These presentation tips should give you enough cues to build verbal transitions in your presentation. Practice the presentation transitions while rehearsing: Write down the transition words for every slide in your speaker notes. Practice your slides with these transition words. Watch your presentation flow easily.

1. Make Stream Deck yours. Welcome to Key Creator, the only tool you'll ever need to customize Stream Deck keys. If this is your first time here, use the live tutorial to get started.
2. Make Stream Deck yours. Welcome to Key Creator, the only tool you'll ever need to customize Stream Deck keys. If this is your first time here, use the live tutorial to get started.

It’s easy to see how PowerPoint became an industry standard for presentations. It was one of the first tools to offer easy-to-use, customizable templates—a major plus for nondesigners.

But design-wise, PowerPoint isn’t the most engaging platform or presentation software. The templates encourage endless bullet points, which can feel tedious after multiple slides, and the styles are often dull, with muted colors and little animation. Fall back on PowerPoint’s stock templates too often and your business presentations will lack the impact you desire.

To create a powerful, dynamic presentation, you need software with more capabilities.

What Makes a Great Presentation Software?

PowerPoint deserves credit for being straightforward and easy to use. Almost anyone, regardless of skill level, can quickly learn how to use the software and pull together a presentation.

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But accessibility is just one factor you need in presentation software. To consistently create presentations that grab audiences’ attention, you’ll need software with greater functionality. An ideal program lets you easily create and display visually stunning presentations across devices at a cost that fits your budget.

Here are the main factors to consider when looking for great presentation software:

• Design library: It should offer a large number of templates, images, and other media to create your presentation.
• Features: Rather than just including standard slides, software should offer alternative formats to share presentation content and engage audiences.
• Shareability: For easy collaboration, users should be able to share presentations with other users and allow simultaneous editing.
• Simplicity: Most users aren’t design experts, so software should be simple enough for any person to use, regardless of their background.
• Cost: Find software that fits your budget so you can consistently create presentations.
• Compatibility: Most people and organizations use multiple devices, so choose software that’s compatible across devices in creating and displaying presentations.

It’s unlikely that you’ll find software that checks all of those boxes, but aim to match as many of the factors as possible. Find a software with greater assets than PowerPoint and you’ll have tools at hand to create captivating presentations.

The 9 Best PowerPoint Presentation Software Alternatives

Design is subjective, so it follows that presentation software varies widely. Every program is geared toward unique visual goals, so individuals and organizations have many options to choose from when picking a program.

To get started, we’re highlighting nine alternatives to PowerPoint and breaking them down by several factors, so you have a framework to assess each one and pick the program that works for your needs.

Let’s dive in.

1. Prezi

Prezi is about as different from PowerPoint as you can get. Rather than offering a slide-by-slide presentation, it’s more of a visual and interactive mind map, wherein you interact with different elements on a virtual canvas.

Convert your PowerPoint presentation slides into a dynamic user experience, or create a brand-new “prezi” from scratch.

• Design library: Prezi offers roughly 100 templates for building presentations.
• Features: Beyond sequential slides, as with PowerPoint, Prezi lets you create frames that can zoom in and out from one another. This movement is perfect for showing how ideas relate to each other.
• Shareability: Up to 10 people can work on a Prezi at once.
• Simplicity: Prezi has an uncluttered interface with a drag-and-drop editor that’s easy to use.
• Cost: Prezi has a free basic plan and several premium plans ranging from $7 to $59 per month.
• Compatibility: Prezi is compatible with both PC and Mac desktops, as well as iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.

All in all, Prezi is worth using for itsfeatures. The ability to show how ideas relate to one another using Prezi’s frames and zoom feature is far more engaging than PowerPoint’s typical bullet-point slides.

2. Vyond

Across industries, video has been shown to grab attention and engage better than most media. Videos have been known to increase people’s understanding of a product or service by drastic margins.

Vyond puts the power of video into the hands of everyone, everywhere. The platform provides anyone, no matter what their production skill level is, with the tools they need to create powerful, dynamic media. With features that go beyond moving text and images, you can build character-driven stories or compelling data visualizations that engage audiences and deliver results.

