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How to combine PowerPoints is a common question among professionals. Whether integrating team projects or compiling presentations, merging PowerPoint files often presents a challenge.

This guide shows you six easy ways to combine PowerPoints. You’ll also find tips to watch out for, and answers to common questions, so you can do it smoothly every time.

We’ll show you six ways to explore how to merge PowerPoints, starting with the easiest and moving to the more advanced.

Method 1: Coping and Pasting to Merge PPT

If you only have a few slides, the quickest way is to copy and paste. It’s simple, and anyone can do it.

Step 1. Open the source PowerPoint file and the target PowerPoint file.

Step 2. In the slide navigation pane on the left side of the source file, select the slides you want to move.

  • Hold down “Ctrl” to pick multiple slides.
  • Press “Ctrl+A” to select all slides.

Step 3. Right-click and select “Copy”, or just press “Ctrl+C”.

copy slides from source presentation

Step 4. Go to the target file. In the left pane, locate the desired insertion point. Right-click and select “Paste”. Or press “Ctrl+V” to paste.

paste slides to destination presentation

Step 5. After pasting, you’ll see two style options:

  • Use destination theme → Slides will match the target file’s design.
  • Keep source formatting → Slides keep their original design, but styles may not match.

two paste option

This combine PowerPoint slides method works fine for quick, one-off tasks. But it’s not ideal if you have many slides, since animations and transitions may not carry over.

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 PPT

Another easy way of how to combine two PowerPoints is to drag and drop. It works just like moving files on your desktop. But this method is best when you only have a few PPT files.

Step 1. Open both your source and target presentations in PowerPoint.

Step 2. Arrange windows so both are visible (side by side is easiest).

drag and drop to merge presentations

Step 3. In the source presentation, select the slides you want (hold “Ctrl” for multiple).

Step 4. Drag the selected slides from the thumbnail pane of the source to the desired spot in the destination’s thumbnail pane.

Step 5. After dropping, use the “Paste Options” that appear to:

    • Use Destination Theme
    • Keep Source Formatting

combine slides by inserting object

Dragging multiple slides is a bit faster than copying and pasting. However, it carries the risk of formatting issues.

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Method 3: Reusing Slides to Combine PowerPoints

The Reuse Slides feature helps you quickly export multiple slides and save time. But it doesn’t work with every version of PowerPoint.

Step 1. Open your target PowerPoint file.

Step 2. Go to the “Home” tab, then click “New Slide” > “Reuse Slides”.

combine slides by reusing slides

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

browse file

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

insert slides by reusing slides

Step 5. Check or uncheck “Keep source formatting” at the bottom.

keep source formatting when mering slides

You can duplicate slides anytime, which makes bulk merging PowerPoints fast and easy. But if the source file is too large, it may load slowly.

Method 4: Compare and Combine PowerPoint Slides

Most of the methods above work well for merging separate files. But if you have multiple versions of the same PPT—like in team collaboration where everyone edited their own copy—you should use the Compare feature to combine the changes.

Step 1. Open your main (destination) presentation.

Step 2. Go to the “Review” tab, click “Compare”.

mix up slides by comparing two presentations

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

accept or reject changes

Step 4. Merge desired slides and content.

Rename files consistently (like V1, V2) before combining powerpoint files to avoid confusion.

Method 5: Insert Object to Combine PPT

Sometimes you don’t need to fully merge slides. You just want to insert one presentation into another. In that case, use the Insert Object feature. It keeps the file separate, so you can still edit it on its own.

Step 1. Open your main presentation.

Step 2. Go to “Insert” > “Object”.

combine slides by inserting objects

Step 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

Step 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

This method is ideal for archiving, classroom handouts, or reference materials. It keeps the original file unchanged and simply shows the content alongside it.

🚨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 want to skip the slow, manual steps in PowerPoint, consider using an online PowerPoint merging tool. Here, I recommend Choladeck. It quickly combines PowerPoints while keeping the original formatting intact.

Step 1. Drag and drop or choose the PowerPoint files you want to merge.

mix up slides by comparing two presentations

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

mix up slides by comparing two presentations

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

If your PowerPoint presentation contains sensitive information, it’s best to use local software for editing.

Tips for Merging PowerPoint Slides Without Issues

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

  • Standardize master slides in advance to minimize subsequent revisions.
  • Check fonts and colors to keep everything uniform.
  • Compress files to prevent excessive size and maintain presentation fluidity.
  • Standardize animations, then combine PPTs and review transitions carefully.
  • Check media elements like video or animations—they might not transfer well.
  • Do a final run-through on the actual device before presenting.

FAQs about How to Combine PowerPoints

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

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

Q: How to combine multiple PowerPoint into one?

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

Q: How to combine 2 PowerPoint presentations?

A: 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.

Q: Is Choladeck PowerPoint merger free?

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

Q: Can I convert several PowerPoints to one PDF?

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

Q: How to put locked PowerPoints into one?

A: 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.

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