PowerPoint file name extensions — ppt, pot, pps, pptx, potx, ppsx, thmx
A quick reference chart for all those PowerPoint file name extensions
When I design a PowerPoint template, I will send you a slew of files. The chart below is where you will find a quick explanation of all those files. I may also send a PDF of the .pptx file, a precise visual equivalent of the slide content for designers working on the Mac platform. Those software engineers still don’t have cross-platform compatibility worked out at 100%, especially fonts.The lower part of the table lists the old extensions, for PowerPoint 2003 and before. Rarely now do I have clients that use Powerpoint 2003 or older.
ppt-file-name-extensions
.PPTX is the standard PowerPoint file format since PowerPoint version 2007 and now 2010 and 2013. Prior to this version, the extension was .PPT. This file will contain the new look, and oftentimes the graphic standards all spelled out, some mocked-up content, and some tips to use your new template. You may simply use this file as a base for any upcoming presentations and modify it accordingly.
.POTX is the actual template file, it contains no slides and is stored in the templates folder, usually located at:
C:UsersOwnerAppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplates
To save your new template for further use, open it with PowerPoint, go to the “save as” menu, choose “PowerPoint template”, it will then save a copy to the default location. Whenever you need to start a new PowerPoint series, follow the path “File”, “New”, “My templates”, your new template will be listed there. Click on it, it will open a document with the new look, backgrounds, colours, defaults all ready for you.
Where to store and retrieve your new PowerPoint template
.THMX is a new file format since 2007 and now 2010. The “Theme” file, thmx, contains all the information you need to keep your branding consistent throughout your Microsoft Office applications. The default location for this file is:
C:UsersOwnerAppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplatesDocument Themes
If you can’t locate the above folder, open the .potx file and save-as THMX, PowerPoint will then save a copy to the “Themes” folder.
To access this thmx file from either Excel or Word, go to the “Page Layout” tab, “Themes” section and click on the “Colours” button. Your colour new PowerPoint colour palette will show up. Have your graphs or Word table display the proper colours before importing them into PowerPoint. Clicking on the “Themes” button will also bring in the default fonts.
How to retrieve your PowerPoint THMX file in Excel
Using your new .potx file
Free PowerPoint Viewer
2 comments on “PowerPoint file name extensions — ppt, pot, pps, pptx, potx, ppsx, thmx”
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Champagne Design — PowerPoint Design 
YEAH!
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Typo in the second half of the .thmx section. It should read: …and CAN BE USED in other Office software, i.e. Word or Excel.
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