What Is a PPSX PowerPoint Show and How It Works
What Is a PPSX PowerPoint Show? A Complete Guide for Beginners and Pros
A PPSX PowerPoint Show is a special file type that opens directly in slideshow mode, allowing your audience to view your presentation immediately without opening the PowerPoint editor first. This makes PPSX files perfect for presenting, sharing, or sending a finished slideshow that viewers should see but not necessarily edit.
Whether you are a teacher, business professional, speaker, designer, or someone who simply wants to share a polished presentation, knowing how to save, open, send, and link PPSX files can make your workflow smoother and your slideshows more professional. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from what a PPSX file is to advanced linking techniques and troubleshooting tips.
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What Exactly Is a PPSX File?
A PPSX file is a PowerPoint Show. You can think of it as the final, polished version of a PowerPoint presentation. When someone double-clicks a PPSX file, it bypasses the editing interface and launches directly in full-screen slideshow mode. This feature makes PPSX files ideal for:
- Delivering ready-to-present slideshows
- Running looping displays or kiosk presentations
- Sharing a presentation without exposing the editable version
- Preventing accidental changes by viewers
- Embedding or linking additional slideshows inside larger presentations
PPSX files are supported on Windows, macOS, and PowerPoint Online, ensuring broad compatibility for your audience.
PPSX vs PPTX – What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse PPSX files with regular PowerPoint presentations (PPTX). While both file types contain slides, transitions, images, and animations, they open very differently.
| PPTX | PPSX |
|---|---|
| Opens in editing mode Used for creating and modifying slides |
Opens directly as a slideshow Used for presenting and sharing final slides |
| Fully editable | View-only presentation mode by default |
PPTX = Edit. PPSX = Present.
Step 1: How to Save Your PowerPoint Presentation as a PPSX File
Saving your presentation as a PPSX slideshow is simple. Follow these steps:
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Click the File tab in the upper-left corner.
- Select Save As and click Browse.
- Choose the folder where you want to save the slideshow.
- Under Save as type, choose PowerPoint Show (.ppsx).
- Enter a file name and click Save.
Enhancing Your Existing Presentations with a Linked PPSX File
Linking a PPSX slideshow inside another PowerPoint presentation lets you keep your main slide deck clean and organized. Instead of copying dozens of slides into a single file, you can trigger a separate slideshow to play when clicked. This is perfect for:
- Sales teams presenting product variations
- Teachers adding supplementary lessons
- Trainers creating branching navigation
- Speakers showing optional or bonus content
The video above walks through the entire process. You can also follow the written steps below to add a linked slideshow to any slide.
Step 2: Linking a PPSX Slideshow Inside Another PowerPoint Presentation
- Open the PowerPoint presentation where you want the link.
- Go to the slide where the link should appear.
- Insert a text box or image that will act as the clickable trigger.
- Right-click the text or image and select Link.
- Click Existing File or Web Page.
- Select your PPSX file.
- Click OK to confirm.
- Run the slideshow and test the link to make sure it opens the PPSX correctly.
Best Practices for Working With PPSX Files
- Store linked PPSX files in the same folder as your main presentation.
- Avoid renaming the PPSX file after linking it.
- Test the link in slideshow mode before sharing.
- Share the entire folder if you send the presentation to someone else.
- Use clear, descriptive file names for better organization.
Troubleshooting Common PPSX Problems
The PPSX file opens in edit mode.
Make sure it is saved as .ppsx and not .pptx.
The linked PPSX does not open on another computer.
Send the entire folder to preserve the file path.
The slideshow does not start automatically.
Enable “Advance Slide Automatically” in the Transitions tab.
“Cannot open file” error appears.
Use PowerPoint Online or ensure PowerPoint is installed.
When Should You Use a PPSX File?
PPSX files work beautifully in many everyday scenarios, including:
- Business presentations where you want a clean, ready-to-run slideshow.
- Teaching and training with supplementary linked slideshows.
- Sales demos with multiple product walkthroughs.
- Kiosk or lobby displays running automatically.
- Portfolio showcases where you want a polished, non-editable display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a PPSX back to PPTX?
Yes. Open it in PowerPoint and save it as a PPTX file.
Does a PPSX file work on Mac?
Yes, PowerPoint for Mac fully supports PPSX files.
Can Google Slides open PPSX files?
Google Slides cannot open PPSX files directly. Convert it first.
Do viewers need PowerPoint installed?
Yes, unless they use PowerPoint Online in their browser.
Start Creating Your Own PPSX PowerPoint Show
Now that you know how to create, save, link, and troubleshoot PPSX files, you are ready to build presentations that are polished, professional, and easier for your audience to navigate.
Browse our collection of PowerPoint templates to jump-start your next presentation and save it as a PPSX slideshow for seamless sharing and presenting.
