Compress pictures in PowerPoint when an image-heavy presentation is difficult to share. These instructions cover desktop PowerPoint for Windows; picture compression is unavailable in Microsoft 365 for the web.
Keep an editable original
Save a separate working copy before changing image quality. Use a clear name such as Client presentation – sharing copy, and note the starting file size for comparison.
Compress the pictures
- Open the presentation and select a picture.
- Select Picture Format > Compress Pictures in the Adjust group.
- Leave Apply only to this picture selected for a trial on one image, or clear it to apply compression across the presentation.
- Choose the resolution suited to the intended use, or select Use default resolution.
- Select Delete cropped areas of pictures only if you no longer need those areas. Removing them prevents their recovery from that compressed picture.
- Confirm the dialog and save the sharing copy.
If you need a smaller default
Open File > Options > Advanced > Image Size and Quality. Clear Do not compress images in file and choose a lower default resolution. Microsoft suggests 150 ppi or lower for reducing presentation size.
The optional Discard editing data setting also removes information used to restore edited pictures. Use it only when the original images are safely retained.
Verify before sharing
Compare the saved file size with the original. Review photographs, diagrams and small labels in Slide Show view on the intended display. If important detail becomes blurry, return to the original and repeat with a higher resolution or a narrower selection.
