PowerPoint

PowerPoint Add-Ins for Mac: What Are Your Options?

Mac users looking for PowerPoint add-ins often run into a common issue: most add-ins are designed exclusively for the Windows operating system.

One way to get around this is by using Parallels Desktop for Mac, which allows you to run Windows inside a virtual machine. With this setup, you can install Windows, Microsoft Office, and any PowerPoint add-ins just as you would on a PC. However, this approach requires purchasing Parallels and a Windows license, setting up a virtual machine, and switching between operating systems. It’s both annoying and costly.

For those looking for a native PowerPoint add-in that works on Mac without a virtual machine, PowerTools is currently one of the only options. It works on both Windows and Mac, allowing professionals – from consultants to finance analysts – to use essential formatting tools (e.g., copy-paste position, match formatting and size, bulk formatting, custom slide library) on their preferred operating system.

Why Most PowerPoint Add-Ins Don’t Work on Mac

Microsoft Office supports three types of add-ins:

  • COM Add-Ins – The most common type, but only works on Windows
  • Cloud-Based Add-Ins – Web-based and compatible with Mac, but limited in functionality
  • VBA Add-Ins – The only type that works natively on both Windows and Mac

Most PowerPoint productivity add-ins rely on COM-based technology, which isn’t supported on macOS. PowerTools is a VBA-based add-in, making it one of the few tools that function across both operating systems without requiring additional software.

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