what is the powerpoint presentation file extension

What Is a PPT File: The Basics and Using Them

Do you know what a PPT file is? Find out here!

In this article, we’ll explain the basics of PPT files, how to open them, and the differences between variations of PPT windows file formats.

You’ll also learn about compatibility issues and conversion options.

Plus, we’ll show you how to embed PowerPoint into a website.

So, if you’re curious about PPT files, keep reading to expand your knowledge!

Key Takeaways

• PPT files are digital file formats used for creating and delivering presentations.
• PPTX is the newer file format introduced with PowerPoint 2007, offering advantages like smaller size and improved graphics.
• Compatibility issues can arise between different versions of PowerPoint, and it is important to ensure compatibility with the file format.
• There are different methods of embedding PowerPoint into a website, including using embedding code, converting to HTML5 format, and using plugins for platforms like WordPress.

Overview of PPT files and their importance

You’ll learn about the three key components of a PPT file and why it’s important for presentations.

A PPT file, short for PowerPoint Presentation, is a digital file format used to create and deliver presentations. It consists of slides that contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements.

The three key components of a PPT file are the slides, the design templates, and the speaker notes.

Slides are the individual pages that make up the presentation, while design templates provide a consistent visual style throughout the entire presentation. Speaker notes allow the presenter to add additional information or reminders for each slide.

Understanding these components is important because they help create visually appealing and effective presentations that engage the audience. By using design templates and organizing content on slides, a PPT file allows presenters to communicate their message in a clear and structured manner.

What is a PPT File

So, you want to know what a PPT file is?

Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the definition and history of a PPT file and its origins and purpose. PPT stands for PowerPoint Presentation, and it’s a file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint, a popular presentation software.

PPT files contain slides that can include text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements. PowerPoint was first released in 1987 as a graphical presentation program for Macintosh computers. It quickly gained popularity and became a standard tool for creating professional presentations.

When it comes to types of PPT files, there are two main formats to be aware of: PPT and PPTX.

PPT stands for PowerPoint Presentation and is the older file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint.

PPTX, on the other hand, is the newer file format introduced with PowerPoint 2007. PPTX files are based on the XML format and offer several advantages over PPT files.

They’re smaller in size, more secure, and support advanced features like improved graphics and multimedia integration.

PPTX files can also be opened and edited in newer versions of PowerPoint, while PPT files may require compatibility updates.

Over the years, PowerPoint has undergone numerous updates and enhancements, adding new features and improving its functionality. Today, PPT files are widely used in business, education, and other fields as a means of conveying information and delivering impactful presentations.

How to Open a PPT File

To open a PPT file, you have a variety of software options available. There is paid and free software available to be used both on your desktop and mobile.

One of the most popular choices is Microsoft PowerPoint, which is specifically designed for creating and editing presentations. PowerPoint allows you to easily open PPT files and make changes to their content, layout, and design.

Another software option is Google Slides, which is a free web-based tool that offers similar functionality to PowerPoint. With Google Slides, you can open PPT files, collaborate with others in real-time, and access your presentations from any device with an internet connection.

Additionally, there are other presentation software programs available, such as Keynote for Mac users, LibreOffice Impress for those looking for a free alternative, and Prezi for creating more dynamic and interactive presentations.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you’re having trouble opening a PPT file, there are a few common issues that you might encounter.

One issue could be that you don’t have the right software to open the file. PowerPoint, the software developed by Microsoft, is commonly used to open PPT files. Make sure you have the latest version PowerPoint installed on your computer.

Another issue could be that the file is corrupted or damaged. In this case, you might need to try opening the file on a different device or ask the sender to re-send the file.

Additionally, check if the file extension is correct. PPT files should have the extension ‘.ppt’ or ‘.pptx’. If the extension is different, try renaming the file to the correct extension.

File Formats and Their Differences

When it comes to file formats, understanding the differences between PPT and PPTX is key.

While both formats are supported by PowerPoint, PPTX offers more advanced features and compatibility with newer versions of the software.

PPT vs. PPTX

PPT files are the older version of PowerPoint presentations, while PPTX files are the newer version. The main difference between the two file formats lies in their underlying technology.

PPT files were developed for earlier versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, while PPTX files were introduced with the release of PowerPoint 2007. PPTX files use XML-based formatting, making them more efficient and compact compared to the older PPT format.

The PPT file format, while an older format is still being used by Microsoft PowerPoint. It supports various features such as animations, transitions, slide timings, and embedded media files.

Additionally, PPTX files offer enhanced features and compatibility with newer versions of PowerPoint. They support advanced formatting options, such as tables, charts, multimedia elements. and PPTX files also have better recovery capabilities, making them less prone to corruption.

Understanding the supported features in each format is essential for choosing the right format for your slideshow presentation needs.

Compatibility Issues

When it comes to compatibility issues with PPT files, you may encounter problems when trying to open an older version of PowerPoint in a newer version. This can result in formatting and content discrepancies.

However, there are solutions available, such as converting the file to a compatible format or using compatibility modes in PowerPoint to ensure smooth viewing and editing.

Older vs. newer PowerPoint versions

You may encounter compatibility issues between older and newer versions of PowerPoint. When working with PowerPoint files, it’s important to consider the version of PowerPoint you’re using and the version that the file was created in. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• File format : PowerPoint files have the extension .ppt or .pptx. The newer versions of PowerPoint use the .pptx file format, while older versions use the .ppt format. This difference in file format can sometimes cause compatibility issues between versions.
• Versions : PowerPoint has gone through several updates and releases over the years, with each version having its own set of features and capabilities. Newer versions of PowerPoint may have additional features that aren’t supported in older versions, which can lead to compatibility problems when opening files created in newer versions with older versions of PowerPoint.

In order to avoid compatibility issues, it’s recommended to check the version of PowerPoint you’re using and make sure it’s compatible with the file you’re trying to open or edit.

Solutions for compatibility

In order to overcome compatibility issues, you can use various solutions when dealing with PPT files.

One solution is to save the file in a different file format that’s compatible with the version of PowerPoint you’re using. This can be done by selecting the ‘Save As’ option and choosing an older file format, such as PPT instead of PPTX.

Another solution is to use online file converters that can convert the file into a compatible format. These converters can be found on various websites and allow you to convert the PPT file into formats like PDF or JPEG.

Additionally, updating your PowerPoint software to the latest version can also help resolve compatibility issues as it ensures compatibility with newer file formats and features.

Conversion Options

Sometimes PPT files aren’t suitable for the purpose at hand and you need to convert. If you need to convert PPT to a different format, there are several tools available that can help you with that.

How to convert PPT to other formats

Easily convert your PPT files to other formats using various conversion options. When it comes to converting your PowerPoint presentations, you have several options to choose from. Here are two relevant conversion methods:

• Online conversion tools: Many websites offer free online tools that allow you to upload your PPT file and convert it to a different format, such as PDF, JPG, or MP4. These tools are convenient and easy to use, requiring no software installation.
• PowerPoint software: Microsoft PowerPoint itself provides an option to convert your PPT files to different formats. Simply open your presentation, go to the ‘File’ menu, and select ‘Save As.’ From there, you can choose the desired format, such as PPTX, PDF, or video formats like MP4 or WMV.

Tools available for conversion

You can utilize various tools for conversion, such as online converters or PowerPoint software.

When it comes to converting a ppt file to another format, it’s important to choose the right tool that meets your needs.

Here are some online tools that can convert PPT files:

• AltoPPT to PDF Converter : This is a simple and free online tool that allows users to convert PPT to PDF. It displays the conversion progress, and upon completion, the converted file can be downloaded.
• Adobe Acrobat PPT to PDF converter : This is another online tool that can convert PPT to PDF for free. It can turn any Microsoft PowerPoint presentation into a PDF file.
• CloudConvert PPT Converter : This is an online document and presentation converter that supports various file formats, including PPT. It can convert PPT to PDF, PPTX, ODP, and many others. It is a universal app for file conversions, and it supports nearly all audio, video, document, ebook, archive, image, spreadsheet, and presentation formats. It is also secure, and users can use the online tool without downloading any software.
• Zamzar : This is an online file conversion tool that can convert PPT to PPTX in real-time. It is secure and free for most users, and the converted file can be downloaded upon completion.
• HeyGen : This is an online video production tool that can convert PPT to MP4. Users can upload their PowerPoint file and have an AI avatar present it as a video. The AI’s dialogue is based on the text or audio submitted. It is a dependable tool that allows users to effortlessly convert their PowerPoint to video and share it across multiple platforms.
• Xodo : This is a versatile tool that supports various file formats, including PowerPoint to PDF conversion. It is a free online tool that can convert PPT to PDF. Users can upload their PPT file and follow the steps to convert it to PDF.

As you can see, online converters offer convenience as they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. They usually support a wide range of file formats and allow you to convert your ppt file quickly and easily.

On the other hand, PowerPoint software provides more advanced features and customization options. It allows you to convert your ppt file while maintaining the integrity of the original design and layout.

Depending on your specific requirements and the contextually relevant limitations mentioned in the previous article section, you can choose the most suitable tool for your conversion needs.

Embed Powerpoint into a Website

Now let’s talk about how to embed a Powerpoint presentation into a website.

