereffects that can be added to make the presentation even better.

• Easy-to-use interface with a ton of incredible features
• It has a steep subscription fee that might not be good for beginners or one-time users

8. Focusky 3D

Price: starting at $9.9 Best for: Mac users

If you want to make a presentation on your desktop but also want it to work on other devices, such as your phone or tablet, Focusky is the perfect software for you.

Focusky is a powerful 3D presentation software for Mac with a wide range of tools that allows you to customize your presentation according to your taste.

to customize your presentation according to your taste.

• It works great offline and doesn’t require any internet
• Powerful export functionality (slides into gift/flash)
• Unexciting slide visual effects
• It requires a bit of learning before you can successfully use it

9. TouchCast Pitch

TouchCast Pitch is one of the presentation software that you automatically gravitate towards when you want to make a meaningful, impactful, and interactive presentation.

Pitch turns boring presentations into winning experiences that make it hard to forget.

• It has a huge library of tools and interesting features for your use
• A bit hard to learn and teach students

If you’re trying to make a presentation in less time with the least effort and still hoping it will come out beautiful, Canva is the perfect software to use.

With its extensive features and tools, the software allows you to edit, customize, and create your slides for presentation in record time.

• It is free, simple, and has a good user interface.
• It allows you to create stunning designs in mere minutes
• It is not a specific software for presentations.
• It does not have as many interesting features as other presentation software

Price: Free or $8/month Best for: Mac users

If the presentations that Pitch lets you make are half as interactive and fun as their website, there is no better software for Mac to do presentations.

It has multiple great tools, effects, templates, and designs available for you to use for your presentation or get inspired to create your own.

• Team Collaboration feature
• Great Support Team
• It has a bit of a learning curve, especially for a beginner
• A limited selection of templates

12. WPS Office for Mac

Price: Free (limited version) or $ 25.21 / year Best for: Mac users

WPS Office must be the essential software on your desktop, whether it is Windows or Mac.

The WPS Office for Mac has all the features and tools that let you document your process and create some of the simplest and easiest presentations for your work meetings and project discussions.

• It allows for collaboration
• Easy documentation
• It doesn’t have a lot of tools for PDF editing or grammar-check for text

13. Premast Plus

Price: Free or $5.99/month Best for: Mac users

If you are a designer, or any other creative folk, looking for beautiful graphic presentation software, there is none better than Premast Plus.

It gives you a wide range of tools, templates, illustrations, and icons to use for your presentation to make it the best you can!

• Very simple
• Wide Range of rich templates
• A lot of the tools and features of this software are available only after you purchase a subscription
• A bit unstable.

14. Movavi Slideshow Maker

Price: Free Trial or $37 Best for: Mac users

Movavi Slideshow Maker is great for unconventional presentations as it lets you add images, videos, text, music, transitions, and effects to your file.

It allows you to create a movie out of your work, making the entire presentation fun and engaging.

• It has great and simple user-interface
• It lacks a lot of features and does not have the tools for professional editing and presentation-making

15. Propresenter – Church Presentations

Price: starting at $399 Best for: Mac users

Propresenter is a church presentation software for Mac that allows you to create a beautiful presentation for a sermon.

It can include worship lyrics, sermon notes, videos, images, etc., to create an impactful and powerful presentation.

The best thing about this software is that it is excellent for beginners.

• Perfect presentation software for church
• It has all the tools that you might need to add music, lyrics, sermon, and text.
• Very expensive software and only best for professionals

1. Slidesbean

Slidesbean is an innovative online presentation software for Mac that does most of the heavy lifting while making the presentation.

It has great features and interactive tools that offer everything you need to build the perfect pitch for your presentation!

Great for entrepreneurs who want to create a beautiful pitch deck.

• Great analytics
• The templates look great
• The result looks very professional
• Videos have to be uploaded to third-party platforms
• The AI feature is not too helpful
• Export for PowerPoint only exports as image

2. Renderforest

Looking for a great online presentation software for Mac that allows you to create stunning videos, animations, branding, mockups, presentations, and more?

Renderforest is the perfect site for beginners and professionals.

• High quality & professional looking templates
• Mind-blowing animations
• Video templates look great
• Free version available
• Limited customization
• Can be a bit pricy
• No iOS or Android app
• Video render time can take long

3. Zoho Show

The great thing about this online presentation software for Mac is that it allows for a group/team to collaborate on the process of creating a presentation.

It is a clean, simple, and easy software that makes creating presentations seamless and simple.

• Includes infographics
• Supports real-time collaboration
• It has good template designs
• It has a Chrome web browser extension that makes it easier to work on the slides.
• It allows broadcasting presentations
• Easy-to-use transitions
• Interface can be a bit slow on low-end devices
• Interface could be better
• No desktop App available

Visme is a fan favorite for brands, big and small, to create stunning presentations.

It has numerous templates and color pallets to choose from that make the entire process of making a presentation easy.

• Allows you to create a brand identity with “My brand” feature
• Disk capacity and usage limit can be low on basic and free plans
• No support for collaborators
• Learning curve
• Free version is way too limited
• The interface could be better

5. Google Slides

Google Slides is the most popular online presentation software that is used by millions worldwide.

It provides the basic tools and features necessary to create a striking presentation.

• Fast and easy to use
• Includes real-time collaborative mode
• It’s free
• Connected with Google services like Google Drive
• It doesn’t support non-Google-based fonts
• Limited templates
• Limited transitions and animations
• It won’t provide support for audio imports

Slides are one of the online presentation software that makes your presentation look extremely sleek and professional.

It is a must for all designers and project managers!

If you need to bring project management to the next level, then you must check out the best project management software for Mac .

• Supports custom HTML and CSS
• Supports two directions (vertical & horizontal)
• Smooth and fast interface
• Supports LaTeX
• It doesn’t provide templates
• It doesn’t support PowerPoint exports

Mac has a presentation software already preinstalled in all Apple devices called Keynote. It is completely free and it allows you to create stunning presentations for school projects, your business, your office, etc. It is available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even for PCs.

Keynote includes real-time collaboration with your team, which is an essential feature now that everything is done online.

You can create a presentation on Mac with the help of Keynote. To create a keynote presentation follow these 3 steps:

• Choose a theme.
• Add your content to the placeholder images and texts.
• Create a presentation from the slides.

Yes. Microsoft PowerPoint is available for download on Mac and your phone, tablet, or PC, but you would need a Microsoft 365 subscription on your device to use it on Mac. The software isn’t identical to the Windows one but is quite similar with only a few minor differences in menu and layout.

Where PowerPoint is the most common presentation software for everyone worldwide, Keynote has been declared a better presentation software for Mac users, especially for professionals.

But if you are looking for a variety of editing tools, features, and templates for your presentation, there is nothing that trumps PowerPoint.

Creating a powerful presentation is an essential part of your strategy, whether you are a businessman, a designer, an architect, or a project manager.

It would be best if you had a presentation that doesn’t bore your audience and manages to convey all the key information in the best possible way.

All the software mentioned above are some of the most extraordinary presentation software for Mac and can help you create a memorable presentation.

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Juwairiah Zia

Juwairiah Zia is a seasoned professional, a full stack developer and writer in her free time. She’s deeply immersed in various tech domains such as web and mobile application development and mentorship.

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12+ Presentation Software for Mac | 2024 Reveals | Tested and Approved By Experts

Alternatives

Leah Nguyen • 01 Apr 2024 • 8 min read

Hang tight because this is where all Mac users unite 💪 Those are the best presentation software for Mac !!

As Mac users, we know it’s sometimes frustrating to find a compatible software that you preferred contrary to the sea of wonders Windows users can get. What would you do if your favourite presentation software refuse to go along with your MacBook? Taking a huge load of Mac memory disk to install Windows system?

In fact, you don’t need to go through all that hassle since we’ve put together this handy list of Mac presentation software that is powerful, easy to use and runs perfectly on all Apple devices.

Ready to wow your audience with free presentation software for Mac? Let’s jump right in 👇

Table of Contents

• TouchCast Pitch
• Adobe Express
• Google Slides

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for better interactive presentation.

• How to make a presentation interactive?
• Interactive presentation techniques
• Interactive presentation ideas for students

Start in seconds.

Get free templates for your next interactive presentation. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!

App-Based Presentation Software for Mac

There’s no place more convenient and friendly for Mac users than the default App Store. Explore some of the options without the hassle of going through the enormous app library we listed below:

#1 – Keynote for Mac

Top feature: Compatible with all Apple devices and has cross-platform sync.

Keynote for Mac is that popular face in your class that everyone knows, but not everyone is fully acquainted with.

Pre-installed as a complimentary on Mac computers, Keynote can be easily synced to iCloud and this compatibility makes transferring presentations between your Mac, iPad and iPhone incredibly simple.

If you are a pro Keynote presenter, you can also make your presentation come alive with illustrations and such with some doodling on the iPad. In other good news, Keynote is now exportable to PowerPoint, which allows for even more convenience and creativity.

#2 – TouchCast Pitch – Presenters for Mac

Top feature: Make live or pre-recorded presentations.  

TouchCast Pitch blesses us with many quintessential online meeting features, such as intelligent business templates, real-looking virtual sets and a personal teleprompter, which is super helpful to ensure we’re not leaving anything out.

And if you want to record your presentation without using a third-party recording app? TouchCast Pitch gives you the power to do that and polish it with their simple editing tool besides presenting live.

As with many other choices for presentation software for Mac, there are numerous templates to choose from. You can also create your presentation from scratch and show off your design skills.

You can make changes to your slides from anywhere, as this bit of kit is available to download straight from the App Store.

#3 – FlowVella for Mac

Top features: Mobile-friendly and Adobe Creative Cloud integrated with a multi-purpose template library.

If it’s a quick and rich presentation format that you’re looking for, then try FlowVella . Whether you’re presenting a pitch in front of the investors or designing a lesson for the class, FlowVella lets you create embed videos, links, galleries, PDFs and such at the touch of your fingertips. No need to pull out a laptop as everything is “drag-and-drop” simply on an iPad.

The interface for FlowVella on Mac isn’t quite perfect, some of the text is hard to read. But, it’s an intuitive system and if you’ve used any other kinds of software for presentations on Mac, you should be able to pick it up easily enough.

Also, thumbs up for their customer support. You can contact them via live chat or email and they’ll address your problems quick as lightning.

#4 – PowerPoint for Mac – Presentation on Mac

Top features: Familiar interface and file formats are widely compatible.

PowerPoint really is a staple for presentations, but to use it on your Mac, you will need to own a license for a Mac-compatible version of the presentation software. These licenses can be a bit pricey, but that doesn’t seem to deter people, as it’s estimated that around 30 million PowerPoint presentations are created every day.

Now, there is an online version that you can access for free. The limited features will be enough for most simple presentations. But, if you put diversity and engagement to the front, you are better off using one of the many alternatives to PowerPoint software for Mac.

💡 Learn how to make your PowerPoint truly interactive for free . It’s an absolute audience favourite!

Web-Based Presentation Software for Mac

Although convenient, the app-based presentation software for Mac’s biggest weakness is they are only available to your own kind, which is a turn-off for any presenter who yearns for two-way interaction and lively engagement with their audience.

Our proposed solution is simple. Migrate your ordinary presentation to one of the best web-based presentation software for Mac below👇

#5 – AhaSlides

Top features: Interactive presentation slides all for free!