• • Design library: Vyond offers three different video styles with thousands of templates, stock characters, props, and more to choose from.
  • Features: Rather than communicate info through slides, Vyond lets you share your content through an animated story. Create characters and make them move in minutes to engage audiences.
  • Shareability: Vyond’s platform lets multiple people edit videos simultaneously.
  • Simplicity: Vyond has a very clear interface with few tabs, so it’s easy to navigate. The drag-and-drop editing features are basic enough for any user, regardless of their experience level.
  • Cost: Starting at $39p/mo (plans with GIF export capabilities start at $89 p/mo)
  • Compatibility: If hitting pause isn’t available during your presentation, video can present timing challenges. If this is the case, you can still make a better presentation by adding short video clips or GIFs into your PowerPoint.

Vyond is worth investing in because of its novel animation features. With its platform, you can create a dynamic video in the same amount of time it takes to create a PowerPoint presentation—but the result, an animated clip with characters, props, and more, is far more engaging than a collection of slides. If you’re not looking to create a full video select Vyond plans make it possible to create quick GIFs to use in other presentation platforms (including PowerPoint). You can start from a template and have something more engaging than a PowerPoint slide in a few minutes.

3. Zoho Show

As a PowerPoint alternative, Zoho Show is also a slide-creation platform, but with an interface that’s more basic, clean, and simple than PowerPoint’s.

Offering a free version, Zoho is perfect for any beginner with minimal design skills who needs to create a simple slide presentation but doesn’t want to pay for PowerPoint.

• Design library: Zoho Show offers 17 prebuilt themes, as well as a wide gallery of animation and slide transition effects.
• Features: Zoho Show allows you to present content through slides, just like PowerPoint.
• Shareability: Multiple people can view and edit presentations in real time.
• Simplicity: Zoho Show is very easy to use, with minimal features laid out clearly in just a few tabs, so all users, no matter what their experience level is, can use the platform.
• Cost: Zoho Show is free for teams of up to 25 users. For larger teams, they offer premium plans ranging from $4 to $6 per user.
• Compatibility: Zoho Show works on all desktops and Android devices.

Zoho Show’s biggest advantage is its simplicity, potentially at no cost. If you’re a small team with little design experience, Zoho is a great alternative to PowerPoint.

4. Google Slides

Out of all the software options on this list, Google Slides is most like PowerPoint. It is formatted similarly and lets you upload and edit PowerPoint files on the platform.

There are a few key advantages that G Slides has over PowerPoint, though: It’s free and online, so you can easily collaborate with just a browser.

• Design library: Google Slides has roughly 20 themes for people to use as templates.
• Features: Google Slides lets you create slide presentations, just like PowerPoint.
• Shareability: Presentations can be shared with people and edited simultaneously.
• Simplicity: The task bar is a bit cluttered, with a few small, unclear icons, but overall the software is straightforward enough for most people to use.
• Cost: Google Slides is free.
• Compatibility: Google Slides is available for desktops and iOs and Android devices.

Google Slides is similar to PowerPoint, but it’s still a strong–and free–alternative that allows users to collaborate through just a browser rather than requiring downloaded software.

5. Keynote

Just as PCs are often loaded with PowerPoint, Macs come with Keynote, Apple’s presentation software.

Like PowerPoint, Keynote is designed for creating slides, but it comes with the key advantages of visually stunning templates and a simple, clear interface.

• Design library: Keynote offers 30 themes with clean, beautiful designs.
• Features: Keynote lets users create slides, but it’s slightly more engaging than PowerPoint, being driven more by images and less by bullet points.
• Shareability: Keynote allows you to collaborate on presentations with anyone, anywhere.
• Simplicity: Keynote is slightly easier to use than PowerPoint because the task bar is less cluttered and the icons have clear images and labels.
• Cost: Keynote is free to download for Macs.
• Compatibility: Keynote works on Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

If you’re an Apple user, Keynote is a strong alternative to PowerPoint, letting you engage audiences more with visuals than with endless bullet-pointing.

6. Haiku Deck

If you’re all about visuals, Haiku Deck is one of the most image-oriented presentation programs out there. It’s designed to create slides, just like PowerPoint, but the templates encourage little text, so users can enjoy the stunning visuals in the background.

