How to Use Microsoft PowerPoint on a Mac Computer

With the growing popularity of Apple computers, Microsoft has reworked many of its programs, including PowerPoint, to run on Macs.

Microsoft PowerPoint, a foundational program in Microsoft's Publishing Suite, is designed for Windows. With the growing popularity of Apple computers, Microsoft has reworked many of its programs, including PowerPoint, to run on Macs. PowerPoint performs on a Mac just as it does on a PC, with a few small changes. A user should be able to use Powerpoint on a Mac with ease after one or two test runs.

Things You'll Need

• Mac computer
• Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac

Instructions

Installing and Opening Powerpoint

1. Check your PowerPoint software. Regular Microsoft PowerPoint software will not work on a Mac. You must obtain Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac. This is typically available in any office supply or computer store.

2. Install Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac. Insert the disc and following the automatic prompts until the program is completely installed.

3. Double-click on your Mac's "Applications" folder. Locate the icon for Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac (as of 2010, this icon is an orange balloon-like letter "P").

4. Use your mouse to drag the icon for Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac to your desktop's dock. This will add PowerPoint to the programs already residing in your dock.

5. Click on the PowerPoint icon in your dock to open the program. The icon will bounce (to signal that it is opening up), and then the familiar PowerPoint console will appear. From this point on, the program will function as it does on a PC.

Creating a Presentation

1. Enter text into your document. PowerPoint for Mac, like its Windows cousin, automatically opens up a new document for you as soon as the program begins. Click on the text boxes that are already visible and add some text. Manipulate the size of text boxes by dragging their borders with your mouse. Manipulate the font itself by clicking on "Format" (in the top menu), then "Font" to locate numerous font, style, size and color options.

2. Insert images into your presentation. Click on "Picture" along the upper margin of the PowerPoint console, then click on "Insert Picture." Select your picture from among your computer's documents. Manipulate your picture by dragging its borders (to enlarge or shrink).

3. Click on "Insert" in the top menu, then "New Slide" to insert a new slide into your presentation. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to add content, then insert another slide, and so on.

4. Click "Transitions," located in the menu directly above the document space. You will be presented with all of the usual transition options, from wipes and bars to fades, dissolves and 3-D options. Insert the desired transitions into the presentation preview bar (to the far left), between your slides, by dragging them there.

5. Preview your presentation by clicking the "Slide Show" icon (in the bottom left corner of the console). Use the space bar to go from slide to slide. Press "Esc" to escape from the preview. If all appears in order, press "File" then "Save" to save your work.

References

• "PowerPoint for Mac." Microsoft.
• PowerPoint FAQ.