AhaSlides is a cloud-based interactive presentation software born from a group of tech guys who had experienced Death by PowerPoint firsthand – a phenomenon caused by over exposure to boring, one-way PowerPoint presentations.

It gives you the means to create an interactive presentation with which your audience can respond to your questions using just their phones.

From live quiz options with leaderboards to brainstorming tools perfect for gathering opinions and adding Q&As , there’s something for every type of presentation.

For presenters in business, you could try adding sliding scales and polls that will contribute to real-time graphics when your audience interacts via their smartphones. If you’re exhibiting at a show or presenting in front of large numbers of people, this can be a great tool for gathering opinions and encouraging focus. It’s great for any type of iOS device and it’s web-based – so it’s great for other systems tools!

#6 – Canva

So, Is there a Canva app for Mac? Of course, Yes!! 👏

Top features: Diverse templates and copyright-free images.

Canva is free presentation software for Mac that you’re after that’s all about design, then there are few options better than Canva. With a huge array of elements and copyright-free imagery available, you can drag and drop them straight into your presentation.

Canva’s prides itself on ease of use, so even if you’re not the most creative person in the world, you’re still able to create your slides on the go with Canva’s drag and drop functionality. There’s also a paid version if you want to access more templates and elements created by professional designers from around the world.

Even though Canva has the option to convert your presentation to PDF or PowerPoint, we recommend you present it straight from its website since we’ve encountered text-overflow/errors in the designs while doing that.

📌 Learn more: Canva Alternatives | 2024 Reveal | Updated 12 Free and Paid Plans

#7 – Zoho Show

Top features: Multi-platforms integration, minimalist designs.

If you are a fan of minimalism, then Zoho Show is the place to go.

One of the key differences between Zoho Show and some of the other web-based presentation software is its compatibility features. With integration to sites like Giphy and Unsplash , Zoho makes adding graphics directly to your presentations easy.

It’s a great option if you’re already using some of the Zoho suite, and therefore probably most suitable as a free presentation option for businesses.

Still, like Canva, Zoho Show also encounters the same problem with its export to PDF/PowerPoint feature, which often results in blank or damaged files.

#8 – Prezi

Top features: Template library and animated elements.

Prezi is a bit of a unique option in this list. It’s one of the top bits of linear presentation software out there, meaning you can see your presentation as a whole and head to different sections in fun and imaginative ways. 

You can also present live and overlay your video on the slides just like TouchCast Pitch . Their huge template library is a great bonus for most presenters getting started, but you likely won’t be able to flex much creativity using Prezi’s free version.

📌 Learn more: Top 5+ Prezi Alternatives | 2024 Reveal From AhaSlides

#9 – Slidebean

Top features: Business templates and a pitch deck design service.

Slidebean is designed mostly for businesses, but its functionality would be suitable for other uses. They provide pitch deck templates that you can reuse and repurpose for your own business. The designs are smart, and it’s no real surprise that they also offer a pitch deck design service.

It’s simple to use and simple in its offerings. If you’re keeping things simple, try it out!

#10 – Adobe Express (Adobe Spark)

Top features: Stunning templates and team collaboration.

Adobe Express (formally Adobe Spark) is quite similar to Canva in its drag-and-drop feature to create graphics and other design elements. Being web-based, it is of course a compatible Mac presentation software and also offers integration with other Adobe Creative Suite programs which is useful if you create any elements with Photoshop or Illustrator.

However, with so many design assets going on, the website can run pretty slowly.

#11 – Powtoon

Top features: Animated slides and one-click animation

You might know Powtoon from their video animation creation feature, but do you know that they also offer a different, creative way to design a presentation? With Powtoon, you can easily create video presentations with no skills from thousands of custom designs.

For some first-time users, Powtoon can be a bit confusing because of its overburdened interface. You’ll need a bit of time to get used to it.

#12 – Google Slides

Top features: Free, accessible and collaborative.

With many features basically the same as PowerPoint, you won’t have much trouble creating a presentation on Google Slides .

Since it’s web-based, you and your team can seamlessly collaborate, comment or make suggestions for others. If you want to get interactive, Google Slides’ plugin library also has different, fun third-party apps to integrate directly into the slides.

Just a warning – sometimes the plugin can make your presentation VERY laggy, so use with caution.

📌 Learn more: Interactive Google Slides Presentation | Set Up with AhaSlides in 3 Steps | 2024 Reveals

So, now you have more than enough interactive presentation software options for Mac – all that’s left is to pick a template and get started.

Which presentation software is a free product that you can install on your windows or mac computer?

Microsoft Powerpoint and AhaSlides

Why do you need to use AhaSlides together with traditional presentation software?

To gain better attention, along with interaction with audience during gatherings, meetings and classes.

Can I convert Keynote to PowerPoint?

Yes you can. Open Keynote presentation, then  Choose File > Export To, and select the format .

Leah Nguyen

Words that convert, stories that stick. I turn complex ideas into engaging narratives - helping audiences learn, remember, and take action.

More from AhaSlides

Best presentation software of 2024

Make perfect slides for speeches and talks

Best overall

Best for branding, best for marketing, best for themes, best for media, best unique.

• How we test

The best presentation software makes it simple and easy to create, manage, and share slideshow presentations.

1. Best overall 2. Best for branding 3. Best for marketing 4. Best for themes 5. Best for media 6. Best unique 7. FAQs 8. How we test

Presentation software runs at the heart of business sales, management, and development, so it's important to ensure you have the best presentation software for your needs. This is especially when looking to share ideas, concepts, and workflows, and the ability to present these in a simple and understandable way is essential.

However, while presentation software has been traditionally limited to text and images, it has widened its ability to work with different media such as video and audio . 

Therefore it's important for the best presentation software to not simply be easy and simple to use, but also be able to support additional media so that presentations can be more engaging, lively, and ultimately serve their purpose in educating and updating their intended audience.

Below we've listed the best presentation software currently on the market.

We've also listed the best free presentation software .

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.office.com%2Fen-us%2Fcompare-all-microsoft-office-products%3Ftab%3D2&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - office.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> The best office software in the world is: Microsoft 365 There are many different office software suites out there, but Microsoft Office remains the original and best, offering an unsurpassed range of features and functionality that rivals just can't match.

Even better, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.office.com%2Fen-us%2Fcompare-all-microsoft-office-products%3Ftab%3D2&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - office.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - office.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Microsoft 365 - previously branded as Office 365 - is a cloud-based solution which means you can use it on any computer, mobile device, or smartphone, without having to worry about compatibility. All your files are saved in the cloud and synced between devices, so you can begin work on a document at home or in the office, then continue working on it on the go.

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.office.com%2Fen-us%2Fcompare-all-microsoft-office-products%3Ftab%3D2&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - office.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - office.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - office.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> You can sign up to Microsoft 365 here .

The best presentation software of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. PowerPoint

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

For most people, Microsoft 's PowerPoint remains the original and best of all the presentation software platforms out there. While other companies have managed to catch up and offer rival products worthy of consideration, the fact is that PowerPoint's familiar interface and ubiquitous availability means it remains a favorite for the majority of people.

On the one hand, it's long been a staple of the hugely popular Microsoft Office suite, meaning that for most users this is going to be the first - and last - presentation software they are going to need to use.

Additionally, Microsoft has made PowerPoint, along with their other office products, available as free apps (with limited functionality) on both iOS and Android for mobile use, meaning it's even harder to avoid them. And this is before we even consider the inclusion of PowerPoint in Microsoft's cloud-based Microsoft 365.

It does everything necessary that you'd expect of presentation software, allowing you to add text and media to a series of slides, to accompany a talk and other presentations. There are easy-to-use templates included to help spice things up a little, but even a general user with little experience of it is likely to find themselves able to use PowerPoint without much trouble at all.

Overall, it's hard to go wrong with PowerPoint, and although Microsoft 365 has a nominal cost, the apps are free to use even if they do have more limited functionality.

Read our full Microsoft PowerPoint review .

• ^ Back to the top

2. CustomShow

Reasons to avoid.

Branding says a lot about a business, and it’s something firms need to get right from day one – from a good logo to a suitable font. CustomShow is business presentation software that puts all these elements of branding first.

Using the system, you can design and present customized, branded presentations that reflect your company and the products you offer, featuring the aforementioned logo and custom fonts. As well as this, you get a slide library and analytics to ensure your presentations are a success.

What’s more, you can import presentations into the software, and use it to tweak them further. There’s also integration with SalesForce , and because the platform is cloud-based, you can access your presentations on computers, tablets, and smartphones. 

Considering the focus on branding, this offering could be good for marketing and sales teams, and it's used by major companies such as HBO and CBS Interactive.

3. ClearSlide

Just like CustomShow, ClearSlide has a niche focus for companies. The platform is targeted at firms looking to generate successful marketing campaigns, pushing sales via presentations (and more), not least through a range of analytics and metrics to work for sales and marketing.

With the product, you can upload a range of files, including PowerPoint, Keynote, PDF, and Excel. ClearSlide is integrated with other platforms, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Salesforce.

This system is pretty complex and may offer too many irrelevant features for some businesses, but you can create customized content that reflects your company and the message you’re trying to get out to customers. There are also some good metrics and analysis features, and you can sign up for a free trial before making any decisions.

The real strength of ClearSlide comes from its focus on sales and marketing data, not least being able to track user engagement alongside other metrics.

4. Haiku Deck

Any presentation app will allow you to personalize your slides to at least some extent, but Haiku Deck goes one step further than the competition. It comes with a wide range of themes suited to different needs, and you also get access to 40 million free images from the Creative Commons collection.

When it comes to creating a presentation, you have the option to do so on the web, which means your presentation is accessible across a range of mobile devices as well as desktops. Regardless of the device used, you’re able to select from a variety of different fonts, layouts, and filters to make the perfect presentation.

The great thing about these various customization options is that they’re categorized into different industries and use cases. For instance, you’ll find themes for teaching, cooking, real estate, and startups. Most of the features require you to be online, but hopefully, you’ll have a sturdy net connection wherever you go.

5. SlideDog

It’s all too easy to end up creating a presentation that’s unappealing, and the last thing you want to do is make the audience fall asleep. SlideDog lets you combine almost any type of media to create a rich presentation that’s sure to keep the viewers’ peepers open, avoiding the ‘cookie cutter’ look that makes presentations seem dull.

Marketed as a web-based multimedia presentation tool, it gives you the ability to combine PowerPoint presentations, graphics, PDF files, Prezi presentations, web pages, pictures, videos, and movie clips. You can drag these into custom playlists and display them to your audience with ease.

You’re able to remotely control your presentations and playlists from your smartphone, the web, or a secondary computer, and there’s also the option to share slides in real-time. Audience members can even view your slide from their own devices by clicking a link. That’s a handy feature if you’re looking to create an immersive presentation experience.

SlideDog is probably the cheapest of the presentation software featured, with a free account that will cover the essential features. However, for live sharing and premium support, you need to upgrade.

Read our full SlideDog review .

Prezi is one of the more unique presentation tools. Instead of presenting your graphics and text in a slide-to-slide format, you can create highly visual and interactive presentation canvases with the goal of “emphasizing the relationship between the ideas”.

Presentations can also be tailored to the specific audience, as this is a flexible platform that’s capable of skipping ahead, or veering off into a side topic, without having to flip through all the slides to get to a particular bit.

