How to Add, Record, and Edit Audio in PowerPoint

by | Oct 2, 2023 | Presentation Design | 0 comments

PowerPoint presentations are a powerful means of conveying information and engaging your audience. While visual elements are key, audio can take your presentations to the next level by adding depth, context, and interactivity. Audio is a powerful tool for enhancing PowerPoint presentations. It can turn a basic slideshow into an engaging, multi-sensory experience that deeply connects with your audience. Whether it’s background music, clear narration, or well-timed sound effects, audio can transform your presentations.

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, covering three main aspects:

  1. How to Add Audio to PowerPoint
  2. How to Record Audio in PowerPoint
  3. How to Add Music to PowerPoint

Let’s get started.

How to Add Audio to PowerPoint

Adding audio to your PowerPoint presentation can be done in a few simple steps. You can use audio files like MP3, WAV, or even embed online content. Here is how:

  1. Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation to which you want to add audio.
  2. Select the slide where you want to add audio.
  3. Insert the Audio:
    1. On Windows – Go to the Insert tab and click on Audio. You can choose Audio on My PC to insert a local audio file.
    2. On Mac – Navigate to the Insert tab, and select Audio followed by Audio on My Mac.
  1. Choose the audio file you want to add from your computer, and click Insert.
  1. Click on the speaker icon, and the Audio Tools tab will appear.
    • You can set the audio to play automatically or upon clicking the icon.
    • Adjust the volume, fade duration, and other playback options as needed.
  2. It is recommended to tick Hide During Show so that the speaker icon is not seen during your presentation.
  1. Before finalising, always preview your presentation to ensure the audio works as intended.

Adding audio to your PowerPoint slides can significantly enhance your presentation. Whether you’re using it for narration, sound effects, or background music, audio can captivate your audience and make your message more memorable.

How to Record Audio in PowerPoint

Recording your voice or any audio directly within PowerPoint is a great way to add narration, commentary, or explanations to your slides. Follow these steps:

  1. Begin by opening your PowerPoint presentation.
  2. Choose the slide where you want to add recorded audio.
  3. Insert the Audio:
    1. On Windows – Go to the Insert tab and click on Audio. You can choose Record Audio.
    2. On Mac – Navigate to the Insert tab, and select Audio followed by Record Audio.
  1. A dialog box will appear for recording. Click the red Record button and start speaking into your microphone.
  1. When you’ve finished recording, press the square Stop button.
  2. You can listen to your recording and re-record if necessary.
  3. Name your recording, and click OK when satisfied.
  4. Just like adding audio files, you can set playback options such as automatic or on-click start, volume, and more.

Recording audio directly in PowerPoint offers a seamless way to provide commentary, explanations, or narration for your slides. It’s a valuable feature for educational presentations, webinars, and any situation where spoken explanations can add clarity and engagement to your content.

How to Add Music to PowerPoint

Adding background music or sound effects can create an immersive experience in your presentation. Follow these steps to add music to your PowerPoint:

  1. Begin by opening your PowerPoint presentation.
  2. Choose the slide where you want to add recorded audio.
  3. Insert the Audio:
    1. On Windows – Go to the Insert tab and click on Audio. You can choose Audio on My PC.
    2. On Mac – Navigate to the Insert tab, and select Audio followed by Audio on My Mac.
  4. As with other audio, customise the playback settings for your music file.
  1. Under Playback, adjust the loop options. You can choose to loop the music across slides and until the presentation ends.
  2. Always preview your presentation to ensure the music plays as desired.

Adding music to your PowerPoint presentation can transform it into a captivating multimedia experience. Whether you’re creating a slideshow for a celebratory event, a marketing pitch, or a training session, the right background music can set the mood and engage your audience.

Tips for Using Audio in PowerPoint

Let’s explore some tips for effectively using audio in your presentations now that you know how to add, record, and edit audio in PowerPoint.

  1. Relevance – Ensure that the audio you add or record enhances your presentation’s message and is relevant to the content. It should not distract or overpower the visual elements.
  2. Volume Control – Maintain a proper balance between audio and spoken content. Test the volume settings to ensure the audience can hear without straining.
  3. Timing – Sync your audio with your slide transitions and animations to create a seamless experience. Use the Start and Stop options to control when audio plays.
  4. Copyright – Be mindful of copyright when using music or sound effects. Ensure you have the necessary rights or use royalty-free audio from reputable sources.
  5. Testing – Always test your audio on the equipment you’ll use for the actual presentation to avoid any technical glitches.
  6. Accessibility – Consider accessibility by providing transcripts for voiceovers and descriptions for audio elements in your presentation for those with disabilities.
  7. Compression – If your PowerPoint presentation contains audio, consider compressing the file size before sharing it to make it easier to send via email or share online.

By applying these tips, you can make the most of audio in your PowerPoint presentations, creating engaging and informative slideshows that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

In conclusion, audio is a valuable asset for enhancing PowerPoint presentations, adding a rich auditory dimension to your slideshows. With the knowledge and skills gained from this guide, you’re well-equipped to master audio in PowerPoint and create presentations that truly resonate with your audience.