Microsoft PowerPoint includes several built-in features for the rehearsal and recording of a presentation.
With these instructions, you can create a video file without any external software. PowerPoint itself can capture your microphone and/or voice.
If you are using your microphone and/or webcam in another software (ex: Zoom) then PowerPoint will not be able to record them.
This feature is better suited to preparing recordings in advance. If you wish to record a lecture live, it is recommended that you instead use Canvas or Zoom's own recording features.
One-Time Setup: Add Recording Tab to PowerPoint
This will add another tab to your "Ribbon" (the colored toolbar where you select each menu), giving quicker access to the features that allow you to export the video.
- If you have just opened PowerPoint without selecting a file, skip this step. If you currently have a file open, go to the "File" button in the top left.
- Go to Options on the bottom left
- Customize ribbon on the left
- Scroll down on the right
- Toggle Ribbon to on (checkmark) and hit okay.
This gives the Recording tab in PowerPoint. It will stay there from now on when you close and re-open the program. If you ever have to reinstall Office, you will have to add the Recording tab again.
Recording the Presentation
To record the presentation, click the "Record Slide Show" Icon (which can be found under Recordings, or under Slide Show)
- To use the webcam, another application can't be using it. The buttons n the bottom right of the record view will let us toggle it on and off, and see a preview of the webcam. You can also change your webcam in the "Settings" menu on the top right of the Record screen.
- The recording won't start automatically, click on the record button on the top left. This will restart the timer in the bottom left.
- Each slide's narration is separate, so make sure to leave a pause before you transition slides whenever possible.
- If you need to re-record, make sure to "Clear All Narration" and "Clear All Timings". You can do this by either clicking the arrow next to Record Slide Show, or in the "Clear" button on the recording screen.
To save the video:
- Ignore "Publish to Stream" -- I looked at it and I don't think you'll ever use it.
- Click "Export to Video" in the recording tab
- On the right, set your quality to either "Full HD (1080p)" or "HD (720p)"
1080 is higher quality -- bigger file-size, longer to save, looks nicer. For most purposes, 720p is an acceptable resolution. - Make sure "Use Recorded Timings and Narrations" is set.
- Create Video. Save it with the default setting.
(If the MP4 continues to give you problems, contact who you're working with and ask if the .wmv would be acceptable -- not all programs can use it)
Leave PowerPoint open as it saves ("rendering") and keep an eye on the bottom bar for progress. Until it's done, the file will be listed as 0KB.
Playing The File
Once the file has been saved, it's important to play it back to check that it is timed and recorded properly.
Avoid using VLC, as its method of handling videos will cause a visual flickering issue. If you are distributing the video, advise your audience to avoid using VLC.
If you are uploading your video to YouTube, we are not aware of any flickering issues.
To permanently change what program opens a file type:
- Right-click it
- Select Open With
- Select Choose Another App from the new menu that branches out.
- Then select your favorite program and check off "Always use this app" at the bottom.