PowerPoint or interactive PDF: which format should you choose for your professional presentations?

When preparing a strategic presentation — annual report, commercial pitch, results presentation — a question always comes up: should you share your document in PowerPoint or in interactive PDF?

These two formats each have their advantages and limitations. To avoid unpleasant surprises (fonts that jump, animations that disappear, file modified by mistake...), here is a practical guide to choosing the best option.

1. The challenge of displaying in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is still the number one software for professional presentations. But its main flaw is well known:

• Fonts may not be displayed correctly if they are not installed on the player's computer.
  
• Different versions of PowerPoint (PC, Mac, Online) can interpret animations in different ways.
  

Solution: integrate fonts directly into the PowerPoint file (possible with TrueType fonts) or convert titles into vector shapes to freeze their style.

2. How do I protect a PowerPoint file?

If you don't want your document to be editable:

• Export to PPSX (PowerPoint Show) for direct opening as a slideshow.
  
• Add a read-only password.
  
• Use OneDrive or SharePoint and share in “read-only” mode.
  

3. Host a PowerPoint presentation online

An alternative is to host the file on OneDrive or SharePoint:

• You don't need to have PowerPoint installed.
  
• Consistent fonts and layout for everyone.
  
• Controlled access rights (read only, no download).
  

Limitation: some advanced animations like Morph may not be displayed correctly in the online version.

4. The interactive PDF: maximum reliability but limited animations

The interactive PDF is appreciated for its stability and universal compatibility:

• Identical display on all devices (PC, Mac, mobile, tablet).
  
• Clickable summary and personalized navigation.
  
• Possibility to add pop-ups, buttons and interactive links.
  

Limitation: no smooth transitions or complex animations (morph, zoom, embedded videos).

5. How to choose?

The choice depends on your priorities:

• If you prefer advanced animations and interactions, opt for PowerPoint (desktop or online).
  
• If you want a 100% reliable and identical display on all devices, opt for interactive PDF.
  

Tip: Many businesses use both formats. The animated PowerPoint for the live presentation, and the interactive PDF for the after-the-fact kickoff.

FAQ — PowerPoint or interactive PDF

1. Can you embed a video in a PDF?
Yes, but reading depends on the PDF reader. On Acrobat Reader this may work, but on other software the video may not open.

2. How do I protect a PowerPoint so that it cannot be edited?
Possible options: export to PPSX, add a read-only password, or share in read-only mode via OneDrive or SharePoint.

3. Can we make a clickable summary in a PDF?
Yes. Interactive PDFs allow you to create an interactive table of contents, back buttons, and internal links.

4. Does PowerPoint Online keep all the animations?
Simple animations work fine, but advanced animations like Morph or some 3D effects are sometimes altered.

‍