How to Make a Slideshow in Windows 10
A slideshow is one of the best ways to organize pictures for storage. Indeed, most Windows users face hardware problems or OS updates when they need to transfer files so they don't get lost.
In addition, knowing how to make a slideshow on Windows 10 is an effective way to display photos, videos, and other visuals more engagingly. It is a great way to bring presentations to life with a creative touch.
With the right tools and techniques, you can easily create beautiful and professional-looking slideshows in no time. Read further to learn how to make a slideshow in Windows 10 in 5 free and simple ways.
Selection process for slideshow creators
To create a reliable slideshow on Windows, we had to carefully choose and test the programs we used.
We started by researching different software options and reading reviews from other users. Then, we selected a few programs that seemed promising and installed them.
Next, we tested each program to see how easy it was to use and how well it worked. We paid close attention to features like adding transitions, music, and captions, as well as the overall quality of the final product.
After testing each program thoroughly, we compared our results and chose the one that worked best for our needs. Here is the table with our scores:
Application | Customization | Price | Output format | Overall performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Icecream Slideshow Maker |
Add music, set transitions, change resolution, blur background, apply various video effects
|
Free, Pro from $19.95
|
WebM, MOV, AVI, MP4
|
5.0 |
Microsoft Clipchamp |
Add music, text, transitions, change quality, use templates, apply various video effects
|
Free
|
MP4, GIF
|
4.8 |
Google Slides |
Insert audio, video, tables, diagrams, word art. Adjust layout, transitions and background
|
Free
|
PDF, PPTX, JPEG, PNG, ODP
|
4.2 |
Canva |
Use templates, add elements, text, change layouts, transitions, styles, insert tables
|
Free, Pro $119.99/year
|
PDF, PPTX, MP4, PNG, JPEG
|
4.0 |
File Explorer |
No
|
Free
|
No
|
2.0 |
Method 1. Icecream Slideshow Maker
- Download the slideshow maker for Windows and go through the setup. Launch the program to proceed with the photo slideshow creation.
- Click the "Add Photo" button to add pictures to the program one by one, or press "Add Folder" to load all images. With the drag-and-drop mechanism you can simplify the image addition process.
- Add sounds to construct a playlist for the slideshow either by using the "Add Audio" button or by simply dragging and dropping them. The files added can be reordered. You can loop the background audio ("Loop audio"), set offset ("Audio offset"), and fade ("Audio fade").
- Click "Preview" to check if the images and audio are set as intended.
- Hit "Create" to make a slideshow on Windows 10 or Windows 11. The progress bar will give you information on the status – the time remaining and the time elapsed.
When the slideshow creation is finished, the slideshow making software will open a pop-up notification offering you the options to open the output folder; upload the video to YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox; or burn the file to CD or DVD.
Advantages
- The order of images can be changed: drag them or highlight an image and use the UP/DOWN arrow buttons. You can apply the "Shuffle photos" button to randomize the order. Sorting files by their names is also available.
- This software has a mechanism to set the duration time in seconds for each slide or for all the pictures at once.
- The file name and the output video format can both be changed.
- Audio for background music can be in MP3, M4A or WAV format.
- Supports Windows 10/11, 8.1 and earlier versions.
- A wide range of customization tools: adjust font, color, position, and add animations.
- Slideshow creator is free of charge and has no watermark.
As detailed above, Icecream Slideshow Maker is a modern, easy-to-use program compatible with the latest versions of Windows OS, providing quick slideshow preparation along with advanced features.
Method 2. Microsoft Clipchamp
Creating a slideshow using the in-build tool is easy and fun. Here's how:
- Open Microsoft Clipchamp.
- Click on the "Create a video" button.
- Select "Import Media".
- Add photos to the timeline.
- Choose the needed settings and filters.
- When all changes are done click "Export".
Utilizing the Microsoft Clipchamp to create slideshows can be a neat tool to bring your photos to life. This Windows slideshow maker has the potential to turn a collection of ordinary photos into something extraordinary.
However, it is necessary to consider the benefits and drawbacks of this approach before diving in.
Pros:
- You can set the duration, add music, and text, and utilize 3D effects.
- The result can be saved as a video file, so you can easily share it.
- Perfect for quick slideshow creation.
Cons:
- Not suitable for complex edits or advanced techniques.
- Can't save images in custom formats or sizes.
- Doesn't offer support for third-party plugins.
Ultimately, making a slideshow on Windows 10 can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. It's easy to learn and offers some customization options. Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to use this slideshow maker will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Method 3. Google Slides
Google Slides provides a fantastic opportunity to make a slideshow presentation. Here's how you can get started:
- Open the slideshow website.
- Sign in with your Google account or create one if you don't have one.
- Choose the template you want to use for your presentation or press "Blank" to start from scratch.
- Include images, text, shapes, and other components in your presentation.
- You can change the background, layout, and theme and choose transitions.
- Once you're done editing, click on the "File" menu at the top and select "Download" to save your presentation in any compatible file format.
That's it! With just a few clicks, you can easily create a stunning slideshow using this free slideshow maker. In addition to downloading, you can share the presentation, publish it on the Web, or send it by e-mail.
Pros:
- You can collaborate with other people while creating a slideshow.
