A PowerPoint presentation can be a simple deck of slides. It can also be a visually breathtaking course of animations and graphics. In every case, a good presentation requires thought, hard work, and time.
Microsoft PowerPoint gives you some help with time. But though this Office software is packed with features, you need extra help sometimes. This is where our list of the best, mostly free PowerPoint add-ins come in.
How do PowerPoint add-ins help your presentations?
(The '15' refers to the version number of the overall Office suite.) 2. Technical preview. Microsoft announced on Jan. 30 that a 'select group of customers' had been granted access to a 'technical. Best overall Microsoft Office alternative. Google's productivity suite is a great option for road warriors, teams, and else who needs the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Microsoft Office has add-ins for every software in its suite. They add more features to PowerPoint, help craft your slides faster, make collaboration easier, and maybe captivate your audience at the end of it all.
Add-ins can do all that and make Microsoft PowerPoint seem more powerful than it already is.
Today, we will look at how to install and manage these little tools and suggest a few of the best Microsoft PowerPoint add-ins you should install to improve your productivity.
Most of these add-ins will work with Microsoft PowerPoint 365, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft PowerPoint Online.
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Which PowerPoint add-ins should you install?
There are more than 2,000 Microsoft Office add-ins. Microsoft Office organizes all add-ins in neat categories. You can also filter them by:
Microsoft Office also automatically suggests a few add-ins to you. There’s also a category called Editor’s Picks which displays a few highly-rated selections. Work through the choices and pick the ones that fit your workflow.
How to install and manage Microsoft PowerPoint add-ins
There are three simple methods to browse and download the add-ins you want.
Microsoft has a dedicated Office Store (AppSource) which lists all add-ins available for all Office applications.
You can also access the add-ins inside PowerPoint (and other Office apps), and also within PowerPoint for other platforms, like PowerPoint for iPad, Mac, and PowerPoint Online.
Method 1: Download add-ins from the Office Store
The Office Store can be browsed like any other website. Filters on the left help you drill down to the add-ins you need.
Do read the reviews for each add-in and check the ratings. The better add-ins will be strong in both areas.
1. Click the blue Get It Now button.
2. Sign into AppSource with your Microsoft account.
3. Give Microsoft permission to install the add-in.
4. Continue the installation by selecting the application you want it for.
5. The add-in will appear on the extreme right of the Ribbon. Click the add-in button and a sidebar appears on the side of your document.
Method 2: Download add-ins from inside Microsoft PowerPoint
1. Go to the Ribbon > Insert > Add-Ins Group > Get Add-Ins.
2. Use the Store pane to browse for add-ins and install them. All installed add-ins will be listed under My Add-Ins.
3. Give your permission to Microsoft and allow the installation to proceed.
As in the download from the website, the add-in appears as a button on the Ribbon. When you are done with an add-in, you can close it by clicking the “X” button in the sidebar.
All free and purchased add-ins are part of your Microsoft account. After you’ve added them once you’ll have quick access to them from the My Add-ins button on the menu. The Manage My Add-ins link on the window will also take you to a page where you can see other details on them.
For example, an option to hide an add-in if you don’t want to see it on your list.
If you don’t use an add-in, then you can always delete them to clean up your list.
Method 3: Download add-ins from third party websites
PowerPoint has an evolved community of users around the world. These users have spawned their own unique add-ins which you may not find in the official Office store. The majority of them are made for corporate use and are unfortunately not free. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find a few gems.
How to delete an add-in you don’t want
1. When you want to remove an add-in, go to Ribbon > Add-Ins > My Add-ins. If you don’t see your add-in, then click on the Refresh link at the top of the window.
2. In the Office Add-Ins window, click the menu option (three dots) for the specific add-in and click on Remove.
With this basic process covered, let us move on to select a few choice add-ins that can set you up for productivity.
The best free Microsoft PowerPoint add-ins for everyday productivity
You can feel spoiled for choice with the option of 2,000+ add-ins. But let’s check out a few that are useful for almost anyone.
The focus of the list is on free add-ins. A few excellent add-ins with trial accounts have been thrown into the mix to demonstrate how you can extend PowerPoint when your needs demand it.
1. Pickit
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Add spectacular visuals to your slides in minutes.
Pickit makes it every list of Microsoft Office add-ins. Maybe, it’s because visuals are now an important part of any document. In PowerPoint, you can use the add-in to directly insert royalty free images to your slide.
2. Pexels
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Find free stock photos for your presentations.