There are several methods you can use to achieve this, and it’s important to consider which one works best for your specific needs.

We’ll explore how to embed Powerpoint into WordPress, as well as compare the different methods available.

Methods of Embedding Powerpoint into Websites

Embedding PowerPoint into your website is a straightforward process that allows you to share your presentations with your online audience. There are several methods you can use to achieve this:

• Embedding code: PowerPoint provides an embed code that you can copy and paste into your website’s HTML. This method allows you to display the PowerPoint presentation directly on your webpage.
• Converting to HTML5: Another method is to convert your PowerPoint presentation into HTML5 format using third-party tools. This allows you to create a more interactive and responsive presentation that can be easily embedded into your website.

Alternatively, if you are using WordPress, you can use the above methods or use plugins to embed a Powerpoint into the website.

How to Embed Powerpoint into WordPress

You can easily embed Powerpoint into WordPress or any website by using a plugin. WordPress offers several plugins that allow you to seamlessly integrate Powerpoint presentations into your website.

There are several plugins that allow you to embed PowerPoint presentations in WordPress. Here are some of them:

• EmbedPress: This plugin lets you embed audio-video, images, upload presentations, and other content into your WordPress website.
• iSpring Suite: This plugin allows you to embed PowerPoint presentations into your WordPress website. It offers a variety of customization options, including the ability to add quizzes, surveys, and interactions to your presentations.
• Embed Any Document: This plugin allows you to embed various types of documents, including PowerPoint presentations, into your WordPress website. It supports multiple file formats, including PDF, DOC, and PPT.
• Google Slides: You can upload your PowerPoint presentation to your Google Slides page and then embed it into your WordPress website. This method is simple and easy to use[5].

To use any of these plugins, you need to install and activate them on your WordPress website. Once activated, you can upload your PowerPoint presentation to your website and then use the plugin to embed it into your posts or pages.

How to Remove Powerpoint Documents from WordPress

To remove a PowerPoint presentation from WordPress, you need to follow these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to the page or post where the PowerPoint presentation is embedded.
• Edit the page or post and locate the PowerPoint presentation.
• Delete the PowerPoint presentation by selecting it and pressing the delete button on your keyboard or using the delete option in the editor.
• Save the changes to the page or post.

If you are having trouble removing the PowerPoint presentation, you can try disabling the plugin that you used to embed it. To do this, go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard, find the plugin that you used to embed the PowerPoint presentation, and deactivate it. This should remove the PowerPoint presentation from your website.

What if you have multiple PowerPoint documents in the WordPress Library?

You can use a plugin called Media Hygiene. The Media Hygiene plugin is designed to remove unused media files from the WordPress Media library. It helps to keep your media library clean and organized by identifying and deleting files that are not being used on your website. By removing these unused files, you can free up storage space and improve the overall performance of your WordPress site.

In conclusion, a PPT file, also known as a PowerPoint presentation file, is a digital document created using Microsoft PowerPoint software. It’s widely used for creating and delivering presentations in various settings. PPT files can be opened and edited using PowerPoint or other compatible software.

Understanding file formats and compatibility issues is crucial for seamless sharing and collaboration. Additionally, embedding PowerPoint into a website provides a convenient way to share presentations online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ppt file be opened on a mac computer.

Yes, a PPT file can be opened on a Mac computer. You can use software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote to open and view PPT files on your Mac.

What Are Some Common Alternative File Formats to Ppt?

Some common alternative file formats to ppt include PDF, Keynote (for Mac), and Google Slides. These formats can be used for presentations and offer compatibility with various operating systems and devices.

Is It Possible to Convert a PPT File Into a Video Format?

Yes, you can convert a PPT file into a video format. There are various tools and software available that allow you to easily convert your PowerPoint presentation into a video file.

Can a PPT File Be Opened on a Mobile Device?

Yes, you can open a PPT file on a mobile device. There are various apps available that allow you to view and edit PowerPoint presentations on your phone or tablet.

Are There Any Limitations or Restrictions When Embedding a Powerpoint Presentation Into a Website?

When embedding a PowerPoint presentation into a website, there may be limitations or restrictions depending on the platform or software being used. It’s important to check the requirements and compatibility beforehand.

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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding PowerPoint File Formats

It’s possible to use PowerPoint for years without ever thinking about the various file formats that are available to you. By learning about PowerPoint’s file formats and options, however, you can do a much more effective job of creating presentations, backing them up, sharing them with colleagues, and protecting the information that they contain.

Ordinary PowerPoint Presentations

When you save a simple PowerPoint presentation, you give it a name, and PowerPoint adds the file extension .pptx. Your Sales Presentation file becomes Sales Presentation.pptx .

If your PowerPoint presentation contains one or more macros, PowerPoint will automatically detect their presence and save your presentation as a .pptm file. You can force PowerPoint to save a presentation that includes macros as a .pptx file, but PowerPoint won’t let you play the macros that you’ve included in your slide slow. So it’s best to let it save your file with the .pptm extension.

If you need to share your presentation with a colleague who is using an older version of PowerPoint, then save your slides as a .ppt file. PowerPoint 97 through 2003 cannot open and process .pptx or .pptm files.

If you’re using PowerPoint 2007 or newer, you should always save your work in .pptx format (or in .pptm format if you’ve used macros in your presentation). The options described below are additional ways to save your work. Be sure to save them first as ordinary .pptx or .pptm files before you save them in any of these other formats.

PowerPoint Shows

If you want to give your PowerPoint presentation to a friend or colleague, and you don’t want them to change anything, then save your presentation as a PowerPoint Show file. Your colleagues can display your slides, but they will be unable to change any part of your presentation.

There are three types of PowerPoint Shows: Save an ordinary presentation as a .ppsx file. If you’re using macros in your presentation, save it as a .ppsm file. If you’re sending your slide show to somebody who is using PowerPoint 97 through 2003, then create a .pps PowerPoint Show file.

Be sure to save your presentation as a plain vanilla (.pptx) file or as a macro-enabled (.pptm) file. If you’ve only saved the Show file, you won’t be able to make changes to your presentation.

PowerPoint Picture Presentations

Picture Presentations add an additional layer of protection to your work. To the casual observer, a PowerPoint Picture Presentation looks like an ordinary PowerPoint slideshow. But when you save your work as a Picture Presentation, each slide is converted to a simple image.

Slides contain text objects, image objects, animations, transitions, and many other special effects. By contrast, Picture Presentations contain only snapshots of your slides.

If somebody wants to copy your work, they can see each of the images and retype the text. They can even grab (and re-crop) the images. But they cannot capture any of the magic that is PowerPoint.

If you create a Picture Presentation, be sure to give it a unique name. If you only save the Picture Presentation .pptx file, you won’t be able to modify your presentation in the future.

Windows Media Videos

You can convert your PowerPoint presentation to an ordinary Windows Media Video (.wmv) file, and play it using the built-in Windows Media Player or any other video player. Your .wmv file can be enjoyed by any Windows or Mac user, even if they don’t have PowerPoint installed on their computer.

As always, don’t make your .wmv file the only version of your slideshow or you’ll be very disappointed when you want to make changes to the presentation.

Outline/RTF

PowerPoint lets you turn your slideshow into plain text. This is handy if you want to move some of the presentation’s text to your website or blog.

When you create a rich text format (.rtf) file, you save only the text. You lose all of the images, animations, slide-to-slide transitions, and other non-text objects.

It’s easy to save your presentation as a portable document format (.pdf) file. These .pdf files can be opened on any Windows, Mac, Unix/Linux, iOS, or Android device. The resulting file, however, is a static document. Don’t expect to see slides fade in and out. All of your animated objects will become static.

You can save your slides as an XML Paper Specification (.xps) file. That’s a fancy way to say that if you double-click your .xps file in Windows Explorer, the operating system will open your file using its built-in XPS Viewer.

The XPS format is ideal for sending your slideshow to users who have neither PowerPoint nor Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on their computers. As with the .pdf format above, .xps files have text and images, but no animation.

If you’re happy with this year’s Financial Results slideshow, and you want to create next year’s presentation using the same colors and fonts, then save your current presentation as a template, and use it over and over.

As you may have guessed, save your work as a .potx file for use in PowerPoint 2007 and newer, as a .potm file for a 2007 or newer macro-enabled presentation, and as a .pot file for use on PowerPoint 97 through 2003.

Office Themes and Backups

Because Microsoft PowerPoint is part of Microsoft Office, you can use two Office file types to make your PowerPoint work easier and safer.

You can save your presentation theme as an Office .thmx file. Future PowerPoint presentations, as well as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, can use this Office theme to set their fonts and colors. This results in a consistent look and feel to all of the Office documents that you present to prospects and customers.

Autosave is built into most Office applications, including PowerPoint. If you experienced a power outage and hadn’t saved your PowerPoint presentation before you lost power, it’s possible that there’s a recent version of your slideshow in the Office Autosave library. If you click File , click Open , and click Recover Unsaved Presentation , you may be pleased by the information that PowerPoint saved for you.

The Bottom Line

There’s no need to memorize all of the PowerPoint file extensions and options that are available. But be sure that you’re including all of these files when you do your regular on-site and off-site backups. And bookmark this blog page so that you can return to it when you need to save or open a PowerPoint presentation in one of the less popular file formats.