For business users, there are a variety of handy tools available. By downloading Prezi , you can build and edit presentations with your colleagues in real-time, which is perfect for companies with teams based around the globe.

When you have created a presentation you’re happy with, you can present it live (in HD) and send a direct link to viewers. There are some analysis tools here, too – you can see who’s accessed your presentation, which parts of it, and for how long. The app is available for Mac and Windows devices.

Read our full Prezi review .

Other presentation software to consider

Google Slides  is part of the Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) office platform intended as an online alternative to Microsoft Office. It may seem a little limited by comparison to PowerPoint, but as it's browser-based that means cross-platform compatibility. Additionally, it allows for collaborative work, and Google Slides really works well here. On top of the fact that it integrates with the rest of the Google Workspace apps, not least Google Drive, and you have a contender. 

Zoho Show  is another of the many, many tools and apps that Zoho has made available for business use. It also operates in the cloud so it's accessible to any device with a browser, and it also allows for collaborative work. You can also easily share the link for users to download, or provide a live presentation online. The updated version has a simpler and easier to use interface and comes with a free version and a paid-for one with expanded features.

Evernote  is normally thought of as just note-taking software, but it does provide the option to create a presentation you can share online or with an audience. In that regard, it's a little more limited than the other options in not being dedicated presentation software. However, as an easy and handy way to pull together a presentation quickly, it could serve as a backup or last-minute option, especially if Evernote is already being commonly used by you.

LibreOffice Impress  is part of the open-source suite offered as a free alternative to Microsoft Office, and comes with a powerful array of tools and editing options for your presentation, not least working with 3D images. It's supported by a large community, so it's easy to find an array of additional templates. If there is a limitation it's that it's software you download and install rather than web-based, but any presentations created should be easily portable to the web if needed.

Adobe Spark  does things a bit differently, as rather than just use images it's geared toward video as well. This makes for potentially more powerful multimedia presentations, especially as Adobe also has a big selection of photos and images available for its users. There is a free tier for core features but requires a subscription for custom branding, personalized themes, and support.

Slides  comes with a lot of features in an easy-to-use interface, and involves setting up presentations using drag and drop into an existing grid. It's also internet-based so there's no software to download, and it only requires a browser to use and access. 

Presentation software FAQs

Which presentation software is best for you.

When deciding which presentation software to download and use, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, free and budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require for your presentation needs.

How we tested the best presentation software

To test for the best presentation software we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. We then tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each software platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.

Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .

We've also featured the best alternatives to Microsoft Office .

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Presentations that stand out. Beautifully.

With its powerful tools and dazzling effects, Keynote makes it easy to create stunning and memorable presentations, and comes included with most Apple devices. Use Apple Pencil on your iPad to create diagrams or illustrations that bring your slides to life. And with real‑time collaboration, your team can work together, whether they’re on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or a PC.

See what’s new in Keynote

Present your story. Your way.

Keynote sets the stage for an impressive presentation. A simple, intuitive interface puts important tools front and center, so everyone on your team can easily add beautiful charts, edit photos, and incorporate cinematic effects. And Rehearse Mode lets you practice on the go, with the current or next slide, notes, and clock — all in one view.

Start with a gorgeous layout.

Choose from over 30 eye‑catching themes that instantly give your presentation a professional look. Or create your own slide designs, background images, and page‑by‑page customization.

Create next-level animations.

Add drama to your presentation with more than 30 cinematic transitions and effects. Make your words pop by adding textures, color gradients, and even photos — with just a tap. And animate objects along a path using Apple Pencil or your finger on your iPhone or iPad.

Make every slide spectacular.

Choose from over 700 Apple-designed shapes, galleries, math equations, and charts. Take a photo or scan a document with your iPhone, and Continuity Camera can send it straight to Keynote on your Mac.

What’s new in Keynote.

Learn about everything you can do in Keynote

Add live video feeds to any slide.

Appear in a window, right on your slides, with a picture-in-picture display during remote presentations. Or include a live feed of your iPhone or iPad screen to show off apps.

Present with your team. Seamlessly.

For slideshows with multiple presenters, you can now take turns controlling a single deck — from anywhere — on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

Play YouTube and Vimeo videos right in Keynote.

Embed a video from YouTube or Vimeo, then play them right in your presentations, without the need to download or open the video in a media player. *

Present over video conference. Like a pro.

Play a slideshow in its own window so you can access other apps while you present. You can view your presenter notes, upcoming slides, and navigation in a separate window as well.

Outline your presentation. Easier.

With outline view for iPhone and iPad, quickly jot down your thoughts, restructure ideas, and move concepts from slide to slide. Then switch to slide view and start designing.

Turn handwriting into text. Magically.

With Scribble for iPadOS and Apple Pencil, your handwritten words will automatically be converted to typed text. Take notes, edit a presentation, or annotate text quickly.

Present like never before. From anywhere.

With Keynote, presenting remotely can be just as seamless as presenting in person. Say goodbye to saying “Next slide, please” — now multiple people can present together, even remotely, with each person taking control of their section of the deck. Add a live video feed of yourself to any slide for a picture-in-picture experience. Or when presenting on your Mac, include a live feed of your iPhone or iPad screen to walk through your apps. You can even play a slideshow in its own window, so you can simultaneously access your notes and other apps.

Any presentation. Any device. Anytime.

You don’t work in one place on just one device. The same goes for Keynote. Work seamlessly across all your Apple devices. The slides you create using a Mac or iPad will look the same on an iPhone or web browser — and vice versa.

You can also work on presentations stored on iCloud or Box using a PC.

Start using Keynote at iCloud.com

Create and present together. Even when apart.

Work together in the same presentation, from across town or across the world. You can see your team’s edits as they make them — and they can watch as you make yours, too. When presenting as a team, you can also take turns controlling a single deck from anywhere.

Use Apple Pencil when inspiration strikes.

Add color, illustrations, and handwritten comments for more beautiful presentations with Apple Pencil on your iPad.

Plays well with Office.

Teaming up with someone who uses Microsoft PowerPoint? Keynote makes it a great working relationship. You can save Keynote documents as PowerPoint files. Or import and edit PowerPoint documents right in Keynote.

Learn more about Microsoft PowerPoint compatibility

See everything that’s new in Keynote

• What’s new in Keynote for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
• What’s new in Keynote for Mac
• Keynote for iCloud release notes

Additional Resources

• Get Keynote support
• Learn about Microsoft Office compatibility
• Learn about collaboration for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote
• Use Keynote in a video conference app

Keynote User Guides

• Keynote User Guide for Mac
• Keynote User Guide for iPad
• Keynote User Guide for iPhone
• Keynote User Guide for Web

Build spreadsheets that are bottom-line brilliant.

Create documents that are, in a word, beautiful.

5 Keynote Alternatives to Make Creative Slideshow Presentations on the Mac

Can't get used to Apple's Keynote app on your Mac? Here are your other options to create stunning presentations.

It's impressive and convenient that all Macs come preinstalled with robust and well-integrated presentation software like Keynote. For most people, it means they do not need to purchase third-party software.

However, while Keynote works great with your Mac and other Apple products, it's often not enough when you want to come up with creative slideshow presentations.

Fortunately, you can explore several Keynote alternatives to find something better. In this guide, we have covered the five best Keynote alternatives to create better slideshow presentations.

1. Microsoft PowerPoint

It has become almost customary for many Mac users to install Microsoft Office when setting up their Mac desktop or notebook. In their defense, Microsoft PowerPoint offers a better environment to build creative slideshow presentations for different purposes. More importantly, PPT files from PowerPoint also get broad support across popular platforms like Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.

First, PowerPoint offers a richer and more up-to-date collection of templates to choose from. You can also download PPT templates from third-party sources. Second, compared to Keynote, PowerPoint offers more options for customizing the presentation. For instance, you can expect a more versatile collection of fonts, animations, transitions, etc.

We should also remember that PowerPoint uses a UI that most people are familiar with. So, if you use other Microsoft Office products, PowerPoint will be easy to manage than Keynote.

Download : Microsoft Office ($6.99 per month, free trial available)

While Canva is not as old as Keynote or primary alternatives, it helps several times better when you want an eye-catching slideshow presentation. Canva is primarily a web-based designing tool, but its Mac app also does a decent job.

We don't think it's as customizable as PowerPoint, but Canva has many innovative features . You can, for instance, bring in modern design elements and stock photos in a single click. Similarly, you can use design assets from previous projects on Canva. You also have the option to export your presentation into various formats like PDF, PNG, and MP4.

Compared to Keynote, Canva offers a dynamic collection of purpose-oriented templates. So, you can choose between starting from scratch or using a rich template. In the long run, Canva lets you create striking presentations and saves time. While some Canva features are premium-only, the free version works for most people.

Download : Canva (Free, premium subscription available)

3. Prezi Present

Prezi Present is another great option for creating conversational presentation slideshows. It's powered by significant design refreshes and interactive slides, which make everything look more attractive. As a result, it becomes easier to communicate complex concepts through slideshows. So, it is unsurprising that many educators and business professionals use Prezi for Mac.

Even though you can use the web-based app for the same experience, the macOS app of Prezi is pretty impressive, as it's easier to include content stored on your Mac. It is also a better option when you want to present the slideshow from your MacBook. However, despite how aesthetically pleasing Prezi slideshows are, the file formats are not widely compatible.

Nevertheless, you can convert an existing PowerPoint presentation into a Prezi presentation. We should also remind you that a premium subscription for this tool gives you access to a video creation and design suite.

Download : Prezi Present (Free, premium subscription available)

Unlike the other Keynote alternatives we have covered till now, Focusky has a slightly different objective. It is designed to help you create HTML5 slideshow presentations that work great on the web. Most of its core features are aligned with helping you build innovative business presentations. Therefore, you can easily find common elements like flow charts, graphs, and diagrams.

First, you can choose one of the many presentation templates from Focusky, which updates the collection often. But, even if you start with a blank project, you can choose between standard outlines for business presentations. Then, once you start, you can use Focusky to insert almost everything into the presentation, including shapes, screen recordings, images, and documents.

Things become more impressive when you want to export or publish the presentation. For example, you can convert the presentation into HTML5 or create a Windows app, macOS app, PDF, or video.

Download : Focusky (Free, premium subscription available)

5. WPS Office

WPS Office is a competitor to Apple's iWork Suite and a popular alternative to Microsoft Office 365 . So, its presentation app is better than Keynote in many aspects.

More importantly, the presentation app from WPS Office works with popular formats, including Microsoft PPT and Google Slides . However, compared to Keynote or Slides, WPS Office offers a versatile collection of creative templates.

We also love that the presentations app uses a UI design similar to that of Microsoft Office. So, if you switched from Windows to macOS, you can retain your workflow. The collection of transitions, fonts, and effects is also impressive. So, you'll find it easy to create a lesson plan for your course, a pitching presentation at work, or something out of the box.

Unlike Keynote, WPS Office works well with other third-party apps and offers multiple export options. Therefore, it will be easier when you want to convert your presentation into a video or PDF file.

Download : WPS Office (Free, in-app purchases available)

Creating a Better Presentation Without Keynote

While each Keynote alternative on this list packs a unique set of features, you should understand that having a good presentation app is only one part of the story.

You should also employ effective communication methods and professional tips to make your slideshow presentation engaging.