Pexels is one of the best sites for free stock photography. This add-in is a handy shortcut to help you find the right kind of Creative Commons photo to go with your presentation.
Use the Search by Color option to match the photo with the theme of your presentation.
3. Emoji Keyboard
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Focus your audience's attention on your message by adding emojis.
Choose from a library of more than 1,300 emojis to use as visual aids in your presentation. You can insert emojis in various sizes, as text or images. There is a search functionality, and you can choose from a range of skintones to ensure everyone is represented.
Another plus for this add-in is that it requires minimal permissions.
4. Symbols and Characters
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Search and use special characters and symbols in your presentations.
The free add-in makes it easy to search and use diacritics, special characters, and symbols in PowerPoint slides. All you have to do is pinpoint the desired character with a simple lookup or narrow down the search by language or character subset.
You can type a letter or a short phrase to search for the right symbol. An auto-lookup feature also suggests suitable symbols based on your selection.
5. THOR - The Hammer
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Maintain the size and position of any shape across all slides.
THOR is a tiny utility from PPTools that solves a persistent problem in Microsoft PowerPoint. It helps you design consistent slides by positioning logos and other shapes precisely across all the slides in a presentation.
Select a shape and then use THOR to memorize its size and position. You can then apply the same size/position to other selected shapes in your presentation with just one click on THOR's Hammer button.
You won’t find this add-in the Office Store. Download and install it from the site.
6. Selection Manager
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Manage overlapping shapes on a slide with labels.
Selection Manager is a handy PowerPoint add-in to solve selection woes with overlapping shapes. Imagine a pile of different shapes. You can give each shape a different name. The add-in then helps to “unbury” the obscured shapes when you select its name from a list in Selection Manager’s dialog box.
This add-in is not available in the Office Store. Download and install it from the site.
7. ShowMarks
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Reveal or hide formatting marks in PowerPoint.
This is the third handy add-in provided by PPTools.com. It mimics the Show/Hide button in Microsoft Word which toggles the display of paragraph marks and other formatting symbols.
Use it to quickly adjust the spacing in your slides. The Show/Hide Marks button works from the ShowMarks group of the PPTools tab on the Ribbon.
8. PowerPointLabs
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Get more design, layout, and styling features.
With PowerPoint Labs from the National University of Singapore, you get a separate tab on the Ribbon loaded with creative presets. This tab gives you several interactive slide effects that highlight your text, diagrams, charts & images.
PPL gives you more control over shape and slide animations, zoom and pan effects help you explain process diagrams much better, and you can add highlights or spotlights on the fly to raise your presentations from the mundane.
PowerPoint has its own powerful animation controls. But, give PPL a try too and see if it helps make it effortless. It is still run by students at the National University of Singapore.
9. PhET Interactive Simulations
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Teach with interactive simulations for science and math lessons.
PowerPoint is closely tied to the classroom. But it takes some skill to create interactive slides to teach math and science concepts. The PhET PowerPoint add-in makes it easier with a library of instructional slides on common science and math topics.
Developed by the University of Colorado, these well-made simulations are ideal for Grades K-12 and university classes.
Step up your PowerPoint game
Download our print-ready shortcut cheatsheet for PowerPoint.
10. Neo / Ipsum
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Add placeholder text and visualize your design
PowerPoint allows you to add placeholders with custom prompts. You can then insert your content into these boxes. Neo / Ipsum saves you some time by giving you the classic Lorem Ipsum set and several custom ‘ipsums’ to add to your slides.
Add the text and play around with your slide designs. Download the installer.
11. Pro Word Cloud
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Create beautiful word cloud images from your text
Word clouds are often underestimated. But they can be impactful visual devices when you want to leave your audience with a core message at the end of your presentation.
For instance, you can collect ideas from your audience and then visualize the most popular responses with a word cloud. Or just summarize your speech with the most important words on the screen.
Carry this handy word cloud generator add-in with you everywhere.
12. Scan & Paste for Microsoft 365
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Scan with your phone and attach to PowerPoint
Today we have a scanner in our pockets. The Scan & Paste for Microsoft 365 mobile app pairs with the add-in for quick click and paste jobs. Need a document or image in your slides?
Take a photo, pair the application in the Office program and get the scanned pictures or multipage PDF documents from your storage attached exactly where you need them.
The companion Scan & Paste app is available for both Android and iOS.
13. QR4Office
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Link to bonus information with QR codes in your slides.
