Free Slideshow Makers: Top 22
Nearly all modern businessmen, students, and managers have faced the problem of how to show and deliver information to the audience in the most attractive way. For this purpose, software developers have created paid and free slideshow makers: online and offline services and apps to create video presentations from images.
In this article, we reviewed top-notch free desktop slideshow software and online services.
How we picked the software
Our team has conducted an in-depth analysis of the best free slideshow makers that are currently available in the market.
We have taken into account all the relevant factors that are important for a good slideshow app, including the user interface, available templates and themes, multimedia support, transitions, and special effects.
Our analysis has also considered the flexibility of each slideshow creator to customize the slideshows according to the user's preferences and requirements.
By following a rigorous methodology, we have arrived at a list of the top slides makers that are worth considering.
Best free offline slideshow makers
| Application | Customization options | OS | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icecream Slideshow Maker |
Add transitions, slides, insert text, shuffle images, overlay music.
|
Windows
|
5.0 |
| ThunderSoft |
Insert videos, edit images.
|
Windows
|
4.8 |
| NCH PhotoStage |
Change brightness, add a narration, use various transitions and effects.
|
Windows
MacOS
Android
iOS
|
4.5 |
| Microsoft PowerPoint |
Huge template collection.
|
Windows
MacOS
|
4.5 |
| Focusky |
Apply interactive elements and animate slides.
|
Windows
|
4.4 |
| Magix Photostory |
Create animated maps, make small photo videos.
|
Windows
|
4.3 |
| DaVinci Resolve |
Apply color correction, motion graphics and edit audio.
|
Windows
MacOS
Linux
|
4.3 |
| Bolide Slideshow Creator |
Add transition effects.
|
Windows
|
4.0 |
| PowerDirector |
Change video speed, customize your slideshow with titles.
|
Windows
MacOS
Android
iOS
|
4.0 |
| Aiseesoft |
Animate images and adjust contrast and saturation.
|
Windows
|
3.9 |
1. Icecream Slideshow Maker
A great slideshow software with all the most popular features and options. It allows you to create slideshow projects in different formats and in various resolutions. This is great for uploading and broadcasting clips on various platforms and monitors.
2K and 4k resolutions, for instance, are suitable for the presentation of high-definition objects, WEBM - is for displaying on devices with the Android operating system from Google, MP4, and AVI can be viewed on a TV.
You can add transitions between slides, insert text and blank slides, shuffle images, and more. All what's needed for fast and effective slideshow creation.
Pros:
- Create a presentation with music and add playlists;
- Resume slideshows from the History panel;
- Slideshow maker app with a simple and intuitive interface;
- Does not require high PC performance;
- Upload video presentations directly to YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
2. ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker
Rather convenient and functional free slideshow creator. With ThunderSoft, you can edit not only the slides (pictures, documents, and so on) but also insert video files into the projects.
In addition, the functionality of the software is able to add sound and additional spectacular transitions. It is suitable for Windows OS, starting with the XP version.
Pros:
- Make a slideshow with lots of functions;
- Animation can be added;
- Little CPU and GPU load;
- Exports the file in most modern formats (MP4, AVI, MOV etc.);
- Direct uploading to the hosting.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve;
- Software for slideshow with an outdated design.
3. NCH PhotoStage
The program offers an array of tools for creating a slideshow. The interface of NCH PhotoStage is simple and easy to use. You can rapidly assemble professional slideshows in no time.
The slideshow creator also has the possibility of adding background music and audio narration and includes a comprehensive help system with tutorials and tips to ensure a fast start.
Pros:
- Comprises many customization instruments;
- Supports multiple video formats;
- Offers built-in themes and transitions;
- Slideshow program has audio editing features;
- Provides various export options.
Cons:
- Slow response;
- No compatibility with 4K videos or higher resolutions;
- Old-fashioned interface;
- Lacks sophisticated tools.
