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Create a PowerPoint presentation using Excel data
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If you want to take data from an Excel spreadsheet and put it into a PowerPoint presentation, you can do so by simply copy and pasting it. If you want to make sure your data stays updated throughout both programs, you can use the Object tool to insert your data. Here's how to convert Excel to PowerPoint using your Windows or Mac computer.

Transferring Excel Data to PowerPoint

To convert Excel data into PowerPoint, highlight the data you want. Right-click the data and click Copy . Navigate to a slide in PowerPoint, click an empty area, and then click Paste . You can also link to an Excel document by using the "Object" tool in PowerPoint. Select Create from File , and then select your Excel file.

For popular FAQs on converting Excel to PowerPoint, jump to more common questions .

Section 1 of 3:

Using Copy and Paste

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  1. You can use copy and paste to put an Excel chart, graph, or other data into a PowerPoint presentation.
  2. 2
    Select the data you want to use. You can click the box in the top-left corner of the data to select everything. If you only want to select a certain chart or graph, click and drag one corner to the other.
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  3. 3
    Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd + C (Mac) to copy. Alternatively, right-click the chart and select Copy .
  4. 4
    Open your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. Navigate to the slide where you want to paste the Excel data.
  5. 5
    Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd + V (Mac) to paste. Alternatively, right-click where you want the chart and select Paste .
    • For more paste options, click the Home tab and click the arrow underneath the Paste icon. You can select: Keep Source Formatting, Use Destination Styles, Link & Keep Source Formatting, Link & Use Destination Styles, Picture, or Keep Text Only.
  6. 6
    Edit the data. To move the chart or graph, click the outer edge and drag it to a new location. To resize it, drag the corner circle inwards to make it smaller or drag it outwards to make it bigger.
  7. 7
    Customize the chart (optional). If you want to edit the data or change its layout elements, styles, and filters, do the following:
    • Select the chart.
    • Click the Chart/Table Design or Chart/Table Tools Design tab.
    • Click Data .
    • Click Edit Data .
    • Select a modification option.
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Section 2 of 3:

Using the Object Tool

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  1. 1
    Open your PowerPoint file. You can use the Object tool to link Excel data in PowerPoint if you don't want to copy and paste it.
    • When you update the data in Excel, it will reflect in the PowerPoint presentation.
  2. 2
    Click Insert . This is in the top toolbar.
  3. 3
    Select Object . You can find this in the Text section.
  4. 4
    Select Create from file . This is the button on the left.
  5. 5
    Click Browse . This is underneath the File field.
  6. 6
    Select your Excel file. Use the pop-up File Explorer to find and select your file. Then, click Open or Insert .
  7. 7
    Click OK . This is at the bottom-right corner of the window. The Excel file will be linked to your PowerPoint.
    • If you change the data in Excel, you'll need to refresh the presentation to stay up-to-date. Right-click the data in PowerPoint and select Update Link . [1]
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Section 3 of 3:

Benefits of Converting Excel Data

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  1. 1
    Better visuals. If you have a lot of data to show in your presentation, converting your Excel data allows you to customize its appearance to make it easier to digest for your audience.
  2. 2
    Professional look. Polished and organized charts can show you have authority over your data and are confident in it.
  3. 3
    Structured presentations. If your work consists of presenting a lot of data, converting Excel into PowerPoint can help organize and separate your charts and graphs into manageable sections.
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Common Questions: Converting Excel to PPT

Can I copy from Excel to PowerPoint and keep formatting?

When you paste Excel data into PowerPoint, you can choose to keep the original formatting or change it to match PowerPoint's. With the Paste menu open, select the icon for the option you want.

How do I transfer an Excel chart to PowerPoint?

Click the chart you want to transfer and click Ctrl + C to copy it. Select a slide in PowerPoint, and then press Ctrl + V to paste it.

Can I link an Excel file in PowerPoint?

You can link an Excel file in PowerPoint by using the "Object" tool. Select it from the toolbar. Select Create from file , select the Excel file, and then select OK .

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