author image

How to combine PowerPoints is a common question when you’re working with multiple presentations, especially in collaborative projects. This guide shows you 6 easy methods, whether you’re merging two files or multiple PowerPoints into one. Dive in and find your ways.

Method 1: Merge Powerpoints by Coping and Pasting

This method is quick and easy for a small number of slides, but is tedious for large numbers of slides. Follow these steps to get started.
1. Open both the source and destination PowerPoint files.
2. In the source presentation, select the slides you want to move (hold “Ctrl” to choose multiple or press “Ctrl+A” to select all slides).
3. Right-click and choose Copy (or press “Ctrl+C”).

copy slides from source presentation

4. Switch to the destination presentation, right-click where(between two slides) you want to insert the slides in the left pane, and Paste (Ctrl+V).

paste slides to destination presentation

5. After pasting, use the Paste Options button that appears to choose:

  • Use Destination Theme
  • Keep Source Formatting

two paste option

Note:If you are combining PowerPoints on Mac, the shortcut is different:

    • Copy: Command-C
    • Paste: Command-V
    • Select all slides: Command-A

Method 2: Drag and Drop to Combine PowerPoints

With Drag and Drop, you can compare two presentations and find the appropriate insertion point. However, this method is also not suitable for combining multiple slides either.
Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
1. Open both your source and destination presentations in PowerPoint.
2. Arrange windows so both are visible (side by side is easiest).

drag and drop to merge presentations

3. In the source presentation, select the slides you want (hold Ctrl for multiple).
4. Drag the selected slides from the thumbnail pane of the source to the desired spot in the destination’s thumbnail pane.
5. After dropping, use the Paste Options that appear to:

    • Use Destination Theme
    • Keep Source Formatting

combine slides by inserting object

workppt banner

WorkPPT – AI Presentation Maker

No formatting hassle. No copy-pasting slides. Simple enter the topic or upload files and get a complete presention in few mins.

Method 3: Combine 2 PowerPoints by Reusing Slides

Reuse slides function can effectively export multiple slides, but it may not apply to all slide versions. Here’s how to do it in just a few quick steps.

1. Open your destination PowerPoint file.
2. Go to the Home tab, then click New Slide > Reuse Slides.

combine slides by reusing slides

3. In the Reuse Slides pane, click Browse > Browse File and select the source presentation.

browse file

4. Click individual slides to insert, or right-click and choose Insert All Slides.

insert slides by reusing slides

5. Check or uncheck Keep source formatting at the bottom.

keep source formatting when mering slides

Method 4: Insert Object

If you want to combine multiple PowerPoints into one while keeping them modular and separately editable, embedding is the way to go. But this creates a file icon or thumbnail inside your presentation, which opens the embedded slides.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your main presentation.
2. Go to Insert > Object.

combine slides by inserting objects

3. Choose Create from file > Click Browse and select the PowerPoint file you want to insert. Decide whether to link it (updates with the source file) or embed it fully.

creat from file

4. Click OK to insert. And you will see a file icon in your source presentation. You can adjust its size and position to adapt to your source Powerpoint size. But you can only view this slide by double-clicking, because it is a separate file.

insert file in source presentation

Method 5: Mix up Slides by Inserting Objects

If you’re working with different versions of the same presentation, PowerPoint’s Compare feature is a smart way to combine PowerPoints while tracking changes. This is especially useful in collaborative environments, where multiple people might edit copies of the same file.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Open your main (destination) presentation.
2. Go to the Review tab, click Compare.

mix up slides by comparing two presentations

3. Select the other PowerPoint file. PowerPoint highlights differences; you can accept or reject changes, including slides.

accept or reject changes

5. Merge desired slides and content.

🚨This comparison function is not available in some versions. If your version supports this feature, you can check this detailed guide to help you enhance slide collaboration.

Method 6: Use a Online PowerPoint Merger

If you are not familiar with PowerPoint and only need to combine two or more slides, using an online merge tool is the most efficient method. Here I recommend Choladeck. It helps you merge PowerPoint files quickly and securely, while maintaining your original formatting.
Follow these simple steps to combine PowerPoint files:
1. Drag and drop or choose the PowerPoint files you want to merge.

mix up slides by comparing two presentations

2. Drag to arrange the files in the desired order.

mix up slides by comparing two presentations

3. Click Merge files and download your merged PowerPoint file.

Tips for Merging PowerPoint Slides Without Issues

Combining files can sometimes lead to formatting chaos. Here’s how to minimize that:

  • Use the Reuse Slides method when possible to maintain consistency
  • Always double-check Slide Masters
  • Re-apply a uniform theme after merging
  • Use Slide Sorter view to organize layout and order
  • Check media elements like videos or animations—they might not transfer well

FAQs: How to Combine Powerpoint Presentations

Q1: Will the overall look change if I group PPT slides together?

Not necessarily, but it depends. If both presentations use the same slide master and design theme, the overall look will stay consistent.

Q2: How to combine multiple PowerPoint into one?

Repeat the Reuse Slides method or manually copy-paste from each into a master file.

Q3: How to combine 2 PowerPoint presentations?

Use the Reuse Slides tool: go to Home > New Slide > Reuse Slides, select the second file, and import the slides.
Pros: Keeps formatting, allows selective slides.
Cons: May need cleanup if themes differ.

Q4: Is Choladeck PowerPoint merger free?

Yes, it is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or premium versions.

Q5: Can I convert several PowerPoints to one PDF?

Sure. After merging several PowerPoints, go to File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document > Enter file name > Pubilish.

Q6: How to put locked PowerPoints into one?

Firstly, you need to unlock these presentations. Open locked ppt and go to File > Info > Protect Presentation > Encrypt with Password. Delete the password, click OK, and now you can combine the slides into another presentation.

💬 Conclusion:

Now you know how to combine PowerPoints using methods like Reuse Slides, copy-paste, embedding, and more. Choose the one that fits your needs and remember to clean up formatting afterward.

🌟To save time and enhance your slides, try WorkPPT-AI PowerPoint Generator,helps you create and polish presentations quickly and professionally.