How to Export High-Resolution Images from PowerPoint

So, you've designed some awesome slides. Now you want to see how to export those slides as images, and want to make sure that they come out looking great.

Don't worry, I got you covered.

Today, we're going to configure your PowerPoint software (no matter what version it is) so that we can only export high-resolution images (or, as they're most commonly known, 'high-quality images').

Let's Explain This Just a Little More

By default, when you save your PowerPoint slides as an image, it comes out pretty crappy. There's a reason for this.

PowerPoint is configured to export images at 96 Dots Per Inch (or DPI). This forces your pictures to be exported at awful resolutions like 960×720 or 1280×720. And these awful resolutions are what lead to your ugly pictures.

But don't worry.

What we are going to do is configure PowerPoint to export images at 300 DPI instead. This way, PowerPoint will export only high-resolution images. We're talking resolutions like 3000×2250 or 4000×2250!

Why High-Resolution Images Matter

When it comes to image quality, you have to use high-resolution images. They're bright, crisp, and bursting with color.

On the other hand, a low-resolution image will lead to your slides turning out blurry, grainy and pixelated.

So, unless you want to look unprofessional, there's absolutely no reason for you to export low-resolution images.

The Drawback to Exporting HD Images

Keep in mind there is a caveat when you're exporting crystal clear images, and it's this: The higher an image's resolution is, the bulkier the total file size will be.

Therefore, It's important to be aware of how much space your pictures are taking up just in case you plan on doing something with them later (like sending them to somebody via email and going over the file size limit).

The Tutorial's Easy, but a Little Technical

Although this video tutorial is straightforward, you may run into a few issues if you're not technically savvy. As such, it's imperative that you follow every single step I make on the video shown above.

For convenience's sake, the file directory listed in the video tutorial is this:

Having Issues?

"I'm a Mac User, so how can I do this on my device?"

There's another technique you can follow if you're on a Mac, but you have to be using Mac's version of Office 365 (or at least PowerPoint 2016 and beyond). If you are, read on. If you're not, then I'm sorry, I think you're out of luck.

When using Office 365's version of PowerPoint on a Mac, you can set the size of the image file by typing in the image size -- say 1920x1080 -- in the export menu window. Do that and you're golden.

"I don't see an Office folder under Microsoft when I'm looking at my Registry Editor. What do I do now?"

Good question. I've done some research and found that this is usually the case when users bought a device with Microsoft Office already pre-installed, particularly with Office 365.

As far as I know, the only solution around this is to reset your registry settings. But don't worry, Microsoft has an easy guide and fix for that. Yes, it's a Word guide, but it still works.

Once you've done that, go back and do the same steps I did. It should work for you then.

"I've done everything you've done in the video and it doesn't work."

It's more than likely that you made a typo along the way. Just follow the instructions again and see if it works.

"I've redone everything and it STILL doesn't work"

If you feel you've done EVERYTHING right and still aren't seeing results, then try reinstalling your software.

If that doesn't work, then I encourage you to contact Microsoft because something's off.

References

Check out Microsoft's tutorial on how to do everything explained in this post right here.