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PPTX file: How to open, view, or edit.
Learn how to manage PPTX files and overcome compatibility issues.
Microsoft PowerPoint is popular for work presentations, conference slides, pitches, and more. As part of the Microsoft suite, PowerPoint makes it easy to collaborate with others, import information from other Microsoft tools, and integrate multimedia like explainer videos.
As common as Microsoft PowerPoint is, its file format has its challenges. Whether you’re an Apple user trying to navigate file conversions or need help editing an existing PowerPoint, things can get a little tricky if you need to edit a PPTX file. Check out this guide to understand how PPTX files work, their pros and cons, and how to open and edit them for less hassle.
What is PPTX?
PPTX is a Microsoft PowerPoint file format with the .PPTX file extension. In 2007, PPTX replaced the older PPT (.ppt) format with Open XML. PPTX stands for PowerPoint, but with an X on the end to refer to its upgraded Open XML system. Microsoft added an X to many of its file formats when it released Office 2007, which is why you also see DOCX documents instead of DOC.
This format supports higher-quality slideshows and manages a broader range of text, video, animations, and graphics. PPTX is better than PPT because it makes your multimedia files less cumbersome. It’s able to store theme, slide, and layout data in separate folders before zipping them together into a single folder. This method saves more space than the old PPT setup, which stored data in a single, large file.
If you have PowerPoint installed, you can easily create and edit PowerPoint slides in just a few clicks. Open PowerPoint and select File > Open > Blank Presentation to create a PPTX file by default. From there, you can create and arrange text, images, animations, video, and formatting or use various templates to bring your presentation to life. To share a PowerPoint, you can tag your coworkers in a comment via Microsoft 365 or just download the entire slide deck and email it to your team.
However, some graphics might not come across correctly. Ensure everyone sees the right layout by converting PPTX to PDF in seconds using Adobe Acrobat online. Drag your PPTX presentation into the free converter tool and let it work its magic. In a few moments, you can save your new PDF file to your desktop — or use editing tools to reorder, extract, and add pages.
Other file types similar to PPTX.
PPTX is usually the best type of file for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, but there are several similar file extension types out there, including:
- .PPT. PPT is the forerunner file type to PPTX. You might encounter it occasionally, but it’s an outdated version of PPTX that can’t effectively manage multimedia data.
- .RPT. Many accounting teams rely on RPT, a report file used for various data-orientated tasks, including payroll, sales, and inventory.
- .DAT. DAT files contain specific information about the software used to create them. You likely won’t see these unless you work in programming.
- .VCF. Also known as vCard, .VCF is a standard file extension for storing and sharing contact information. It’s popular with email clients like Microsoft Outlook.
How to create, open, or edit a PPTX file.
The easiest way to create, open, or edit PPTX files is with Microsoft PowerPoint. But don’t worry — we’ll also include helpful instructions for accessing these files if you’re a Mac user.
How to create a PPTX file.
You can create a PPTX file in PowerPoint by selecting File > Open > New Slideshow in PowerPoint. PowerPoint comes loaded with lots of features for customizing your presentation, including images, shapes, charts, animations, and much more.
Once you’ve created a presentation you’re happy with, click File > Save As (or Save) and choose the location. Make sure you select PPTX as the file format — it’s the default for all presentations, but double-check to ensure your settings haven’t changed. Name your file and click Save.
If you’re a Mac user, you can open your PPTX file by double-clicking it and viewing the file in Keynote.
To create and edit a PPTX file in Google Slides:
- Open Google Slides.
- Create a blank presentation.
- Design your slideshow.
To download your presentation, select File > Download > PowerPoint PPTX.
Some free tools allow you to export files in the PPTX format but with limited features. You can also use the Acrobat PDF to PPT tool to transform a PDF into a PowerPoint file.
How to open a PPTX file.
There are plenty of options for opening and viewing a PPTX file, although Microsoft PowerPoint is still the best choice for viewing the presentation’s actual formatting.
To open a PPTX file:
- Open PowerPoint.
- Select File > Open.
