Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint

Purpose

This article helps you get started with Microsoft PowerPoint in Microsoft 365, including how to create, edit, present, and collaborate on slide presentations.

Applies To

  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Audience

  • All employees
  • New hires

Overview

Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create professional presentations using slides, images, charts, animations, and templates. With Microsoft 365, your PowerPoint files can be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, allowing seamless access across devices and real‑time collaboration with coworkers.

PowerPoint Online includes autosave, version history, and sharing tools that make presenting and co‑authoring easier than ever.

Getting Started

Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft 365

  1. Open a web browser and go to:
    https://mail.icc.edu
  2. Sign in using your work email address and password.

Step 2: Open PowerPoint

  1. Select the App Launcher (nine dots in the top‑left corner).
  2. Select PowerPoint.

Step 3: Understand PowerPoint Online

  • Home – View recent files and templates.
  • New – Create a blank presentation or choose a template.
  • Open – Access files from OneDrive, SharePoint, or upload from your device.
  • Slide Pane – View and organize slides.
  • Ribbon – Access tools for layout, design, transitions, and animations.

Common Tasks

Create a New Presentation

  1. From the PowerPoint home screen, select Create blank presentation or choose a template.
  2. Add slides using New Slide on the Home ribbon.

Add Text and Images

  1. Click inside a text placeholder to type.
  2. To add images:
    • Select Insert → Pictures
    • Choose from one of the available options

Apply a Theme

  1. Go to the Design tab.
  2. Choose a theme or variant to update the presentation’s appearance.

Add Transitions

  1. Select a slide.
  2. Go to Transitions.
  3. Choose a transition style and adjust options such as duration.

Add Animations

  1. Select text or an object.
  2. Go to Animations.
  3. Choose an animation effect.

Present a Slide Deck

  1. Select Slide Show from the top menu.
  2. Choose From Beginning or From Current Slide.
  3. Use arrow keys or click to advance slides.

Share a Presentation

  1. Select Share in the top‑right corner.
  2. Click Share
  3. Enter the person’s email.
  4. Click the pencil to edit the permissions.
  5. Select Send.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Use OneDrive or SharePoint for autosave, versioning, and collaboration.
  • Keep slides simple and avoid clutter.
  • Use Presenter View to see notes privately during a presentation.
  • Use Accessibility Checker to make your content inclusive.
  • Store images in cloud storage so links don’t break.

Common Questions

Does PowerPoint save my changes automatically?

Yes — when working in PowerPoint Online or in a OneDrive-synced folder.

Can multiple people edit the same presentation?

Yes. PowerPoint Online allows real‑time co‑authoring.

Can I present directly from the browser?

Yes. PowerPoint Online includes full presentation mode.

Before Contacting the Service Desk

Please confirm that you have:

  • Accessed PowerPoint via https://mail.icc.edu
  • Verified the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint
  • Checked whether others are editing the file (may cause sync delays)
  • Confirmed your browser is up to date

Still Need Help?

If you can’t open, edit, share, or present PowerPoint files, submit a Service Desk ticket and include:

  • The file name
  • Whether the file is stored in OneDrive, SharePoint, or locally
  • Details on what action you were performing
  • Any error messages shown

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