A QR code is a stylish way to add sources for more information and material into your slides. Take a real-time poll, provide more reference material, or include vCard details of attendees.
This add-in can make your presentation materials more accessible to the audience. It would just take a quick scan with their mobile cameras that double as QR code readers.
14. ToDo List Pro
Cost: Free
Key Benefit: Keep track of your PowerPoint tasks with a to-do list.
Any to-do list can help you keep track of the work that remains to be done on a presentation. But this add-in integrates your task list within PowerPoint.
The list is automatically saved within the document. You can glance at what’s left to be done, the next time you open your presentation.
15. Slido
Cost: Free (Premium Plans Available)
Key Benefit: Run live polls and Q&A sessions with a Slido account.
Asking questions and gathering feedback keeps audiences engaged. So set up a brainstorming event or a live poll within your PowerPoint presentation. Slido lets you display Slido polls or questions on your slides remotely using your smartphone or PC.
There are different flavors but the basic plan in Slido is free and allows you to run three polls per event.
16. Lucidchart Diagrams for PowerPoint
Cost: Free trial
Key Benefit: Add diagrams, flowcharts, wireframes to your slides
Photos and images are covered by free stock photography add-ins. Lucidchart takes care of flowcharts, wireframes, mockups, and mindmaps among other diagramming assets.
Lucidchart isn’t a free add-in but it can be invaluable if you use advanced diagrams in your presentations. The templates and huge library of dynamic shapes cover all types of interactive diagrams. Then, the Presentation mode can break down one step at a time for your audience.
Lucidchart also supports real-time collaboration with version control for an unlimited number of users.
17. Office Timeline
Cost: Free and a Plus Edition for $59 per year
Key Benefit: Make professional timelines and Gantt charts quickly
You might wonder about the utility of timelines and lightening your wallet for this add-in. PowerPoint is a powerful tool to present proposals to decision makers. So timelines and Gantt charts can be essential for every project office or classroom that wants to showcase a schedule or an event.
Office Timeline comes equipped with a wizard that takes the raw data and creates a beautiful timeline or a Gantt chart in under two minutes. You can do it manually too, but this popular add-in can save you a lot of time.
Office Timeline has a basic free version and an upgraded Plus Edition with an annual license fee.
Want more add-ins? Check out our list of the 50 best Excel add-ins, top 20 Microsoft Word add-ins, and 20 best Outlook add-ins to make your life easier and more productive!
Boost your PowerPoint productivity
“Death by PowerPoint” is a common gripe. But that has more to do with the presentation and less with the tool. So try a few of these add-ins the next time a presentation falls into your lap. These may just give your productivity the boost it needs.
If you are looking to sharpen your Microsoft Office skills, check out our Microsoft PowerPoint course to learn time-saving tips and tricks for formatting, and designing engaging presentations. And while you're at it, brush up on your presentation skills with our Public Speaking course.
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Microsoft Office for Beginners: Then and Now
While many features have been added since its initial launch, much of the core product has stayed intact.
In addition to the initial trio, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, today, Microsoft Office also includes Access, Publisher, OneNote and Outlook – all of which seamlessly integrate with each other.
Multiple versions have become available as well, including new and improved desktop apps, as well as mobile apps and a web-based alternative for both Windows and Mac users.
What is Microsoft 365?![]()
In 2011, Microsoft launched its cloud-based subscription service Office 365, to compete with Google Drive. While the apps in Office 365 were nearly identical to its desktop suite, certain features were rolled out only to 365 at first, like Morph and Designer in PowerPoint.
Since then, Microsoft has continued to allocate more and more resources to its cloud-based service, luring in subscribers by offering them exclusive perks.
In 2017, Microsoft announced that Office users will no longer receive access to OneDrive and Skype after 2020 if they don’t subscribe to Office 365. This statement coincides with Microsoft’s “Modern Lifecycle Policy,” which requires you to have the latest version of the product in order to receive full support.
As of April 21, 2020, Office 365 has been rebranded to “Microsoft 365”. Microsoft 365 comes with the same Office apps as its predecessor, with Microsoft promising new apps and services to come.
These changes haven’t hurt Microsoft one bit. Check out its latest numbers.
What is the difference between Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365?
You can still pick between Microsoft Office (desktop) and Microsoft 365 (web version).
While both offer the same programs that Office users are accustomed to, the upfront costs and platforms they’re used on vary.
Microsoft Office (Desktop)
Microsoft Office (desktop) can be purchased for a one-time payment for the program to be installed on a single device.
