PPS File – What is .pps file and how to open it?
PPS File Extension
Microsoft PowerPoint Slide Show (Legacy) – file format by Microsoft
PPS is a Microsoft PowerPoint Slide Show (Legacy) file extension developed by Microsoft. It is used to store a slideshow presentation created in Microsoft PowerPoint. PPS files can be opened and viewed in PowerPoint, but cannot be edited.
PPS File Format
PPS files are a type of presentation file used in the legacy versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, typically older than 2007. They are specifically designed for viewing slideshow presentations, rather than editing or creating them. PPS files contain only the slide show itself, excluding any notes, handouts, or other additional features. When opened, PPS files directly enter slideshow mode, allowing users to view the presentation without the need for user interaction.
Benefits and Usage
PPS files are primarily used for distributing and presenting finished PowerPoint slideshows. They are often used in scenarios where the presenter wants to focus solely on the presentation without distractions or the ability for the audience to access editing features. PPS files are commonly used in formal settings, such as business presentations or academic lectures, where the content of the slide show is predefined and does not require audience interaction. They can also be used for automated presentations or self-running slideshows in exhibition or display environments.
Opening PPS Files in Microsoft PowerPoint
PPS files are legacy PowerPoint slide show files created in early versions of Microsoft PowerPoint. To open a PPS file, you will need to have PowerPoint installed on your computer. To open the file, simply double-click on it. This should launch PowerPoint and open the presentation in Slide Show mode. You can then use the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen to progress through the slides. If double-clicking the file does not open PowerPoint, right-click on the file and select “Open with” > “PowerPoint” from the context menu.
Opening PPS Files in Other Applications
If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint installed, there are several other applications that can open PPS files. These applications include:
- OpenOffice Impress (free and open source)
- LibreOffice Impress (free and open source)
- Google Slides (online and free)
- Kingsoft Presentation (free)
- WPS Office Presentation (free)
To open a PPS file in one of these applications, simply install the application and open the file using the File > Open menu. The presentation will be converted to the application’s native file format and you will be able to view and edit the slides.
Features and Compatibility:
PPS files, an older file format from Microsoft, contain a collection of slides in a presentation format. Unlike modern PPTX files, PPS files are designed to be directly launched into slideshow mode upon opening, bypassing the editing interface. This format allows for a seamless presentation experience, with the focus solely on delivering the pre-defined slides. PPS files are compatible with older versions of Microsoft PowerPoint and can be viewed using free presentation software like OpenOffice Impress and Apple Keynote.
Advantages and Limitations:
The main advantage of PPS files lies in their ease of use and straightforward presentation mode. By eliminating the need to manually switch to slideshow view, PPS files provide a streamlined presentation experience, particularly for inexperienced users. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of flexibility. Users cannot edit or modify the slides during the presentation, which can be limiting in dynamic or interactive presentations. Additionally, PPS files are not as widely supported as PPTX files, especially on mobile devices and web platforms. For these reasons, many users opt for the more versatile PPTX format, which offers both slideshow and editing capabilities in a single file.