- Rachel Bistricer
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Get started with Wixel's document creator →
When it comes to understanding how to make a presentation you might notice a confusing list of file extensions. Should you save it as a PDF? What on earth is a PPSX? Does it matter if you use the old PPT format?
Picking the right document file type is more important than you might think. The wrong choice can mean your fonts disappear, your animations break or your recipient can't even open the file. This guide breaks down exactly what is a PPT file, explains the types of extensions related to it and helps you choose the perfect format so your presentation looks as good on their screen as it does on yours.
Get started creating with Wixel's free document templates.
TL;DR: PPT file types cheat sheet
Here's s the quick breakdown of the presentation extensions you need to know.
| Name | Best used for | Why it matters |
.pptx | PowerPoint Presentation | Creating and editing | The modern standard. It’s secure, compact, and compatible. |
.ppt | Legacy Presentation | Old software | Only use if the recipient has PowerPoint 2003 or older. |
.ppsx | PowerPoint Show | Presenting only | Opens directly in full-screen mode; great for sending finished work. |
.potx | PowerPoint Template | Branding | Saves your layout and fonts as a master blueprint for future decks. |
.pptm | Macro-Enabled | Automation | Allows you to run custom scripts and code within the slide deck. |
Portable Document Format | Handouts/Emails | Locks formatting perfectly but removes animations and editing. |
What is a PPT file?
Usually a PPT file is a slideshow created by Microsoft PowerPoint. It contains a series of digital slides that can hold text, images, videos, charts and audio.
But a PPT file is more than just static pictures it's also a multimedia container. It stores the instructions for how one slide transitions to the next, how text flies in from the side and how your embedded video plays.
Modern PowerPoint files (specifically the .pptx format) are actually surprisingly smart. They use an XML structure, which essentially acts like a zipper. It compresses all your images, text and data into a tidy package, keeping file sizes manageable even when you have a hundred slides full of high-res photos.
The 6 main presentation file types explained
Microsoft has evolved over the years and so have its file formats. Each extension serves a specific purpose in your workflow. Knowing the difference can save you from technical headaches right before a big meeting.
01. The standard: PowerPoint presentation (.pptx)
This is the file type you will use 90% of the time. Since 2007, the .pptx has been the default format for saving presentations. The x at the end stands for XML (Extensible Markup Language).
This format is open-source friendly, meaning other programs like Google Slides or Apple Keynote can read it fairly well. It’s also much safer than older formats because it doesn't store macros (code), making it harder for viruses to hide inside.
When to use it:
Drafting: When you're still working on the slides.
Collaboration: Sending a file to a teammate to edit.
General storage: Keeping your files organized on your computer.
Practical tip: If you aren't sure which one to pick, always choose .pptx. It’s the safest and most reliable option.
02. The legacy: PowerPoint 97-2003 presentation (.ppt)
You might still see this dinosaur in old archives. The .ppt file was the standard for over a decade. Unlike the modern version, this saves data in a binary format.
Why does that matter? Binary files are heavier and more prone to corruption. If you have a .ppt file, it’s likely much larger than a .pptx file with the exact same content. Plus, it can't handle many of the cool new transitions and 3D models found in modern PowerPoint.
When to use it:
Old hardware: Only if you are presenting on a computer that hasn't been updated in 20 years.
Practical tip: If you receive a .ppt file, open it and immediately save it as a .pptx. This will likely reduce the file size and make it run smoother.
03. The showstopper: PowerPoint show (.ppsx)
This is a neat trick that many pros use, when you save a file as a .ppsx, it saves the data exactly like a standard presentation. The difference happens when you double-click the file to open it.
Instead of opening the PowerPoint editor (where you see all the toolbars and slide thumbnails), a .ppsx file launches immediately into the full-screen slideshow. It looks polished and professional right out of the gate.
When to use it:
Sending to clients: It forces them to view the presentation exactly as you intended, rather than peeking at your speaker notes or messing with the layout.
Kiosks: Running a looping video on a screen at a trade show or in a lobby.
Practical tip: Don't worry, the file is still editable. If you need to change something, open PowerPoint first, then go to File > Open and select the .ppsx file. It will open in edit mode just like normal.
04. The blueprint: PowerPoint template (.potx)
If you find yourself copy-pasting old slides just to keep your company logo in the corner, you need a template. A .potx file is a master blueprint.
When you open a template file, PowerPoint creates a new presentation based on that design. It doesn't open the template itself. This means you can never accidentally save over your master copy. It preserves your brand colors, fonts, and logo placement perfectly.
When to use it:
Brand consistency: Ensuring everyone in your company uses the same fonts and colors.
Recurring meetings: Setting up a standard structure for weekly updates or monthly reports.
Practical presentation tip: Save your .potx file in your designated "Custom Office Templates" folder, and it will appear in the "Personal" tab every time you start a new project.
05. The handout: PDF (.pdf)
Technically, this isn't a PowerPoint file but it's often the best way to save one. Saving as a PDF file takes a snapshot of your slides.
This is the ultimate compatibility move because a PDF freezes everything in place. You lose all animations, transitions, and videos but you gain the certainty that your fonts won't look weird if the other person doesn't have them installed.
When to use it:
Emailing: Sending a deck to someone just to read (not present).
Printing: Making physical handouts for an audience.
Web: Uploading a presentation to your website for download.
Try out Wixel's PDF editor to get started.
Practical tip: If your slides are text-heavy or serve as a report (often called a "Slidedoc"), always send a PDF. It’s easier to read on a phone than a slide deck.
06. The coder: macro-enabled presentation (.pptm)
This is the sibling of the standard .pptx file, but with one major difference: it allows macros. Macros are small scripts of code that automate tasks.
For example, you could write a macro that automatically updates a chart on slide 3 based on an Excel file every time the presentation opens. Because these files contain code, email filters often block them as potential security risks.
When to use it:
Interactive slides: Building complex quizzes or interactive games within PowerPoint.
Automation: If you have custom scripts helping you manage massive slide decks.
Be inspired:
What is a PPT File FAQ
Can I convert a PPT file into a video?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to share your work on social media. Go to File > Export > Create a Video. PowerPoint will record your timings, narrations and laser pointer movements, saving the whole thing as an MP4 file. This effectively turns your presentation into a movie that can be uploaded to YouTube or Instagram.
How can I make my PPT file smaller?
Images are usually the culprit for huge file sizes. You don't need to delete them, though. Click on any picture in your deck, go to the "Picture Format" tab and click "Compress Pictures." Uncheck "Apply only to this picture" to do the whole deck at once. This removes hidden cropped areas and lowers the resolution to a web-friendly level, often cutting file size in half.
Can I password protect a PPT file?
Yes. If your slides contain sensitive business info, go to File > Info > Protect Presentation > Encrypt with Password. Just remember that if you lose this password, Microsoft cannot recover it for you, so store it somewhere safe (like a password manager).
