How to Apply Security in PowerPoint Presentations

This article explains several ways you can apply security in PowerPoint presentations. This information applies to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

Why Add Security

Security in PowerPoint is a concern when your presentation contains sensitive or confidential information or when you don't want anyone making changes to the presentation. Below are some of the methods used to secure presentations to avoid tampering with information or theft of your ideas.

Encrypt Your PowerPoint Presentations

Using the encryption feature in PowerPoint is a way to keep others from accessing your presentation. A password is assigned by you in the creation process of the presentation. The viewer must enter this password in order to open or modify your work.

Secure PowerPoint Slides by Saving as Graphic Images

Saving your completed slides as graphic images ensures that the information remains intact. This method takes a little more work, as you have to first create your slides, save them as pictures, and then reinsert them into new slides.

This method is one you would use if it is imperative that the content remains unchanged, as in the case of confidential financial data being presented to board members.

Save PowerPoint Presentations as a PDF File

Secure your PowerPoint presentation from any edits by saving, or publishing, it in PDF format. This retains all the formatting you applied, even when the viewing computer doesn't have those particular fonts, styles, or themes installed. This is a great option when you need to submit your work for review, but don't want the reader to make any changes.

Mark as Final Feature in PowerPoint

Once your presentation is complete and ready for prime time, use the Mark as Final feature to ensure that no further edits are made inadvertently.