- You can access the presentation from any device, including mobile devices.
- There are plenty of features available, including themes, transitions, and animations.
Cons:
- If you need more complex features, there may be better options for you.
- There is no way to save all your slides as an image file, you have to do it one at a time.
- The collaboration feature can be unreliable at times.
- The platform can be slow or laggy when dealing with large presentations or multiple users editing at once.
- Not all features are available on mobile devices, so you may not be able to access all of the features you need while on the go.
All in all, Google Slides is an excellent slideshow maker for creating slideshows and presentations but there are some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before employing it for your project.
Method 4. Canva
Canva is a powerful slideshow website for creating high-quality presentations and slideshows. With its easy-to-use interface, you can create professional-looking presentations in no time. Here's how to get started:
- Sign up for a free account.
- Choose the "Presentation" option from the main menu.
- Select a template from the library of templates or start with a blank canvas.
- Start making a slideshow by adding text, images, shapes, and other elements.
- Adjust the fonts, colors, and design elements to create an eye-catching presentation.
- Publish your finished slideshow directly from the service or export it as an image or PDF document.
- Share your presentation with friends and colleagues via email or social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Canva makes it easy to create stunning presentations with minimal effort. It is a great tool for making professional-looking slideshows with ease. But, as with any software, there are pros and cons.
Pros:
- Has a user-friendly interface that facilitates the quick creation of slideshows.
- There are hundreds of professionally designed templates to choose from.
- Supports a variety of file types, including .jpg, .png, and .pdf, so users can export their slideshows to any platform they wish.
Cons:
- While the slideshow creator offers a lot of features, some advanced options like animations and transitions may not be available.
- Doesn't have a customer support team or online forum for help with technical issues.
- Paid plans start at $9.95/month which can be expensive for some users.
Overall, Canva offers an ideal solution for producing high-quality slideshows effortlessly and rapidly. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before deciding if it is the right program for you.
Method 5. File Explorer
Creating a slideshow from your photos in Windows is a breeze and enjoyable. Here's how:
- Launch File Explorer and go to the folder containing the photos you want in your slideshow.
- Select the images you wish to include by clicking them while holding down the Ctrl key.
- Click on picture tools and choose "Start Slideshow" from the context menu that appears.
- A new window will appear with your photo slideshow.
- To finish the slideshow click "Exit".
Using such a slideshow maker as File Explorer may be a fantastic idea for sharing your memories with friends and family. But what are the pros and cons? Let's explore.
Pros:
- You don't need any special tools or knowledge of coding to create a slideshow.
- You get to choose what pictures you want to add to the slideshow, as well as the order in which they appear.
- You do not have to pay for any additional software or services.
Cons:
- No customization features.
- Slide maker has no support for 3rd party plugins or effects.
- No timeline feature for creating complex animations.
- No ability to add captions or titles to slides.
- Cannot export projects as video files.
Creating a slideshow using images in File Explorer is an excellent method for showing off your pictures without the need for an extra program. However, there are some disadvantages, such as the lack of editing capacities and difficulty in sharing with others.
FAQ
- What type of files can I use in Windows slideshow maker?
- You can use JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF files for your presentation on Windows 10.
- How can I incorporate music into my slideshow?
- Once you've selected the photos for the slideshow, click "Add music". Select a song from your library and click "Done".
- How to change the duration of each photo?
- Select each photo individually and adjust the time it will appear on the screen.
- How can I adjust the transition between slides?
- Click on the transition between each slide and pick an animation effect from the displayed choices.
- Can I preview my slideshow before saving or sharing it?
- Yes, you can preview your slideshow by clicking "Preview" prior to preserving or disseminating it; with others.
Tips
- Plan ahead. In advance of making a slideshow on Windows 10, decide on the type of presentation you desire to create. Confirm you have all the necessary visuals and information.
- Gather your materials. Gather all the items to be included in the slideshow such as images, videos, text, etc.
- Start building. Create a new project in your chosen slideshow maker and begin adding your stuff to it - images, text, graphics, etc.
- Organize the slides. Arrange the slides in chronological order and use transitions between each one to make them look professional and attractive.
- Insert audio/video. If you want to add audio or video clips, take appropriate video formats and ensure they are optimized for web playback.
- Search for mistakes. Prior to submitting the slideshow, double-check photo slides for any typos or other errors that could distract you.
- Keep it brief. Remember that less is more - try to keep your demonstration concise by focusing on key points and avoiding unnecessary details.
- Choose an appropriate background. Select a background that will complement the content. Plain backgrounds work best as they remain in focus.
- Practice. Make sure you practice presenting previous to actually delivering the slideshow in front of an audience. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly during the presentation!
Conclusion: How to Make a Slideshow in Windows 10
Generating a slideshow on Windows can be an excellent method to share your photos and make them stand out. After reading this article, you should now have the knowledge to create your own slideshow.
To consider when making a slideshow are the order of the photos and their duration. Photos should be in an order that makes sense, and the duration should be set so that viewers have enough time to appreciate each one. Transitions must be used sparingly so as not to divert from the images.
In conclusion, creating a slideshow in Windows is not difficult and with this guide, you can now easily make your own stunning slideshows!