Compare
PPT vs PPTX
PPT is the older binary PowerPoint format; PPTX is the newer Office Open XML presentation format. Choose based on the software and recipients, then test converted slides in the actual presentation environment.
Which format should you choose?
Keep PPT when a legacy workflow requires it; use PPTX for new work and current PowerPoint sharing unless a recipient specifies otherwise.
Good fit for PPT
Viewing and editing existing PowerPoint material
- Handling legacy files specifically supplied as PPT
Good fit for PPTX
Creating and editing slide decks · Sharing editable presentations
- Slides edited in PowerPoint-compatible environments
Basic information
| Field | PPT | PPTX |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .ppt | .pptx |
| MIME type | application/vnd.ms-powerpoint | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation |
| Common uses | Viewing and editing existing PowerPoint material | Creating and editing slide decks · Sharing editable presentations |
| How to open | Open it in compatible presentation software and check slides, fonts, images, video, and notes. | Open it in Microsoft PowerPoint or compatible presentation software. For important presentations, check fonts, video, and animation on the actual computer and display. |
| Export or convert | For continued editing, consider converting to PPTX; for viewing distribution, export PDF. Check slides and playback after conversion. | For final distribution, export to PDF. Check line breaks, fonts, images, links, and notes before and after export, and retain the editable PPTX separately. |
Choose by use case
Handling legacy files specifically supplied as PPT
Viewing and editing existing PowerPoint material
PPTSlides edited in PowerPoint-compatible environments
Creating and editing slide decks · Sharing editable presentations
PPTXKey point 1
PPT is a legacy binary presentation format.
More on the differencesKey point 2
PPTX uses the Office Open XML format family.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Retain an editable source and inspect converted slides in the software used to present them. Check fonts, layout, animations, embedded media, and compatibility with recipients before replacing the original.
- PPT may be needed by older software or existing archives.
- PPTX is the usual format for current PowerPoint authoring and exchange.
- Changing the extension does not convert the presentation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I simply rename PPT to PPTX?
No. Open and save or export through compatible presentation software, then review the converted slides.