How to Make a PowerPoint on Mac? (A Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve ever wanted to create a professional-level PowerPoint on your Mac, you’re in luck! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

You’ll learn what Keynote is and how to open it on your Mac, how to create a PowerPoint, customize the slides, add text, images, and media, utilize themes and animations, and finally, save and share your PowerPoint.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be a PowerPoint pro on your Mac!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Making a PowerPoint on a Mac is easy.

First, open up the Pages application on your Mac.

Then, select the File menu and choose New from Template.

From there, you can select a PowerPoint template and customize it to fit your needs.

When you are finished, you can save your presentation and share it with others.

What is Keynote?

Keynote is a presentation software program developed by Apple Inc.

and is available on all Mac computers.

It is a powerful program that allows users to easily create engaging and professional presentations.

Keynote provides users with a wide range of tools and features, including customizable slides, themes, animations, and more.

With Keynote, users can create stunning presentations in minutes.

It is a great tool for creating presentations for business, education, and personal projects.

Keynote is easy to use and is a great choice for anyone who wants to make a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer.

How to Open Keynote on Mac

Opening the Keynote app on a Mac computer is quite simple.

To open the app, you can either use the “Finder” app in your Applications folder, or you can use the “Spotlight Search” tool to quickly find the Keynote app.

If you choose to use the Finder, simply open the Finder app and navigate to the Applications folder.

From there, you will find the Keynote app.

You can then double-click on the Keynote icon to open the app.

Alternatively, you can use the Spotlight Search tool to quickly locate the Keynote app.

To do this, click on the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of your screen.

You can then type in “Keynote” in the search bar and hit the “Enter” key.

The Keynote app should appear in the search results.

You can then click on the Keynote icon to open the app.

Once the Keynote app is open, you can begin creating your PowerPoint presentation.

You can customize your slides by adding text, images, and other media.

You can further customize your slides by using various themes and animations.

Once you have created your presentation, you can save it as a .pptx file and share it with others.

With the Keynote app, you can easily create a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer.

Creating a PowerPoint on a Mac

Creating a PowerPoint presentation on a Mac computer is a straightforward process, whether youre creating a presentation for work or school.

The first step is to open the Keynote app on the computer.

Keynote is the presentation software for Mac computers, and it makes creating a presentation simple and easy.

Once you have opened the Keynote app, you can begin customizing your presentation.

You can add text, images, and other media to your slides, as well as utilize various themes and animations to make your presentation look professional and eye-catching.

You can also customize the layout of your slides, allowing you to add different elements and adjust their placement.

When your presentation is complete, you can save it as a .pptx file and share it with your colleagues, classmates, or anyone else who needs to view it.

You can also export your presentation as a PDF, a movie file, an HTML file, or a JPG file, depending on your needs.

With the Keynote app, creating a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer is easy and stress-free.

All you need to do is open the app, customize your slides, and then save your presentation in the desired format.

Whether youre creating a presentation for work or school, the Keynote app will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Customizing the Slides

Customizing the slides is an important part of creating a stunning PowerPoint presentation on a Mac.

The Keynote app provides a variety of tools and features to help you design your slides.

You can easily add text, images, and other media to customize your slides.

To add text to your slides, simply select the text box and type in your desired text.

To add images, you can either drag and drop them into the slide or use the Insert Image button.

You can also insert shapes, charts, and other media to customize your slides.

Additionally, Keynote offers a range of themes and animations to help you further customize your presentation.

Themes allow you to quickly change the overall look and feel of your slides.

Animations can be used to add a touch of flair to your slides, such as transitions between slides and animated text.

To access the themes and animations, simply click on the Themes or Animations tabs in the upper right-hand corner of the app.

By taking advantage of the Keynote apps customization features, you can easily create a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer.

With just a few clicks, you can customize your slides and make them look stunning.

So, if youre looking to create an impressive presentation, the Keynote app is the perfect tool for the job.

Adding Text, Images, and Media

When it comes to creating a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer, adding text, images, and other media is key.

With the Keynote app, you can easily customize your slides by adding text, images, and other media elements.

To add text, select the text box icon from the top menu, and then type in the text you want to include in the text box.

You can also adjust the font type, font size, font color, and other text properties.

Once you have finished editing the text, click the Done button to save your changes.

To add images, click the Add Image icon from the top menu, and then select an image from your computer, or add an image from the web.

You can also adjust the size, position, and transparency of the image to make it look more professional.

Finally, you can add other media elements such as audio and video to your slides.

To do this, click the Add Audio or Add Video icon from the top menu, and then select the audio or video file you want to include.

You can also adjust the size, position, and playback settings of the media element to make it look more professional.

By using these methods, you can easily add text, images, and other media elements to your PowerPoint slides on a Mac computer.

Once you have added all the elements, you can save your presentation as a .pptx file and share it with others.

Utilizing Themes and Animations

Creating a PowerPoint presentation on a Mac computer is made easier with the help of the Keynote app.

Not only can you easily create a professional-looking presentation, but you can also customize your slides with various themes and animations.

With the help of themes and animations, you can create a presentation that is visually appealing and engaging.

When creating a presentation, you can choose from a wide variety of themes and animations.

You can choose from a variety of colors, fonts, and designs to give your presentation a unique look.

You can also choose from several animation styles to give your presentation a more dynamic feel.

For example, you can choose to have your slides transition in with a fade or a slide, or you can animate specific objects within your slides.

Themes and animations can also help to emphasize certain points in your presentation.

For instance, you can use animations to draw attention to a particular slide or element in your presentation.

Additionally, you can use themes to create a professional and consistent look throughout your presentation.

Creating a presentation with themes and animations is easy.

In the Keynote app, simply select the themes tab to access the available themes and animations.

From there, you can customize your slides with the desired theme and animations.

You can also preview your slides and animations before you save them.

Creating a professional-looking and engaging presentation on a Mac computer is easy with the help of the Keynote app.

With the help of themes and animations, you can create a presentation that is visually appealing and will help to emphasize certain points you want to make.

With a few clicks, you can quickly create a presentation that will be sure to impress.

Saving and Sharing Your PowerPoint

Once you have finished creating your PowerPoint presentation, you can save it as a .pptx file and share it with others.

To save your PowerPoint, click the File menu at the top of the Keynote window and then click Save.

You will be given the option to save your file to your Macs hard drive or to the cloud.

If you wish to share your presentation with others, you can do so by exporting it as a PDF file or by sharing it directly with other users.

To export your presentation to a PDF file, click the File menu and then select Export.

You will be given the option to export your PowerPoint as a PDF file.

If you would like to share your presentation directly with other users, you can do so by clicking the Share menu at the top of the Keynote window and selecting Share with Others.

Here, you can enter the email addresses of the people you would like to share your presentation with.

You can also set a password for your shared presentation if you wish.

Once you have saved and/or shared your presentation, you can open it up again at any time by double-clicking on the .pptx file.

This will open up the presentation in the Keynote app and you can make any changes that you wish.

With the Keynote app, creating a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer is easy and convenient.

The steps outlined above will help you create a great presentation and save/share it with others in no time.

Final Thoughts

Creating a professional-looking PowerPoint on a Mac computer doesn’t have to be difficult.

With the help of the Keynote app, you can easily create slides with text, images, and other media, and customize your slides with themes and animations.

Now that you know how to make a PowerPoint on Mac, you’re ready to create your own presentations and share them with others.

So get to it and start making your own PowerPoint today!

James Wilson

James Wilson has extensive knowledge in the information technology industry.His second love, besides dealing with computers, is smart home technology. He is continually updating information to better comprehend this problem and has a deep understanding of the apartment’s support system.

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6 Best Slideshow Makers for Mac in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Searching for the best slideshow maker for Mac? If yes, then you have come to the right platform. We have listed down the top 6 slideshow apps that you can use on your Mac. Read on the entire write-up for complete details! 

Who doesn’t love sharing/uploading pictures of special occasions with their family and friends? Undoubtedly, you also love to do the same. Didn’t you? But, do you know that you can also make a slideshow of those pictures, it adds extra spark and excitement to your photos or videos.

A slideshow is something that also helps you make an attention-grabbing, or eye-catching presentation for your work purposes. Something that will get your boss, clients, or colleagues excited in your meeting. However, it can take a lot of time to make a good slideshow if the application you use does not offer advanced features like drag & drop functionality, numerous formatting options, and seamless transitions.

So, we decided to help you out in finding the best app for the slideshow. We have thoroughly researched and then, we have prepared this guide discussing the 6 best slideshow makers for Mac in 2024.

A List of 6 Best Slideshow Makers for Mac in 2024

Following are the few most dedicated applications that you can use to create an engaging slideshow on Mac. Without further ado, let’s read about the best slideshow makers for Mac in 2024.

1. Movavi Slideshow Maker

Movavi Slideshow Maker is a globally recognized software for both professionals and beginners. It offers various visual features such as transitions, stickers, filters, and more. This slideshow maker can be used on Mac as well as Windows.

It has an Easy Mode which enables users to create a professional-looking slideshow in a few minutes, without any hassles. All you need to do is, just upload the important media files (like videos/images, etc.,) and then choose slide transitions. You can also add music to your slideshow, and doing so is very straightforward too.

To make everything simpler for their users, Movavi also provides tutorials, so you can use them if in case any step is not 100% clear to you. It supports more than 14 different languages including English, Italian and more.

Download Now

Also Read: Best Video Repair Software for Mac

Keynote is another best slideshow maker for Mac that you can use. It is especially useful for people who own the complete ecosystem of Apple products like iPhones, Macbooks, and iPads. Keynote is powerful, versatile, and free slideshow software for Mac.

The app’s current version allows Mac users to collaborate with people regarding presentations, and tweak slides from their iPhones with the mobile application of Keynote. Additionally, let users transform handwriting into text on their device. If you are an Apple fan, then Keynote is an easy and effective way to create slideshows, and present video, visual, and text information in a professional as well as informal manner. It offers 30+ templated themes and the potential for creating customized templates for further use. In sum, Keynote is worth trying software.

Next on this list of best slideshow apps for Mac is Prezi- best for business. Presentation software that uses zoom, motion, and spatial relationships to bring your ideas to life and make a great presenter. The software is fully dedicated to helping Mac users meet better and communicate more effectively. It has lots of customization options that help amateurs to build professional-like presentations. It provides dynamic transitions and involves zooming in & out of the overall presentation canvas. You can use Prezi if you want to make presentations in a completely new way.

Also Read: Best Image Viewer for Mac

iMovie is a free slideshow maker and video editor for Mac. It comes built-in on Mac systems, iPads, and iPhones. With this application, you can begin video editing on one device and then complete it on another device with the help of Apple integration. Apart from that, you can easily & quickly import pictures and videos from your Photos application. Not only that, you can even use videos from FaceTime.

This tool has a friendly interface and lots of effects for video editing. You can easily add music either from your iTunes account or choose from the default library. In addition to this, you can also add several types of sound effects, voice-overs, titles, and transitions. To be more specific, iMovie is a profoundly excellent tool for video editing , but as a slideshow maker, it can let you down as it doesn’t have dedicated slideshow tools or templates.

Kizoa is a completely free slideshow maker for Mac. Using this tool, you can adjust your slides to any screen with up to seven distinct aspect ratios. This means you will have the correct size slideshow for computers, TVs, mobile devices, and tablets. Furthermore, there is also a cropping tool that helps you fit the photo on the screen without cutting out crucial parts.

To get started with this free slideshow maker, you simply need to select a template and add your pictures and videos. You can also add text, effects, and GIFs to your slideshow. Kizoa also lets you share your video slideshow online on numerous social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and more.

