Microsoft Office Powerpoint only supports certain audio and video file types, generally the same file types that are supported in Windows Media Player. To use audio or video in Powerpoint, you may need to convert your file to Powerpoint compatible file type. Another important consideration is to choose file types that work on both PC and Mac platforms.
Saving/Converting your video clips to Powerpoint compatible AVI files:
Powerpoint unfortunately does not support Quicktime movies. For using video in Powerpoint, we recommend using AVI files (.avi) because they are are compatible with Powerpoint on both PCs and Macs. This handout explains how to save video files as AVI files from within iMovie and from within Quicktime Pro.
Saving/Converting your audio clip to Powerpoint compatible WAVE or MP3 files:
For using audio in Powerpoint, we recommend converting and using the .wav or .mp3 file types because they work on both PCs and Macs. If the audio clips are large or memory is an issue, then the files should be compressed and saved as MP3s because WAVE files are not compressible. This handout discusses how to create both WAVE and MP3 files.
Inserting video clips in Powerpoint:
- With the Powerpoint slide open, go Insert --> Movies and Sounds --> Movie from File
- Choose start setting: either “Automatically” or “When Clicked”
- You can adjust the size of the video window by selecting and moving the border.
- The video clip should now play when the appropriate Powerpoint slide is open.
- Clicking on the clip alternately pauses or plays it.
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Special note: keep the video clip files with the Powerpoint file because the clips are linked, not actually embedded in the Powerpoint file.
Inserting your audio clip into a Powerpoint Slide:
- With the Powerpoint slide open, go Insert --> Movies and Sounds --> Sound from File
- Choose start setting: either “Automatically” or “When Clicked”
- The audio clip should now play when the appropriate Powerpoint slide is open.
- Clicking on the clip alternately pauses or plays it.
- Special note: keep the audio clip files with the Powerpoint file because the clips are linked, not actually embedded in the Powerpoint file.
For more general information on Powerpoint and tutorials, click here.
Last updated November 9, 2005 by mg