You are either given a physical key card with your own specific download code, or you can download the program straight from the Microsoft website.
This key gives you access to the program for as long as you like. In the event of a Microsoft upgrade or a new version of Microsoft Office, you would then have to purchase the new package if you want to receive support.
Standard Office bundles come with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Microsoft Office programs must be purchased for the user’s operating system (OS) – either a Mac or PC.
If the user gets a new computer, or switches to a different OS, they’ll have to repurchase Office.
Microsoft 365 (Online Subscription)
Microsoft 365 is a subscription product, which you can pay for monthly or annually. As noted above, this product was formerly known as “Office 365” until it was rebranded in April 2020.
Program upgrades are included with this fee, so whenever Microsoft updates its Office apps, you will automatically receive the newest versions.
Because 365 is cloud-based, it can be accessed via any device. This technology allows flexibility for businesses and their employees, as documents and programs aren’t simply tethered to the computer to which the program is licensed.
Microsoft 365 Personal subscriptions can be used on up to five devices across Mac and PC, and it includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. Subscribers also receive additional OneDrive storage (1 TB) and 60 free Skype minutes every month.
Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions can be shared by 6 people in total. It includes all of the features of the Personal plan, plus additional OneDrive storage (6 TB).
Microsoft 365 Business plans include Office apps, plus additional features like access to Microsoft Teams and advanced security protections.
Microsoft introduced 365 with the goal of eventually phasing out one-time purchases.
If you don’t frequently update Office, its traditional product should work just fine. But, if you’re interested in getting access to exclusive upgrades, 365 will float your boat.
Regardless, keep in mind that Microsoft made it clear it will phase out the traditional Office Suite in the not-so-distant future.
What applications are included in Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Office has evolved tremendously since its beginnings in 1988, now with a robust slate of offerings for individual and business users. Here’s a look at the programs you’ll find inside Office.
Microsoft Word
Word is unsurprisingly Microsoft’s word processing app.
It was initially introduced to modest reviews because the interface was vastly different from the former leading word processor, WordPerfect. But with the release of Windows 95 and Office 95 (in 1995), sales steadily increased.
Today, Word is the most widely used word processing program. It includes an array of features for document creation and editing, including: Spell-check, a rich text editor, and page features such as justification, paragraphs and indentation.
You also benefit from the what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) display – as in the screen displays everything in the same way as the document will look when printed.
Microsoft Excel
Excel is Microsoft’s spreadsheet program that can be used to organize, format and calculate data.
You can create formulas to aggregate large amounts of data, graph and chart data, create macros, and develop pivot tables.
Originally a neck-and-neck competitor with Lotus 1-2-3, Excel is now the spreadsheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint helps you create professional presentations.
PowerPoint first launched in 1990, using slides to display text, graphics and multimedia. Since then, it’s added a variety of features to streamline and enhance presentations, such as: transition effects, timers and software integrations.
Microsoft OneNote
OneNote allows you to jot down your thoughts before you forget them. Then, notes can be shared with others.
Much like a digital notebook, the application automatically saves and syncs notes. OneNote was introduced as a standard Office application in 2013, allowing even more users to be able to share their typed notes, drawings and screen grabs with other online users.
Microsoft Outlook
Mainly used as an email application, Outlook is considered a personal information manager, coordinating your calendars, task managers, contacts, notes, journals, and browsing sessions.
Outlook can be used as a stand-alone app, or it can be networked to connect multiple users to shared mailboxes and calendars under a single organization, for example.
Microsoft Access
Access is Microsoft’s database management system that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) and software development tools that allows for stored data or imported data from other databases. With Access, you can use data to create forms, tables, queries and reports.
Microsoft Publisher
Publisher is Microsoft’s desktop publishing program, emphasizing page layout and design.
The program includes templates for frequent business needs, like business cards, calendars and brochures/newsletters.
Publisher is considered a cheaper, easier-to-use version of design software, like Adobe InDesign.
SharePoint
SharePoint is Office’s document management and storage system, allowing users and groups to set up password-protected document sharing in a secure, organized location. It’s a popular tool for businesses, with 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies using it.
Why should I learn Microsoft Office?
Learning Microsoft Office has significant benefits for your daily workflow, productivity, and career possibilities. Microsoft Office skills are indispensable across a plethora of industries and professions, and give those who possess them an advantage in the workplace.
Better employability
82 percent of mid-range jobs now require at least a general understanding of Microsoft Office applications. Simply put, this means those with advanced Microsoft Office skills are highly-regarded candidates for employment.