As a plus, Haiku Deck has a pretty extensive library of free templates and images, so you don’t need much to start building a beautiful presentation.

• Design library: Haiku Deck offers thousands of templates and over 40 million free Creative Commons images.
• Features: Haiku Deck is designed to create image-based slides, unlike the primarily text-based slides of PowerPoint.
• Shareability: Simultaneous editing isn’t supported in Haiku Deck, but presentations can be shared with users to view and edit at different times.
• Simplicity: Haiku Deck has minimal features with an uncluttered sidebar, so it’s easy for anyone, regardless of skill level, to learn how to use the platform.
• Cost: Haiku Deck ranges from $8 to $30 per month, depending on which account you choose.

If you’re trying to engage audiences more with visuals, and your presentation doesn’t need to load a ton of textual content, Haiku Deck may be the solution for you. By highlighting stunning photographs and graphics, Haiku Deck presentations will quickly captivate your audience’s attention.

7. Slidedog

Sometimes, when giving a presentation, you need to show more than your PowerPoint—you also might need to display other files, like a video or a document.

Rather than having a clunky presentation where you keep switching to different formats, the software SlideDog allows you to gather all of your files into a single presentation.

Assembling your media together, SlideDog allows you to create a varied, dynamic presentation.

• Design library: SlideDog doesn’t have a design library; instead, you’re expected to provide and upload media for your presentation.
• Features: SlideDog allows you to combine multiple types of media—PowerPoints, Prezis, videos, web pages, and more—into a single presentation.
• Shareability: SlideDog allows you to share your presentation with your audience in real time.
• Simplicity: The SlideDog interface is simple, so it’s easy to set up a playlist. But users have reported occasional technical issues with a presentation when trying to switch between different media.
• Cost: SlideDog is free to download.
• Compatibility: SlideDog is available for PC desktops, but not Macs.

SlideDog is a bit limited by being only PC-friendly. For Windows users, though, it offers a unique opportunity to grab audiences’ attention with so many different media in a single presentation.

8. CustomShow

For a sales presentation to a client, a PowerPoint looks a tad dull. You want the person to get excited about your business, but it’s tough to stir them up with the software’s generic, bland design.

CustomShow is an enterprise presentation software that’s specifically geared toward sales and marketing teams.

It’s equipped with extensive editing tools to nail down every visual detail, so users can create a branded, professional look for their presentations.

• Design library: CustomShow offers presentation templates.
• Features: CustomShow is designed for creating slides that are easily customizable by adding extra media—videos, brand assets, animations, and more. The software is also useful in sales through tracking the ROI of your presentation and integrating with Salesforce.
• Shareability: CustomShow presentations can be shared with multiple people.
• Simplicity: CustomShow is meant to create elaborate, branded presentations, so it has more features to learn than most basic presentation software.
• Cost: Varies; users have to speak with a CustomShow representative to set a price.
• Compatibility: CustomShow works on Macs and PCs.

For sales and marketing presentations, CustomShow is a notch above PowerPoint. With more customization features for branding and the ability to track presentation ROI with clients, CustomShow allows users to meet their sales-driven presentation goals better than PowerPoint’s more standard software.

9. Visme

PowerPoint’s templates can feel restrictive—there are very clear designated spaces for text and images. Try to rearrange different elements and your presentations suddenly feel misaligned.

Visme is an alternative software that is much more flexible for customizing templates and adding different visual elements.

The platform is simple enough to use, even for those without design experience. At the same time, it’s equipped with complex features and hundreds of templates to create high-quality, visually stunning presentations.

• Design library: Visme offers hundreds of presentation templates and millions of icons, images, and fonts.
• Features: Visme is designed to create slides, but it allows full control over adding media and links to customize presentations to make them more interactive and engaging.
• Shareability: Presentations can be shared with multiple people, and different permissions can be set.
• Simplicity: Visme is geared toward nondesigners, but there are a number of tools in the software, allowing users to take full advantage of the platform.
• Cost: Visme is free.
• Compatibility: Visme presentations can be created on any device with a browser.