4. Microsoft PowerPoint
A powerful and free slideshow maker. A great advantage is the huge number of templates that you can use to create a presentation in no time. You will, however, need a Microsoft account to work with this slideshow software or with the online version of PowerPoint, too.
In addition to that, PowerPoint allows you to mount only 3 presentations per month.
Pros:
- Set of ready-to-use themes;
- Microsoft 365 service supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS;
- Useful help system;
- Compatible with other Office package software.
Cons:
- Trial version has a standard set of features;
- Limited amount of presentations per month;
- Slideshow program requires a Microsoft account.
5. Focusky Presentation Maker
This is a free and effective slides maker for constructing remarkable presentations. You can effortlessly craft eye-catching slideshows with media, such as videos, photos, music.
This free slideshow maker also allows you to animate your content and create interactive elements with transitions. Focusky also offers an extensive library of samples to help you get started quickly. Moreover, you can alter the appearance of your presentation by adjusting font sizes, colors, animations.
Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface;
- Rich variety of export formats;
- Presentations can be embedded into websites.
Cons:
- Video incorporation requires an internet connection;
- Does not provide any collaboration features;
- The slideshow maker only supports a few 3rd party apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
6. Magix Photostory
Powerful free slideshow software for professional and amateur use. It contains a large set of tools for creating presentations and videos with background music. If you are a beginner, Magix Photostory has already pre-installed templates and style solutions.
There is also an opportunity to generate a video clip in automatic mode, which is suitable for one-time use, e.g., for creating a small clip from your family photos.
Pros:
- Make a slideshow with a wide range of individual settings;
- Compatibility with high-resolution video files;
- Instant file sharing and DVD burning;
- Built-in store, with a set of extra tools;
- Professional special effects such as distortion and 3D simulations;
- Presentation generator does not need high PC or laptop performance.
Cons:
- Slideshow app with a steep learning curve;
- In the free version, you can only work with basic tasks.
7. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a formidable slideshow program for creating captivating videos. It features advanced editing tools, such as custom transitions, color correction, and more. And it includes powerful customization options, like choosing the resolution and aspect ratio of your slideshows.
Additionally, it offers built-in audio support, allowing you to incorporate music or voice-overs into your creations.
Pros:
- Comes with numerous transition, text, and animation effects;
- Offers full control over color grading;
- Make a slideshow without watermarks.
Cons:
- Requires purchase of the Pro version for full feature access;
- Creating a slideshow may be sluggish at times due to high resource usage;
- Some features can be confusing for beginners.
8. Bolide Slideshow Creator
A free slideshow application for creating simple video presentations. Bolide offers an intuitive set of instruments, and the files' processing requires no high-powered PC.
There is also a simple, yet functional image editor that allows you to crop and rotate the picture, and add inscriptions. Create a presentation and save the file in various formats (AVI, MKV, FLV, MP4, etc.).
Pros:
- High performance even on weak computers;
- Presentation creator suitable for beginners;
- User-friendly interface;
- No watermark and free distribution.
Cons:
- Free slideshow maker has a limited functionality;
- No audio editor.
9. PowerDirector
PowerDirector Slideshow Maker facilitates the crafting of beautiful slideshows. With a simple drag-and-drop option , you can quickly customize videos with photos, videos, titles, transitions. You can even add music from the library or your own collection.
Plus, you make a slideshow and upload it directly to platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
Pros:
- Create a slideshow and adjust themes, text, transitions, and music;
- Possibility to incorporate effects, such as motion graphics and animated titles;
- Preloaded templates and stock media available.
Cons:
- Presentation generator is costly (if you need the full version with all features);
- No support for 4K video export;
- May lack speed on low-spec systems.
10. Aiseesoft
The slideshow software accepts the inclusion of music, text, photos, videos, and transitions to the slideshows. It also supports panoramic images and allows users to record their own narration for the slides.
The slides maker supports various export options, including MP4, MOV, AVI, GIF, and more. Aiseesoft provides a range of customization such as adjusting the size of the slideshow or adding watermarks.
