How to Compress a PPT File In 60 Seconds

It's not unusual for a PowerPoint file to be somewhat large. Yet many email providers have a file size limitation for attachments. Since Microsoft PowerPoint files are often shared via email or online, you may need to compress the file down so that it fits as an attachment.

Let's learn how to compress PowerPoint files and reduce the file size.

Before we jump into the steps for this tutorial, we also have a helpful resource to complement this tutorial. Download our FREE eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations. Grab it now before you read on.

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Note: In this tutorial we use the Iconic Template. You can get great PPT presentation templates from Envato Elements or in our Ultimate Guide to the Best Microsoft PowerPoint Templates.

How to Compress PowerPoint Files Quickly

Note: Watch this short tutorial screencast or follow the quick steps below that complement this video.

1. Select an Image to Compress

The first step is to click on any image in your presentation that you want to compress.

Select PowerPoint Image — Select the PPT image you want to compress.

2. How to Compress PowerPoint Images

Images usually add the most weight to a PowerPoint file size. Let's come up to the Picture Tools Format menu and choose Compress Pictures.

I'm going to leave the top two boxes checked, and then choose Use the default resolution for now, and press OK. This will reduce the resolution of an image and the space used by them in the presentation file.

3. How to Change the Default Resolution

Now we'll go to the File > Save As menu and the choose Save Options. I'm going to go to the Advanced option, check Discard editing data and then we'll change the Default resolution to a lower resolution to save some serious space. Now we'll go back and just save the presentation as a new file.

Changing the default resolution — Save space by changing the default resolution and creating a separate PPT presentation.

This creates a separate PowerPoint presentation that will save some space versus the original space and be easier to send and share.

Finishing Up!

Now you know how to compress PowerPoint files and reduce the file size. This will help you as you share or email your presentation files to others.

Make Great Presentations (Free PDF eBook Download)

If you like this tutorial you should check out this additional resource, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.

Download our new eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations. It's available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.