PowerPoint vs. Prezi: A comparison

We have compared the "Powerpoint" and "Prezi" programs for you in a comparison. If you are planning a presentation in a long time, this practical tip will help you choose the right presentation program.

Powerpoint and Prezi in comparison

There are many ways you can use programs to bring your content and information closer to an audience. The presentation programs "Powerpoint" and "Prezi" in particular have established themselves over time in school, in college and in numerous professions. But what distinguishes these two software tools and what do they have to offer?

• Powerpoint: The now traditional Microsoft program "Powerpoint" with around 500 million users dominates the market for any software related to technical lectures. The application has made a name for almost every concern, above all due to its linear display structure with foils and countless templates. After you have installed and started the program on your computer, you can start immediately.
• Prezi: "Prezi" offers a new way of using visual aids and has only been available for purchase since 2009. The tool is a web-based application. You edit and present your concepts online. For this purpose, a virtual and almost infinitely large sheet of paper is available to you on the basis of Flash technology, on which you can collate content. The individual contents have no fixed order, so you can arrange the information as you wish.

Powerpoint - Properties of the presentation software

• Unlike "Prezi", "Powerpoint" is on your hard drive and has a corresponding amount of storage space. You can access your documents at any time.
• After you have downloaded and installed the software tool, you can create and edit presentations in "Powerpoint" even without an internet connection.
• The Microsoft presentation program offers you many options in the menu. You can independently create and edit texts, graphics, tables, templates, animations and accompanying notes. However, this versatility is usually fatal for beginners, as it takes some time before you can find your way around the presentation environment.
• As already mentioned, you have a fixed structure in "Powerpoint". You present your content using the slides and in a sequence of your choice. Although you can arrange your information in any way, you present your slides in a linear pattern.
• The software enables you to link other Microsoft applications, create links to pages and documents, and link multiple "Powerpoint" presentations. However, you can only do this once you have some experience with the program.
• You pay a one-time price for the application, so there are no additional costs. Due to the high reach of the product, you can download numerous free templates for your presentations from the Internet.
• With "Powerpoint" you can plan larger lectures without the presentation being confusing because you divide your content on the slides. A table of contents provides a rough overview.

Prezi - The features of the web-based presentation program

• "Prezi" is in a web-based program and can usually only be operated with an active internet connection. After you have installed the application, you need an active connection to make changes to your presentation. If you want to insert larger files such as pictures or sounds, a fast internet connection is very advisable.
• At first glance, the tool is quite clear and simple. As a beginner, you will find your way around quickly thanks to the manageable possibilities. However, at the same time, this is a major disadvantage of the application. You do not have as much freedom of action as with "Powerpoint" and have to create and insert a lot of content outside of the program. Sometimes you cannot change fonts and colors.
• Perhaps the biggest advantage of "Prezi" is the fact that the program is non-linear and therefore leaves you numerous possibilities in the presentation. However, you can set up a fixed pattern here if this type of presentation seems unusual to you.
• The strength of the software also lies in its creativity and flexibility. During the lecture you can zoom in or out on content and creatively integrate individual text modules. In general, you can constantly slide back and forth on the virtual sheet of paper and think of an individual order.
• For "Prezi" you can pay monthly fees after a 30-day trial so that you can continue to use the program. Otherwise, the system will notify you of the "Public" license, which limits your actions. The monthly costs vary depending on the license. If online access to the software is sufficient, the subscription costs $ 4.92 per month. With offline access, you have to pay $ 13.25 a month.
• Unfortunately, the application is still relatively unknown and hardly widespread. Therefore, the number of templates that you can download from the Internet is very limited. If you have any problems, contact support.
• "Prezi" is in no way intended for larger and more comprehensive presentations. Even if the surface appears huge at first glance, the presentation appears overloaded and confusing after several text modules. You must therefore link your content sensibly and briefly.

Powerpoint or Prezi

You have to decide individually whether you tend to "Powerpoint" or "Prezi". The two presentation programs are different tools which, depending on the topic, target group and presentation goal, are unequally suitable.

• "Powerpoint" is particularly suitable for classic, serious topics with linear processes. In addition, the application is extremely adaptable and presentation-oriented.
• Prezi: If you want to build on creative topics with an individual presentation and still want to remain flexible in your presentation, "Prezi" is the right presentation program for you.

If you want to create a presentation without "Powerpoint" or "Prezi", you should take a look at this practical tip.