How to Make a Slideshow with Music and Pictures

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Making a slideshow with musical accompaniment is an excellent method to present a compilation of photos, videos, and other visuals in an engaging way. It can be used to create video presentations, highlight special occasions, or just for fun.

But how to make a slideshow with music and pictures for free? In this article, we'll talk about the costless ways to craft an animated video from pictures with background audio.

Having the technical knowledge to assemble a presentation with audio properly can make all the difference in composing an effective and memorable slideshow.

how we test products

How we chose the slideshow makers

To ensure the accuracy of our guide on how to make a photo slideshow with music for free, we conducted a thorough testing process.

First, we gathered a variety of pictures and music files to use in the slideshow. We then used several different free software programs to create a slideshow and tested each for ease of use, functionality, and overall quality of the final product.

Thanks to our research, we are able to provide you with accurate instructions and outline the pros and cons of each method. This will help you confidently choose the best way to compile a slideshow with music and pictures for free.

Application OS Output quality Our ranking
Icecream Slideshow Maker
Windows
High
5.0
iMovie
macOS
iOS
Good
4.5
Keynote
macOS
iOS
Good
4.3
Clipchamp
Windows
Web
Good
4.5
Windows Movie Maker
Windows
Fair
4.0
Canva
Web
Fair
4.0

1. Icecream Slideshow Maker

Icecream Slideshow Maker is the free presentation builder. It is available for Windows OS and allows you to create a high-quality slideshow in just a few minutes.

The slideshow software's simple interface makes it possible to work not only for professional designers but also for amateurs.

Step 1. Download the software, run the setup process, and open it to proceed.

Step 2. Add pictures to create slides. You can upload photos by folder or one at a time. Drag and drop images right into the program's window or use the "Add file" and "Add folder" buttons. All the popular image formats like JPG, TIFF, PNG, and others are supported.

Adding files to the slideshow maker

Step 3. Customize the slides. Set the transition effects between the slides and their duration along with the slide duration (can be applied to each photo individually or to all images in the queue).

Add text to the slides and blank slides (the "Add Color" button), and blur the background if some images do not fit the output video resolution (which you can also set). Sort slides manually, shuffle, or arrange them in alphabetical order.

Customizing the slides in Icecream Slideshow Maker

Step 4. Right about time to add music to your video slideshow by clicking the "Add audio" button under the preview player. All popular formats are supported, such as MP3, M4A, WAV, etc.

Form a playlist if you're planning to make a long slideshow with music in the background. Loop the track to play continuously, apply audio fades, and offset if necessary.

Importing audio to create a slideshow with music

Step 5. Preview the result in the built-in player of the free slideshow software.

Preview your photo presentation

Step 6. If everything looks good then set the output video format and enter a custom name for the slideshow. Then hit the "Create" button.

Final steps of making a slideshow with music

Additional tools

Not only you can create a photo presentation with music, but also set the display timing, and add transitions and text content to the pictures. In addition to all of this, you can rotate the added images and duplicate them.

The program also lets you instantly upload the presentation to YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox, or immediately burn the video to a DVD.

Pros:

  • Great functionality even in the free version of a slideshow maker;
  • Flexible settings that will be understandable to beginners;
  • A number of options, settings, and presets;
  • High speed of converting and saving files;
  • Low demand for technical capabilities of your computer.

2. iMovie

Creating a slideshow with music in iMovie is a simple process that allows you to add a dynamic touch to your photos. This native Apple software is a good choice for macOS or iOS users since it does not require a third-party application.

Step 1. Open the slideshow creator on your computer or phone.

Step 2. Hit "Create New" and choose "Movie" to start a new project.

Create a new project in iMovie

Step 3. Add the photos you want to include in your slideshow by clicking the "Import Media" button.

Import files to create slides in iMovie

Step 4. Move the photos from "My Media" to the timeline in the order you want them to appear in the video slideshow.

Organize the photos on the timeline

Step 5. Adjust the duration of each slide by clicking on it and dragging the edges to make it longer or shorter.

Make slides longer or shorter

Step 6. Open the "Audio & Video" tab and select the music you want to add to your slideshow from your iTunes library or iMovie's built-in soundtracks. Place it on the timeline.

Audio & Video tab in iMovie

Step 7. You can adjust the volume of the music by clicking on the audio track and moving the volume slider.

Adjust the audio level in iMovie

Step 8. Press "Transitions" to select the smooth changing effects for your slides.

iMovie transitions tab

Step 9. Click "Title" to add text to your slideshow (intro, captions, credits, etc.). You can apply them to your existing slides or go to "Backgrounds" and add a blank page.