• September 20, 2014

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How-To Geek

What is a pptx file (and how do i open one).

A file with the .

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What is a pptx file, how do i open a pptx file.

A file with the .pptx  file extension  is a Microsoft PowerPoint Open XML (PPTX) file created by Microsoft PowerPoint. You can also open this type of file with other presentation apps, like OpenOffice Impress, Google Slides, or Apple Keynote. They are stored as a compressed ZIP file, which use a bunch of other files with formatted text, images, videos, and more to open them.

PPTX files are used in Microsoft PowerPoint, a presentation program used to display content in a slideshow format. Each slide can contain graphics, formatted text, videos, music, animations, and more.

Related: How to Black (or White) Out a PowerPoint Presentation

First introduced with Microsoft Office 2007 in the Office Open XML standard, PPTX is the default format when creating a presentation using modern versions of PowerPoint. Microsoft introduced this open format largely due to increased competition from Open Office and its Open Document Format (ODF). The PPTX format replaced the proprietary PPT format that PowerPoint used previously.

Related: What Is a .DOCX File, and How Is It Different from a .DOC File in Microsoft Word?

Because PPTX files have become standardized, you can open them in many applications on different platforms. Although Windows doesn't natively open them unless you have a copy of Microsoft Office 2007---or PowerPoint 2007---or later, you can download a third-party open-source application like  Apache OpenOffice  or  LibreOffice  to open your files.

Mac users only need to double-click the file to have it open up in the Apple Keynote application.

If you'd rather store, open, and edit all your Office Open XML files in the cloud, you can do so by uploading your document via PowerPoint Online  or Google Slides .

Alternatively, if you're a Chrome user, you can download the extension  Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides  (an official Google extension) for your browser. It lets you upload any PPTX file directly from your local hard drive to your Google Drive by dragging and dropping it into any Chrome tab.

Related: How to Work with Microsoft Office Files in Google Drive

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What Is a PPTX File?

A PPTX file is a PowerPoint presentation you can open and edit with a free tool like Google Slides

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What to Know

• A PPTX file is a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.
• Edit it online for free with Google Slides , or use PowerPoint.
• Convert to PDF, ODP, and others with those same programs, or use Zamzar.com .

This article explains what a PPTX file is, which programs will open one, and how to convert one to other presentation formats.

A PPTX file is a Microsoft PowerPoint slide show. It can contain formatted text, objects, slides, images, videos, and more.

This is the default presentation file format for PowerPoint 2007 and newer. The older version of this format, used in PowerPoint 2003 and older, uses the PPT file extension.

PowerPoint's PPSX format is similar to PPTX except that it will open directly to the presentation, while PPTX files open to the editor mode.

How to Open a PPTX File

If you have your hands on a PowerPoint file that you just want to look at and not edit, this can be done very easily with Microsoft's free PowerPoint Viewer program. You can't edit the slides or make changes to anything like you can with a full version of Microsoft PowerPoint , but the viewer is a lifesaver if you just need to flip through a presentation someone sent you.

Conholdate.app and Online Document Viewer could be helpful, too. Just wait for your file to upload, and then follow any directions on that page to view the slide show online.

The Conholdate file retention policy details how long your file remains on the website before being automatically deleted. The other website linked above deletes your file after you view it.

To open and edit PPTX files, without having a copy of PowerPoint, is doable with the free WPS Office Presentation or OpenOffice Impress . These are just two of several free Microsoft 365 alternatives that fully support PPTX files.

There are also some free presentation makers that can import PPTX files for editing online—no need to install any software. One of them, Google Slides, lets you upload a presentation from your computer, make changes to it, and then either keep it in your Google Drive account or download it back to your computer as a PPTX or some other format like PDF.

Google also offers the free Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides browser extension that works as a PPTX viewer and editor that runs right inside the Chrome browser. This works not only for PPTX files you drag into the browser from your computer, but also for any PPTX file you open from the internet, including ones you might receive over email. That extension also works with other MS Office formats like XLSX and DOCX.

If you want to extract images from the PPTX file, you can do that with a file unzip tool . Use one of those programs, such as 7-Zip , to open the PowerPoint file as if it were an archive, and then navigate to ppt > media to see all the images that were imported into the slide show. You can copy out any pictures you want to extract from the PowerPoint file.

How to Convert a PPTX File

If you're using one of the full-support PPTX programs mentioned above, you can easily convert your presentation to another file format by just opening the file in the program and then re-saving it under a different format. In most apps, this is done via the File > Save as option.

Sometimes, a much faster way to convert one is with an online file converter. One of our favorites for converting PPTX files is Zamzar . You can save it to PDF, ODP, PPT, and a number of image formats, like JPG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF.

A PPTX file can also be converted to a format that Google Slides can recognize. We have a guide that walks you through the whole thing: How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides . Once the presentation is available through Slides, you can convert it to other formats via File > Download .

Still Can't Open It?

If your file doesn't open with the suggestions from above, make sure you aren't mixing up this one with a file extension that just looks similar.

For example, PTX might look similar to PPTX, but those types of files don't open with the presentation programs described here.

A similar example can be seen with Serif PagePlus templates that use the PPX file extension. It's really easy to think that one of those is the same as a presentation file when you look at just their file extensions, but those are actually used with PagePlus .

If you double-check the suffix for your file and find that it, in fact, does not read ".PPTX," then research what it does say to learn more about the file format it might be in and which software programs are capable of reading, editing, or converting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you convert a PPSX file to a PPTX file? To edit a PPSX file, you must convert it back to a PPTX format. You can try renaming the file: find it on your computer (but don't open it), right-click, select Rename , and change the file extension from .ppsx to .pptx . If that doesn't work, open the PPSX file in PowerPoint, go to File > Save As and select PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx) as the file type before saving it.
• How do I convert a PDF to PPTX? You can download Adobe Acrobat DC to convert PDFs into PowerPoint. Open the PDF document in Acrobat DC and select Export PDF > Microsoft PowerPoint > Export . Acrobat will run optical character recognition (OCR) automatically and create a new file that you can download.
• How do you convert a PPTX to MP4? To convert a presentation to a video in PowerPoint, open the PPTX file in PowerPoint and go to File  >  Export >  Create a Video . Enter a file name for the MP4 video file, and then click  Save .

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.PPTX File Extension

Microsoft powerpoint presentation, what is a pptx file.

A PPTX file is a presentation file created by Microsoft PowerPoint or exported by another presentation program, such as OpenOffice Impress or Apple Keynote. It contains a collection of slides, including their text, images, formatting, animations, drawn objects, and other media. PPTX files are commonly used in business meetings, marketing applications, and academic classroom settings.

More Information

Microsoft introduced the PowerPoint Open XML Presentation format with the release of Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. Since the introduction of the format, PPTX files have become one of the most common file types for saving presentations.

PPTX files have replaced .PPT files as the standard file format for saving presentations in PowerPoint. Unlike PPT files, which store presentation data in a single binary file, PPTX files are saved in the Open XML format, which stores data as separate files and folders in a compressed Zip package. The archive includes various types of files, such as an .XML file that stores presentation properties, one or more .TXT files that contain slide notes, and images and other media files that are included in the presentation.

NOTE: You can explore the contents of a PPTX file by renaming the .pptx extension to .zip and decompressing the file with any Zip utility.

Common PPTX Filenames

Presentation1.pptx - The default filename Microsoft PowerPoint gives to new presentations.

How to open a PPTX file

You can open PPTX files with Microsoft PowerPoint in Windows and macOS. PowerPoint is the best program for opening PPTX files because it fully supports the formatting of the presentations, which includes the placement of text, slide transitions and effects, images, and shapes. The app is also available for Android and iOS devices.

There are a large number of other presentation programs that can open and edit PPTX files but they may not fully support the formatting of the presentation files. Alternative programs include Corel Presentations (Windows), Apple Keynote (Mac), and Apache OpenOffice Impress (multiplatform).

You can also open PPTX files with various web programs. Google Slides is a free option that allows you to upload a PPTX file and view, edit, save, and convert the presentation.

How to convert a PPTX file

Various presentation applications, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, and OpenOffice Impress, can convert PPTX files to other formats.

For example, in the Windows and Mac versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, select File → Save As to convert PPTX files to one of the following formats:

• .PPT - Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (Legacy)
• .PDF - Portable Document Format
• .ODP - OpenDocument Presentation
• .XPS - XML Paper Specification (Windows only)
• .RTF - Rich Text Format
• .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
• .WMV - Windows Media Video
• .JPEG - JPEG Image
• .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
• .GIF - Graphical Interchange Format (Animated)
• .TIF - Tagged Image File Format
• .SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics

Programs that open PPTX files

Verified by fileinfo.com.

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation file format and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know .

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6 Ways to Open PPT and PPTX Files for Free

You don't have to pay for Microsoft PowerPoint to open PPT and PPTX files.

Did you just receive a Microsoft PowerPoint file and don't have PowerPoint installed on your PC? Or maybe you want to open an old file, but your Microsoft 365 subscription has already lapsed?

Regardless of why, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to open, edit, or present from a PPT or PPTX file. Sure, you could purchase the whole Microsoft Office suite, but that's an expensive endeavor, especially for a small project.

Luckily, a wide variety of alternatives will let you open up your PPT or PPTX files entirely for free. Here are six of the best.

1. Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides

First up on this list is the Chrome extension Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. This extension is heading off this list because it is probably the easiest way to quickly and easily open and edit Microsoft PowerPoint files for free.

For most installations of Google Chrome, the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides extensions comes installed by default. This means that you're already ready to use it.

All you have to do is open up your Chrome browser window and then drag and drop any PPT or PPTX file into the window. You can see the file if you already have the extensions installed.

If not, all you have to do is download and install the extension. Learning how to find, install, and manage extensions in Chrome couldn't be easier, so this is a pretty straightforward method, even if you don't have the extension pre-installed.

The functionality of this extension is pretty impressive. You can easily open, view, edit, and even present your PowerPoint presentations with ease. There's support for animations and even internal links, so while you won't be able to do everything you could with Microsoft PowerPoint, you can get a pretty far way with just the extension.

2. Google Slides

Next up, we have Google Slides. Google Slides is like Google Docs or Google Sheets, but for PowerPoint presentations instead of Word or Excel.

If you've never heard of Google Slides, it's a cloud-based online alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint. It lets you create slideshows online and then present or share them with others entirely from your browser.

It can also open up PPT and PPTX files. All you have to do is go to Google Slides and navigate to the header that reads File . From there, just click on Import slides , then Upload , and select your file.

You'll need to pick which slides you want to import from here. Since you're trying to open a PPT or PPTX, you probably want to select all of them, but that's up to you. From there, just hit Import slides, and you're done.

From there, you have all of the best Google Slides presentation tools you would get if you had made your presentation there from scratch, and you can save, present, and edit to your heart's desire.

3. LibreOffice Impress

Next, we have LibreOffice. LibreOffice is an open-source and entirely free program that has been in development for over ten years. It acts as a free alternative to the Microsoft Office suite and does a pretty good job of it.

LibreOffice Impress is the equivalent of Microsoft PowerPoint and functions more or less identically to how PowerPoint does—from presentation creation, editing, and of course, opening up PPT and PPTX files.

If you're aiming to create a PPT or PPTX file from scratch, this is a great option to do just that. It behaves much the same as PowerPoint does without the price tag. The interface also looks quite good, though a little dated compared to Microsoft's more modern designs.

4. Apache OpenOffice

If you want an alternative to LibreOffice, there's Apache OpenOffice. Both programs are free and open-source because they're forks of a previous project. This much is evident even in the naming conventions, with OpenOffice's equivalent to PowerPoint also being called Impress.

OpenOffice Impress does a pretty good job as an alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, especially considering that the project is entirely free.

There are plenty of tools to work with, and a lot of the functionality you would expect from Microsoft PowerPoint is here. For opening and making tweaks to a PPT or PPTX file, you'll be more than fine, and for larger projects, you probably won't have much to worry about either.

Even the interface is pretty good. It's maybe not as sleek as PowerPoint, but it doesn't look bad.

5. Aspose Online PowerPoint Viewer

If you don't want to install anything on your computer, an online solution is a good place to go. Aspose's online PowerPoint viewer is a web service that allows you to upload your files to the internet to view them.

All you have to do to get going with Aspose's online PowerPoint viewer is to upload your file to the site. To do this, just drag and drop the file into your browser, or click the center of the screen to upload it using folder navigation.

From there, you're pretty much good to go. Aspose will automatically open up your PowerPoint file for viewing.

The result is pretty good and gives you a solid idea of what the file looks like, though there can be problems with some fonts not being supported. The presentation will still open but will substitute them with default fonts, which can be problematic if they are critical to your presentation.

6. Online Document Viewer

Finally, we have Online Document Viewer. This online web service allows you to upload and view documents, including PPT and PPTX files.

Online Document Viewer has some decent viewing options, such as navigation menus, rotation options, and more. There's no ability to edit your files once you've uploaded them, though, so if you were hoping to make any changes, then you're unlikely to have much success with Online Document Viewer.

Make Opening PowerPoint Files Easy

As you can see, a wide variety of different methods are available to let you open and even edit your PPT and PPTX files without spending any money on the Microsoft Office suite.

If you're trying to make an engaging presentation, there are a few better ways to do it. As long as you know how to captivate your audience and have the right tools for the job, you shouldn't have any problems.

Having problems opening a PPT file?

Learn about files with extension PPT

What are PPT files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PPT file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your PPT files.

What is a PPT file?

PPT files have multiple uses , and Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

• Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation

PowerPoint is a presentation design software distributed by Microsoft. It allows users to create slide shows that may consist of images, text, video, and audio.

While PowerPoint is commonly used to create business presentations, many individuals also use the software to create slide shows that contain personal photographs, songs, and messages.

The .ppt extension is used by PowerPoint versions older than the 2007 edition of the software. Later versions of PowerPoint use the .pptx extension rather than the .ppt extension used by earlier editions of the software.

How to open PPT files

We have identified one PPT opener that is compatible with this specific type of PPT file.

Programs that open Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation files

Last updated: May 17, 2024

All known file formats using extension .PPT

While Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation is a popular type of PPT-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .PPT file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

2 known uses of the PPT file extension

Playstation Portable Texture

We know that one PPT format is Playstation Portable Texture . We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different PPT openers which you will find listed below.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of PPT files. Remember, different programs may use PPT files for different purposes , so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about PPT file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit @ file . org to discuss further.

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Not sure exactly what type of file you are trying to open? Try our new File Analyzer . It is a free tool that can identify more than 11,000 different kinds of files - most likely yours too! It will help you find software that can handle your specific type of file. Download File Analyzer here .

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• Articles of PPT

A Comprehensive Guide to PowerPoint Extension - Everything You Want to Know

You literally have encountered a frustrating situation when someone shares a PowerPoint presentation with you, and it refuses to open or run smoothly due to formatting issues. In this guide, we will demystify PowerPoint extensions, helping you understand the nuances of different file formats. By the end of this article, you'll not only troubleshoot such situations but also harness the power of various PowerPoint extensions effectively for seamless presentations.

What is the Meaning of PowerPoint File Extensions?

The PowerPoint file extensions, namely PPTX and PPT, are primarily associated with Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations, which are integral components of the Microsoft Office Suite of software. PPTX, in particular, stands out as it utilizes a zipped, XML-based file format. It's important to note that starting from Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 and onwards, PPTX has been established as the default file format for creating new presentations

Which File formats are supported in PowerPoint?

These are the PowerPoint extensions supported by PowerPoint:

How to open PowerPoint files with extensions .ppt and .pptx?(Free)

Here are three free tools that make opening PowerPoint file extensions a breeze:

WPS Office is our first pick, renowned for its advanced features, user-friendly interface, and intuitive design. Here's how to use WPS Office to open PowerPoint extensions:

Step 1: Download WPS Office

Head over to WPS Office and acquire a free version by clicking the Download button at the center of the screen.

Once the installation file is downloaded, double-click to open it and follow the on-screen instructions for installation.

Step 2: Now that WPS Office is installed, launch the application and click on "Slides" located at the sidebar followed by “Open”. This action enables you to open your desired PowerPoint extension.

Step 3: Browse through your computer to find the *.PPT or *.PPTX file you wish to open.

WPS Presentation allows you to open various other powerpoint extensions which is really valuable considering there is no cost attached to it.

Step 4 : Click "Open", and the file will be displayed in WPS Presentation, a free presentation app by WPS Office. This app empowers users to create, edit, and share their presentations, making it a valuable tool for those seeking advanced functionalities.

WPS Presentation is remarkably user-friendly, especially for those transitioning from Microsoft Office, thanks to its familiar user interface. Additionally, WPS Academy offers free learning resources, aiding new or infrequent presentation users in their tasks.

Google Slides

Google Slides, a cloud-based alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint by Google, is an excellent tool for opening *.PPT or *.PPTX PowerPoint extensions. Here's how:

Step 1: Open your browser and search for Google Slides .

Step 2: In the Google Slides interface, click on the "File" menu and select "Open".

Step 3: A new window will appear, allowing users to search for the desired PowerPoint extension. As our *.PPTX PowerPoint extension is stored on the PC, click on the "Upload" tab.

Step 4 : Browse your system for the *.PPT or *.PPTX file and click "Open."

Step 5 :The file will now be uploaded to Google Slides, which may take a few moments based on its size.

Step 6: Once the file is uploaded, it will be displayed on Google Slides interface, and users can make the necessary changes.

Google Slides offers an excellent alternative for users in search of a cloud-based presentation app. Your presentation is automatically saved in the cloud, accessible from anywhere. However, it's essential to note that an internet connection is required, and privacy concerns may arise for confidential presentations.

Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides

Finally, we have an effortless method for opening various PowerPoint extensions right on your PC for free using a Google Chrome extension. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Open your Google Chrome browser and head over to the Google Chrome Web Store .

Step 2 : Search for Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides and click on "Add to Chrome" to swiftly install the extension.

Step 3: A popup will appear, prompting you to confirm the installation. Simply click on "Add Extension".

Step 4: Once the extension is downloaded, it will appear right next to the Extension icon. If not, click on the extension icon and pin it to the taskbar for easy access.

Step 5: Now, users can effortlessly drag and drop any *.PPT or *.PPTX file onto their Chrome browser. The Office editing extension will promptly respond, opening the file in a new tab within your browser.

