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How to convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides

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Speaker notes in Presenter View in PowerPoint on a Dell monitor.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While PowerPoint is widely used to develop presentations, using Google Slides has become a popular alternative. Part of what makes it so popular is that it's free to use, as is other Google software such as Google Docs and Google Sheets – which is a stark contrast to the premium price you'll pay for Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.

Even if you know how to use Microsoft PowerPoint, you might want to jump ship to Slides, and Google makes it easy to do so. In fact, it takes little more than a few clicks to convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides. Whether you need to change the format for a coworker or want to permanently switch to the free platform, here's a look at how to convert your PowerPoint into a Google Slides presentation.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

  • A computer, laptop, tablet, or phone with access to Google Slides

Converting a PowerPoint file using Google Slides

Step 1: Open Google Slides and click Blank under Start a New Presentation.

The area to start a new presentation in Google Slides.
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Step 2: At the top, under the title settings, click File > Open.

The Open button in Google Slides used for converting a PowerPoint file into a Google Slides format.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Click the Upload tab and choose the Select a File From Your Device button. Locate your PowerPoint file and open it (the extension will be .pptx).

Google will now convert that PowerPoint file into a Google Slides format. Once the process is completed, it will automatically be saved into your Google Slides account via Google Drive.

Conveniently, you can now edit that presentation online and, when the need arises, convert it back to a Microsoft PowerPoint file (File > Download > Microsoft PowerPoint).

The Upload section in Google Slides for opening a new file.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Using Google Drive

Another way to convert a PowerPoint file to Google Slides is to use Google Drive.

Step 1: Go to your Google Drive account's home page. Click the New button and then File Upload. Select your PowerPoint file.

Adding a new file in Google Drive via the New and File Upload buttons.
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Step 2: Select the file on Google Drive, right-click it, and click the Open With tab. Finally, click the Google Slides tab.

Opening a PowerPoint presentation file on Google Drive with the Google Slides tab.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: The PowerPoint will be displayed within Google Slides. Unlike uploading directly via Google Slides, you will have to save the file for this method. Select the File tab and click the Save As Google Slides option from the drop-down menu.

The tab to save a PowerPoint file as a Google Slides file.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Importing specific slides

Google Slides’ ability goes beyond just converting an entire PowerPoint file. You can also choose specific slides you want to import as opposed to the entire presentation itself.

Step 1: Open a new Google Slides presentation. Within the File tab, select the Import Slides option and then choose the Upload tab. Select the PowerPoint file from your PC.

The Import Slides tab on Google Slides.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Google will now populate a thumbnail-based view of all the slides contained within that PowerPoint file and allow you to select which specific ones you wish to import and convert. Click the Import Slides button when you’re done.

The area where you can select specific slides from a PowerPoint file to import into Google Slides.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While both presentation creation applications are powerful, if you don't know the basics of composing impactful slides, your presentation will fall flat. Take a look at our collection of PowerPoint best practices -- not only will it improve your presentations, it might help you decide which software to use.

Zak Islam
Zak Islam
Former Contributor
Zak covers the latest news in the technology world, particularly the computing field. A fan of anything pertaining to tech…
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