Pros:
- Costless slideshow maker with rich media library;
- Ability to animate images;
- Adjustment of visual effects such as contrast, saturation, brightness, hue, and temperature.
Cons:
- To access green screen effects, you need to upgrade to the premium version of the slide creator.
- Some users have reported crashes or freezes while using the program.
Best online free slideshow makers
| Application | Customization options | OS | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prezi |
Bunch of ready-made templates.
|
Web
|
4.8 |
| Fastreel Slideshow Maker |
Use built-in music collection.
|
Web
|
4.7 |
| Canva |
Add charts, use pre-made templates, insert stock pictures.
|
Web
|
4.6 |
| Renderforest Slideshow Maker |
Choose from an assortment of themed templates.
|
Web
|
4.5 |
| Kapwing |
Enhance your slides with music, transitions, captions, and text.
|
Web
|
4.2 |
| Google Slides |
Create video from images.
|
Web
|
4.0 |
| PixTeller |
Check the bank of free templates.
|
Web
|
3.8 |
| Adobe Express |
Change background colors and work on transitions.
|
Web
|
3.5 |
1. Prezi
A service that helps you create a slideshow directly in the browser. There are several templates, the possibility to reuse your previously created slideshow presentations, and a great way to integrate your projects in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex.
Pros:
- Free slideshow maker with no limits on the number of slides;
- Slideshow website with ready-made templates.
Cons:
- Free version has limited functionality;
- Projects are published on the Prezi site, which can be a critical option for private documents.
2. Fastreel Slideshow Maker
Fastreel Slideshow Maker is a free online Movavi tool that facilitates the creation of beautiful professional slideshows in minutes.
Presentation generator comes with an array of automated features, allowing users to add various elements without hassle. It furnishes a broad array of themes to select from.
Pros:
- Multi-functional free slideshow maker;
- Pre-made templates and split-screen grids;
- Results are deleted in 24 hours.
Cons:
- Supports certain types of media files, such as JPG or MP4;
- Slideshow app puts watermark on a resulting document;
- User can not change color themes.
3. Canva
Canva is an online platform for creating video presentations. This slideshow creator is suitable for bloggers, students, and managers to create a beautiful video in a short time.
There's a free version, but for professional use, you will need to purchase a PRO account. It will give users more technical capabilities, as well as access to a the library of business templates, posters, and other useful features.
Pros:
- Large selection of additional instruments. These are titles, animated page transitions, image filters;
- Quick export to web-hosting sites;
- Compatibility with most manufacturers of microphones and camcorders;
- Slideshow web app works with all formats;
- The ability to buy a version with an extended set of tools.
Cons:
- Some users may have problems with fonts;
- Free version has only the standard toolkit;
- No ability to resize the picture. To change the resolution of the photo you will have to use third-party editors.
4. Renderforest Slideshow Maker
Renderforest Slideshow Maker turns images and clips into amazing slideshows in minutes. It's a breeze to use and packed with great features. In a flash, you can turn your images into stunning slideshows with music, special effects, and creative transitions.
With Renderforest Slides Maker, you can share your slideshows online or download them for offline viewing.
Pros:
- Cloud storage integration;
- Good customer support;
- Presentation maker with high-quality output.
Cons:
- Editing of font is not free;
- Default watermark;
- Limited range of effects.
5. Kapwing
Kapwing's Slideshow Producer is a straightforward online slideshow app for creating eye-catching slides costless. It's great for making presentations, social media posts, and more due to the aspect ratio choice function.
You can add music, transitions, captions, and text to your slides with just a few clicks. Plus, you can quickly upload images from your computer or use Kapwing's library of free stock photos.
Pros:
- Lots of customization options;
- Create slideshow online on any device;
- Outputs in HD quality.
Cons:
- File size restrictions;
- Restricted video length (30 minutes);
- No direct sharing to social platforms.