6. PhotoStage

The next best slideshow maker for Mac is PhotoStage. You can change the color scheme of the collage by choosing different colors from the ones that are already pre-set. The colors are also adjustable, allowing you to choose whether or not to use bright, vibrant colors, or neutral tones. Your slideshow can be displayed on your desktop, TV, iPod, or iPhone for the full effect.

PhotoStage enables you to drag and drop your photos on the stage, create text frames around each photo, and then add special effects and transitions to the picture. This slideshow maker is also great for editing and organizing your pictures before you start working on them in Photoshop.

Also Read: Best Video Compressors for Mac to Compress Video Size

Final Words on Best Slideshow Maker for Mac in 2024

In this write-up, we have explained the top 6 best slideshow makers for Mac. You can choose either of the following based on your requirements.

That’s all! We hope this informative guide helps you in the best way possible. If there is anything you want to share with us, then please drop us a comment in the section below.

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The best screen annotation app recommended and used by Harvard and MIT professors. Featured by Apple three times. A macOS menu bar app that helps you give better presentations, online classes, or video tutorials by letting you annotate any screen, highlight your cursor, and more. You can annotate anything on the screen, be it images, videos, pdfs, code, you name it. Presentify is quite helpful for online teaching, recording video tutorials, giving a demo, working remotely, and the list goes on. FEATURES ======== ANNOTATION - You can draw on or annotate any screen you wish. Select `Annotate Screen` from the menu bar and start doodling. - A lot of drawing shapes to choose from. You can even write Text now. - Draw with random gradient colors instead of just plain colors. - Auto-erase your annotations. Perfect for emphasizing something specific or explaining your thoughts. Also, toggle its behavior by pressing the Control Key. - You can draw even when other applications are running in full-screen mode. Great for live presentations and during video calls when working remotely. - New Interactive Mode: This opens up Presentify in the background letting the user use other apps and allowing them to annotate by pressing and holding the Fn key. - Now users can interact with the underlying apps when annotating (in default mode) with Presentify. Just press and hold the Fn key to do so. You no longer have to toggle Presentify to advance your presentation slides, play/pause videos, etc. - Highlighter feature lets you highlight portions of text without obscuring it. - You get a Straight Line by pressing and holding the Shift Key while Freehand drawing. And, you can fill the Rectangles and Circles with a semi-transparent color by pressing and holding the Option Key. - Works on iPad connected to a Macbook via Sidecar, Astropad, or Duet. - Works with Keynote (even in Presentation mode). - Compatible with all video calling software like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc. - Works with drawing tablets like XP-Pen, Wacom, etc. WHITEBOARD - Draw on a whiteboard (and not over other apps) if you wish. - You can even change the color of your whiteboard to whatever you feel like. ANNOTATE CONTROLS - A handy control panel to switch between different annotate tools and colors. - Move the control panel anywhere on the screen by dragging it. - Completely hide the control panel. UNDO/REDO SUPPORT - Do not have to worry about mistakes while annotating. KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS - You can start annotating the screen, highlighting your cursor, changing pencil colors and shapes, etc. from any app with simple keyboard shortcuts. - Customize the key shortcuts as you like. HIGHLIGHT YOUR MOUSE POINTER - With Presentify you never have to keep moving your cursor to grab the attention of your audience. - Change your cursor highlight color, opacity, size, and more. - You can even choose to highlight only when you move your cursor/mouse. UPCOMING FEATURES ================= ANNOTATION - Ability to cut and move annotations - Spotlight feature - Zoom MOUSE HIGHLIGHT - New mouse highlight designs and animations OTHERS - Change the slides of your presentation from your iPhone - And, many more PRESS ===== Featured by Apple multiple times. Also, on Hacker News, Reddit, Product Hunt, and various other blogs like ifun.de, igeeksblog.com, etc. with more than 230 upvotes in each. CONTACT ======= For any questions or concerns, you can head to presentify.compzets.com and see the faq page or click on the Support link.

Version 4.2.0

ANNOTATE - Two new favorite color options. This makes the total number of favorite colors to five. - You can now choose between two keys for Interactive mode. Choose Fn if you're a fan of press & hold, or Caps Lock if you prefer to press it just once. OTHERS - Minor bug fixed where the key shortcut wasn't getting displayed for Cursor Highlight in the dropdown menu. - Sharp new menubar icon.

Ratings and Reviews

Really close to perfect, just needs more color buttons and keystroke eraser.

This app is the closest answer I've gotten to my perfect annotator prayers. It's clear that the developer has thought this app through carefully and worked hard on it. It's so incredibly functional, fast, and easily accesible. The hotkeys, in particular, are very well thought out and puts other apps to shame. Please, please consider adding the below 2 items to get this app to top-tier level. I'll gladly rate up to 5 stars. 1. Add more color buttons to the tool bar. I use 4 colors on a daily basis and this is sorely needed. 5 would be even better. If toolbar size is a concern, perhaps make it an option to display 3, 4, or 5 color selections at a time. 2. Keystroke eraser with eraser size option (like the [ ] function) is needed so that can erase selected items only.

Pretty good - couple recommendations

Overall, decent app, and am happy I purchased it. With that being said, here's a couple recommendations for the developer to make this a 5-star application: 1. Add the ability to erase under cursor (as opposed to only being able to clear the entire screen or edit undo currently). There are manu scenarios where I want to erase something written down several minutes ago as part of problem solving. 2. When using "Interactive Mode", allow us to configure in the preferences whether we want to "hold" the button down as it is today, or instead use said button as a "toggle" to flip between so that we don't need to hold down the button for the duration. 3. Add thin, medium, thick (customizable) to the toolbar to allow for quick switching between thicknesses (I frequently need to switch between the thinnest for regular writing, and a super fat thickness when using the highlighter mode).

Developer Response ,

Thanks for such a detailed review. I will definitely work on them. However, just fyi, you can change thickness easily by pressing [ and ] keys. Have you tried it? Best, Ram

Great! Needs a keystroke eraser and one more thing to be 5 Star

Great app - I use it everyday as a virtual classroom teacher. It's minimal design isn't distracting from what I'm teaching and demonstrating. For me though, it needs 2 things. 1. A keystroke eraser - Right now its either erase everything or use the control z undo. If I need to erase something from the beginning of the writing, I have to undo every stroke or just erase it all. 2. A pointer/click/mouse ability - I cannot interact with any button while I'm writing. I would love to be able to switch back to my pointer mouse without turning off presentify and everything erasing everything.

Thanks for your insightful review. The two features you have requested are currently being developed. Will be live soon. I can update this comment once I release them. Stay tuned and thanks again for using and reviewing Presentify. Cheers, Ram

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The developer, Ram Patra , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Chm Blog Curatorial Insights , From the Collection , Software History Center

Slide logic: the emergence of presentation software and the prehistory of powerpoint, by david c. brock | october 04, 2016.

In many parts of our world today, group communication centers on visual materials built with “presentation software,” often crafted by a speaker him or herself. As a result, meetings now generally depend on the use of personal computers, presentation software in the guises of product or service and display by digital projectors or flat-screens.

A humorous sample PowerPoint presentation supplied with the very first version in 1987. This clip was created with PowerPoint 1.0 for Mac running in a Mac Plus emulator.

So central have these visual materials become that the intended functioning of digital files, programs, computers, and peripherals has become an almost necessary condition for public communication. Choice of presentation software has even become a mark of generational and other identities, as in whether one uses Facebook or Snapchat. Millennials and Generation Z choose Google Slides or Prezi. Everyone else uses PowerPoint, its mirror-twin by Apple called Keynote, or, for political expression and/or economic necessity, LibreOffice. Membership in a highly technical community can be signified by using the typesetting program LaTeX to build equation-heavy slides.

It is PowerPoint, nevertheless, that has become the “Kleenex” or “Scotch Tape” of presentation software. A “PowerPoint” has come to commonly mean any presentation created with software. Microsoft rightly boasts that there are currently 1.2 billion copies of PowerPoint at large in the world today: One copy of PowerPoint for every seven people. In any given month, approximately 200 million of these copies are actively used. PowerPoint is simply the dominant presentation software on the planet. 1

It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that PowerPoint was not the first presentation program. Rather, there were several programs for personal computers that performed similarly to PowerPoint in many respects, which appeared starting in 1982—fully five years before PowerPoint’s debut. PowerPoint’s ubiquity is not the result of a first-mover advantage. 2

Further, many of PowerPoint’s most familiar characteristics—the central motif of a slide containing text and graphics, bulleted lists, the slide show, the slide sorter, and even showy animated transitions between slides—were not absolute novelties when PowerPoint appeared. These elements had been introduced in one form or another in earlier presentation software.

Here, the principal developers of PowerPoint—Dennis Austin and Tom Rudkin—describe the structure of the source code defining slides. Austin and Rudkin worked closely with the product’s architect, Bob Gaskins. This document is in a collection of materials donated to the Computer History Museum by Dennis Austin.

From 1982 through 1987, software makers introduced roughly a dozen programs for several different personal computers that allowed users to create visual materials for public presentations as a series of “slides” containing text and graphic elements. Frequently, these slides were printed on paper for incorporation into a photocopied report and transferred to a set of transparencies for use with an overhead projector. Other presentation programs allowed slides to be output as a sequence of 35mm photographic slides for use with a slide projector, a videotape of a series of slide images, or a digital file of screen-images for computer monitors. Makers and users called these programs “presentation software,” and just as commonly “business graphics software.” “Business” here is significant, I think. 3

Early presentation software was most commonly used to create overhead presentations. In this clip, Dennis Austin—a principal developer of PowerPoint—demonstrates the use of overhead projectors and presentations.

The six years from 1982 through 1987 saw the emergence of presentation software (including PowerPoint), with multiple makers introducing competing programs offering many similar capabilities and idioms. Why did multiple, independent software creators develop presentation software for personal computers at just this moment?

I believe that an analytical framework that I developed with historian Christophe Lécuyer to understand episodes in the history of solid-state electronics can also help us to unpack this very different case from software history. Our framework consists of three “contextual logics” that we argue shaped the emergence of the planar transistor, the silicon microchip, the simultaneous-invention of silicon-gate MOS technology, and, as Christophe and Takahiro Ueyama recently show, the history of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). 4

In their 2013 article, “The Logics of Materials Innovation,” Christophe and Takahiro describe these logics beautifully:

This framework distinguishes different types of contextual challenges that shape the creation of new materials and manufacturing processes: the materiality of substances, tools, and fabrication techniques (referred to as “material logic”); the needs, demands and interests of intended customers (“market logic”); and the competitive tensions among laboratories, firms, and nations (“competitive logic”). These material, market, and competitive logics are not determinative, in the sense that they do not lead to necessary outcomes. But they are particularly stable over time and provide powerful resources and constraints to innovators and their patrons.

The implication seems straightforward: People from similar backgrounds, in similar organizations, facing a common, structured set of contextual logics, will do similar—but not identical—things. But can these logics that help make sense of the history of semiconductor electronics, a technology deeply about materials, also give insights into the history of the ne plus ultra of the digital—software itself? I think it can. Competitive logic, Market logic, and Material logic: Let’s consider them in that order, and see what they can mean for the “prehistory” of PowerPoint.

