Whether you are preparing a presentation for a class assignment, getting ready to teach a course, presenting at a conference or creating a video presentation for the web, this guide will give you options for moving beyond PowerPoint and for integrating mobile technology into your presentations.
Canva is online software that can be used to create presentations or other documents. It is very easy to collaborate with others on a project, or just create your own using free templates. Has free images available or upload your own and edit with Canva's photo editor tool. Free and paid accounts available.
(Source: Ziovo, 2020)
Prezi allows users to create dynamic "zooming" presentations. If you have already created a PowerPoint presentation, it also offers an option to import your existing slides to Prezi. Presentations are created, stored and delivered online, but premium subscribers also have the option for an offline version of the tool. The tool offers both free and paid versions and students and professors are eligible for a free educational account with some additional features. Please also note that Prezi is not currently accessible to those using screenreaders.
(Source: Josh Schorle Tech, 2016)
Google Slides is part of the free Google Drive suite. It is great for creating simple presentations, especially if you are collaborating with other people on your slides. The tool can be used in virtually any browser and also on most mobile devices. While not as fully-featured as PowerPoint or Keynote, it is a good alternative for those who want to collaborate or work in the cloud
(Source:David Lee EdTech, 2017)
Keynote is often thought of as the Mac equivalent of PowerPoint and offers many of the same features. While it is primarily used by Mac users, presentations can be output as PDFs or converted to PowerPoint formats, so you can deliver your presentation virtually anywhere. Note, however, that the formatting may change some when you convert your presentation to the PowerPoint format, so it is always a best practice to review it after conversion to ensure that all of your layouts remain the same and to make any necessary tweaks
(Source: Touch Technology Review, 2014)
Piktochart comes with a set of features that enable anyone to create stunning masterpieces. These features include: ready to use graphics, charts and maps, High-res downloads, functional innovation, and design flexibility. Anything you need to create impressive printable posters, reports, and slides for your presentation is provided. In such a way, Piktochart helps you create infographics that work perfectly with your social media channels and blogs. Free and Paid accounts available.
(Source: Piktochart, 2017)
| Presentation Software | Best For | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Slides and keynote (Mac users only) | Presentation slides both in-person and online | Most familiar format with user and audience, templates, embed media | Oversimplifies a topic, and limits preparation. KeyNote is only for Mac devices |
| Canva | Presentations, banners and posters, infographics, cards | Easy to use, many custom design elements | Can be time-consuming to design |
| Prezi | Alternative to standard slideshow due to non-linear and zooming feature, presentation in person and online | Present on multiple devices, shareable, templates, embed media | Can only use templates, can cause a dizzy effect with motion and zooming of slides |
| Piktochart | Infographics | Easy to use, many custom design elements | Can be time-consuming to design |
Wilmington University Library. (2020, June). Presentation tools, tips and techniques guide. https://libguides.wilmu.edu/presentations