- Choose your file from your desktop.
However, if you’re viewing the file on a mobile device, you might need to download the Microsoft PowerPoint app.
You can also open PPTX files with programs like Apple Keynote and Google Slides. To open your slideshow on Google Slides, upload your file to Google Drive and then select it from there.
The Acrobat PPT converter also allows you to convert the PPTX file into a more universally readable format, such as PDF.
How to edit a PPTX file.
Editing a PPTX file is easy if you have Microsoft PowerPoint. Open the PPTX file, make your changes, and save them. If you’re not able to make changes to the PowerPoint, you may be accessing a view-only file. Double-check your permissions, and then try to edit the file.
If you’re a Mac user, double-click your PPTX file to open it in Keynote.
To create and edit a PPTX file in Google Slides:
- Open Google Slides.
- Create a blank presentation.
- Design your slideshow.
To download your presentation, select File > Download > PowerPoint PPTX.
Keep in mind that if you send the file to a Mac user, formatting issues may still occur. You can always convert the PPTX into a PDF to ensure the formatting is correct, but you’ll need to convert it back into a PPTX to edit presentation details.
Pros and cons of .PPTX files.
PPTX files are popular, but they aren’t a fit for all situations. Weigh the pros and cons of PPTX files to decide whether they work for your project.
Multimedia storage .
PPTX allows you to add rich visuals, text, and multimedia elements to your presentations — with smaller file sizes. The format relies on a range of TXT, XML, and other folders to store all presentation properties in an organized zip folder.
Smaller file size.
PPTX zipped subfiles are far smaller than the outdated PPT file. As a result, they take up less space on your hard drive and are easier to transfer.
Choice of software.
You can still view PPTX files on various applications even if you don’t have Microsoft PowerPoint. You can also use several third-party programs to edit and present your deck.
Collaboration.
The Microsoft suite supports real-time collaboration on PowerPoint slide decks. You can tag coworkers, edit slides simultaneously, and fine-tune your deck until it’s pitch-perfect.
Not supported on older versions of PowerPoint.
If you have a pre-2007 version of Microsoft PowerPoint, you won’t be able to open PPTX files.
Not fully compatible with third-party software.
Though you can view, edit, and present your PPTX files on different applications, it’s worth noting that you may have limited functionality. Some complex designs or animations may not display correctly, either. Compatibility isn’t always a deal-breaker, but if you work with Mac users, PPTX could cause more problems than it solves.
Turn your PPTX into polished PDFs with Acrobat.
Microsoft PowerPoint is a go-to tool for creating engaging presentations. It uses the PPTX file extension to store multimedia data more efficiently, allowing you to create engaging presentations in no time at all.
Whether you’re crafting a pitch, delivering a keynote, or collaborating on a project, PPTX files provide the tools to bring your ideas to life. Still, this file type does have its limitations, especially if you’re sharing presentations with people who don’t have Microsoft PowerPoint.
Overcome the headaches of compatibility issues and ensure your presentations look perfect every time. With Acrobat, you can easily convert PDF files for seamless sharing, professional formatting, and hassle-free collaboration. Try free Acrobat online tools today and discover how simple it is to confidently manage your files.
Frequently asked questions.
What does PPTX stand for?
PPTX is an abbreviation for PowerPoint Open XML. It used to be PPT, but Microsoft added the X after upgrading its software to be more structured and compatible with multimedia files.
Is a PPTX the same as a PPT?
No. PPTX is the new version of PPT, which Microsoft discontinued in 2007. It’s better because it uses the Open XML standard, which compresses multimedia data to save space.
Can Google open PPTX files?
Yes. To open a PPTX file in Google, go to your Google Drive and upload the file. You can view, edit, and even download it as a PPTX or other format. However, some advanced formatting and animations might not translate perfectly.
Can PPTX be edited?
Yes, as long as you have permission to edit the file. You can edit the files in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Apple Keynote. Open the file in your favorite program, make the changes, and save it. However, your changes might not render correctly if you use third-party software, so keep that in mind.
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