Automatically Create PowerPoint Slides from Excel (3 Easy Ways)

Microsoft Excel is indeed an extremely effective software. We may perform countless operations on a given dataset using Excel’s tools and features. We frequently need to make PowerPoint slides from Excel files. When we have to do it repeatedly, copying information from Excel and making PowerPoint slides is very time-consuming. This article will discuss three unique and easy ways to create PowerPoint slides from Excel files automatically. Therefore, you should go through these 3 easy ways to Automatically Create PowerPoint Slides from Excel.


How to Automatically Create PowerPoint Slides from Excel: 3 Easy Ways

As an illustration, we will explore a sample dataset. The following dataset, for example, has sales representative Names and Areas. We are going to show the Excel data in PowerPoint slides using all 3 of the approaches. Moreover, I will go through the benefits and drawbacks of using these strategies. In addition, I have yet to mention that I have been using the Microsoft Excel 365 version for this article; You are free to choose any other edition that you find most convenient.

automatically create powerpoint slides from excel


1. Automatically Create Slides Using Insert Command in PowerPoint

The Insert command is the simplest method. Using this Insert Command, slides are kept up to date immediately after any modifications are made to the Excel file. The issue is that we need to utilize the insert command for each slide. We will insert the Excel object using PowerPoint’s Insert command to automate the procedure. To complete the work, please follow the instructions below.

STEPS:

  • First, launch PowerPoint.
  • Then, select the Insert tab.
  • Next, click Text, and later on the Object option.

Automatically Create Slides Using Insert Command in PowerPoint

  • As a result, a new dialog box will pop up at this time, and you must click on Create from file.
  • After that, click on Browse to find the Excel document you want to add to your slides.

  • Consequently, the Insert Object dialog box pops up again, allowing you to check the Link box and click OK.
  • Hence, as demonstrated below, it will yield the desired output in MS PowerPoint.

Read More: How to Insert an Excel File into PowerPoint as an Icon


2. Apply Paste Special Feature to Generate Slides from Excel

Another interesting way is to use the Paste Special feature. We can make slides in PowerPoint with the specified and selected data from Excel through the paste feature. Here, as the data in the Excel file is updated, the PowerPoint slide is also updated. To do the procedure, follow these instructions.

STEPS:

  • First, open Excel’s saved worksheet to insert data.

Apply Paste Special Feature to Generate Slides from Excel

  • Secondly, move the mouse over the portion of the data you wish to link to PowerPoint. Then click on Copy.
  • Now, open PowerPoint and click on the slide where you wish to connect the Excel data. Later on, click Paste and Paste Special feature.

  • And a new dialog box appears. Choose the Paste link After that, click As Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object and hit OK.

  • As a result, it will return the required output in the PowerPoint slides, as shown below.

Read More: How to Copy Chart from Excel to PowerPoint Without Link


3. Create PowerPoint Slides from Excel Through VBA

There is a unique way of creating PowerPoint Slides automatically using Excel VBA. The only difference between previous methods is that slides are not updated as we change the Excel file. To use the Excel VBA Code, we must add the Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library. However, since we are using this approach, we don’t need to create a VBA code for each presentation. Through modification of the code, we can generate dozens of slides.

STEPS:

  • First of all, select the active sheet of the workbook to begin.

Create PowerPoint Slides from Excel Through VBA

  • Secondly, navigate to Developer and then Visual Basic.
  • Later on, select Insert and now click on Module.

  • Next, put the following code into the Module box. Remember to change the cell’s range.
Sub powerPointFromExcel()
   
    Dim AppSofteko As PowerPoint.Application
    Dim PresentationSofteko As PowerPoint.Presentation
    Dim SlideSofteko As PowerPoint.Slide
   
    Set AppSofteko = New PowerPoint.Application
   
    AppSofteko.Visible = True
    AppSofteko.Activate
   
    Set PresentationSofteko = AppSofteko.Presentations.Add
    Set SlideSofteko = PresentationSofteko.Slides.Add(1, ppLayoutTitleOnly)
   
    SlideSofteko.Shapes(1).TextFrame.TextRange = "Use of Excel VBA"
    ActiveSheet.Range("A3:D11").Copy
    SlideSofteko.Shapes.Paste

End Sub

  • Finally, click the Run button or press F5.
  • So, this is where the output will go.

Note
If you do not add the Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library before running the code, you must see the User-Defined Type not defined error like the following image.

Possible Error Raised when applying the code

To overcome the error, follow these:

Step 1: Hover over Tools => You will see the References option => Click on References.

Hover over Tools and you will see the References option

As a result, the References – VBAProject window will open.

Step 2: Check Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library => You will see the OK button in the top right corner => Hit OK to resolve the error.

In the References - VBAProject window, check Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library and you will see the OK button in the right top corner


Download Practice Workbook

You can get a free copy of the example workbook that was used during the discussion which was just below here.


Conclusion

You can automatically create PowerPoint slides from Excel from this point forward by using the procedures that we just discussed. Keep using them, and let us know if you come up with any other strategies to get the work done or if you have any new ideas. Remember to post questions, comments, or recommendations in the section below.


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Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
Lutfor Rahman Shimanto

Lutfor Rahman Shimanto, BSc, Information Technology, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, has worked with the ExcelDemy project for over a year. He has written 50+ articles and provided solutions of 100+ comments for ExcelDemy. Currently, he works as an Excel & VBA Developer and provides support and solutions in the ExcelDemy Forum. He has solved 100+ ExcelDemy Forum problems. His work and learning interests are in developing various Excel & VBA and Desktop applications. Outside of work, he enjoys Chess... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Hi and thanks for your post data;

    When I use your VBA code I got this error:”user defined type not defined”
    How can I fix it?

    Best Regards

    • Reply Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto Nov 1, 2023 at 12:39 PM

      Hello REZA

      Thanks for reaching out and posting your comment. You are right about the raised error. If you do not add the Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library, you must see the User-Defined Type not defined error.

      To solve the issue, follow these:
      Step 1: Hover over Tools => You will see the References option.

      Hover over Tools and you will see the References option

      Step 2: Click on References => In the References – VBAProject window, check Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library, and you will see the OK button in the top right corner.

      In the References - VBAProject window, check Microsoft PowerPoint 16.0 Object Library and you will see the OK button in the right top corner

      Step 3: After clicking OK, you will be able to run the code like the following GIF.

      Solving the user defined type not defined error

      Hopefully, the solution will help you overcome your situation. Good luck.

      Regards
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto

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