Using PowerPoint to Create a Video

Today we have many options for creating videos such as WeVideo, ScreenPal and even the Windows video editor. If you have a PowerPoint slide deck that you would like to turn into a video, you can do this right in PowerPoint. Use the tools in PowerPoint to add transitions, animations, embedded media, pointer movements and narration, then export your file as a video. 

Create your slide deck

PowerPoint has a lot of built-in tools to make your video come to life. Below are some resources to turn an ordinary slide deck into an engaging video. 

Extension branding 

Use an Extension template to create your slide presentation. Note that Extension has a video PowerPoint template if you would like to use that. 

Images and graphics

Adding images and graphics will make your video more interesting than text-only narrated slides. Extension has information about photo style, a photo release form and galleries to find legally-sourced images.

PowerPoint Animations

If you want to add movement to text, images or graphics, you can use PowerPoint animations. Animations are visual effects that you can apply to a single object on your slide. You can make an object appear, disappear or move and change an object's size or color.  A little animation can capture the audience's attention and reinforce ideas. Using too many animations can be distracting so always ask yourself, "are they improving my presentation or distracting the audience from the content?" Here are a few tips for applying animations: 

• Build out your presentation first and add animations last. Focus on your content and the message you want to convey. 
• Use simple animations such as Appear or Fade 
• Limit animations to one or two per slide

Tutorial: how to animate text or objects

Step by Step: Animation basics for your presentation

PowerPoint Transitions

Slide transitions are the visual effect when you move from one slide to the next. For a video, it is recommended you choose one consistent simple transition throughout such as a fade.

Tutorial: how to add, change or remove transitions between slides

How to record a slide show

You can view your script and record one slide at a time.  

1. With your presentation open, click on the Record tab

2. Choose an option from the toolbar:

• From Beginning - start recording from the first slide
• From Current Slide - start recording from the slide you are currently on

If you have notes in your presentation, they will be displayed at the top of the screen so you can use them like a teleprompter as you record.

At the top, you have the option to change the size of the text, choose to enable your camera and select your microphone. 

3. To start recording, click the red record button at the top. Narration won't record during slide transitions so let those play before you start speaking.

4. You can Pause the recording as needed or between slides. 

5. Click Stop if you are done recording that slide.

6. Select the Play button to review your recording. If you want to re-record, click the Retake Recording button. 

Clear recordings

Click the More options icon at the top (three dots). Under Clear Recordings, choose Current Slide or All Slides.

Save your presentation as a video

When you are done, click Export > Export Video

Note the file location and click Export Video

When it is finished, click to view your recording. See the Extension Video Guide for information about captioning and sharing your video.