Saving your PowerPoint presentation as a video can make a difference when introduce a clientinternally, or by transforming your slides into online courses.
Now that Microsoft has added a recording feature directly into PowerPoint, it has become easier to create a video from any presentation.
All you need is to start recording yourself narrating.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of audio recording on PowerPoint for both Windows & Mac.
Why record PowerPoint presentations?
PowerPoint is a great tool for giving live presentations, but there are instances where you won’t be able to give a live presentation.
Although you can send a PPT file or PDF export, a presentation recording allows you to capture the feeling of the topic and helps you connect with your audience.
Videos are more engaging than presentations, and especially during a conference or online training, video is a better solution.
Let’s hit that record button and jump straight to the instructions:
Recording a PowerPoint Presentation on Windows
Windows is the default option for PowerPoint, follow the instructions below to turn your slides into video. All you need to do is find the Record tab and follow the step-by-step instructions to create a video presentation in no time.
Go to the Save tab
Located in your toolbar, the recording tab includes all the options for recording a video within the software. Click on it to display all the options for recording a video.
Record a slideshow
Now you need to start audio recording and follow the steps to record your PowerPoint slides to turn them into video.
Start recording
Choose whether you want to start recording from the beginning or from a specific slide. This will take you to full-screen recording mode.
Settings
Be sure to check all recording options, including camera, microphone, narration, and transcription letter size before you start recording.
Start recording
Click the red circle to start recording. Wait for the countdown and start presenting (or narrating).
Advice: Replay the video playback and make sure the recording is good enough before saving. You may need to delete it and resume it.
Use the Cameo feature
A recent addition to Microsoft PowerPoint is the Cameo feature which also allows you to record video from your webcam directly into the presentation. Learn more about The Microsoft website about this.
On the presentation, just click on the camera icon 📹 in presentation mode.
Control presentation, timing and transitions
In presentation mode, you can control the transition between slides by clicking the next slide button. You’ll also see the time you’re recording to control your timing between slides.
Keep an eye on the timer.
Export video
In Windows, there is Export option in your toolbar to save the recording as a video. Alternatively, you can go through the main menu, but it’s easier after pressing stop to export directly.
Choose a destination for your video or audio file before pressing the “Export Video” button.
Customize export
Choose “Customize Export” and select your preferred setting for the video file. This is where you can select your preferred quality, dimensions and much more.
Next, click “Create Video” to get your video file.
Edit record
For longer video recordings, it’s a good idea to do some video editing, cut out pauses and make your presentation look more professional. You may also want to add transitions or sounds.
Especially if you are create an online course or training, your presentation will look more professional after editing. Consider hiring a professional video editor to help you.
Discover our choices for video training tools to edit your videos.
Upload to your LMS
For video training or courses, you will need a place to host and distribute your videos to your learners.
LearnWorlds is the best online course platformyou can easily download your video as video learning unit.
You can try LearnWorlds with a 30-day free trial:
Recording a PowerPoint Presentation on Mac
Although PowerPoint is Microsoft software, many Mac users download and use it on their computers as well. With more than 40,000 reviews on the App StorePowerPoint is a very popular Keynote alternative.
Go to the Save tab
PowerPoint on Mac has a dedicated tab for recording. Find it on the right side of your toolbar.
Save the presentation
The next step to save your slideshow is to click the save icon on the left. Click the icon with the red circle to display full-screen presentation mode.
Control presentation, slide transition and timing
You can choose to show your camera, mute the microphone, use the highlighter, or change slides while narrating.
You can monitor the time you spend recording and record, pause or stop recording at any time. Transcription allows you to record the narration by playing it back while recording.
When you press Record, wait for the countdown, then start speaking.
Cameo on Mac
You can use the Cameo feature to add a video recording of yourself to the presentation.
Use the audio button icon if you just want to insert audio. You can play audio while presenting a live slide, instead of recording a voiceover.
Replay the video to make sure it was recorded correctly
Before ending the slideshow (End Show option), watch the playback to ensure you have a high-quality recording.
Export a video file
Mac’s “File” toolbar is hidden, so you have to move your cursor out of bounds at the top of your screen to find the “Export…” option.
Choose “File” above the toolbar, then “Export…”
Choose a destination
Next, choose a destination for your video file.
Customize the export: compression, format, quality, duration and narration
Choose the format (MP4 or MOV) instead of a PowerPoint file, compression and presentation quality. Be sure to customize the settings to your liking.
Edit record
Make sure to cut pauses and edit the video. This is especially important for longer videos for a more professional result. Consider hiring a video editor for better editing.
Upload to your LMS
For video training or courses, you will need a place to host and distribute your videos to your learners.
LearnWorlds is our recommendation best learning management systemyou can easily upload your video as a course or any other training material. It comes with everything you need to create and sell a ready-to-use online course.
You can try LearnWorlds with a 30-day free trial:
Additional Tips for Recording Audio on Powerpoint
After many meetings, recordings and live webinars I have hosted over the years, I have come to understand the critical importance of high quality audio in any live interaction,
Before you start recording, make sure you’re ready with the right video lighting setup and microphone setup.
You will need to be ready:
A good microphone (depends on your budget) – and test the sound quality Reduce outside noise (close windows, install sound absorbers like audio sponges in the room, etc.) Prepare your speaking notes or transcript Prepare yourself multiple takes (recordings) Practice in advance
Additionally, make sure your face is well lit, and for more professional setups you may need to purchase lights for your video recordings.
There are many benefits to recording your presentation, such as making it more engaging and being able to be “present,” even asynchronously, with your audience.
This makes a huge difference, especially when you transfer your training materials from offline presentations to online courses!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to save a PowerPoint presentation as a video?
PowerPoint includes the built-in ability to record video in slideshow mode and record both audio and your webcam for a more personalized experience.
Can you save a PowerPoint in presentation mode?
Yes, there is a dedicated tab for recording videos in PowerPoint without any additional plugins.
Can you video record yourself on PowerPoint?
Yes, PowerPoint lets you use the Cameo feature to add video to your slides or record the presentation while you’re narrating it.
How to convert PPT slideshow to video?
You will need to record narration in addition to your presentation. You can skip the narration and simply record the slides with a transition to create a video.
Can PowerPoint record audio from a computer?
Yes, you can record sound from your microphone.
How to add audio and video to a PowerPoint presentation?
You can either save it and insert it at that time, or import video and audio from your computer to PowerPoint by clicking the “Insert” tab.
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Nick Malekos is a Senior Digital Marketing Specialist at LearnWorlds. He is a comprehensive and results-driven digital marketer with years of experience in the education sector, writer and digital literacy trainer.