6. Google Slides
A PowerPoint-like online slides maker that is distributed for free and requires a Google account. The service has an intuitive interface and allows you to quickly create a fairly good video from photos.
However, it lacks some advanced features on comparing to other presentation makers from our list.
Pros:
- Slideshow app works in a browser;
- Google Drive support;
- Does not require high device performance.
Cons:
- Google Slides has small set of tools;
- No graphics editor.
7. PixTeller
The slideshow online service offers a variety of slide formats, including single images, fullscreen slideshows, split images, and multiple columns. It also facilitates users to add music or voiceovers to their presentations.
Additionally, users can easily share their work with the PixTeller community or via social networks.
Pros:
- Bank of free pictures and templates built-in into this slideshow creator;
- MP4, GIF, and other output formats;
- Change the design of templates is possible.
Cons:
- Privacy mode is available only in the pro version;
- No tutorials on how to create presentation.
8. Adobe Express
Adobe Slideshow Maker provides an easy-to-use interface to create beautiful slides along with customizing options like text, photos, and videos.
With its simple drag-and-drop feature, you can create unique slideshows in few moves. You can also customize each slide with transitions, background colors, and motion effects.
Pros:
- Presents collaboration mode;
- Cloud-based slideshow website;
- Simple one-click layouts.
Cons:
- Limited pre-made templates;
- Online slideshow maker not compatible with all devices;
- Text adding restrictions.
Mobile slideshow creators
| Application | Customization options | OS | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movavi Clips |
Edit images directly on your slides.
|
Android
iOS
|
4.8 |
| Keynote |
Collaborate on creating projects.
|
iOS
|
4.7 |
| Pixgram |
Add text captions, music and transitions.
|
Android
|
4.6 |
| MoShow |
Record voiceovers to improve your slideshow.
|
Android
iOS
|
4.5 |
1. Movavi Clips
Movavi Clips has a library of built-in effects and transitions, as well as music tracks to make a perfect slideshow. You can choose from a collection of stylish templates or start with a blank slate and let your creativity flow.
The user-friendly interface allows you to quickly edit images with various tools such as cropping, resizing, rotating, and color correction. You you may as well insert captions and text to your slideshows.
Pros:
- Intuitive editing tools make it easy to create slideshows in minutes;
- Fun music tracks let you add atmosphere to your creations;
- Support for 4K video resolution gives you high-quality results.
Cons:
- The free version doesn't include all features, such as the ability to export in 4K resolution;
- Some features of slideshow app may be too complicated for new users;
- Limited support for other file types, such as GIFs or audio files;
- Poor customer service response times can be frustrating.
2. Keynote
Keynote is a presentation maker for creating slides on devices running Apple-based operating systems: iOS, and macOS. It has a large library of preloaded effects and transitions.
You can also add charts, and diagrams, collaborate on projects with others, and more.
Pros:
- Compatible with most Apple devices;
- Apple Pencil support;
- Collaborate with colleagues while you make a slideshow.
Cons:
- Works exclusively on macOS;
- Presentation creator not suitable for pros.
3. Pixgram
Pixgram is an innovative slideshow maker that gives users a simple way to transform their photos and videos into amazing slideshows.
It offers a range of features to make your slideshows look amazing, including text captions, music, transitions, and more. You'll be able to upload files from your device or from popular services such as Instagram, Facebook, Flickr, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive. It only takes a few minutes to begin;
- Slideshow app is free, so it's great for those on a budget.
Cons:
- Doesn't offer many advanced features such as animations or transitions;
- Ads occasionally appear while creating slideshows, which can be annoying at times.
4. MoShow
MoShow is free to use and doesn't require any technical skills or prior experience with slideshow software. It features a drag-and-drop user interface with a lot of customizable options, offering an effortless way to create stunning presentations for any occasion.
Pros:
- With numerous customization options, users can add music, voiceovers, animations, and more to their slideshows.
- The final product is always polished and professional-looking.