This method offers a quick and straightforward way to open various PPT formats on your PC for free. It's worth noting that this option may not be suitable for MAC users who predominantly use the Safari browser or for those seeking advanced functions in their presentation app.

Resonating Reminder:

Always prioritize data security by backing up critical PowerPoint files to prevent potential loss.

Keep your PowerPoint application regularly updated to access the latest features and benefit from essential security fixes.

When sharing PowerPoint files with colleagues or collaborators, opt for the .pptx format to ensure seamless compatibility and hassle-free sharing.

Free Alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint — WPS Presentation

WPS Office is a robust office suite that, once installed on your device, unlocks a world of creativity and productivity. In particular, the presentation tool offered by WPS Office stands out. As part of this comprehensive office suite, it provides a rich library of templates and a wide array of editing tools to elevate your presentations. Its exceptional compatibility sets it apart – WPS Office is a free tool capable of seamlessly handling various presentation file formats, while also allowing for easy conversion to PDF.

How to download WPS Presentation?

Step 1: Begin by visiting the WPS Presentation website on your computer.

Step 2: Click the "Free Download" icon at the left of the page.

Step 3: Find "wps_Office.cid" in your downloads.

Step 4:   Agree to terms and click "Install Now" to start.

Step 5: WPS Office opens automatically after installation. Ready to use WPS Presentation!

Steps to edit Presentation in WPS:

Step 1: You can begin by installing WPS Office on your system.

Step 2: Next, open the WPS Office on your computer.

Step 3: You will be welcomed to its Homepage. There, navigate to the “Slides'' option in the SideBar menu. Once clicked, select on “+ Blank” and start typing your content in the fresh and new PowerPoint.

Step 4: WPS Presentation gives you every sort of editing tool you will need to improve your Presentation!

Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

Q1. What is PPTX vs PPT?

PPT and PPTX are file formats used in Microsoft PowerPoint. PPT, the older format widely used for saving presentations to disc, was replaced by PPTX with the introduction of Office 2007. PPTX, the default format since then, is XML-based and offers advantages such as smaller size, stability, and compatibility with applications like Google Slides and Apple Keynote. PPT is a binary format, while PPTX uses the Office Open XML format. PPT files save presentation content as a binary collection of records and structures, arranged in binary streams following the PPT file format specifications. You can open both formats in newer PowerPoint versions.

Q2. What is the difference between POTX and PPTX?

A POTX file, crafted by PowerPoint, serves as a presentation template for creating slideshows. It embodies default styles, text arrangements, layouts, and formatting guidelines. It enables the creation of multiple PPTX files that share the same formatting. In contrast, a PPTX file is a standard PowerPoint presentation file. Therefore, to maintain a consistent style across all of your PPTX files, utilize the POTX template rather than beginning from scratch for each presentation. This way, you may save time and create presentations that seem organized and cohesive.

Mastering PowerPoint Extensions for Seamless Presentations

In this article, we explored the intricacies of PowerPoint extensions, equipping you with the knowledge you need to navigate them seamlessly. By understanding these extensions, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure a smooth experience with your presentations. It's worth noting that WPS Office excels in this regard, offering robust compatibility across formats. Download WPS Office now to enhance your presentation workflow.

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• Adobe Acrobat

How to open, view and edit a .PPTX file

A great presentation can steal the show in a conference or a classroom. But to make your deck truly stand out, you’ll need text, images, graphics and more. Thankfully, the PPTX slideshow file format can handle all of it in one place. In this guide, we’ll explain how to view, edit and open PPTX - and talk through the history of the file format, to take all the sweat out of your slideshow.

What you’ll learn.

What is a .PPTX file?

• History of the .PPTX file

What are .PPTX files used for?

• Pros and cons of .PPTX files
• How to open a .PPTX file
• How to create and edit a .PPTX file

How do I open .PPTX in PDF?

• Learn more about similar file types to .PPTX

.PPTX: FAQs

A file with the .PPTX extension is a Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow presentation. To manage the wide range of text, video, animation and graphics that modern slideshow creators expect, PPTX uses Open XML format. PPTX became the native file type for Microsoft Office PowerPoint in 2007.

What does .PPTX stand for?

PPTX stands for PowerPoint (the same as the earlier native file, PPT) with an X on the end to refer to the upgraded ‘Open XML’ system.

Microsoft took a similar approach to other files with the release of Office 2007, including Word’s DOCX upgrade , which largely replaced the DOC format.

Try Adobe's collection of online tools

Convert to PDF and do more with your PowerPoint using Adobe's excellent range of free online tools .

Try Adobe's online tools

History of the .PPTX file.

Early designs..

In 1984, the product developer Robert Gaskins developed an idea for new graphic software for Macintosh computers. The project name went through a number of refinements - ranging from the unimaginative ‘Presentation Graphics for Overhead Projection’, through to ‘Presenter’. By 1987, Gaskins and his team has settled on the name that stuck: PowerPoint.

Three months after launch, Microsoft bought PowerPoint’s manufacturer and added the software to its roster of programmes, which were set to dominate the 1990s. Along with other famous names such as Word and Excel, PowerPoint joined the Office suite in 1995 - and Microsoft introduced the PPT native file format in 1997.

The PPT file had its advantages - but its binary native file format became too large and sluggish by the mid-00s. In 2007, Microsoft replaced the PPT file in favour of PPTX - upgrading the file to Open XML format.

The launch of .PPTX.

In XML, PPTX could compartmentalise multimedia into different files and then zip them for easy transfer and storage. Throughout the 2010s, this would prove crucial - as creators and audiences expected increasingly elaborate and visually stimulating decks, as well as seamless use across different platforms and devices.

Throughout the 2010s, Microsoft upgraded PowerPoint and PPTX to handle the modern, mobile world of computing, introducing web versions, smartphone apps, streaming capabilities and more, as well as a handy reader mode.

The continued upgrades and innovations in PowerPoint have paid off. Today, over 95% of presentations are a PowerPoint, with 500 million people across the globe using the software.

PPTX files are designed specifically for PowerPoint presentations. Within this field, they have a number of key uses.

Creating and editing PowerPoint slides.

When you select File > Open > Blank Presentation on PowerPoint, you create a PPTX file by default. From there, you can select and arrange text, images, animations, video and formatting or use a range of templates to bring your presentation to life.

Storing, saving and transferring PowerPoint presentations.

PPTX uses Open XML mark-up language to make these multimedia files less cumbersome. It stores data in separate folders for theme, slides, slide layouts, presentation props and more. These are zipped together into a single folder to save space - marking a departure from the PPT file, which stored data in a single binary file.

Pros and cons of .PPTX files.

• Multimedia storage . PPTX helps users add rich visuals, text and multimedia elements to their decks, with less data. To do this, the format relies on a range of TXT, XML and other folders, which handle presentation properties, slide notes and multimedia. These are archived in a zip folder.
• Smaller file size . The zipped sub-files of PPTX make them far smaller than their forerunner: the PPT file. As a result, they take up less space on your hard-drive and are easier to transfer.
• Choice of software . Even if you don’t have Microsoft PowerPoint, you can still view PPTX files on a range of different applications. There are also a number of third-party programs you can use to edit and present your deck.
• 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 and some complex designs or animations may not display correctly.

How to open a .PPTX file.

The best programme to open a PPTX file with is Microsoft PowerPoint. This provides full support for your presentation’s formatting.

• Open PowerPoint
• Select File > Open
• Choose your file from your desktop.

You can also open PPTX files with programmes like Apple Keynote and the Google Slides. To open your slideshow on Google Slides, you’ll need to upload your file to Google Drive and then select it from there.

How to create and edit a .PPTX file.

You can create and edit a PPTX file on PowerPoint simply by selecting File>Open>New Slideshow.

If you’re a Mac user, you can simply double click your PPTX file to open it on Keynote.

To create and edit a PPTX file on Google Slides:

• Open Google Slides
• Create a blank presentation
• Design your slideshow
• When you’re happy, select File > Download > PowerPoint PPTX.

You can convert your PPTX to PDF in seconds using Adobe Acrobat online. Simply drag your PPTX presentation into our 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 .

Learn more about similar file types to .PPTX.

PPT is the forerunner file type to the PPTX and shops data in a binary format, rather than XML.

A report file used for a range of data-orientated tasks, including payroll, sales and inventory.

DAT files contain specific information about the software used to create them.

A standard file for storing and sharing contact information.

Looking to edit, convert or share your DOCX

Adobe Acrobat Online has all the tools you need to do more with your documents.

Why is my .PPTX file not opening?

There are a number of reasons why your PPTX file might not be opening. For example, you might be using the wrong software or you may have saved your file in an incorrect format. Your file may also be corrupted. It is worth checking through these various possibilities - and potentially converting to a more widely readable format such as PDF, if possible.

How do I view and open a .PPTX file without PowerPoint?

You can view and open PPTX files on a range of different third-party programmes, including Google Slides, Mac Keynote and more. It’s worth noting that you may not have full editing and formatting compatibility with non-PowerPoint programmes, however.

What is the difference between a .PPTX and a .PPT file?

A PPTX file is an upgraded version of the earlier PPT file. It stores data in zipped files using the Open XML mark-up language, rather than in a single binary file.

