As a cornerstone of the Microsoft suite, many people have used PowerPoint at least once in the course of their professional careers. But, popular as it may be, it can still have a bit of a learning curve to master its different features and functions.

The amount of time it takes to learn PowerPoint will depend on how much you want to do with it. Getting the gist of PowerPoint can take just a few hours, whereas learning all of its special features may take weeks of your time.

If it seems complicated, do not be ready to throw in the towel just yet. Learning PowerPoint does not have to be difficult. Keep reading to learn more about the process and some tips and tricks to make learning PowerPoint easier for you.

Here’s How Long it Takes to Learn PowerPoint

PowerPoint is an extremely helpful presentation tool that will allow you to convey information in an efficient way. It is easy to understand, and features graphics and transitions that can make information more comprehensible to the viewer.

However, learning PowerPoint is not always as simple as putting a presentation together. How long it takes you to learn PowerPoint will probably depend on the following factors:

• Past experience: Do you know the Microsoft Suite or other forms of presentation software? If so, you will probably have a much easier time mastering the functions of Microsoft PowerPoint because you have a foundation.
• Your objectives: PowerPoint has a lot of functions, but not all of them may be relevant for your purposes. If you are looking to make a simple and clear presentation without a lot of graphics or features, you can reasonably expect to learn PowerPoint in the course of a day.
• Your aptitude for technology: It is true that everyone can learn computer literacy, but it is certainly easier to master PowerPoint if you are already someone who is familiar with computers and different types of software.

If you are someone with past experience, a high degree of computer literacy, and simple goals, you can reasonably expect to learn the basics of PowerPoint in even just a few hours. However, if you want to have a more complex skillset, it could take a longer time investment before you have the knowledge needed to meet your goals.

Resources for Learning PowerPoint

A lot of people choose to learn the basics of PowerPoint on their own or through exploration on the application. There is no wrong way to learn PowerPoint, and the following are some of the most typical learning resources:

• YouTube videos and tutorials: The beauty of YouTube is that it is free, and there is tons of content produced by experts. If you want to learn the basics of PowerPoint, many people start by watching a YouTube video that will overview the functions you will need.
• Take a course: There are online courses that can help you master PowerPoint. These are especially helpful if you want an in-depth, technical knowledge of the software. Also, these courses also offer an introduction to other applications in the Microsoft Suite, such as Excel.
• Do some experimenting: Sometimes the best way to learn is through firsthand experience. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the application, and even make a sample PowerPoint so you can see which designs and tactics work best.
• Talk to someone with experience: If you work with someone or have a friend who is a skilled producer of PowerPoints, they could be a great resource to have on your side. Talk to them and ask if they could walk you through the basics. Learning is always easier when you have clear instruction.
• Try a different presentation software: Many presentation software types share a lot of common features, so if you are already knowledgeable in a different option, like Google Slides, you may wish to refresh your knowledge in this area and then transfer it over to PowerPoint.

The learning strategy that works best for you will depend largely on your own learning style and needs. However, you can rest assured that with the right resources, your learning curve will be that much easier.

Conclusion

An effective PowerPoint can be a great teaching and presentation resource for various sectors. For this reason, learning PowerPoint is a necessary skill and one that will pay off in the long run. This design software, in conjunction with a graphic design tool like Placeit.net for mockups, will give you a secret weapon to mastering presentation material.