Cons:
- Has only a few pre-made templates, which limits creativity.
- Not all media formats are supported in the slideshow app.
How to select the slideshow creator
Are you interested in a free slideshow generator? With so many options available online, it can be hard to choose the best one. These are a few: tips to help you make the right decision.
- Research. Do some research online to find out which free slideshow makers exist and what features they offer. Read reviews and compare different products.
- Functionality. Make sure the software is user-friendly and has all the necessary tools for creating a great slideshow. It should also have an intuitive interface.
- Compatibility. Ensure that the free presentation generator works with your device and operating system. You should also possess the ability to share your slideshows easily on social media or other platforms.
- Updates. Look for a slide creator that provides periodic updates with fresh features and bug fixes. This will verify your slideshows stay up-to-date and look professional.
- Support. Find out if there is customer support available in case you have any problems with the software.
By following these tips, you'll be able to find the best free slideshow maker for your needs. With the right tool, you can create stunning slideshows in no time!
Reasons to make a slideshow
Slideshows are the perfect way to capture memories, tell stories, and create lasting impressions. They're great for any occasion, from weddings and birthdays to anniversaries and graduations. Here's a look at some of the best times to create a slideshow:
Weddings
The big day can go by in a flash. With a slideshow, you can capture all the moments that make up your wedding day – from the ceremony to the reception. With a free slideshow maker, you can choose from hundreds of templates and transition effects.
Birthdays
Make your loved one feel special by creating a birthday slideshow. Include photos, videos, and music that capture the special day. You can incorporate captions and text to customize each slide.
Anniversaries
Celebrate your relationship with an anniversary slideshow. Include photos from your time together – from when you first met all the way through present day. Choose from templates that showcase photos in beautiful frames or collages.
Graduations
Mark the end of an era with a graduation slideshow. Capture each milestone along the way with photos of friends and family cheering them on. You can even add motivational quotes or inspirational words to show how proud you are of their accomplishment.
No matter what occasion you're celebrating, creating a slideshow is an effortless and enjoyable method of preserving memories and recounting tales with friends and family.
Utilizing free slideshow creators, you don't have to be tech-savvy to get started – just choose a template, add photos, music, and captions, and you'll have an amazing slideshow in no time!
Tips
- Choose a simple template; it will make your presentation look more professional.
- Utilize animation, transitions, and other design elements to make your slides stand out.
- Avoid adding too many graphics; they can distract from the content.
- Keep your text short and to the point; long sentences can be difficult to read on slides.
- Integrate visuals such as charts, graphs, or photographs to enhance the presentation.
- Use contrasting colors for text and backgrounds for better visibility.
- Record a voiceover or use music to add emotion to the presentation.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors before sharing the slides with others.
- Use the preview feature of the slide creator to ensure everything looks correct before delivering your presentation.
FAQ
- What types of formats do slideshow programs support?
- Most slideshow creators that are available for free provide support for common image formats such as JPG, PNG, and GIF as well as video formats like MP4 and MOV.
- Are there free presentation makers with built-in templates?
- Yes! Abundant slideshow generator offers integrated templates that enable users to start promptly without having to construct slides from the ground up.
- Can I add music to my slideshows?
- Our slideshow maker allows you to add music or sound effects directly from their library or through an external source such as YouTube or SoundCloud.
- Are there any limits on how many slides I can add to one project?
- This depends on the specific software you are using but most offer unlimited slide options.
Best Free Slideshow Makers: Conclusion
To conclude, creating a slideshow can be an easy and enjoyable process. When choosing a free slides maker, the most important considerations are the features and ease of use.
Look for a tool that offers vast personalization choices and templates, along with the potential to cooperate with others if necessary. Additionally, best slideshow maker should provide multiple output options and be compatible with your device or operating system.
Overall, free slideshow makers can be incredibly useful in creating professional-looking slideshows with minimal effort. The correct tool allows you to make gorgeous presentations without depleting your wallet. So why not give one a try today?
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
