How to speed up a slow PowerPoint File

Does PowerPoint lag when typing or display a slow transition between slides? Here are some tips to speed up a slow PowerPoint File so it opens quickly. PowerPoint is one of the best ways to share what you have in your mind, but at times, there is so much data in the file that it becomes slow.

How to speed up a slow PowerPoint File

These are some suggestions to speed up the contents of your PowerPont slide to ensure that the presentation is not slow.

1. Share PPS Files
2. Compress images
3. Remove unused slide elements
4. Use standard fonts
5. Limit animations and transitions
6. Embed fewer media files
7. Split large presentations

Let’s check how this works one by one.

PowerPoint lag when typing or slow transition between slides

1] Share PPS Files

One of the biggest mistakes is sharing an editable PPT file for a presentation. It makes everything slow and confusing. Instead, sharing a PPS file (PowerPoint Show) reduces the file size and ensures it opens directly in presentation mode. This prevents accidental edits and speeds up loading time.

You can create a PPS file by using the File Save menu and selecting PPS from the menu.

2] Compress images

Anything you add to a PowerPoint takes space. Images are one of the key elements; if you add PNG images without reducing the size, the presentations can become heavy and slow when they open.

The best approach with images is to use software or services to reduce the image size without impacting the quality too much. You will also need to evaluate based on the screen size you will be presenting so the output doesn’t look bad.

PowerToys from Microsoft allows you to quickly resize or compress images.

3] Remove unused slide elements

Once the presentation is finalized and you find a slide too large, go through each slide and check if it needs to be removed. Sometimes, you will find slides repeated or unnecessary or think of removing them later but forget about them.

The more slides there are, the longer PowerPoint will take to load all the components, especially if there are too many images, charts, and videos.

4] Use standard fonts

One of the common issues is around fonts. You may have noticed that the text is not right when you open the presentation. This happens when you are using a font that is available on your PC but not on others.

Since standard fonts are loaded instantly from the system, they are much faster compared to those that are not on the PC or aren’t packed into the presentation./

While the PPS files solve this quickly as they pack the font, it is best to use the standard fonts available on all PCs.

• Use the More Options link when saving the file.
• Then click on Tools > Save Options.
• Here, choose the Embed fonts in the file option.

5] Limit animations and transitions

PowerPoints are best when they are minimal and simple. However, Microsoft does offer animations and transition effects. Some people like to use them, and some like to watch them, but having too many of them will impact the speed.

So go through each and take a call if you want to reduce the number of animations. It will automatically load everything faster.

6] Embed fewer media files

PowerrPoint allows you to embed video files in the slides. A video of even a few seconds can increase the load time significantly. You have two options to optimize this. First, carry them separately and play when it’s time. (You can also link them so it’s easy to open them with a double click.) Second, if you have the internet, upload it to video streaming sites like YouTube and play directly.

7] Split large presentations

If the presentation is too big, splitting the files into two would be wise. This will help if you are trying to club multiple presentations for convenience.  Name them so you can recognize the sequence, and there will be no confusion.

In summary, to ensure your PowerPoint runs smoothly, compress images, remove unused elements, use standard fonts, minimize animations, and avoid embedding large media files. Break large presentations into smaller sections, and keep PowerPoint updated.

Read: How to stop Video Lag in PowerPoint

How can I ensure my presentation runs smoothly on different devices?

Save your presentation in a compatible format like PPSX, use standard fonts, and test it on the target device beforehand. Avoid using embedded media or custom elements that might not render correctly.

Read: PowerPoint video export cause stuttering or audio glitch

What’s the best way to share a presentation without losing quality?

If edits aren’t required, convert the presentation to PDF for sharing. If maintaining animations and transitions is essential, compress the file and share it as a PPSX or via cloud storage with linked files intact.