The title tab in iMovie

Step 10. To adjust the Start and End position of the slide's motion effect (applied automatically), select the needed slide and press the crop icon above the preview.

Add motion effects to your slideshow with music

Step 11. Once you're satisfied with your slideshow and music, you can preview it by clicking the play button.

Preview the result

Step 12. Finally, when you're ready, hit the export icon and choose the "Export File" menu to create a slideshow. Change the file name and tags, etc. Press "Next" to pick the location and save your slideshow.

Make a slideshow in iMovie

Pros:

  • The app offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to create slideshows without much prior experience in video editing.
  • iMovie seamlessly integrates with your photo and iTunes libraries, allowing you to quickly import pictures and music.
  • There is a variety of built-in titles, slideshow templates, transitions, and effects that you can use to enhance your slideshow presentation and make it more visually appealing.

Cons:

  • The audio editing capabilities are limited to adjusting the volume level and adding fade-in and out effects.

3. Keynote

Keynote is a powerful and user-friendly presentation software designed for macOS and iOS. It is part of the iWork suite, which also includes Pages (for word processing) and Numbers (for spreadsheets).

The guide below will describe the process of making a slideshow with music in the mobile version of the app.

Step 1. Launch the app and tap on the "+" icon to create a new project.

The program offers various themes to style your presentation. Click "Choose a Theme" to pick one that suits the mood or content of your slideshow.

Step 2. Tap the "+" button on the left side to make a new slide. Use the same button inside the slide to insert a photo.

You can import existing media files from the Photos app or open the camera to take new pictures.

Step 3. Hold and drag slides to reorder them.

If you want to edit the photo, click on it and tap the brush icon in the upper right corner of the screen. You can apply various styles, rotate, flip, remove background, and more.

Step 4. Go to the slide where you want to insert music (typically the first or title slide). Tap the "+" button and choose either "Record Audio" or "Insert from...".

Add audio track to your slideshow

Step 5. Use the "Play" button (the triangle icon) to preview your slideshow with music. Choose "Share" to export the resulting file. You can share it via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or save it to Files.

Export options in Keynote

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with iCloud and other Apple services makes it easy to access and share your presentations across devices.
  • You can customize slides with various themes, animations, and transitions, which givies you creative control over the look of your presentation.
  • There are options the rehearse the slideshow and enable remote control to change the slides using your iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch.

Cons:

  • Keynote files (.key) are not as universally compatible, which can be an issue if sharing with users outside the Apple ecosystem.

4. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a free video editor that can help you create amazing slideshows with music. With its intuitive interface and features, it's a good tool to make beautiful presentations. Here are the instructions on how to make a picture slideshow with music with this software:

Step 1. Launch the application.

Clipchamp - main menu

Step 2. Click the "Create a new video" button.

Create new slideshow in Clipchamp

Step 3. Add your own pictures, audio, and video from your library, or use stock footage. To do this, press "Import media" or simply drag and drop the content. Then, transfer the chosen photos on a timeline. Click on the image to adjust colors, filters, and effects.

Placing photos on the timeline

Step 4. Hit "Audio" to set the volume of the track. Manage the fade in/out setting and change the speed if needed.

Audio settings in Clipchamp

Step 5. Preview your project before you export it.

Preview the result

Step 6. Press "Export" to choose the quality and save your slide presentation.

Make a slideshow with music

Pros:

  • Free to use, so you don't have to worry about paying for an expensive video editing program.
  • You can create a captivating slideshow with music in just a few minutes.
  • Video slideshow maker offers a range of features, including typing text, creating transitions, and adding background music.
  • You can export the slideshow in 4K.

Cons:

  • Only supports exporting your presentation in MP4 format.
  • You can't add animations to your slides.
  • No editing of existing videos or images.
  • Exporting video takes a long time.

5. Windows Movie Maker

Movie Maker is a free video editing software for Windows users. It can also be used to make a slide presentation from photos. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1. Download and install the slideshow creator on your computer (if you don't already have it).

Main menu of Windows Movie Maker

Step 2. Launch the program and start a new project by clicking "Create New Project".

Create new slideshow

Step 3. To load photos, click "Add clip", then "Photo/Video".

Add media files for your slideshow with music

Step 4. Select the images you'd like to add and drag them into the timeline below.

Step 5. To add music, press "Edit soundtrack". There you can insert music or voice-over from your PC or use stock sounds. After the track is added, trim it or lay effects over it.