Visme’s interface is a bit more advanced than a lot of the software on this list, but if you have the time to learn about the platform, it’s a powerful, free tool for creating captivating slide presentations.

Create a Powerful Presentation by Trying New Tools

When most of your colleagues are using PowerPoint, it’s easy to feel like you should hop on the bandwagon and use the software, too. But your presentation is far more likely to have an impact on your audience if you explore other software. Alternative presentation software can offer unique visual features that engage people beyond the typical bullet-point slides everyone is used to watching.

Understand the software pros and cons in this guide so you can try a new program for creating presentations—one that fits your organization’s need and delights your audience with novel, engaging features.

About Vyond

GoAnimate is now Vyond. Learn more about the changes.

Vyond allows people of all skill levels in all industries and job roles to create dynamic and powerful media. With features that go beyond moving text and images, you can build character-driven stories or compelling data visualizations that engage audiences and deliver results.

Start making your own videos today. Sign up for a free 14-day trial and attend our weekly tour of the Vyond Studio.

Here’s our 15 best free & paid deck design software programs to help you create your ultimate outdoor living space.
Looking to do a DIY Deck and don’t know where to start? Check out these programs to create a unique design for your dream deck! Many of these programs will help with permitting, materials & brand selection, pricing and even quantities of material needed. Not to mention the amazing visualization tools that are included to help you see your design layout and how it will look in your backyard.

Here our the best deck design software programs we could find in 2018 listed in no particular order. If you’re looking for interior design software click here.

1. Aztek Deck Designer (Free)

Through TimberTech, by AZEK Building Products you can find inspiration and create a 3D layout. This program has 140+ products that can be chosen from using AZEK and TimberTech’s lighting, railings, decking, accessories and anything else needed when creating an outdoor deck! They allow users to test out the software and it is available in the app store for IPads.

This program has features such as the snapshot feature, which allows you to attach your own photo. There are plenty of options from previously designed templates to showing the design in an augmented reality state.

The only real downside to this program is that is only allows the products that are part of the brand and is only available for IPads. To properly use this software is it recommended to use chrome, firefox, safari or Microsoft edge. This program is free after creating an account.

See a Aztek tutorial video here:

Website: https://timbertech.com/inspiration/deck-designer

2. SmartDraw (Paid)

SmartDraw’s Deck designer gets a 5 star rating from CNET Editors. This program allows quick dragging and dropping of elements such as boards, railings, planters and you can even add furniture.

They include graphics for elevation posts, support and surface boards, planters and flowers, hot tubs and Jacuzzis, umbrellas, patio furniture, and benches. They also have a complete landscape package that can turn a deck project into an entire backyard design.

Watch the video on how to setup a Smartdraw floorplan:

Website: https://www.smartdraw.com/deck-design/deck-designer.htm

3. Decks.com Deck Designer (Free)

This Deck Designer software is also sponsored by TREX, therefore will use many similar features and materials. Deck Designer will allow you to drop in shapes for the deck, add multiple level and add stairs where needed.

This deck design software will get a plan to submit for permitting and create a material list for your project. To use this software, you will be required to register to create and save project. This is a free program and can be found at decks.com

Decks.com custom deck designer video:

Website: https://www.decks.com/deck-designer

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4. Lowes Deck Designer + Planner (Free)

To use the Lowes designer and planner you must have Java 1.4 and Adobe Acrobat 3.0+, no worries if you do not, it will allow them to download.

Once downloaded you will be prompted to either start from scratch or to start with one of the pre-designed decks that are previously loaded. From there you can design your dream deck with planks, railings, stairs etc. This is a free program.

Build a deck design and layout video:

Website: https://www.lowes.com/cd_Deck+Designer+Planner_733683095_

5. The Home Depot: Do-it-Yourself Deck Designer

The home depot offers a wide variety of “Do-it-yourself” tools which means they have some experience in this department. This program starts you off with over 70 built in templates to help get started. The program will then print out a list of all the items you will need for the entire project including the price you will pay for supplies and materials.

To run this program you will need Windows system with Intel 17 Quad Core CPU, 4GB of available Hard Drive Space, and internet connection. This is a free program powered by Edgenet outdoor projects.

