How to Learn PowerPoint for Free
PowerPoint allows you to create an entire office or school presentation directly from your computer so that you don't have to bother with markers or paper. While the program makes it easy to create a flashy presentation, it can be difficult to learn for someone who has never used it before. You don't need to take a class or buy an instructional video to learn PowerPoint. If you want to quickly learn how to properly use PowerPoint for free, there are many online and offline resources available.
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Instructions
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Access one of the links in the Resources section for an online PowerPoint tutorial. Read through the tutorial's description of the main tool bars used in PowerPoint and what options they contain.
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Open the PowerPoint program, and follow along with the instructions in the tutorial. Ensure that you know where all of the most frequently used options are located before moving on, such as the "Save" button and the icon for adding a new slide to your presentation.
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Proceed to the next segment of the tutorial and follow the instructions on how to add text and images from your computer's hard drive to a slide. Try creating a series of custom slides with your own text, images and backgrounds so that you are comfortable using the interface without the tutorial's help.
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Go to a public library and borrow a PowerPoint tutorial book such as "PowerPoint Step By Step," "Teach Yourself Visually PowerPoint," or "PowerPoint For Dummies." Read through the lessons in the book at the same pace as the online tutorial because the book will give you additional tips and ideas not presented on a website.
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Continue working through the online tutorial and book to learn about additional features, such as slide transitions and adding sound clips or backing music.
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Attempt to create a PowerPoint presentation without referencing the book or online guide to make sure you have a solid grasp of the concepts.
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Navigate to the Resources link for advanced PowerPoint tutorials if you need to use more difficult features, such as writing out scientific equations or animating charts.
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Sign up for a PowerPoint forum if you need to use a feature that isn't explained in the book or tutorial. Post a question about how to use the feature and wait for a response from someone who has had your problem before.
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Tips & Warnings
Certain features in PowerPoint work differently depending on the version you are using. If you find that a tutorial's instructions aren't working, click the question mark icon at the upper-right corner of the program, and type in the feature you are looking for.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit garethjmsaunders: Flickr.com