Is a PowerPoint .PPT or .PPTX?

PPTX is the native file format for PowerPoint since the launch of Microsoft Office 2007. Prior to that, PPT files were default on the programme. So, most modern day PowerPoint files will be PPTX, but it is possible that a very old presentation or a file created using older software, may still be PPT.

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What is a PPTX file and How to Open It? A Complete Guide!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

Microsoft’s proprietary software, PowerPoint is the pioneer of digital content presentation software. It paved the way for many others of its kind. In 2007, Microsoft introduced the PPTX format, an upgrade from the original PPT files. It came with lots of features and most importantly, it didn’t obsolete the former.

PPTX is a PowerPoint file format that was introduced in 2007. It was an upgrade from PPT which had been used in PowerPoint since the launch up until 2007. The PPTX file format makes the files more flexible and can be used, opened, and edited using various tools.

PPTX files can be opened using Microsoft PowerPoint. Besides this, many third-party software like OpenOffice, Apple Keynote (Mac), Google slides, etc. Furthermore, there are several online tools to open PPTX files.

PPTX file format has many benefits over the original PPT format. PPT format is still available in PowerPoint 13 years later, proving that this format is not completely out of date.

In this article I am going to talk about what is a PPTX file and how to open it in detail , how to convert, any trouble you might run into, etc. I hope to give you a complete understanding of anything related to a PPTX file format. So, let’s get started!

What is a PPTX file?

From the launch of PowerPoint in 1987 up until 2007, PPT was the default file format for PowerPoint presentations. In PowerPoint 2007, a new format called PPTX was introduced. The new format was not meant to replace the original but to add more features. 

PPT format saved the entire file in a single binary form whereas PPTX compresses different components of a presentation in XML format. This makes accessing the information easier and convenient by using any third party open-source software . PPTX files may include various other formats .xml, .txt, .jpg etc.

What does PPTX stand for?

While PPT stands for PowerPoint, the “x” in the PPTX stands for extensive markup language (XML). XML allows standard methods to open PPTX files without any special software. You can simply rename the PPTX extension to .zip and decompress to explore various components of the file.

Benefits of Saving a Presentation in PPTX Format

The PPTX format is the latest file format of a presentation file provided by Microsoft PowerPoint . Needless to say, it is always beneficial to use the latest version of the technology.

PPTX format is no exception. It was released Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 and has been included in later versions since. So, if you use PPTX format you can easily open, edit, modify any presentation using PowerPoint 2007 and later.

The most remarkable benefit of the PPTX format is that it uses XML. Thus, making this format open source. So, a PPTX file can be easily opened and modified using other third-party software . There are plenty of free applications and online tools to open PPTX files which makes this format pretty handy.

PPTX compresses the PowerPoint presentation rather than saving the whole file in a single format. So, a PPTX file can contain different file types that can be explored separately. This is one of the key benefits of the PPTX format.

Technical Requirements for a PPTX File

PPTX is supported by PowerPoint 2007 and later versions. Assuming people uses the latest version of the software which is PowerPoint 2019 the system requirements are as followings:

Operating system: Windows 10 or Mac OS or Ubuntu

Software : Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 or later

CPU: 1.6 gigahertz or above

System Memory: 2 to 4 gigabytes of RAM

Space: 4 gigabytes of available space

DirectX version: DirectX9

Dll files: Leadtools.ImageProcessing.Color.dll, Leadtools.Codecs.Ppx.dll. Version 2 of DocumentFormat.OpenXml.dll and .NET Framework 3.5 or higher is required to load PPTX files ( TIP – Don’t worry about the technicalities of the DII files, most modern computers will have these files built-in ).

How to Open a PPTX file?

The easiest way to open a PPTX file is by using Microsoft PowerPoint as it is the default application for PPTX files. However, there are a number of other ways to open a PPTX file. Let’s look at two of the most common methods below. Later, we will also look at how you could open a PPTX file if you don’t have PowerPoint installed on your computer!

Method 1 – Using Microsoft PowerPoint

As mentioned above, Microsoft PowerPoint is the best software to open a PPTX file. This is the default tool for this type of file format. It comes bundled with the Microsoft Office Suite.

The best way to get PowerPoint is to get a subscription to Microsoft’s Office365 suite. That way, you will always have the latest version of PowerPoint with all the latest features.

If you don’t have an Office 365 subscription yet, I highly recommend that you get one. It comes packed with several other advanced features that transform your presentation! Click on this link to get a 30-day FREE trial! ( Hint – Make sure you scroll all the way down to the section just above FAQs, and you’ll find a link to “Try FREE for 1 month”. Alternatively, do a Ctrl+F and search for “Try FREE for 1 month” on the page).

With Microsoft PowerPoint, you can not only open a PPTX file but also make edits or other visual changes to the presentation. Other modifications such as customizing a slide, adding or removing animation or images can also be done conveniently using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Once you have downloaded Microsoft PowerPoint, opening a PPTX file is pretty straight-forward.

To open a PPTX file with PowerPoint, simply double click on the file (assuming that you have PowerPoint installed on your computer) .

Alternatively, you can also open the Microsoft PowerPoint application first. Then, click on the “ Open ” tab.

Upon clicking on the “Open” tab, you will see a screen similar to the one displayed in the above image.

Simply click on “ Browse “. This will allow PowerPoint to browse to the specific folder and locate the PPTX file.

Next, a window will pop-up. Make sure you browse to the specific folder in which you have saved or downloaded the PPTX file.

In the next step, find and locate the PPTX file and select it by clicking on it with you mouse once.

Lastly, click on “Open” to open the PPTX file in PowerPoint.

Method 2 – Using a FREE Microsoft Account (and opening it in a Web Browser)

If you don’t have PowerPoint installed on your computer, you can still open and view a PPTX file using your Microsoft account or a Microsoft 365 email or work account.

Creating an account on Microsoft is completely free. If you don’t already have a Microsoft account,  you can create one for free here .

Once you have an account created, all you need to do is save the file to OneDrive or Dropbox and use  PowerPoint for the web  to open it. You can also click on the PowerPoint Web link provided and directly upload the file there to view it.

The beauty of PowerPoint web is that it allows you to also present the file online via a weblink.

Method 3 – Using Other Third-party Presentation Software

There is plenty of third-party software that can be used to open PPTX files. Although they might not be as handy as Microsoft PowerPoint, they still should be able to get the job done.

Furthermore, there are a couple of online tools that will allow you to open and modify PPTX files. This is exactly where the significance of the PPTX format enables the user to be more versatile in terms of software choices.

We shall talk about some of the best third-party software applications to open a PPTX file later in the article in below.

How to Open PPTX files without PowerPoint? (Free Alternatives)

Microsoft PowerPoint is the go-to software to open PPTX files. But, that is not the only solution. The significance of the PPTX format is that it is open source. This means it can be opened using various third-party software. Below, I am going to talk about some of the best free alternatives to open PPTX files:

1. WPS Office Presentation

WPS Office is honestly my personal favorite simply because it looks and to a great extent works almost exactly like Microsoft PowerPoint!

Thus, WPS Office Presentation is one of the best tools to open PPTX files. It is free and easy to use. You have to simply download the software from their website and install it in your system. One of the other advantages is that it is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.

2. Google Slides

Google Slides is Google’s answer to the Office Suite. It is completely FREE to use and all you need is a Google Account.

Google slides is a user-oriented online tool that can be used to open, edit, or convert PPTX files. Just upload your PPTX file in Google drive and open with Google slide. You can make any modifications you want. Also, you can change the format of the PPTX files.

Google Slides doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles like PowerPoint, but it gets the job done! It is quick and handy, and you don’t even need to download any software!

3. Apache OpenOffice

OpenOffice by apache software foundation is another excellent third-party tool to view and edit PPTX files. It is also free and user friendly. Unlike many other third party PPTX tools, apache OpenOffice fully supports PPTX files.

This means with OpenOffice, you can open, view, edit, and customize PPTX files just like you can with Microsoft PowerPoint. It also supports mac OS.

After installing OpenOffice, select ‘File’ then select ‘Open’ from the menu bar. Choose ‘All files’ in file types. Then go to the location of the PPTX files and double click to open.

4. Keynote (How to Open a PPTX file on Mac?)

Keynote is also one of the best tools to open PPTX files. If you are a Mac user, then you perhaps don’t need any other software to open a PPTX file as Keynote comes pre-installed with Mac OS.

Keynote’s interface is very easy to use. After launching the keynote, locate the PPTX file in your hard drive. Then double click to open it. A loading bar may appear on your screen. This is Keynote making necessary changes to the file to open. The loading time may vary depending on the complexity of the file.

5. Corel Presentations

One of my last recommendations would be Corel Presentation. Now, it is NOT a free tool, but it does work really well!

Corel corporations recently released their Presentation software known as Corel presentation which is a similar tool to Microsoft PowerPoint. It can also be used to access PPTX files in case you don’t have PowerPoint.

Corel presentation is not a standalone release as of yet. It is available with Corel’s office productivity suite.

That said, if you simply want to open and view the PPTX file, you should choose any of the other four options mentioned above. They will get most of the tasks done without any problem.

How to Open PPTX file on Android?

