Table of Contents
Introduction
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.
Important Notes Before You Begin
- PowerPoint cannot record your microphone or webcam if they are already in use by another application (such as Zoom).
- Audio and video are recorded per slide, not as a single continuous recording.
- This method is best suited for recording content in advance. For live lecture recordings, it is recommended to use Zoom or Canvas recording tools.
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
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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.
Saving 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
Review the exported video to confirm audio, timing, and visuals are correct. Once the file has been saved, it's important to play it back to check that it is timed and recorded properly.
Some third‑party edia players, for example VLC, may display visual flickering. Videos uploaded to platforms like YouTube or Canvas do not typically exhibit this issue. If you are distributing the video, advise your audience to avoid using VLC.
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.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
- Microphone or webcam not recording: Close other applications that may be using them.
- No audio on slides: Confirm recording was started manually.
- Export takes a long time: Higher resolution videos take longer to render.