Create the audio track

Step 6. Now, adjust the settings for your future photo presentation. Choose the aspect ratio, transitions, and motion effects.

To customize your slideshow, you can set the duration of each image by selecting one or more images, and then dragging them left or right on the timeline until they are just the way you want them.

Customize your slideshow with music

Step 7. Once you're happy with your work, click "Save video" or "Save project".

Saving the project in Windows Movie Maker

Pros:

  • It's free and easy to download.
  • Slideshow maker has a simple user interface.
  • Wide choice of transitions.
  • Ability to add voiceovers and presence of built-in tracks.

Cons:

  • No visual effects adjustments.
  • Audio overlay is impossible.
  • Video editing software may be slow and lag when working with large files or complex projects.

6. Canva

Canva is a popular design tool employed to make attractive slideshows. Manipulating this online slideshow maker is a breeze, and it offers lots of customization options. This is the procedure:

Step 1. Log in and pick "Presentation" from the design types.

Design styles in Canva

Step 2. Select a template you like or start from scratch. You can sort slideshow templates by theme to make it easier to find the one you like.

Pick a template

Step 3. Add photos, illustrations, shapes, lines, and videos to the slideshow maker. Set the duration time and adjust the photo effects.

Media import in Canva

Step 4. Click "Uploads" to add songs for each slide or for the entire slideshow. Set the audio effects, beat sync, and adjust the volume.

Selecting audio for your slideshow

Step 5. Customize transitions between slides if desired.

Create slides animations

Step 6. Click the "Share" button when you are done and save your presentation as a video, PDF, PPTX, or image.

Export the result from the presentation creator

Pros:

  • Cross-platform slideshow maker, so you can have access to your works from any device.
  • You can customize the look of your slides with backgrounds, fonts, colors, and more.
  • You can easily share your slideshows online or export them in different formats.
  • Convenient autosave and collaboration features.

Cons:

  • Most of the slideshow templates and stock images are not free.
  • You cannot change the size of a template after you start working with it.
  • Limited customization of images and shapes.

FAQ

What type of music should I use in my slideshow?
If you're making a slideshow with music, you can use any song you want, as long as it's suitable for the occasion and doesn't contain any copyrighted material.
Can I add voiceovers to my slideshow?
Yes, some slideshow creators offer the possibility to capture and embed audio narrations into the slideshows. You can also use an audio recorder to capture sound and then add it to your slides as an audio file.
What is the best resolution for my pictures in a slideshow?
High-resolution photos (at least 1080 x 1080 pixels) will guarantee that your presentations look sharp and professional on any device.
Is there a limit to how many images I can include in the slideshow?
It depends on the slideshow maker you're using. Some apps may have limits on the number of photos you can include while other applications may not have any limit at all.

Tips

  1. Start with your visuals. Select your photos and videos before you begin creating a slideshow with music.
  2. Choose a theme. Slideshow templates will guide the creation of your presentation, and can serve as a connection between the images.
  3. Keep it simple. With slideshows, less is more. Leave the slideshow short, concise, and to the point.
  4. Add music. Music helps create a mood and adds emotion to your presentation. Choose something meaningful for the images or videos you have picked out.
  5. Think about timing. The timing of your music should match the timing of the slides. Aim for a few seconds per slide, and adjust if necessary.
  6. Balance audio levels. Make sure that the music is not overpowering the visuals by adjusting the volume levels accordingly.
  7. Be creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with transitions, effects, or other tools available in the slideshow maker you are using to create the slideshow.
  8. Optimize for different devices. Consider how people will be viewing your presentation - on a computer, tablet, or phone. Verify that all is looking good across different devices before sharing it with others.
  9. Test it out. Before sharing your slideshow make sure you take the time to view it yourself and check that everything looks and sounds right.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a slideshow with music is a great way to capture and share special moments. With the help of this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to make a slideshow for free.

To ensure your slideshow turns out perfect, it is essential to keep a few things in mind while creating it.

Remember to choose the right images. Select pictures that are high-quality and meaningful. Then, think about what track will best enhance the slideshow. Finally, be sure to check for any copyright restrictions before downloading your songs.

By following these tips, you can make an attractive musical slideshow that everyone can appreciate. So go ahead, choose the slideshow makers that works best for you, and get started creating your own masterpiece!

Paul Skidmore

Tech Writer and Photography Aficionado

Paul is a self-professed photography and tech nerd and has years of experience working with various editing software. He has a passion for travel and has taken his camera to destinations including Antarctica, Singapore, Indonesia, and Greenland.
9 min read
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