How to convert a PDF to PowerPoint

Have a PDF that you want to turn into a slideshow? Here are a few ways to convert PDF to PPT to create your presentation in minutes.

If you have a file with the text you need for your presentation, you don’t have to spend time copying and pasting it. Whether a product announcement, business proposal, or lesson plan, you can turn your PDF file into a slideshow and skip the copy and paste process.

We’ll show you three ways to convert a PDF to PowerPoint for a jumpstart on creating your presentation.

Method 1: Convert a PDF to PowerPoint with Plus AI

If you want a tool that not only converts your PDF to PowerPoint, but also helps you design your presentation, look to Plus AI for Google Slides and Docs. With this add-on for Google Slides, you’ll appreciate the unique templates, editable layouts, and easy PDF conversion. 

  1. Sign into Google Slides and create a blank presentation.
  2. Select Extensions > Plus AI and choose New presentation with Plus AI.
  1. Pick Text to presentation. Choose Upload a file and use Choose file to locate and upload your PDF.
  1. Click Generate Presentation, select a theme, and hit Next.

You’ll see your slideshow with Plus AI’s special touch. As you can see below, we now have an attractive presentation with the text formatted into text blocks, timelines, and including icons. Of course, you can make any changes you like.

Select File > Download and pick Microsoft PowerPoint to convert the file.

Once you download your slideshow to PowerPoint, you can edit it in that application as well.

Method 2: Convert a PDF to PowerPoint with Adobe Acrobat

Another option for turning your PDF file into a PowerPoint slideshow is with Adobe Acrobat. You can use the online file converter for free and then download your presentation.

  1. Head to the Adobe Acrobat PDF converter on the web.
  2. Use the Select a file button to browse for your PDF or drag the file into the window.
  1. Once the file is converted, choose Download. If you have an Adobe account, you can sign in and save the PowerPoint if you prefer.

While the Adobe Acrobat file converter works just fine, you can’t control how your presentation displays. You’ll receive one slide per page of your PDF in the same format and can then make your edits after you download the file to PowerPoint.

As a great alternative, you can consider copying the PDF content and pasting it into your presentation which is another option with Plus AI. This allows you to then format the slideshow to your liking or use a premade template and avoid the extra work once the file is converted to PowerPoint.

Method 3: Convert a PDF to PowerPoint with Canva

One more way to convert your PDF to PowerPoint is with Canva. If you already use Canva for creating images or social media items, this is a good way to go.

  1. Go to the Canva PDF to PPT converter website.
  2. Use the Upload your file button to locate your PDF or drag the file into the window.
  1. Sign into your Canva account.
  2. When the presentation displays, you can optionally edit it using the Canva editor.
  3. Select Share on the top right and then pick Microsoft PowerPoint.
  1. Choose the pages and click Download.

Different from the Adobe Acrobat tool, you can edit your presentation as soon as it’s converted with Canva. But, opposite of Plus AI, you don’t automatically receive help formatting your slideshow. And keep in mind that you need a (free) Canva account to use the converter.

Conclusion

If you already have the content you need for your PowerPoint presentation in the form of a PDF, converting it is easy with these three options. From a basic conversion with Adobe Acrobat to a slideshow formatted automatically with Plus AI, you don’t have to create your presentation from scratch.

FAQs

Can I open a PDF in PowerPoint?

You can insert a PDF file in PowerPoint as a screenshot or an object.

Screenshot: Open both the PDF and PowerPoint presentation and select Insert > Screenshot. Choose the PDF file’s screen or Screen Clipping to capture only a certain portion of the PDF.

Object: Open only the PowerPoint presentation and select Insert > Object. Choose Create from file, click Browse to locate the PDF, and pick OK.

Can you create a PDF file in PowerPoint?

You can save a PowerPoint slideshow as a PDF by exporting it as that file type.

Select File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document. Click Create PDF/XPS, choose a location for the file, adjust the file name, and optionally alter the other settings. Select Publish.

How can I convert a PDF for free?

If you want to convert a PDF to Word, Excel, or an image format like JPG, you can use Adobe Acrobat’s other conversion tools for free. Visit the Adobe Acrobat Online Tools website and select an option in the Convert menu at the top.

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