Home Depot’s free deck design software video:

Website: http://homedepot.bighammer.com/cqdesignstartneo/

6. SketchUp & Sketchup Pro (Free & Paid)

Sketchup is commonly used in educational and professional settings. Sketchup is available in a free version and a pro (paid) version. The free version is available in a web browser. This will allow the user to draw, push and pull extrusions, orbit the screen and add colors and objects. The free version is available at app.sketchup.com where you can immediately start sketching. It also has features that allow collaboration and sharing qualities. This can be used to leave replies and comments or assign tasks to others as well as seeing a history of changes made.

Sketchup Pro has even more features and even a free trial version of that. Pro can be used on Windows or MAC operating systems. Pro requires 3D class video graphics by NVDIA or AMD, they do not recommend Intel based graphics just yet but are working to include that. Sketchup Pro can create endless drawings, including scaled drawings, sealed drawings, presentation documents, walkthroughs, as well as having them be highly accurate and detailed.

Sketchup Pro can be purchased for $695. There are also options for upgrades, renewals, and discounts for educational licenses.

Watch the building a deck with Sketchup Pro video:

Website: https://www.sketchup.com/buy/sketchup-pro

7. MoistureShield Dream Deck Designer (Free)

Moisture Shield Dream Deck Designer is another program that is quick and easy to use and will allow you to print a list of the materials needed for the designed project. The software will be a tool in creating and saving multiple designs if you are unsure the best choice, it also will let you choice the size, shape, and color of the deck.

You can also place the deck on an image of your home to see the true impact of adding a deck. This program is only available in windows, a minimum of 64 MB of memory, Java, Javascript, and Adobe Reader 5.0 or better.

Website: http://www.moistureshield.com/deck-design-tools/design-a-deck/

8. Menards Deck Estimator (Free)

Menards Deck Estimater will allow you to create your dream backyard in 3D on any computer or in any Menards store. This program will create a list of materials needed for your backyard project. This is an online software and will require a Java application, which can be downloaded on the site listed later.

Menards Design it Center Deck Estimator is a free program.

Website: https://www.menards.com/main/menu12/design-it-center/deck-estimator/c-13779.htm

9. Punch! Landscaping Design (Paid)

Punch! Landscape Deck and Patio version 20 can be used to create and design outdoor living spaces with a complete set of tools to plan, design, and visualize the desired space. This program has some new features including high quality rendering for 2D geometry and text, customizable drawing styles, the ability to import and export from AUTOCAD 2018, custom rich text options and a modify tool bar.

This software requires 1GB of RAM and 3GB of haard disk space. Internet service is required to use the program. Punch! Landscaping software will run you about $39.99.

Website: https://www.punchsoftware.com/punch-landscape-deck-patio-v20-download-windows

10. Home Designer Landscaping Software by Chief Architect (Paid)

Chief Architect is one of the leading developers and publishers of 3D Architectural home design, and have also developed a software for landscape design that is just as up to par. This is often used by architects, interior designers, landscape designer and home designers, even DIYers. As this is a large program it requires a PC or Mac with at least 4GB of memory and 5 GB of available hard disk space as well as internet access.

This program can be rented for $49/mo and can be found at https://www.homedesignersoftware.com. This program is also available as a trial version as well as for purchase. Prices range depending on which version you choose Pro being $495.00.

Decks and Landscaping can be done in the versions Suite, Architectural and Professional, professional and architectural being rated better. https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/product-chooser.html is a good reference for deciding which program best works for you, detailing features that are available per each version of the program.

Website: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com

11. Idea Spectrum (Paid)

Idea Spectrum is an easy to use program that the Architect version will create 3D landscape designs, design over a photo of your current landscape, add water features (pools ponds, waterfalls) and create landscape plans as well as CAD drawings and includes 17,000 design items.

Other features (but are not limited too) that all versions have access to are: pre-built pools and spas, 15 national brands, ability to import sketchup models, designing single and multistory decks and adding patios, retaining walls and edging. By far one of the programs with the most opportunity.

