Step-By-Step Guide to Convert PowerPoint to Word: Windows + Mac

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Easy to follow instructions on saving a PowerPoint presentation as a Word document

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: December 18, 2023 Fact Checked

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Windows

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Mac

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Tips

This wikiHow article teaches you how to convert a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation into a Microsoft Word document by using the "Create Handouts" feature on PowerPoint for Windows, or by exporting an RTF (Rich Text Format) file using PowerPoint for Mac. The current version of PowerPoint for Mac does not have the "Create Handouts" feature. RTF files are not able to accurately convert the formatting of some PowerPoint features, so many images and backgrounds may not be supported.

Things You Should Know

To convert a PowerPoint file to Word, first open the PowerPoint presentation.
On Windows, go to File > Export > Create Handouts and click "OK."
On Mac, go to File > Export > File Format > .rtf > Export. Open the RTF in Word, then go to File > Save As > Format > .docx and click "Save."

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Windows

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It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. More options will display.
It's on the menu on the left side of your screen.

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It's near the bottom of the menu.
Click the icon below the "Create Handouts in Microsoft Word" text.
5
Select a layout for the Word document.
- If you want the Word document to update whenever the original PowerPoint presentation is changed, click on Paste link.
- If you want the Word document to remain unchanged whenever the original PowerPoint presentation is updated, click on Paste.
6
Click OK. The PowerPoint presentation will open as a Word document.
- The PowerPoint will open in Word so you can save it and view it later as a .docx document.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Mac

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Since the Mac version does not feature the "Create Handouts" option that the Windows version offers, you'll need to first export the PowerPoint to a .rtf format, then open it in Word, and save it as a Word document.
You want to remember where you're saving the file so you can easily open it later.
The PowerPoint presentation will be saved as a Rich Text Format (.rtf) document in the location you specified, which means that you might not get the same formatting that was in the PowerPoint.
It's the blue app that's shaped like or contains a W.
Click File, then Open…, and select the RTF file you just exported from PowerPoint. This will open the RTF file in Microsoft Word.
This will open the Save window, allowing you to save the document as a Word file.
10
Click Save. The PowerPoint presentation is now saved as a Microsoft Word document.
- In most instances, the formatting and pagination will not match the original PowerPoint presentation, and the RTF format may not support many pictures or backgrounds. Be sure to go through the Word document and adjust it to your liking.
- Alternatively, you can easily convert a Word document to PowerPoint.

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Tips

Use online converters, like Zamzar, to convert PPT to Word docs without Microsoft software.

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If you get the error "PowerPoint couldn't write to Microsoft Word," restart your computer and try the conversion again. Converting PowerPoint to Word takes a lot of memory, so if you have a lot of programs open or have a few browser tabs open, you can keep getting an error.

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You can also use the Create Adobe PDF to see the PowerPoint easily.

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