Sometimes, we just need to have a quick look at the presentation file when we are traveling. So, viewing a PPTX on your android device is a great alternative to opening a laptop. You may have your own reason to open a PPTX file on your phone, but how exactly does one do that?

In order to open a PPTX file on an Android device, you will need to install a third-party application which is designed to read a PPTX file. Some of the best apps are Microsoft’s PowerPoint Mobile, WPS Office, Polaris Office and Zoho Show.

Each application will need you to first download it from the Google Playstore for Android users, and then open the file using that particular app. Since the steps are just the same as installing any other application on your mobile phone, I will refrain from the step by step instructions.

How to Convert PPTX Files to Other Formats?

Converting PPTX files to other formats is not that difficult. There are several ways you can convert a PPTX file to other file formats. Microsoft PowerPoint’s user-friendly features also can be used to convert PPTX files. A few methods are explained below:

1. Convert PPTX file using Microsoft PowerPoint or other Similar Apps

If you are using the latest version of PowerPoint, then you can not only open and view a PPTX file, but you can also convert it to other file formats.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the latest version of PowerPoint, but you know a friend who has one, you can still reach out to them and ask them to help you out by converting a PPTX file to a PPT file.

Either way, here’s how to convert a PPTX file in Microsoft PowerPoint –

To convert PPTX files to other formats using Microsoft PowerPoint, you first need to open the file using PowerPoint. You can use the methods described above to open the PPTX file.

Once you have your file open, go to the “ File ” tab, and then click “ Save As “. Then choose the location where you want to save the file on your computer by clicking on “ This PC “.

A new window will pop-up. Before you click save, make sure you change the name of the file, and then click “ Save as Type ” section. This will open a huge dropdown list.

You may be surprised to know the various different formats in which you can save a PowerPoint file! Nevertheless, choose a file type that you desire by clicking on it . Finally, click “ Save “.

Now go to the folder or the location in which you have saved the converted file. You will notice that PowerPoint will have created a copy of the file converted into the format that you had chosen.

The process is pretty much the same if you are using any other presentation applications such as WPS, Keynote or OpenOffice.

2. Convert PPTX file using Google Slides

Google slides is another great tool to convert PPTX files. It’s an online tool so you don’t have to download any software.

Unlike PowerPoint and other applications, Google Slides has very limited formats in which you can convert your presentation. So, converting a PPTX to a PPT file may not be possible with Google Slides. However, you can convert it to a PDF file format.

In order to convert the PPTX file using Google Slides, simply sign in to your Google drive and click ‘New’ on the top left corner.

Then select ‘File upload’ and choose the PPTX file. After completing the upload, click the file in the bottom right corner. After opening, click ‘Open with Google Slides’ on top of the screen.

After opening with Google slides, click ‘File’ then navigate to ‘Download’. You will see a menu that will appear containing formats like .odp, .pdf, .spg, etc. Just choose the one you want and the PPTX file will be converted to that.

3. Convert PPTX file Online

There are various tools that allow you to not only open PPTX file online but also convert it to other file formats.

a. ) Online Convert

Document online-convert is a great tool that allows you to convert a PPTX file to a PPT format.

If you do not have the latest version of PowerPoint, this is a great way to convert the file to PPT and open it using the older version of PowerPoint.

Online-convert is completely FREE to use.

Zamzar is another awesome tool that allows you to convert your PPTX file to a PPT file.

It is pretty simple and straightforward to use this website. All you have to do is simply upload the PPTX file, choose a format you want to change it to, and then simply download the file.

Just like online-convert, Zamzar is also completely FREE to use.

What is the Difference between PPTX and PPT File Formats?

PPTX format does not differ drastically from PPT. However, some significant differences are listed below:

PPT vs PPTX vs PPSX – Which is best?

One of the key features of PowerPoint is its ability to save the presentation files in various types of file formats. But, this benefit can equally easily become a problem for a few users. At first glance, it can be difficult to understand the differences between the three file formats and thus create confusion amongst the users.

PPT was the default extension for PowerPoint presentations up until PowerPoint 2007. In the PowerPoint 2007 release, this default extension was replaced by PPTX. This offered more choices to users to use different apps. PPT files can still be used in Microsoft PowerPoint.

PPTX format saves the file in an open XML format instead of saving as a single binary file like PPT format. So, they can be viewed and changed easily using different software. Also, they can be simply decompressed and the file components can be explored independently. Many unique features have been added in PowerPoint that can be availed only in the PPTX format.

PPSX format is similar to PPTX. The only difference between them is that when you open PPSX files, they open directly as a slideshow. Furthermore, they are designed such that you cannot make any change to the presentation when using a PPSX file as you are unable to see the editable version of the presentation. Whereas PPTX files are opened directly in edit mode so that you can tweak the file at will.

PPSX format is the best used when you don’t want the end user to edit the file but be able to view the slideshow or the presentation.

All you have to do is just open the file and the automated slideshow presentation shall start.

As to the question of which one is the best format amongst the three – you should always prioritize and choose a PPTX format over a PPT format to save your presentations as it offers more features and can be readily accessed.

Having Trouble Opening PPTX Files?

You still can run into some trouble opening PPTX files. This can result from corrupt PPTX files. They can be corrupted due to several reasons like:

• Error in the installation of Microsoft PowerPoint
• Unnecessary format changing
• Any malware attacks
• Using faulty tools to repair PPTX files

These are some of the reasons that might corrupt PPTX files. You can try any of the following methods to recover corrupt PPTX files:

• Open PowerPoint in safe mode
• Change the location of the corrupt PPTX files on your hard drive
• Create a new file using the corrupted slides

If none of the above methods works, don’t worry. Luckily there are many reliable PPTX recovery tools available. You can try any of the following tools to repair your corrupt PPTX files:

• DataNumen PowerPoint Recovery 
• Stellar Phoenix PowerPoint Repair 
• PowerPoint Repair Toolbox 
• Recovery Toolbox for PowerPoint 
• Remo Repair PowerPoint

Q. Can I use PPTX in older PowerPoint versions?

No. To use PPTX you must have PowerPoint 2007 or later.

Q. Is PPT format still usable?

Yes. PPT format is still used but some features are not available in PPT format.

Q. Can I convert PPT files to PPTX format?

Yes. PPT files can be converted to PPTX by Microsoft PowerPoint or other third-party tools.

Q. Can I open PPTX files without PowerPoint?

Yes. PPTX files can be opened and viewed by various third-party software and web tools.

Q. Can I use ppt format in the latest PowerPoint versions?

Yes. PPT format can be used in any PowerPoint version.

Final Thoughts

With the inception of the PPTX file format, digital content presentation gained an all-new level thanks to Microsoft’s global thinking. Creating digital content, slide presentations, etc. are now more convenient than ever. You can open, view, edit, or make any modifications you want without having Microsoft PowerPoint.

Not only PPTX is supported by third-party software, but also, there are plenty of web-based tools to use. It makes working with PPTX very flexible and time-efficient. Also, you can switch between formats using online tools like Cloudconvert, Zamzar, etc. they offer conversion with only a few clicks. So, you don’t have to be an advanced user to use them.

I’ve explained every possible detail about what is a PPTX file and how to open it, how to view and modify them without having Microsoft PowerPoint, basic differences between various formats. Also, I tried to shed some light on any trouble you might find and how to overcome them. 

I expect the above writing will help to mitigate any difficulty you might face and have a smooth and personalized experience regarding the PPTX format. Best of luck with your presentations. And thanks for stopping by. 

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Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft, which is part of the Microsoft Office Suite. PowerPoint allows users to create visually engaging presentations containing text, graphics, animations, multimedia, and more. It is widely used in various fields, such as business, education, and conferences.

PowerPoint files primarily come in two file extensions: .ppt and .pptx . The former is an older format used in PowerPoint versions 2003 and earlier, while the latter is a newer format introduced in PowerPoint 2007 and is still in use in modern versions of the software.

The .ppt File Extension

The .ppt file extension represents the older, binary file format for PowerPoint presentations. It was the default file format for PowerPoint versions 2003 and earlier. The files saved with this extension are also known as PowerPoint 97-2003 presentations . This format is less efficient in terms of file size and has limited features compared to the newer .pptx format.

Some limitations of the .ppt format include:

• Restricted file size: .ppt files can be no larger than 2 GB.
• Limited multimedia support: .ppt files do not support newer multimedia features and file formats introduced in later versions of PowerPoint.
• Limited compatibility: While most modern versions of PowerPoint can open and save .ppt files, some features may be lost when converting between .ppt and .pptx formats.

The .pptx File Extension

The .pptx file extension was introduced with PowerPoint 2007 as part of Microsoft Office’s transition to the Office Open XML (OOXML) file formats. These formats are based on XML and offer several advantages over older binary formats, including improved file size efficiency, better security, and enhanced compatibility with other applications.

Some benefits of the .pptx format include:

• Smaller file size: The .pptx format uses ZIP compression, reducing file size without compromising the quality of the presentation.
• Improved security: The .pptx format is less susceptible to file corruption and security issues compared to the .ppt format.
• Better compatibility: .pptx files can be opened and edited by a wider range of applications, including free alternatives like LibreOffice Impress and Google Slides.
• Greater extensibility: The XML-based structure of .pptx files allows for easier integration with other systems, such as content management systems, and support for custom applications and features.

