Compress PowerPoint Images and File Sizes

Pictures and videos can often make a PowerPoint presentation file too large. Here are some tips to compress PowerPoint images and media files and keep your file size in check.

We recommend making a backup copy of your presentation before compressing it – any changes will be permanent when you save and close the new file.

Reduce PowerPoint File Sizes

Here’s how to compress images and reduce file sizes with just a few clicks:

1. Click on the File tab at the top of the ribbon.
2. Select Save As.
3. Choose Browse.
4. At the bottom of the Save As window, find Tools. Click it and select Compress Pictures from the drop-down menu.
5. Choose the desired file size under Resolution.
6. Click the OK button and then save the file by clicking Save.

Another effective method to reduce the size of all image files is by using the Default Resolution option:

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Select Options.
3. Click on Advanced.
4. Under Image Size and Quality, locate the Default Resolution option.
5. Select the resolution for all graphics in your presentation. Remember, the lower the resolution, the smaller the file size.

How to Preserve Image Quality

To ensure you don’t lose quality when compressing images, follow these steps:

1. Select the picture you want to compress.
2. This will open the Picture Format tab. Select Compress Pictures from the Adjust group.
3. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to change the settings for your image.

4. Define your image quality under Resolution. You have various options:
   • E-mail (96 ppi): Best for emailing presentations.
   • Print (220 ppi): Recommended for high-quality prints.
   • Web (150 ppi): Ideal for web pages and projectors.
   • HD (330 ppi): Very high resolution for HD displays.
   • High fidelity: Restores the image to its original quality.
   • Use default resolution: Same as the setting in File > Options > Advanced.

Choose your resolution and click OK.

Compress Individual PowerPoint Images

Sometimes, you may need to adjust the size of a specific graphic rather than all images. PowerPoint allows you to specify the size and quality of individual graphics:

1. Click on the graphic you want to compress.
2. The Picture Format tab will appear on your ribbon.
3. Select Compress Pictures from the Adjust group.

4. In the Compression options, select Apply only to this picture.
5. Set the desired resolution of the image.

Compress Video Files in PowerPoint

Embedded videos can significantly increase the size of your presentations. Compressing these videos is advisable to manage file sizes effectively.

Be cautious, as audio tracks or embedded subtitles may be lost during this process; always check your presentation after compression.

To compress video files within your presentation:

1. Click on File.
2. Under Info, click Compress Media in the Media Size and Performance pane (this pane is only visible if there is a video file in the presentation).
3. Adjust the quality of the videos and the required storage space.

Clean Up the Slide Master

If your presentation remains too large even after compressing its media, consider checking your PowerPoint slide master. Unintentional duplications of the slide master may occur when copying slides, leading to unnecessary bloat.

To resolve this:

1. Navigate to the View tab and select Slide Master from the Master Views group.
2. On the left side of the screen, review all active slide masters.
3. Select the masters you wish to delete and hit the DEL key on your keyboard.

For additional information, here’s an article with more tips on how to reduce the size of your PowerPoint presentation.

Conclusion

With our guide, you can compress PowerPoint images quickly and easily, reducing the size of your PowerPoint presentation files for easier emailing and sharing.