Competitive logic centered on software makers. In the first half of the 1980s, makers of presentation software were typically connected to companies. There were, of course, makers of non-commercial software of various stripes—hobbyist, open source, libre and the like—but they do not appear to have been a factor in early presentation software. Rather, the makers of presentation software were what I call “integrated software manufacturers,” “software publishers,” and “author houses.” Sometimes the boundaries between these maker-types are blurry, but I think the categories are useful.

Integrated software manufacturers, ranging from cottage firms to public companies, wrote code, manufactured it mainly on magnetic media, wrote and printed technical documentation and guides, and distributed it in shrink-wrapped boxes. For integrated software manufacturers of this era, think of Microsoft, Lotus Development, and MicroPro International." Software publishers" did everything that the integrated manufacturers did, except write the code. Rather, they entered into contracts on a royalty basis with those who did write programs. Software publishers ran the gamut from stand-alone companies that only produced software written by others, to firms that published a mix of programs written internally and externally, and also to computer makers like Apple, who published software written by others under their own label as well as selling their own programs. Code authors ranged from individual sole proprietorships to “author shops,” partnerships between two or more programmers in an LLP or a small company.

The origins of Microsoft, perhaps the best-known integrated software manufacturer.

These author shops, publishers, and integrated manufacturers were, by 1982, competing in a growing market for personal computer application software: Spreadsheets, word processors, databases and “business graphics” programs that often used data from spreadsheets to generate line-graphs, pie-charts, bar-graphs, and other standard plots used in business, science, and engineering. This battle for market share in applications for personal computers was the ‘competitive logic’ for presentation software’s emergence. 5

“Market logic” centered on the intended users of software, and, in the case of presentation software, focused to the communication practices of white-collar workers in the United States (and, perhaps, elsewhere), particularly “managers” and “executives.” Contemporary commentators noted that personal-computer “business” software like spreadsheets represented a turn in “office automation,” the opening of a new phase in which software users would expand beyond specialists and secretaries to managers and executives. Personal computers with new software would be in the offices of Mahogany Row in addition to the accounting department and the typing pool.

For example, in September 1982, John Unger Zussman, a columnist for InfoWorld, noted: “…the market is changing. An examination of the changing word-processor marketplace can tell us a lot about the maturation of microcomputers and give us a clue to the role of micros in the office of the future. ‘There’s an expanding concept of reality in the modern office,’ says Gary Smith, NCR’s director of marketing. Software oriented toward managers, such as spreadsheet and slide-show programs and electronic mail, has increased the demand for distributed data processing. It is now legitimate for a computer to appear on a manager’s desk—or a secretary’s. The personal workstation, says Smith, is becoming ‘the major focus of white-collar productivity.’ This was not always the case. In the past, computers were the province of the data-processing department…and, besides, managers wouldn’t be caught dead typing at a keyboard…word processing became a stepping-stone into the automated office…the introduction of microcomputers into the office of the future seems to be more a process of infiltration than one of direct assault.” 6

In this 1979 commercial, Xerox presented just this vision of the office of the future.

In a 1984 article in the Proceedings of the IEEE titled “A New Direction in Personal Computer Software,” MIT Sloan School professor Hoo-Min Toong, with his postdoc Amar Gupta, identified the crux of the market logic to which presentation software was a response: The time that executives and managers spent in meetings. They write: “Top managers are noted to spend four-fifths of their time attending meetings—delivering or receiving presentations and reports, communicating, and gathering information for subsequent meetings. Meetings are the most prominent, time consuming element of an executive’s job.” They continue: “At present, business personal computers only represent information in numeric form, in text, and in simple charts and graphs. A crucial missing component is the ability to present and manipulate visual, pictorial data…A new layer…will bridge the gap from the present position…to supporting business communications with sophisticated images and color.” 7

Toong and Gupta’s diagram of the proportion of an “executive’s” time spent in meetings. © 1984 IEEE. Reprinted, with permission, from Proceedings of the IEEE.

Toong and Gupta then discuss a newly released example of such “presentation graphics software,” VCN ExecuVision, offered by the book publisher Prentice-Hall. VCN ExecuVision, which ran on the IBM PC, cost $400 but also required libraries of images and icons, that is, “clip art,” at $90 per floppy disk. Users could create “slide shows” of multiple “slides” that the user could craft with text, clip art, and geometric shapes, as well as pie, bar, and line graphs, with the completed slide show either printed or displayed on the PC monitor.

The idiom of the slide was directly adapted from the world of 35mm photographic slides. “Seeing a single slide is one thing,” Toong and Gupta write, “seeing an aggregate of slides is another. VCN ExecuVision supports slide shows in which the transition from one slide to another can be controlled either manually (pressing a key causes display of the next slide) or automatically… More significant is the support of animation techniques which give an illusion of seeing a running movie rather than a slide show…VCN ExecuVision brings sophisticated graphical capabilities to the realm of personal computers thus vastly expanding the horizons of personal computer applications in all four domains – office, home, science, and education.” Continuing their celebration of ExecuVision, Toong and Gupta illustrated their journal article with three full-color pages of ExecuVision slides, replete with images having the unmistakable aesthetic of clip art. Presentation software and clip art may have been born together.

Sample slides from VCN ExecuVision. © 1984 IEEE. Reprinted, with permission, from Proceedings of the IEEE.

Evidently, ExecuVision was the creation of Toong himself—in a Cambridge, Massachusetts author shop called Visual Communication Network Inc.—before the program had been sold or licensed to Prentice Hall. Toong filed articles of incorporation for the firm in October 1983, with his brother and a former MIT industrial liaison as the other directors. His brother was listed as the president and a Sloan School building was the firm’s address. Toong’s connection to ExecuVision is not mentioned in the article. 8

Lotus’ announcement of Executive Briefing System. Courtesy of the Kapor Archive.

Toong’s ExecuVision was, in late 1983, a new entrant into the presentation software market that two new integrated software manufacturers, located in neighborhoods on opposing sides of the MIT campus, had already enjoined. On one side was Mitch Kapor’s startup, Lotus Development. Kapor created his new firm on a windfall from two programs he had written that were published by Personal Software, Inc., later renamed VisiCorp. VisiCorp was also the publisher of the breakthrough spreadsheet program VisiCalc, written in Cambridge by Software Arts Inc., the “author shop” of Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston.

Mitch Kapor had written a statistical analysis and data graphing program for the Apple II called TinyTROLL, which he sold through a partnership with his friend and then MIT finance PhD student Eric Rosenfeld who had suggested the program to Kapor. The partnership was called Micro Finance Systems, and Kapor was approached VisiCorp to adapt TinyTROLL to work with data imported from VisiCalc. Kapor soon delivered VisiPlot and VisiTrend, programs that took VisiCalc spreadsheet data and generated pie, bar, and line graphs from them, as well as performed various finance-relevant statistical functions on the data. Kapor and Rosenfeld’s Micro Finance Systems received hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties for VisiPlot and VisiTrend before VisiCorp bought them outright for $1.2 million. With his share in the windfall, Kapor set up an integrated software manufacturer of his own, Lotus Development, and, in 1982, the firm released its first product, Executive Briefing System, for the Apple II. Todd Agulnick, a 14-year-old high school student, had been hired by Kapor and wrote the BASIC code for Executive Briefing System under his direction. 9

Lotus’ $200 Executive Briefing System was centered on the color video display of the Apple II. In brief, a number of programs for charting and graphing like VisiPlot offered the “BSAVE” command. Instead of routing data to immediately render an image on the video display, BSAVE sent the very same data to a stored file. In this way, a “screen shot” could be rendered on the video display at a later time, shared with others, archived for future use, etc. Lotus’ Executive Briefing System treated BSAVE’d files—these screen shots—as “slides” that could be modified and then displayed on the Apple II’s video display as a “slide show” for a “presentation.” Executive Briefing System users could edit slides of charts and plots by adding text and/or clip art of lines, geometric shapes, or “ornamental” motifs. Slides were arranged in slide shows, and saved to floppy disk. While the program allowed a slide show to be printed—as a paper report or for transparencies for overhead presentation—it focused on slide shows for the video display. A variety of animated “transitions” between slides were available, such as fades, wipes, and spinning-into-view. 10

An early Executive Briefing System demonstration. This clip was created by running an image of the demonstration disk in an Apple II emulator.

David Solomont’s Business and Professional Software Inc., another integrated software manufacturer developing products for the Apple II, was located at 143 Binney Street just a 25-minute walk across the MIT campus—and past Hoo-Min Toong’s office—from Kapor’s Lotus Development office at 180 Franklin Street. Like Kapor, Solomont’s firm had earlier developed a plotting and charting program for the Apple II to work with VisiCalc spreadsheets. Solomont struck a deal with Apple to license the plotting program, which was sold by Apple under the company’s brand as “Apple Business Graphics.” Soon thereafter, arriving on the market about the same time as Lotus’ Executive Briefing System, came Solomont’s “Screen Director” program in 1982. 11

A 2015 CHM oral history interview with David Solomont.

Screen Director, made for the then-new Apple III computer, fully embraced treating a computer running Screen Director like a 35mm slide projector. Users could organize BSAVE’d image files from programs like VisiPlot and Apple Business Graphics into various “slide trays” for presentation on the video display. While Screen Director did not allow for the editing of existing image slides, it did provide for the creation of text slides and for a limited set of animated transitions between slides. Screen Director even shipped with the standard two-button wired controller for slide projectors, but modified to plug into the Apple III for controlling Screen Director slide shows. 12

A 1982 print advertisement for Business and Professional Software’s Screen Director program.

So far I have described a meaning for “competitive logic” and “market logic” in the case of presentation software, and some early programs from 1982 through 1984. But what of “material logic?” Material logic here includes personal computers themselves, specifically personal computers with graphics capabilities that were expanding in the early 1980s. The computers’ physical performativity, their material agency, constituted a resource, medium, and constraint for software makers and users. Existing programs widely used on these computers, like spreadsheets and plotting programs, were themselves a critical part of the material logic. Software, like hardware, has an unavoidable materiality. At the most abstract, a computer program can be considered to be a specific pattern. In practice, every instance of a program is a pattern in something material, including the body of an author.

Finally, the material logic for presentation software included operating systems centered on the graphical user interface, or GUI. This style of computing had been pioneered at Xerox PARC in the late 1970s, most famously on the Xerox Alto computer. The Alto inspired other efforts to bring the GUI into personal computing during the first half of the 1980s: Apple’s Lisa and Macintosh computers, Microsoft’s Windows software, and VisiCorp’s VisiOn software to name but a few. 13

This material logic was especially important in the creation of PowerPoint. In 1983, two Apple managers, Rob Campbell and Taylor Pohlman, left the firm and created a new integrated software manufacturer, Forethought Inc. Simply put, they left Apple to bring a Xerox Alto like GUI operating system to the IBM PC. By 1986, however, Forethought Inc. had a change of plans. This story—of Forethought’s creation of PowerPoint—and other stories about what PowerPoint and its competitors can tell us about software history, will be the subjects of upcoming essays by me on the @CHM blog.

For more information about the development of PowerPoint, please see our Guide to the Dennis Austin PowerPoint Records .