Examples, Facts, and Stats

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint is part of the Microsoft Office Suite, which also includes Word, Excel, Outlook, and other applications. The suite is available in different editions, such as Office Home and Student, Office Home and Business, and Office Professional, catering to various user needs.
• File format conversion: Modern versions of PowerPoint, such as PowerPoint 2019 and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, can open and save presentations in both .ppt and .pptx formats. However, when converting from .ppt to .pptx or vice versa, some features or formatting may be lost or altered.
• File format compatibility: PowerPoint presentations can also be saved in other file formats, such as .pdf, .xps, .pps (PowerPoint Show), and .ppsx (PowerPoint Show XML). Saving a presentation in one of these formats may be useful for sharing the presentation with users who do not have PowerPoint installed or for restricting editing capabilities.

Important Details

• The primary file extensions for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations are .ppt (PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation) and .pptx (PowerPoint Presentation).
• The .ppt file extension is associated with older PowerPoint versions (2003 and earlier) and has certain limitations compared to the .pptx format.
• The .pptx file extension was introduced in PowerPoint 2007 and is part of the Office Open XML (OOXML) file formats, offering improved file size efficiency, security, and compatibility.
• Modern PowerPoint versions can open and save files in both .ppt and .pptx formats, but some features or formatting may be lost when converting between the two formats.
• PowerPoint also supports saving presentations in other formats, such as .pdf, .xps, .pps, and .ppsx for sharing with users who do not have PowerPoint or for restricting editing capabilities.

Best Practices for PowerPoint File Formats

When working with PowerPoint files, consider the following best practices to ensure optimal compatibility and performance:

• Use the .pptx format: Whenever possible, use the .pptx format to take advantage of its improved features and compatibility. This format is the default for PowerPoint 2007 and later versions.
• Convert .ppt files to .pptx: If you have older .ppt files, consider converting them to the .pptx format to benefit from the improved features and security. Keep in mind that some formatting or features may be lost during conversion.
• Save in alternative formats when necessary: If you need to share your presentation with users who may not have PowerPoint or if you want to restrict editing capabilities, consider saving your presentation in an alternative format, such as .pdf, .xps, .pps, or .ppsx.
• Test compatibility with other applications: If you plan to use your PowerPoint presentation with other applications or platforms, such as Google Slides or LibreOffice Impress, test the compatibility and appearance of your presentation to ensure that it displays correctly.

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Save your presentation in a different file format

You can choose which file format (such as .pptx or .odp) you want to be the default when you're saving your presentations.

Note:  Not all features are supported in OpenDocument format. For more info, see Use PowerPoint to open or save a presentation in the OpenDocument Presentation (.odp) format .

Switch your default file format

Select File > Options .

Select Save .

Under Save presentations , in the Save files in this format list, choose the file format you want to use by default.

Use PowerPoint to open or save a presentation in the OpenDocument Presentation (.odp) format

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IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe storms and flooding in Massachusetts; various deadlines postponed to July 31

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IR-2024-154, May 31, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Massachusetts affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Sept. 11, 2023.

These taxpayers now have until July 31, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make payments.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . Currently, individuals and households that reside or have a business in Bristol and Worcester counties qualify for tax relief.

The same relief will be available to any other counties added later to the disaster area. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.

Filing and payment relief

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred from Sept. 11, 2023, through July 31, 2024 (postponement period). As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until July 31, 2024, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.

This means, for example, that the July 31, 2024, deadline will now apply to:

• Individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2024.
• 2023 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers.
• Quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on Sept. 15, 2023, Jan. 16, 2024, April 15, 2024, and June 17, 2024.
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, and April 30, 2024.
• Calendar year partnership and S corporation returns normally due on March 15, 2024.
• Calendar year corporation and fiduciary returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2024.
• Calendar year tax-exempt organization returns normally due on May 15, 2024.

Individuals who had an extension to file their 2022 return will also have until July 31, 2024, to file, though payments on these returns are not eligible for the extra time because they were due before the disaster occurred.

In addition, penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Sept. 11, 2023, and before Sept. 26, 2023, will be abated as long as the deposits were made by Sept. 26, 2023.

The Disaster assistance and emergency relief for individuals and businesses page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying for relief during the postponement period.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. These taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this relief.

It is possible an affected taxpayer may not have an IRS address of record located in the disaster area, for example, because they moved to the disaster area after filing their return. In these kinds of unique circumstances, the affected taxpayer could receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS for the postponement period. The taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.

In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227 . This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization. Disaster area tax preparers with clients located outside the disaster area can choose to use the bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief option, described on IRS.gov.

Reminder about extensions

Anyone who needs a tax-filing extension, beyond July 31, 2024, can get it by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return , with the IRS. Because the IRS cannot accept electronically-filed extension requests made after mid-April, these requests must be submitted on paper. The taxpayer will then have until Oct. 15, 2024, to file, though payments are still due on July 31, 2024. Visit IRS.gov/extensions for details.

Additional tax relief

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2023 return normally filed this year), or the return for the prior year (2022). Taxpayers have extra time – up to six months after the due date of the taxpayer’s federal income tax return for the disaster year (without regard to any extension of time to file) – to make the election. For individual taxpayers, this means Oct. 15, 2024. Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 4780-DR − on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, for details.

Qualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income. In general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude from their gross income amounts received from a government agency for reasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses, as well as for the repair or rehabilitation of their home, or for the repair or replacement of its contents. See Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for details.

Additional relief may be available to affected taxpayers who participate in a retirement plan or individual retirement arrangement (IRA). For example, a taxpayer may be eligible to take a special disaster distribution that would not be subject to the additional 10% early distribution tax and allows the taxpayer to spread the income over three years. Taxpayers may also be eligible to make a hardship withdrawal. Each plan or IRA has specific rules and guidance for their participants to follow.

The IRS may provide additional disaster relief in the future.

The tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by these storms and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. For information on disaster recovery, visit DisasterAssistance.gov .

Reminder about tax return preparation options

• Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax help site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887 . Note that normally, VITA sites cannot help claim disaster losses.
• To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669 .
• Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File’s Guided Tax Software at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.

Another Free File option is Free File Fillable Forms . These are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 and are designed for taxpayers who are comfortable filling out IRS tax forms. Anyone, regardless of income, can use this option.

• MilTax , a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members and some veterans, with no income limit.
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Google to push ahead with Chrome's ad-blocker extension overhaul in earnest

Starting monday, users will gradually be warned the end is near.

On Monday, some people using Beta, Dev, and Canary builds of Google Chrome will be presented with a warning when they access their browser's extension management page – located at chrome://extensions.…

The banner will say that legacy Manifest V2 browser extensions will stop working soon.

Those extensions include ad-blockers and other content filters that rely on the Manifest V2 API. And though leading ad-blocking extensions more or less support Manifest V2's successor, conveniently named Manifest V3, there is still some argument that these filters will be disadvantaged under version 3 when they are no longer allowed to use version 2.

In any case, users are going to be warned that V2 is on the way out.

"This will be followed gradually in the coming months by the disabling of those extensions," said David Li, product manager for Chrome Extensions, in a blog post published Thursday.

"Users will be directed to the Chrome Web Store, where they will be recommended Manifest V3 alternatives for their disabled extension. For a short time after the extensions are disabled, users will still be able to turn their Manifest V2 extensions back on, but over time, this toggle will go away as well."

The manifest file for a browser extension is where developers declare its capabilities via the Chrome Extension APIs.

The transition from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3 has been underway for at least five years. It makes new APIs available to browser extensions and removes old ones. The most salient of these is the blocking version of the webRequest API, which is used to intercept and alter network traffic prior to display. Under Manifest V2, it's what extension developers use to stop adverts, trackers, and other content appearing on pages, and prevent certain scripts from running.

The new MV3 architecture reflects Google's avowed desire to make browser extensions more performant, private, and secure. But the internet giant's attempt to do so has been bitterly contested by makers of privacy-protecting and content-blocking extensions, who have argued that the Chocolate Factory's new software architecture will lead to less effective privacy and content-filtering extensions.

As a result of this multi-year tussle and concessions Google has made to frustrated extension developers, the current version of MV3 is generally perceived to be better than initially proposed, but hasn't entirely addressed developer concerns or provided functionality that's equivalent to what's being removed.

Li acknowledged the issue by noting the ways in which Google has been responsive, by adding support for user scripts, for offscreen documents that have access to the DOM API, and by increasing the number of rulesets in the declarativeNetRequest API (the replacement for webRequest) to 330,000 static rules and 30,000 dynamics ones. Those rules can be used by ad-blockers to weed out adverts and other stuff for users.

Manifest V3 is now supported to varying degrees by other browsers, such as Edge, Firefox, and Safari. And by the beginning of 2025, when the API changes have been available for some time in the Chrome Stable channel, Manifest V2 extensions will stop working.

Enterprises using the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy will be spared until June 2025.

According to Li, more than 85 percent of actively maintained extensions in the Chrome Web Store support Manifest V3, "and the top content filtering extensions all have Manifest V3 versions available – with options for users of AdBlock, Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin and AdGuard."

For users of uBlock Origin, which runs on Manifest V2, "options" means using the less capable uBlock Origin Lite, which supports Manifest V3. ®