What is .pptx?

.pptx is the default presentation file format for Microsoft PowerPoint created in PowerPoint 2007 and later. It uses the Office Open XML standard to store slides, text, images, audio, video, and transitions in a compressed ZIP-based container.

This quick guide explains when to use .pptx files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .pptx files

You are creating a slide deck for a business meeting, lecture, or pitch.
You need to present information visually with charts, images, and animations.
You want a format that is editable and compatible with most presentation software.

How to open .pptx files

PPTX files open natively in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Apple Keynote, and LibreOffice Impress. You can also upload .pptx files to FileXhost to view them directly in your browser without installing any software.

Algorithm details

Like .docx and .xlsx, the .pptx format is based on the Office Open XML standard (OOXML). It is a zipped archive of XML files containing the slide data, relationships, and theme information, along with a media folder for images and videos embedded in the presentation.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Not natively supported by browsers for direct rendering without plugins, but viewable via online viewers (Google Drive, Office Online, FileXhost).
Mobile: Supported via apps like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or built-in system viewers.
OS: Native support on Windows and macOS via office suites.

Format comparison

Feature	Details
File Size	Smaller than older .ppt files due to XML compression (ZIP).
Multimedia	Better support for embedded high-quality video and audio compared to .ppt.
Compatibility	Supported by all major presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote, Slides).
Security	Safer than .ppt because it cannot contain VBA macros (macros require .pptm).

How to create pptx files

Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides (Download as .pptx), LibreOffice Impress.
Design Tools: Canva (Export as PowerPoint).
Mobile Apps: PowerPoint for iOS/Android, Keynote.

How to convert pptx files

FileXhost: Upload to view or share.
PowerPoint/Slides: Save as PDF, Video (MP4), or Images (JPG/PNG).
Online Tools: CloudConvert, Zamzar, Smallpdf.

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Industry standard for presentations
Supports rich media, animations, and transitions
Editable across different platforms and software
Compact file size compared to legacy formats
Separation of content and formatting (XML-based)

Disadvantages

Layout may shift slightly when opened in different software (e.g., Keynote)
Requires specific software to edit
Video compatibility can vary depending on codecs installed

Tools & software

Viewers

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer, Google Slides, FileXhost

Editors

Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Apple Keynote, LibreOffice Impress

Converters

CloudConvert, Zamzar, Smallpdf

Libraries

python-pptx, Apache POI (Java)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PPT and PPTX?

PPT is the older binary format used by PowerPoint 97-2003. PPTX is the newer XML-based format used by PowerPoint 2007 and later. PPTX is smaller, safer, and more robust.

How do I open a PPTX file without PowerPoint?

You can use free alternatives like Google Slides (upload the file), LibreOffice Impress, or Apple Keynote. You can also use FileXhost to view the presentation online.

Can I convert PPTX to PDF?

Yes, saving as PDF is a great way to share a presentation if you want to ensure the fonts and layout look exactly the same on every device, though animations will be lost.

Why can't I play the video in my PPTX file?

This often happens if the video codec isn't supported on your computer or if the video file was linked rather than embedded. PPTX usually embeds media, but older versions might have linked it.

Technical specs

File type: Presentation
Extension: .pptx
MIME type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation
Compression: Lossless
Max file size on FileXhost: Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.

Upload your .pptx file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

Upload .pptx file