• Oral history interview with Shawn Villaron, PowerPoint manager at Microsoft, date, forthcoming/in process.
• Indeed, a wonderfully helpful list of presentation software offerings from 1986 compiled by Robert Gaskins, the initiator and architect of the original PowerPoint project, can be found on pages 131-134 of his painstakingly detailed and comprehensive memoir, Sweating Bullets .
• One place in which these identifying names for the presentation software genre were evident was, and is, the pages of the trade magazine InfoWorld . Google Books has a large number of issues of the periodical available with full text and search. On the more general use of the genre names, see this Google Books NGram .
• See Christophe Lécuyer and David C. Brock, Makers of the Microchip: A Documentary History of Fairchild Semiconductor (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2010); David C. Brock and Christophe Lécuyer, “Digital Foundations: The Making of Silicon Gate Manufacturing Technology,” Technology and Culture , 53 (2012): 561–97; and Christophe Lécuyer and Takahiro Ueyama, “The Logics of Materials Innovation: The Case of Gallium Nitride and Blue Light Emitting Diodes,” Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences , 43 (2013): 243-280.
• See, for example, Martin Campbell-Kelly, “Number Crunching without Programming: The Evolution of Spreadsheet Usability,” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing , 29 3 (July-September 2007): 6-19 and Thomas J. Bergin, “The Origins of Word Processing Software for Personal Computers: 1976-1985,” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing , 28 4 (October-December 2006): 32-47.
• The article may be viewed in InfoWord on Google Books.
• Hoo-Min D. Toong and Amar Gupta, “A New Direction in Personal Computer Software,” Proceedings of the IEEE , 72 3 (March 1984): 377-388.
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Articles of Organization, Visual Communications Network, Inc., October 13, 1983.
• Mitch Kapor, “Reflections of Lotus 1-2-3: Benchmark for Spreadsheet Software,” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing , 29 3 (July-September 2007): 32-40; David C. Brock telephone call with Todd Agulnick, July 15, 2016.
• Rik Jadrnicek, “ Executive Briefing System, a slide-show program ,” InfoWorld, May 17, 1982, 47–49.
• Oral History of David Solomont , Computer History Museum, 2015. Or watch it on YouTube .
• Richard Hart, “ Screen Director helps you present ‘slide shows,’ ” InfoWorld, November 8, 1982.
• See Michael Hiltzik, Dealers of Lightning: Xerox PARC and the Dawn of the Comptuer Age, (New York: HarperCollins), 1999.

About The Author

David C. Brock is an historian of technology, CHM's Director of Curatorial Affairs, and director of its Software History Center. He focuses on histories of computing and semiconductors as well as on oral history. He is the co-author of Moore’s Law: The Life of Gordon Moore, Silicon Valley’s Quiet Revolutionary and is on Twitter @dcbrock.

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If you are looking to install the different beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and HomePod software, you must enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. You can test out pre-release software on your devices and report to Apple for any feedback. Here’s a quick guide on how to sign up or leave the program.

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Beta versions are generally unstable and released with a lot of bugs. As best practice, I highly recommend creating iCloud backups of your files or using secondary devices for beta updates.

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• Visit the official website to unenroll from the Beta Software Program and sign in to your Apple ID account.

If you have doubts about signing up for the Apple Beta Software program, I suggest creating a unique Apple ID for testing beta OS updates .

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Remember a one-time purchase version of Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ is licensed for one install only .

Depending on your browser, select Open file  (in Edge or Internet Explorer), Setup (in Chrome), or Save File (in Firefox).

If you see the User Account Control prompt that says, Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? select Yes .

The install begins.

Your install is finished when you see the phrase, "You're all set! Office is installed now" and an animation plays to show you where to find Office applications on your computer. Select Close .

Follow the instructions in the window to find your Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ apps. For example depending on your version of Windows, select Start and then scroll to find the app you want to open such as Excel or Word, or type the name of the app in the search box.

Installation or sign in issues?

If you're unable to install Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ see Troubleshoot installing Office for more help.

Activate Microsoft 365​​​​​​​

Start using an Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ application right away by opening any app such as Word or Excel. Can't find Office after installing?

In most cases, Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ is activated once you start an application and after you agree to the License terms by selecting Accept .

Office might activate automatically. However, depending on your product you might see the Microsoft Office Activation Wizard. If so, follow the prompts to activate Microsoft 365​​​​​​​.

If you need activation help, see Activate Office .

Install Office 2016 on a Mac

Once the download has completed, open Finder, go to Downloads , and double-click Microsoft_Office_2016_Installer.pkg (the name might vary slightly).

Tip:  If you see an error that says the Microsoft_Office_2016_Installer.pkg can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer, wait 10 seconds and then try double-clicking the installer package again. If you're stuck at the Verifying…. progress bar, close or cancel the progress bar and try again.

On the first installation screen, select Continue to begin the installation process.

Review the software license agreement, and then click Continue .

Select Agree to agree to the terms of the software license agreement.

Choose how you want to install Office and click Continue .

Review the disk space requirements or change your install location, and then click Install .

Note:  If you want to only install specific Office apps and not the entire suite, click the Customize button and uncheck the programs you don't want.

Enter your Mac login password, if prompted, and then click Install Software . (This is the password that you use to log in to your Mac.)

The software begins to install. Click Close when the installation is finished. If Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ installation fails, see What to try if you can't install or activate Office 2016 for Mac .

Launch an Microsoft 365 for Mac app and start the activation process

Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock to display all of your apps.

Click the Microsoft Word icon in the Launchpad.

The What's New window opens automatically when you launch Word. Click Get Started to start activating. If you need help activating Microsoft 365​​​​​​​, see Activate Office for Mac . If Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ activation fails, see What to try if you can't install or activate Office for Mac .

Installation notes

Can I install Office 2016 for Mac and Office for Mac 2011 on the same computer?

Yes, you can install and use Office 2016 for Mac and Office for Mac 2011 at the same time. However, we recommend that you uninstall Office for Mac 2011 before you install the new version just to prevent any confusion.

To uninstall Office for Mac 2011, follow the steps in Uninstall Office 2011 for Mac .

How do I pin the Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ app icons to the dock?

Go to Finder > Applications and open the Office app you want.

In the Dock, Control+click or right-click the app icon and choose Options > Keep in Dock .

Can I install Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ on my iPhone or iPad?

Yes, see Install and set up Office on an iPhone or iPad . You can also set up email on an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) .

Install Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ 2013 on a PC

To begin the installation, depending on your browser, click Open file (in Edge or Internet Explorer), Setup (in Chrome), or Save File (in Firefox).

When you see "You're good to go", choose All done .

Start using an Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ application right away by opening any app such as Word or Excel. In most cases, Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ is activated once you start an application and after you click Accept to agree to the Microsoft Office License Agreement.

Tip:  If you completed the installation and you can’t find the Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ applications on your computer, see How to find the Office applications .

Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ might activate automatically when you open an app, such as Word, for the first time. If it doesn't and you see the Microsoft Office Activation Wizard, follow the prompts to activate Microsoft 365​​​​​​​. If you need help with activation, see Activate Office using the Activation wizard .

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Adobe Premiere Pro Gains AI Tools to Add and Remove Objects From Videos, Extend Clips and More

Adobe today debuted several new AI features for Premiere Pro, software designed for professional video editing. Adobe's Premiere Pro is set to gain useful editing functions powered by generative AI, which will let video editors do more with less work.

Objects in videos will also be able to be added or removed through smart selection and tracking tools. Adobe says that video editors can do things like remove an unwanted item, change an actor's wardrobe, or add set dressings like paintings on the wall or plants on a desk.

Perhaps the most interesting new feature is an option to create new video footage directly within Premiere Pro using a text to video feature. Users will be able to type text into a prompt or upload images to create video, and the resulting clips can be used for B-roll, creating storyboards, and more.

Adobe plans to introduce these generative AI tools later in 2024.

Apple has its own professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro. Final Cut Pro is a Premiere Pro competitor, and as of now, it is lacking in the AI department. Apple has not announced any AI features for Final Cut Pro, but with AI capabilities rumored to be coming to multiple apps in iOS 18 and macOS 15 , we could perhaps see some new AI feature additions for Final Cut Pro.

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Top Rated Comments

The only losers who truly like this stuff are people who do nothing creative and look at these tools as some way for them to fool around with something they have zero clue how to replicate.

What are you even talking about? As a professional video editor these new tools will be an absolute game changer. Just the ability to add a few extra frames where the camera op has cut too early will massively improve many situations I work with on a daily basis.

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15 apr april 2024 – macadmins meeting, april 17th, 2024 – university of utah, macadmins meeting.

The University of Utah, MacAdmins Meeting is held monthly virtually on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11 AM Mountain Time. Presentations cover Apple technology and integration in a heterogeneous university enterprise environment. This month’s meeting will be held on Wed, Apri 17th, 2024 at 11 AM MT and we will provide live broadcasts  and  archives that will be made available 2-3 days after the meeting.  

Patch Management – Matthew Mitchel l , jamf

Patch management with Jamf Pro offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of Apple device management, particularly Mac fleets within organizations. This system addresses the critical necessity of keeping software up to date to ensure security and stability in IT environments. Traditional patch management methods often involve manual processes and lack visibility into software updates, leading to challenges in maintaining compliance and addressing vulnerabilities across diverse endpoints.

Jamf Pro’s patch management capabilities streamline the entire process, automating tasks from sourcing and testing patches to deploying them across Mac devices. Central to this is the concept of App Lifecycle Management (ALM), which encompasses features like the Jamf App Catalog, Title Editor, and App Installers. These components work together to simplify the patch management workflow, providing IT administrators with the tools they need to efficiently manage software updates.

One of the key advantages of Jamf Pro’s patch management solution is its ability to provide visibility and control over software versions and compliance status. Through customizable reports and smart groups, organizations can easily track patch deployment progress and ensure adherence to organizational policies and industry regulations. This centralized approach not only enhances security but also saves time and resources by automating patch deployment tasks.

About Matthew Mitchel

Matthew has been using Apple products since 2004, and working at Jamf since 2016. After spending over 2 years in Support (finishing out his tenure as a STAM on the Premium Support team) he moved to the Services department in 2018 and began teaching the Jamf 200, 300, and 400 classes to Jamf users all across the country. In late 2021 he became the Product Owner for Content Management workflows, including Apps & Books, Patch Management, and Software Updates. Beyond Jamf, Matthew enjoys reading books, playing games, and building with LEGO. He’s particularly passionate about Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Final Fantasy, and Lord of the Rings. You can find him across the web as iMatthewCM.  

Privilege Elevation using Jamf Connect – Sean Rabbitt, jamf

Jamf Connect 2.33.0 introduces a new feature called Privilege Elevation, allowing standard users to temporarily elevate to a local administrator role. This feature is facilitated through the Jamf Connect menu bar app, where users can initiate a temporary promotion with a timer appearing in the menu bar for the duration of their elevated privileges. Once the timer expires, the user is reverted to a standard role. This feature can be configured using the Temporary User Promotion setting in the Jamf Connect Configuration app, offering flexibility and security in managing user privileges.

With Jamf Connect, administrators have a wide range of configuration options at their disposal. They can adjust individual functionality for managed users or select groups and roles, ensuring precise control over user promotions. Settings such as User Promotion Timer, User Promotion Role, Verify User Promotion, and more offer flexibility and granularity in managing user permissions, enabling administrators to create tailored elevation workflows.   In this presentation, an overview, and setup of Jamf Connect privilege elevation will be discussed.

About Sean Rabbit

Sean was born a small human child and has since gotten larger. He is currently a Sr. Consulting Engineer for Identity and Access Management at Jamf where he writes a lot of documentation that people ignore. He is often seen in an Airstream trailer traveling the country.

