How to open a .ppt file
Quick, free ways to open PPT on any system.
A .ppt file is a Microsoft PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads PPT yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .ppt file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .ppt. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Microsoft PowerPoint or LibreOffice Impress.
- On Mac, use Microsoft PowerPoint or Keynote.
- On Linux, try LibreOffice Impress or OnlyOffice.
- Still stuck? Convert the .ppt to pptx, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .ppt files
Windows
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- LibreOffice Impress
- WPS Office
macOS
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Keynote
- LibreOffice Impress
Linux
- LibreOffice Impress
- OnlyOffice
Web
- Google Slides
- Microsoft 365 for the web
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Before you open it: Mostly safe, but .ppt can embed macros. Keep macros disabled unless you trust the source.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .ppt file?
Almost always because no installed app understands PPT. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
What is the difference between PPT and PPTX?
PPT is the old binary format (PowerPoint 97-2003). PPTX, from PowerPoint 2007, is a ZIP of XML: smaller and more robust. PowerPoint opens both.
How do I open a .ppt file?
PowerPoint, LibreOffice Impress, Keynote and Google Slides all open .ppt, and can save it as PPTX or PDF.