For a conference, PowerPoint is the safest choice and Keynote the most spectacular. PowerPoint works with almost every AV setup and computer; Keynote offers smoother animation but only runs on Mac. The right choice depends on the AV team, the speakers and how the deck will live after the event.
PowerPoint strengths
- Compatibility: the standard in companies and for most event AV teams.
- Collaboration: co-editing in Microsoft 365, comments, version history.
- Corporate templates: masters and layouts shared by every team.
- Morph transition: smooth animation, close to Keynote when well built.
Keynote strengths
- Rendering: typography, anti-aliasing and animation often finer by default.
- Magic Move and builds: very fluid sequences, ideal for a product launch.
- Stability on Mac: video-heavy files stay smooth on a presentation Mac.
Watch out for
- Keynote requires a Mac: check the AV team has one, or bring your own.
- Fonts: whatever the software, fonts must be installed on the playback machine or embedded.
- Video: use compatible formats (MP4 H.264) and test on the final machine.
- 16:9 or custom screens: ask for the exact resolution, especially for panoramic LED walls.
A designer’s advice
The safest approach is often to design in the software the AV team knows best, then deliver a backup: PDF, video of animated sequences, or a version in the other software. I regularly deliver the same deck in both PowerPoint and Keynote when speakers work on different machines.
Frequently asked questions
Keynote or PowerPoint: which looks better?
Keynote offers smoother animation and finer typography out of the box, but a PowerPoint deck built by a designer can be just as elegant.
Can a Keynote file be played on a PC?
No, Keynote only runs on Mac, iPad and iPhone. For a PC, export to PowerPoint, PDF or video.
Which format should I give the event AV team?
Always ask the AV team which format they expect. Many accept both, but PowerPoint remains the most widespread standard.
Need an expert eye for your event? See PowerPoint designer and Keynote designer.