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Document Format

PPT

Microsoft PowerPoint 97–2003 Presentation

PPT is the binary file format used by Microsoft PowerPoint from 1997 through 2003 — the format that defined business presentations for a generation. Like DOC for Word, PPT was replaced by PPTX in 2007. PPT files are still common because millions of legacy presentations exist, and some enterprise systems, educational institutions, and government agencies still require the older format. If you encounter a .ppt file, it's a legacy presentation that most modern software can open but that would benefit from conversion to PPTX or PDF.

What is PPT?

PPT uses the same OLE Structured Storage binary format as DOC, adapted for slides, animations, transitions, embedded media, and presenter notes. The binary format stores each slide's layout, text boxes, images, charts, embedded videos, animations, and speaker notes in a proprietary structure. PPT supports all classic PowerPoint features including custom animations, slide transitions, embedded sounds, action buttons, and VBA macros. The format was replaced by PPTX (an OOXML ZIP archive) because PPTX is smaller, more repairable, openly documented, and better supported by non-Microsoft software.

PPT pros and cons

Advantages

  • Universally recognised — every presentation app opens PPT files
  • Preserves complex formatting from legacy presentations
  • Supported by PowerPoint, LibreOffice Impress, Google Slides, Keynote, and most editors
  • Retains VBA macros and embedded OLE objects from the pre-2007 era
  • Required by some legacy enterprise and government systems

Limitations

  • Binary format — cannot be parsed without specialised libraries
  • Larger file sizes than PPTX (no ZIP compression)
  • Imperfect third-party rendering — animations and fonts may not match original
  • Macros in PPT files are a security risk
  • Actively deprecated — Microsoft recommends PPTX for all new work
  • Limited collaborative editing support in online environments
  • No support for modern PowerPoint features added after 2007

When should you convert PPT files?

Convert PPT to PPTX for editing, collaboration, or adding modern features — open in PowerPoint or LibreOffice and Save As → PPTX. Convert PPT to PDF for sharing finished presentations where editing is not needed — PDF preserves visual appearance regardless of the viewer's software and fonts. Convert PPT to video (MP4) for presentations that will be played back without a presenter. Keep PPT only if a recipient's system or process explicitly requires the .ppt format. LibreOffice batch conversion: `libreoffice --headless --convert-to pptx *.ppt`.

All FormatDrop conversions run entirely in your browser — no file upload, no server processing. Your files stay on your device.

PPT FAQ

How do I open a PPT file without Microsoft Office?
LibreOffice Impress opens PPT files on all platforms for free. Google Slides opens PPT files via upload. Apple Keynote opens PPT on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Microsoft's free PowerPoint Online (office.com) opens PPT files in a browser. WPS Office also reads PPT. For view-only access, convert to PDF first using LibreOffice.
What is the difference between PPT and PPTX?
PPT is a binary format used by PowerPoint 97–2003; PPTX is a ZIP-based XML format used since PowerPoint 2007. PPTX is smaller (ZIP compression), more reliable, openly standardised (OOXML/ISO 29500), and better supported by third-party apps. PPTX also separates macros into .pptm files for security. For new presentations, always use PPTX — PPT is only needed for strict legacy compatibility.
How do I convert a PPT file to PDF?
PowerPoint: open the file, then File → Save As → PDF, or File → Export → Create PDF/XPS. LibreOffice Impress: File → Export as PDF (handles fonts and layout well). Google Slides: upload the PPT, then File → Download → PDF Document. macOS: print the file and choose Save as PDF. Online converters (Smallpdf, ILovePDF) also handle PPT to PDF conversion without installing software.
Why does my PPT look different in newer PowerPoint?
Font substitution is the most common cause — if the original fonts aren't installed, PowerPoint substitutes similar fonts that may reflow text. Complex animations from old PowerPoint versions may render differently in newer versions. Chart and SmartArt objects may update to newer styles. Embedded OLE objects (old Excel charts, Word tables) may require the original application version to render correctly. Embedding fonts in the original PPT (File → Save As → Tools → Save Options → Embed fonts) reduces rendering differences.

More formats

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