This is a free trial or paid version that can be found at https://www.ideaspectrum.com/. The Architect 2018 software will cost $399.95, Pro $99.95 and Plus $79.95. This will be a one time purchase, with future upgrades usually being available for a discount.

Watch the Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Architect video:

Website: https://www.ideaspectrum.com/

12. Planner 5D (Free & Paid)

Planner 5D is a versatile program that can be used to design backyard decks as well as patios, landscaping and other areas within the home. The program itself offers the ability to design in 2D and then see your work in full 3D for a complete picture of how the design will look.

There is also a large database of user created designs for ideas and inspiration. The app can be downloaded to your device via Apple Store or Google Play.

Website: https://planner5d.com/?prcode=53ca04

13. TREX Deck Designer (Free)

TREX is a designer tool that is available in both desktop version as well as a mobile app. This will create easier access and more options for users to use. To use either of these tools you will, choose deck dimensions and railings, then pick out TREX materials and finishes. The system then makes you a list of the items you will need. This program also has a section for ordering sample boards to help make sure you get exactly what you want!

The only con of this tool is as most others the only materials and finishes loaded into the project are TREX brand, which can cut down the options. To run the desktop version you must be using a windows operating system. Also required is adobe reader 5.0 or higher, Java 6 update 10, Javascript, and a 3D capable graphics card with a minimum of 64 GB of Memory. This program is free and can be found at

Website: https://www.trex.com/build-your-deck/envision-your-deck/

14. Fiberon Deck Designer (Free)

This program includes easy drag and clip options to create a quick and easy custom deck that will allow you to add color materials to the 3D drawing.They offer a gallery of deck plans, a contractor gallery and product gallery to help with your design ideas.

Fiberon tool will produce 3D deck design, installation checklist, and a list of local retailer and contractors near you. This is a free program. You can also download a free deck planning guide with information including deck design options, materials needed and budgeting.

Watch the video on using the Fiberon deck planning tool:

Website: https://www.fiberondecking.com/design-tools/deck-design-tool

15. MiTek Deck Designer (Free)

This deck design software program is easy and fully customizable. MiTek Deck Designer will allow you to add multiple levels, plank direction, size and color, plus many other options. At the end you will be provided with printouts of required materials, cut lists as well as permit submission.

This program does not require any added plug ins and can be saved as a CDV file. This is a free online program

Website: http://tools.diyonline.com/servlet/GIB_Base/usp_startpage.html

Bonus Pick: Simpson Strong-tie Deck Planner (Free)

This simple program will allow you to complete deck designs quickly. It is an easy to use program as well as completely web based to avoid large downloads. The program allows you to design a deck, and then from there print the materials list and permits.

Deck Planner will give recommendations and allows you to see the materials you wish to use for the deck. This program is available on Mac or windows operating systems, and must have a graphics card with at least 64 MB of memory. This is a free program.

Here’s a video detailing the Simpson deck planning software in action:

Website: https://www.strongtie.com/products/go/software/deckplanner

What is the Best Deck Design Software Program?

After reviewing the attributes of each of these software programs one of the biggest factors of deciding which works for you is what you need it for. If you are just planning on completing one deck project for a residential, personal back yard, one of the free software programs offered by one of the big general home construction brands will probably work best for you.

These deck design software programs tend to be more structured to individuals with a little less of a background on designing and building things. This will mean that the software will require less manual work and will be quicker and easier for users, but that takes away a little of the customization, and directions that you can go into.

Two of the most popular standout programs are Smartdraw and Sketchup, while Planner5D is versatile for designing not only decks, but backyard landscaping and patios as well.

For architects, or professional deck builders, the programs that are paid to use or paid by subscription will be better utilized. These will give experienced users access to more customization and options to complete many different projects including deck design. Often the paid versions are used by people who will be designing decks, patios and even landscapes in a professional capacity.

As you notice in the descriptions get more advanced and have more loaded I features, the price goes up. Even some professionals will not need all the possible features, which is why some programs offer different levels at different pricing, to further cater to the individual and individual’s projects. Big or small, any project can be tackled quick and easy with the help of computer aided design and these ones in particular are the top of the market and worth checking out.

For even more design inspiration check out our gallery of backyard deck designs and ideas here.