Before you start
- Your presentation open in PowerPoint, Google Slides or Keynote
Method 1 PowerPoint for Windows
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Step 1: Open Export
Click File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document, then Create PDF/XPS.
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Step 2: Choose the quality
Pick Standard for printing or Minimum size for email.
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Step 3: Set options (optional)
Click Options to export a slide range, include hidden slides, or under Publish what choose Notes pages (slides with speaker notes) or Handouts (several slides per page).
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Step 4: Publish
Enter a file name, make sure PDF is selected and click Publish.
Method 2 PowerPoint for Mac
On a Mac, options such as notes pages, handouts and minimum file size aren’t available in this export. To include notes, use File > Print, set Layout to Notes, then choose Save as PDF.
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Step 1: Open Export
Click File > Export.
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Step 2: Choose PDF
Set File Format to PDF, choose where to save it and click Export.
Method 3 PowerPoint for the web, Google Slides and Keynote
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Step 1: PowerPoint for the web
Click File > Download as > Download as PDF, then Download.
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Step 2: Google Slides
Click File > Download > PDF document (.pdf). For notes or handouts, use File > Print preview, choose the layout and click Download as PDF.
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Step 3: Keynote
Click File > Export To > PDF, choose image quality and whether to include presenter notes, then click Save.
Troubleshooting
The PDF is too large to email
Choose Minimum size, or compress pictures first with Picture Format > Compress Pictures. You can also compress the finished PDF.
Fonts look different in the PDF
On Windows, go to File > Options > Save and tick Embed fonts in the file before exporting, or use common fonts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert PowerPoint to PDF on my phone?
Yes. In the PowerPoint or Microsoft 365 app, open the file, tap the menu and choose Export or Share > PDF. In Google Slides, use Share & export > Send a copy > PDF.
Can I turn a PDF back into PowerPoint?
Only with a converter, and layouts often break. Keep your original .pptx file.
Summary
On Windows, use File > Export > Create PDF/XPS and check Options for notes or handouts. On a Mac, use File > Export with PDF format. Google Slides and Keynote both export to PDF from the File menu.