Higher productivityMicrosoft Productivity Suite
Chances are, there are Microsoft Office applications that you use every day. Imagine how much time and energy you could save formatting documents in Word, or working with data in Excel, if you knew the right shortcuts and tips to get there faster.
Global compatibility
With over 1.2 billion Office users globally, Microsoft Office is used widely by companies and education institutions around the world. Learning Microsoft Office gives you transferable skills that you can use anywhere, throughout your career.
Microsoft Office Training
Microsoft Office training is a great way to upskill, refresh your knowledge, and make your resume more attractive. Here are a few of the most common training options in use today.
Online courses
These days, there is no need to attend expensive, in-person seminars to learn Microsoft Office. Online Microsoft Office courses are a convenient and engaging way to pick up some new skills and certifications. There are courses for every level, whether you are a complete beginner or you want to fill in any knowledge gaps you might have.
Team training
Businesses can easily train their entire team, or specific departments, in Microsoft Office through their learning management system (LMS). An LMS makes it easy for managers to assign training and track employee progress through their courses.
Free resources
We’ve put together a few handy and free resources to help you hone your essential Office skills below.
ExcelPowerPointWordOutlookMicrosoft Office Certification
Microsoft offers a variety of official certifications for individuals to demonstrate their expertise within a program.
You aren’t likely to see many jobs that specify an official Microsoft certification as a requirement, however it might be beneficial in certain cases.
If you are planning on training others on how to use Office applications, or your technical Office skills are highly weighted in your role, then you might consider taking this path.
Those with certifications earn up to an average of 15 percent more than their uncertified coworkers.
There are three certification levels to choose from, ranging from training in specific applications to mastery of the full suite.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
This training enables you to demonstrate your abilities with: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, SharePoint and OneNote.
According to Microsoft, those with a MOS certification can earn up to $16,000 more in annual salary than those without the certification.
Microsoft Office Specialist Expert
These trainings include advanced skill work in Microsoft Word and Excel. We’re not just talkin’ bold and italics here. You’re tested on the ability to use advanced features, like creating new mail merges inside Word, and adding bookmarks and watermarks to documents.
In Excel, you’ll also need to create advanced PivotTables and perform data analysis with its extensive functions.
Microsoft Office Specialist Master
People with this certification have demonstrated mastery of all Microsoft Office applications. To reach Master status, certifications must be obtained in four of the following: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, SharePoint or OneNote.
How do you download Microsoft Office?
Don’t worry: a floppy disk is no longer required.
Today, Microsoft lets you download Microsoft software directly from its website. Instead of purchasing a physical CD or dealing with an install code, you can now select the Microsoft Office programs that best fit your needs, and login into your account via email.
Downloading Office is quick and easy from the Microsoft website. If buying the program as a one-time purchase, you can go to the Microsoft Store on your computer or device.
If you want to subscribe to Microsoft 365, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-365/compare-all-microsoft-365-products.
For older versions of Office, you can go to www.office.com/downloadoffice.
Microsoft 365 users will get always-up-to-date Office applications, OneDrive storage, 60 monthly Skype minutes, and phone and chat support.
Microsoft Powerpoint 15 30 – Popular Productivity Suite 2010How to get Microsoft Office for free?
You may not be able to snag it for free, but there are many Microsoft Office deals and discounts available for those unable (or unwilling) to pay full price. Here are six of the most popular deals you can utilize.
Discount 1: 365 Education
Students and teachers at eligible institutions can get free access to Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote with Microsoft 365 Education. Enter your school email address at the 365 Education page to see if you are eligible.
Discount 2: Multiple Licenses
Microsoft 365 Family comes with licenses for six computers, making the $100 a year subscription very affordable if split amongst family members or roommates.
Because 365 upgrades automatically, you get the most up-to-date version at all times, and the subscription comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.
Discount 3: Military
Current, former, and retired military members (and their family members) get 10 percent off Microsoft Office.
Discount 4: Buy an Old Version
If you aren’t interested in having the latest version of Microsoft, older editions can be purchased at deep discounts. Check out Amazon for previous versions and buy for up to 50 percent off.
Discount 5: Buy the Employee Version
Nearly 122,000 people work for Microsoft worldwide. Current employees can purchase an Office license for only $10, which is valid for the entirety of the employee’s tenure with the company.
Discount 6: Free Online Versions
Microsoft offers free online versions of its Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Once you sign up for a Microsoft account, you can access your documents on any computer with internet access.
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