Creating a standout presentation is like cooking a great meal—it’s all about using the right tools for the job. Whether you’re whipping up a quick deck for a meeting or designing a masterpiece for a big pitch, the software you choose can make all the difference.
We’ve worked with just about every presentation tool under the sun, but our heart (and expertise) lies with PowerPoint, Google Slides, and the rising star on the scene, Figma Slides. Let’s dive into what makes these tools shine, explore some other contenders, and help you find the perfect fit for your next presentation project.
The contenders: popular presentation software options
1. PowerPoint: The Powerhouse
Ah, PowerPoint—the OG of presentation software. This tool has been around for decades, and for good reason. It’s robust, versatile, and packed with features that let you create anything from simple slides to dazzling, animation-filled masterpieces.
- Pros:
- Works seamlessly on both Mac and PC.
- Endless design flexibility.
- Advanced features like animations, transitions, and slide linking.
- Great for templates—perfect for professionals who want polished, reusable designs.
- Cons:
- A bit of a learning curve if you’re new to it.
- Collaborating in real time isn’t its strongest suit.
- Our Take:
PowerPoint is our go-to because it does it all. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of presentation tools—if you can dream it, you can probably make it happen in PowerPoint.
2. Google Slides: Collaboration King
Google Slides might not have the bells and whistles of PowerPoint, but where it shines is collaboration. Built for the cloud, it’s perfect for teams who need to work together in real time.
- Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Real-time collaboration is seamless—no need to email files back and forth.
- Accessible anywhere with an internet connection.
- Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like custom animations and complex transitions.
- Limited design flexibility for professional-grade templates.
- It's so simple it hurts. For example, there's a real lack of alignment tools.
- Our Take:
Google Slides is ideal for quick, collaborative projects. It’s simple, straightforward, and gets the job done—just don’t expect an advanced experience here.
3. Figma Slides: The New Player
Figma Slides is the new kid on the block, and it’s making waves in the design world. Known for its collaborative interface (like Google Slides) and powerful design tools (think Figma’s core platform), it’s a promising option for presentation design.
- Pros:
- A designer’s dream—clean, intuitive interface with powerful design tools.
- Excellent for teams already using Figma.
- Cloud-based and great for collaboration.
- Cons:
- Still a newer player, so some features feel experimental.
- Limited animation and transition options compared to PowerPoint.
- Our Take:
If you’re already a Figma user, Slides is worth exploring. It’s a sleek, modern option for design-heavy presentations, though it’s not quite ready to dethrone PowerPoint just yet.
Other tools worth mentioning
Canva
If you need a quick, attractive presentation and aren’t fussed about advanced features, Canva is a solid choice. Its drag-and-drop interface and pre-designed templates make it great for beginners.
- Pros:
- Super easy to use.
- Tons of beautiful templates.
- Great for social media-ready presentations.
- Cons:
- Limited flexibility for custom designs.
- Not ideal for professional or large-scale projects.
- Our Take:
Canva is like a microwave meal—it’s fast and looks good, but it won’t beat a homemade dinner (or a PowerPoint deck).
Keynote
Apple’s Keynote is a sleek option for Mac users.
- Pros:
- Apple-inspired design elements.
- Free for Mac users.
- Cons:
- Only works on Apple devices.
- Limited compatibility when sharing files with non-Mac users.
- Our Take:
Keynote is great if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, but it can be a headache if your audience isn’t or you need to use a different laptop on the day.
Top picks and recommendations
We love all three of our main tools—PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Figma Slides—but here’s where they shine:
- Need power and flexibility? Go for PowerPoint. It’s the gold standard for professional presentations and templates.
- Working with a team and need simplicity? Choose Google Slides for its unmatched collaboration features.
- Want sleek, modern designs? Give Figma Slides a try—it’s perfect for design-focused projects.
Why choose us for your presentation needs?
No matter which tool you use, creating a polished, impactful presentation takes skill and expertise—and that’s where we come in. Whether you need:
- Custom templates for PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Figma Slides.
- Professional investor pitch decks.
- Social media-ready presentations.
- Stunning animations and transitions.
We’ve got you covered. Let’s make your next presentation one to remember!
Which tool is your favourite? Let us know—we’re always up for a good chat about slides! 😊