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In today’s world, presentations have become an integral part of our lives, be it at school, work, or even personal events. A presentation is a powerful tool that can influence, persuade, and inform an audience. But creating an impressive presentation can be time-consuming and stressful. That’s where presentation builders come in handy. Presentation builders are software that enables users to create stunning slides with ease. Whether you are a student, professional, or just need to create a slideshow for a party or event, presentation builders can help you create visually appealing presentations without the hassle of designing from scratch.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the six best presentation builders for Windows users. We’ll explore each software’s features, pros and cons, and help you choose the one that’s right for you. So, let’s dive in.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Presentation Builder?
A presentation builder is software that allows users to create slideshows, sometimes also called presentations or decks. It generally features a drag-and-drop interface and ready-made templates, images, and designs that enable users to design visually appealing slides. Presentation builders may also have basic features for creating charts, diagrams, and infographics.
These presentation builders are an excellent option for those with limited design skills, but require to design presentations quickly. It eliminates the hassle of learning how to use professional design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. With a presentation builder, users can simply drag and drop preset designs, add their text, images, videos, or audio files, and create a stunning slideshow.
Top 6 Recommended Presentation Builders for Windows
1. Canva
Canva is a cloud-based graphic design platform that also features a presentation builder. With over 1000 templates to select and choose from, it’s one of the most popular presentation builders around. Users don’t need any design experience to create beautiful presentations with Canva. The platform features an intuitive design interface that is easy-to-use, even for beginners. Canva is not a dedicated presentation builder, but it offers all the necessary tools needed to create a professional-looking slideshow.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- 1000+ templates for users to choose from
- Online software means users can work on the presentation from anywhere
- It’s FREE to use
Cons:
- Paid elements, especially royalty-free stock photos, may add up
- New users may require sometime to understand all the features of the platform
2. Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the most used and well-known presentation builders available. It comes as part of the Microsoft Office suite, or users can purchase it as a standalone application. It’s an ideal choice for users who want complete control over all design aspects of their presentation; this means users have access to all the necessary design software’s features and tools. Powerpoint allows users to create slides from scratch, add text, images, and graphic elements such as transitions and animations.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Advanced features for designing custom slides
- Slides can include audio and video files
- Easy to share and collaborate with others who also have Microsoft PowerPoint
Cons:
- May require a license to use the software
- May require a more significant learning curve to utilize all its advanced features
- Not suitable for creating basic presentations without proper design skills
3. Prezi
Prezi is a cloud-based alternative to PowerPoint, in that it creates a unique storytelling experience by allowing users to add zoomable and interactive features to their presentations. Prezi has been in the game since 2009 and offers a wide range of interactive templates, allowing users to present their information in engaging ways. Users start their presentations on a large, blank canvas and can add text, images, videos or audio files. Prezi is well-suited for users who want to create dynamic, custom presentations that leave an impact on their audience.
Pros:
- Engaging and interactive presentation format
- Freedom of design, including zoom and rotation features
- Well-suited for professional presentations, including business and educational contexts
- Allows users to present from anywhere with internet access
Cons:
- A license is required to use the software
- The software may require some time for understanding all the advanced features
- The zoom and pan features of Prezi may induce motion sickness in some viewers.
4. Slidebean
Slidebean presents users with the best of two worlds: professional, high-quality design features combined with an intuitive interface that beginners can learn to use easily. The software produces minimalistic designs and focuses more on the content than design. Users can choose from over 1000 templates, each designed professionally so that users can produce creative presentations. The software also features a team collaboration feature, making it ideal for businesses.
Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- 1000+ templates for users to select from
- Interface that focuses more on content
- Team collaboration features
Cons:
- More expensive than some software options
- Less flexible than other presentation builders
- Some users may find the minimalistic design aesthetic limiting
5. Haiku Deck
Haiku Deck is a cloud-based presentation builder that boasts a focus on design aesthetic. With its simple and minimalistic interface, users can focus more on the content and design rather than the interface. Haiku Deck is an excellent option for users who want to create presentations quickly and easily. The software has built-in image searches, and it provides access to millions of free images, icons, and designs from companies like Getty Images. Haiku Deck also automatically sets up the entire design theme, so users don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Built-in image search feature
- Automated design themes make it simple for users who are new to design
- Available free version
Cons:
- No video upload or support option
- The interface lacks some advanced features for experienced users
- Limited number of templates to choose from
6. Visme
Visme is an all-in-one design platform that features a powerful presentation builder. Visme offers all the essential tools needed to create professional and beautiful presentations, including drag and drop tools, pre-designed templates, multimedia integration, animations and powerful data visualization tools. The software offers three different editions: the Basic, Standard, and Complete Editions.
Pros:
- Easy to use and create visually appealing presentations
- The software provides up-to-date presentation design and layout options
- Offers different forms of visualizations to present data
- Export in multiple formats, share or embed presentations directly to your website
Cons:
- The software is limited depending on the edition you are using
- Has limited photo editing tools and doesn’t provide much access to premium images that other apps provide.
- The free version has a limited amount of space
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
Here is a comparison table of the six presentation builders for Windows:
| Software | Free Version Available | Paid Version Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canva | Yes | $12.95/month | Easy | High |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | No | $139.99 for a one-time purchase or $69.99/year subscription | Intermediate | High |
| Prezi | No | $15/month (Standard) or $59/month (Premium) | Advanced | Medium |
| Slidebean | Yes, limited features | $29/month or $228/year | Easy | High |
| Haiku Deck | Yes, limited features | $7.99/month (Pro) or $19.99/month (Premium) | Easy | High |
| Visme | Yes, limited features | $22/month (Basic), $33/month (Standard), $41/month (Complete) | Intermediate | Medium |
Our Thoughts on Presentation Builders
Overall, presentation builders are a great tool for creating professional and visually appealing slideshows. They all have their unique strengths and weaknesses. Some are geared more toward design, while others offer interactive features. Regardless of your needs, there is undoubtedly a presentation builder out there that will cater to your specific requirements. However, you must consider your budget, available features, and experience level before deciding which presentation builder is right for you!
FAQs About Presentation Builders
Q1: Can I change the presentation builder’s template mid-way through creating my slideshow?
A: Yes, most presentation builders allow you to change the template midway through creating your slideshow. However, it’s essential to consider what you have already added to the presentation so that you can ensure you are not missing out on anything to design it properly. Users should also consider how the content will look in the new template.
Q2: Can I add audio and video files to my presentation?
A: Yes, most presentation builders allow users to add audio and video files to their presentations. Make sure the software you choose supports the media files that you are planning to add.
Q3: Do all presentation builders require a subscription fee?
A: No, not all presentation builders require a subscription fee. Some presentation builders may offer a free version, while others can also operate with a one-time payment for the software.
Q4: Can I create presentations without any design experience?
A: Yes, presentation builders are ideal for users with limited design skills. They come with a drag-and-drop interface and preset templates that make it easy to create visually appealing presentations without any design experience.
Q5: Can I edit presentations after I’ve saved them?
A: Yes, most presentation builders allow you to edit presentations even after you’ve saved them. You can make changes, add text, or delete slides as you like. However, make sure to save the changes before you exit the software.
In Conclusion
Presentation builders are a great way to save time and effort while creating visually appealing and professional presentations. In this blog post, we’ve discussed the six best presentation builders for Windows. While each software has its unique features and limitations, it’s essential to consider your needs, budget, and design abilities when choosing the software that’s right for you.
So, go ahead and choose the presentation builder that fits your specific requirements. Let’s see what stunning slideshows you create!