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This meeting will not be held in person but will currently be done virtually using Zoom video communications architecture.

• Require a Password to Join This meeting will require a password to join the meeting. Information will be emailed via a campus internal list, but if you are external and want to attend the meeting, please use the Contact Us form to receive details. Else, the archive of the meeting will be available 2-3 days after the live meeting.
• Waiting Room When joining the meeting you will be placed in the Waiting Room by default and the hosts will give you access to the live meeting.
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Use Keynote Remote to control your Keynote presentation

You can control your Keynote presentation from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using Keynote Remote.

Check your requirements

Link keynote remote to your mac, link keynote remote to another iphone or ipad, use keynote remote.

Keynote Remote is included with Keynote for iPhone and iPad. To use Keynote Remote to control your presentation, here's what you need:

An iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Keynote 2.1 or later for iPhone or iPad

A Mac with Keynote for Mac 6.1 or later

A remote device linked to your Mac or another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

You can play your presentation on your Mac and remotely control it with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Turn on Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad and turn on Wi-Fi on your Mac .

On your Mac, open Keynote.

From the menu bar, choose Keynote > Settings (or Preferences), click Remotes, then select the "Enable" checkbox.

On your iPhone or iPad, tap Continue.

On your Mac, next to the name of your iPhone or iPad, click Link.

Make sure that the four-digit passcode that appears matches on both devices, then click Confirm on your Mac.

After you link your devices, learn how to use Keynote Remote .

You can play your presentation on iPhone or iPad and remotely control it with another.

Turn on Wi-Fi on both devices .

Open your Keynote presentation on the device with the presentation.

On the device that you want to use as a remote, open the Keynote app.

On the presentation device, tap Link next to the remote device.

Make sure that the four-digit passcode that appears matches on your devices, then click Confirm.

After you link Keynote Remote to your Mac, iPhone or iPad, follow these steps to control your slideshow.

Tap Play, then choose what you want to do:

To move to the next or previous slide, swipe in either direction.

To end the presentation, tap the Close button or swipe down with two fingers.

If your devices can't stay connected, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network on your Mac and on your iPhone or iPad .

Before playing your slideshow, you might want to turn on Do Not Disturb on your Mac and on your iPhone or iPad .

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Learn how to use AirPlay to play your presentation from Keynote to an Apple TV.

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© THE INTERCEPT

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Microsoft Pitched OpenAI’s DALL-E as Battlefield Tool for U.S. Military

Any battlefield use of the software would be a dramatic turnaround for OpenAI, which describes its mission as developing AI that can benefit all of humanity.

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Microsoft last year proposed using OpenAI’s mega-popular image generation tool, DALL-E, to help the Department of Defense build software to execute military operations, according to internal presentation materials reviewed by The Intercept. The revelation comes just months after OpenAI silently ended its prohibition against military work.

The Microsoft presentation deck, titled “ Generative AI with DoD Data ,” provides a general breakdown of how the Pentagon can make use of OpenAI’s machine learning tools, including the immensely popular ChatGPT text generator and DALL-E image creator, for tasks ranging from document analysis to machine maintenance. (Microsoft invested $10 billion in the ascendant machine learning startup last year, and the two businesses have become tightly intertwined. In February, The Intercept and other digital news outlets  sued Microsoft and OpenAI  for using their journalism without permission or credit.)

The Microsoft document is drawn from a large cache of materials presented at an October 2023 Department of Defense “AI literacy” training seminar hosted by the U.S. Space Force in Los Angeles. The event included a variety of presentation from machine learning firms, including Microsoft and OpenAI, about what they have to offer the Pentagon.

The publicly accessible files were found on the website of Alethia Labs, a nonprofit consultancy that helps the federal government with technology acquisition, and discovered by journalist Jack Poulson . On Wednesday, Poulson published a broader investigation into the presentation materials. Alethia Labs has worked closely with the Pentagon to help it quickly integrate artificial intelligence tools into its arsenal, and since last year has contracted with the Pentagon’s main AI office. The firm did not respond to a request for comment.

One page of the Microsoft presentation highlights a variety of “common” federal uses for OpenAI, including for defense. One bullet point under “Advanced Computer Vision Training” reads: “Battle Management Systems: Using the DALL-E models to create images to train battle management systems.” Just as it sounds, a battle management system is a command-and-control software suite that provides military leaders with a situational overview of a combat scenario, allowing them to coordinate things like artillery fire, airstrike target identification, and troop movements. The reference to computer vision training suggests artificial images conjured by DALL-E could help Pentagon computers better “see” conditions on the battlefield, a particular boon for finding — and annihilating — targets.

In an emailed statement, Microsoft told The Intercept that while it had pitched the Pentagon on using DALL-E to train its battlefield software, it had not begun doing so. “This is an example of potential use cases that was informed by conversations with customers on the art of the possible with generative AI.” Microsoft, which declined to attribute the remark to anyone at the company, did not explain why a “potential” use case was labeled as a “common” use in its presentation.

OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeous said OpenAI was not involved in the Microsoft pitch and that it had not sold any tools to the Department of Defense. “OpenAI’s policies prohibit the use of our tools to develop or use weapons, injure others or destroy property,” she wrote. “We were not involved in this presentation and have not had conversations with U.S. defense agencies regarding the hypothetical use cases it describes.”

Bourgeous added, “We have no evidence that OpenAI models have been used in this capacity. OpenAI has no partnerships with defense agencies to make use of our API or ChatGPT for such purposes.”

At the time of the presentation, OpenAI’s policies seemingly would have prohibited a military use of DALL-E. Microsoft told The Intercept that if the Pentagon used DALL-E or any other OpenAI tool through a contract with Microsoft, it would be subject to the usage policies of the latter company. Still, any use of OpenAI technology to help the Pentagon more effectively kill and destroy would be a dramatic turnaround for the company, which describes its mission as developing safety-focused artificial intelligence that can benefit all of humanity.

“It’s not possible to build a battle management system in a way that doesn’t, at least indirectly, contribute to civilian harm.”

“It’s not possible to build a battle management system in a way that doesn’t, at least indirectly, contribute to civilian harm,” Brianna Rosen, a visiting fellow at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government who focuses on technology ethics.

Rosen, who worked on the National Security Council during the Obama administration, explained that OpenAI’s technologies could just as easily be used to help people as to harm them, and their use for the latter by any government is a political choice. “Unless firms such as OpenAI have written guarantees from governments they will not use the technology to harm civilians — which still probably would not be legally-binding — I fail to see any way in which companies can state with confidence that the technology will not be used (or misused) in ways that have kinetic effects.”

The presentation document provides no further detail about how exactly battlefield management systems could use DALL-E. The reference to training these systems, however, suggests that DALL-E could be to used to furnish the Pentagon with so-called synthetic training data: artificially created scenes that closely resemble germane, real-world imagery. Military software designed to detect enemy targets on the ground, for instance, could be shown a massive quantity of fake aerial images of landing strips or tank columns generated by DALL-E in order to better recognize such targets in the real world.

Even putting aside ethical objections, the efficacy of such an approach is debatable. “It’s known that a model’s accuracy and ability to process data accurately deteriorates every time it is further trained on AI-generated content,” said Heidy Khlaaf, a machine learning safety engineer who previously contracted with OpenAI. “Dall-E images are far from accurate and do not generate images reflective even close to our physical reality, even if they were to be fine-tuned on inputs of Battlefield management system. These generative image models cannot even accurately generate a correct number of limbs or fingers, how can we rely on them to be accurate with respect to a realistic field presence?”

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In an interview last month with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Capt. M. Xavier Lugo of the U.S. Navy envisioned a military application of synthetic data exactly like the kind DALL-E can crank out, suggesting that faked images could be used to train drones to better see and recognize the world beneath them.

Lugo, mission commander of the Pentagon’s generative AI task force and member of the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, is listed as a contact at the end of the Microsoft presentation document. The presentation was made by Microsoft employee Nehemiah Kuhns, a “technology specialist” working on the Space Force and Air Force.

The Air Force is currently building the Advanced Battle Management System, its portion of a broader multibillion-dollar Pentagon project called the Joint All-Domain Command and Control, which aims to network together the entire U.S. military for expanded communication across branches, AI-powered data analysis, and, ultimately, an improved capacity to kill. Through JADC2, as the project is known, the Pentagon envisions a near-future in which Air Force drone cameras, Navy warship radar, Army tanks, and Marines on the ground all seamlessly exchange data about the enemy in order to better destroy them.

On April 3, U.S. Central Command revealed it had already begun using elements of JADC2 in the Middle East.

The Department of Defense didn’t answer specific questions about the Microsoft presentation, but spokesperson Tim Gorman told The Intercept that “the [Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s] mission is to accelerate the adoption of data, analytics, and AI across DoD. As part of that mission, we lead activities to educate the workforce on data and AI literacy, and how to apply existing and emerging commercial technologies to DoD mission areas.”

While Microsoft has long reaped billions from defense contracts, OpenAI only recently acknowledged it would begin working with the Department of Defense. In response to The Intercept’s January report on OpenAI’s military-industrial about face, the company’s spokesperson Niko Felix said that even under the loosened language, “Our policy does not allow our tools to be used to harm people, develop weapons, for communications surveillance, or to injure others or destroy property.”

“The point is you’re contributing to preparation for warfighting.”

Whether the Pentagon’s use of OpenAI software would entail harm or not might depend on a literal view of how these technologies work, akin to arguments that the company that helps build the gun or trains the shooter is not responsible for where it’s aimed or pulling the trigger. “They may be threading a needle between the use of [generative AI] to create synthetic training data and its use in actual warfighting,” said Lucy Suchman, professor emerita of anthropology of science and technology at Lancaster University. “But that would be a spurious distinction in my view, because the point is you’re contributing to preparation for warfighting.”

Unlike OpenAI, Microsoft has little pretense about forgoing harm in its “responsible AI” document and openly promotes the military use of its machine learning tools .

OpenAI Quietly Deletes Ban on Using ChatGPT for “Military and Warfare”

Following its policy reversal, OpenAI was also quick to emphasize to the public and business press that its collaboration with the military was of a defensive, peaceful nature. In a January interview at Davos responding to The Intercept’s reporting, OpenAI vice president of global affairs Anna Makanju assured panel attendees that the company’s military work was focused on applications like cybersecurity initiatives and veteran suicide prevention, and that the company’s groundbreaking machine learning tools were still forbidden from causing harm or destruction.

Contributing to the development of a battle management system, however, would place OpenAI’s military work far closer to warfare itself. While OpenAI’s claim of avoiding direct harm could be technically true if its software does not directly operate weapons systems, Khlaaf, the machine learning safety engineer, said, its “use in other systems, such as military operation planning or battlefield assessments” would ultimately impact “where weapons are deployed or missions are carried out.”

Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine a battle whose primary purpose isn’t causing bodily harm and property damage. An Air Force press release from March, for example, describes a recent battle management system exercise as delivering “lethality at the speed of data.”

Other materials from the AI literacy seminar series make clear that “harm” is, ultimately, the point. A slide from a welcome presentation given the day before Microsoft’s asks the question, “Why should we care?” The answer: “We have to kill bad guys.” In a nod to the “literacy” aspect of the seminar, the slide adds, “We need to know what we’re talking about… and we don’t yet.”

Update: April 11, 2024 This article was updated to clarify Microsoft’s promotion of its work with the Department of Defense.

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