To turn a PowerPoint into Google Slides, upload the .pptx file to Google Drive, right-click it, and choose Open with > Google Slides. Then go to File > Save as Google Slides to create a fully editable Slides copy. You can also open the file directly from Google Slides with File > Open > Upload, or pull selected slides into an existing deck with Import slides.
Here are all the methods, how to convert files automatically, and what to check after converting so your presentation looks right.
Method 1: Upload to Google Drive and save as Google Slides
- Go to Google Drive and sign in.
- Click New > File upload and choose your PowerPoint file (.pptx or .ppt). You can also drag the file into the Drive window.
- When the upload finishes, double-click the file. It opens in Google Slides in Office editing mode, with a .PPTX badge next to the title.
- Click File > Save as Google Slides.
A new Google Slides version opens in a separate tab. The original PowerPoint file stays in your Drive, so you can delete it if you no longer need it.
Method 2: Open the file from Google Slides
- Go to Google Slides and open any presentation, or start a blank one.
- Click File > Open (or press Ctrl + O).
- Choose the Upload tab and select or drag in your PowerPoint file.
- When it opens, click File > Save as Google Slides.
Method 3: Import specific slides into an existing deck
Use this when you only want a few slides from a PowerPoint file in a presentation you’re already working on.
- Open the Google Slides presentation you want to add slides to.
- Click File > Import slides.
- Choose the Upload tab and select your PowerPoint file.
- Click the slides you want, or click All to select every slide.
- Check or uncheck Keep original theme, then click Import slides.
Leave Keep original theme unchecked if you want the imported slides to match the look of your current deck.
Method 4: Convert uploads automatically
If you regularly move PowerPoint files into Google Slides, you can have Drive convert them on upload.
- In Google Drive, click the gear icon and choose Settings.
- Check Convert uploads to Google Docs editor format.
- Click Done.
From now on, PowerPoint files you upload are converted to Google Slides automatically. Word and Excel files will be converted to Docs and Sheets too, so turn this off if you want to keep some files in their original format.
Convert on a phone or tablet
- Upload the PowerPoint file to Google Drive using the Drive app (tap + > Upload).
- Open it in the Google Slides app.
- Tap the three-dot menu and look for Save as Google Slides.
If the option isn’t available in your version of the app, convert the file on a computer instead.
Which method should you use?
| Situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| Convert one whole presentation | Upload to Drive, then Save as Google Slides |
| You’re already in Google Slides | File > Open > Upload |
| Need only some slides | File > Import slides |
| Convert many files over time | Turn on automatic conversion in Drive settings |
| Need to keep it as PowerPoint but edit online | Open the .pptx in Office editing mode and don’t convert |
What to check after converting
- Fonts. Fonts that Google Slides doesn’t have are replaced. Pick a similar Google font from Format > Text or the font menu if text looks off.
- Animations and transitions. Basic ones usually carry over, but complex PowerPoint animations may be simplified or dropped. Review them under Insert > Animation.
- SmartArt and charts. These may become static images. Rebuild any you need to edit.
- Embedded audio and video. Re-insert media from Google Drive or YouTube with Insert > Video or Audio.
- Speaker notes. These usually transfer. Open View > Show speaker notes to confirm.
- Links. Click through hyperlinks to make sure they still work.
Troubleshooting
- The file won’t open or convert. It may be password protected, damaged, or too large. Remove the password in PowerPoint, compress large images (File > Compress Pictures), and try again.
- Save as Google Slides is missing. You may be viewing the file without edit permission. Make a copy to your own Drive first.
- An old .ppt file looks wrong. Open it in PowerPoint, save it as .pptx, then convert.
Related: How to convert to PowerPoint in the Google Slides iPhone app.
Related: How to duplicate a slide in Google Slides.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to convert PowerPoint to Google Slides?
Yes. All you need is a free Google account.
Will converting delete my PowerPoint file?
No. The original file stays untouched in Google Drive and on your computer.
Can I convert Google Slides back to PowerPoint?
Yes. In Google Slides, go to File > Download > Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx).
Can I edit a PowerPoint in Google Slides without converting it?
Yes. Office editing mode lets you edit .pptx files directly, and changes are saved back to the PowerPoint file.
Can several people edit the converted presentation?
Yes. Click Share and add people with Editor access to work on it together in real time.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.