How to convert text to PowerPoint

One of the best ways to get a jumpstart on creating a slideshow is by using existing materials. You might have a text document, Word, or PDF file that has the text you need for your slides. Using any of the three methods listed here, you can convert text to PowerPoint easily.

Note: If you use Microsoft Word on the web, you may notice an option to export the document to a PowerPoint presentation. However, as of July 2024, the feature does not work consistently, so we recommend using Plus AI instead.

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Method 1: Convert text to slides with Plus AI

Using Plus AI, you can upload a file or paste the text you'd like to convert into a PowerPoint. You can use whichever is quickest or easiest at the time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how it works:

1. Open PowerPoint and create a new presentation.

2. Click Add-ins and search for Plus AI

3. Click New presentation.

4. Select New presentation on the left and optionally, choose a template to get started.

5. Pick Upload a file and then Choose file. You can use a Word, PDF, PowerPoint, or text file. Alternatively, click Paste in text if you want to go that route.

6. Make any other adjustments you like and click Generate Presentation.

7. When your slideshow appears, you can make any changes you like and also use Plus AI to add more slides, rewrite your content, or remix the slide layout.

Tip: You can also enter a prompt and let the Plus AI create the content for your slideshow!

Method 2: Convert a Word outline to PowerPoint on the desktop

If you use Microsoft Office on your desktop, you can import an outline to PowerPoint using a Word document.

1. Start by creating the outline for your presentation using the Outline View in Word. Go to the View tab and pick Outline in the Views section of the ribbon.

2. Use Level 1 for each slide title and subsequent levels for the slide content. Using an example shown below, there are three Level 1 statements beginning with “How to” which will produce three sides. Then, each “Steps for” statement is Level 2 for the content on the corresponding Level 1 slide.

3. Save and close the Word document; you cannot import it into PowerPoint if the file is open.
4. Launch PowerPoint and create a new slideshow or open an existing one.
5. Go to either the Home or Insert tab, open the New Slide menu, and pick Slides from Outline.

6. Browse for, select the Word outline document, and click Insert.

You’ll then see your outline transformed into a basic PowerPoint slideshow where you can then spruce it up, add more slides, or make whatever edits you like.

Remember, if you want to intelligently transform text into a presentation, you can use an attractive template with Plus AI and save time from trying to enhance the appearance later.

Method 3: Convert text to PowerPoint with a file converter

One more way to quickly transform text into a PowerPoint slideshow is using an online Word to PPT converter. By uploading a Word document, text file, or PDF, you can convert the text into a PowerPoint file and download it.

There are several free tools for this task including Convertio and CloudConvert. As an example, we’ll use Convertio.

1. Visit Convertio and confirm you’re on the Online Presentation Converter page.
2. Use Choose Files to upload the document from your computer, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

3. When the file displays, choose PPT or PPTX per your preference in the drop-down menu to the right.
4. Select Convert.

5. When the conversion completes, click Download to obtain the file.
6. Access the Downloads in your web browser or head to your Downloads folder and open the file.

You’ll then have your document converted to a PowerPoint presentation where you can adjust the appearance, change the slide size, and add media.

Depending on the format of your original document, this might not be what you’re looking for. In that case, you might want to use one of Plus AI’s free presentation converter tools that will intelligently use AI to convert your PDF or Word documents into presentations.

Method 4: Convert text to PowerPoint Plus AI's free online tool

In addition to the Plus AI add-ons for Google Slides and PowerPoint, you can also use Plus AI's free online tools to convert Word to PPT or PDF to PPT. To use either of these tools, just upload your document, provide your email address, and Plus AI will automatically convert your doc into a presentation and send you an email.

This is completely free, and once you receive your file, you can download it and edit it like a normal presentation.

Conclusion

If you want to convert text to PowerPoint for a head start on your presentation, these different methods should have you covered. For flexibility, templates, and editing tools, Plus AI is the perfect option, but you can also import a Word outline or use an online file converter if you prefer.

FAQs

Can AI turn my outline into a presentation?

Yes! If you already have an outline of your presentation, try copying and pasting it into one of the AI presentation makers to see how it comes out. Which one works best depends on your existing setup and what you want to use the presentation for. If you want your presentation to be in PowerPoint format, we'd suggest using a PowerPoint add-in like Plus AI.

Can ChatGPT convert text to PPT?

You can use ChatGPT to generate the content for your PowerPoint presentation. Check out our how-to for creating a PowerPoint slideshow with ChatGPT for complete details.

How do I copy text from Word to PowerPoint?

If you only want to add a certain portion of text from a Word document to a PowerPoint slide, you can simply copy and paste it.

Open both documents, select the text in Word, and right-click to pick Copy. Go to the slide in PowerPoint, place your cursor where you want the text, and right-click to pick one of the Paste Special options.

How to convert a PDF to PowerPoint?

You can turn a PDF into a PowerPoint presentation easily using Plus AI in Google Slides. Then, simply download the file and open it in PowerPoint.

In Google Slides, open Extensions > Plus AI > New presentation with Plus AI. Select Upload a file, choose your PDF, and follow the remaining prompts. Then, pick File > Download > Microsoft PowerPoint to obtain your presentation.