Google Slides is a powerful web-based presentation program that offers several distinguishable features compared to other presentation programs. However, like any other program, it also has a few disadvantages that users should be aware of. In this article, we will explore the 20 advantages and drawbacks of Google Slides so that you can decide if it’s the correct presentation program for you.
One of the main advantages of Google Slides is that it’s free to use. There are no subscription fees, and you can use all the features without paying anything. This makes it a great option for individuals and businesses who want to create professional-grade presentations without spending any money.
There are not a lot of free presentation programs out there that can compete with Google Slides in terms of features and presentation quality.
2. Easy to Use
Google Slides is very easy to use, even if you’ve never used a presentation program before. The user interface is straightforward, intuitive, and uncluttered. You can easily access any of the features with just a few clicks. The learning curve is also very short. And there’s also a wealth of tutorials and resources available if you need assistance.
3. Real-time Collaboration
Google Slides offers real-time collaboration, which means multiple users can contribute and make changes to the same presentation simultaneously. Many other presentation programs also offer this feature, but Google Slides does it better by allowing users to see the changes being made in real-time. This is extremely useful for team projects as it allows more efficient collaboration.
4. Web-based (No Software Required)
While most of the popular presentation programs require you to download and install software, Google Slides is web-based, which means you don’t need to install anything. All you need is a web browser and an internet connection. That means there are no compatibility issues, and you can use Google Slides on any computer, regardless of the operating system.
5. Easy Accessibility
As Google Slides is web-based, it’s easy to access from anywhere. You can simply go to the website and log in with your Google account. Since there is no device restriction, you can access your presentations without any restrictions (even from smart TVs). This is very convenient, especially if you need to make changes or present your slides while you’re on the go.
6. Export/Import in Multiple Formats
Google Slides allows you to export your presentations in multiple formats (PDF, PPTX, JPG, etc.), which is a great feature to have if you need to share your slides with someone who uses a different program. You can also import supported formats of presentations from other programs into Google Slides. This is very useful if you need to edit an existing presentation or convert it into a different format.
7. Works Offline
You can use Google Slides offline on Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser by installing an extension. It enables you to continue working on your presentation even without an internet connection. Although a few features will be disabled when you’re offline, you can still do a lot, such as adding new slides, editing text, etc.
8. Auto-save Docs
Google Slides automatically saves your presentations as you work on them, so you don’t have to worry about losing your work if the power goes out or your computer crashes. While other programs also offer this feature, Google Slides does it more efficiently by autosaving the work more frequently.
9. Embeds Different Elements
You can embed different types of content from other sources, such as images, videos, charts, shapes, etc., in Google Slides. This is a very useful feature for adding multimedia content to your slides without having to download or insert them separately.
10. Support Add-ons
Google Slides supports add-ons, which are basically small pieces of software that add new features and functionality to the program. There are many useful add-ons available, such as the one that allows you to add a timer or stopwatch, icons, additional fonts, etc., on your slide, which can be very useful for different purposes.
11. Cloud Storage
When you create a presentation in Google Slides, it’s automatically saved to your Google Drive account. This means you don’t need to worry about losing your work if your computer crashes or if you accidentally delete the file. You also won’t need to be bothered about the storage capacity of your device. Other alternatives like MS PowerPoint also offer cloud storage, but you need to activate it manually.
12. Relatively Secure
Google Slides is relatively secure as your presentations are stored in the Google Drive cloud storage, which is a very secure platform. Google utilizes top-notch encryption and security measures to keep your data safe. However, as with any other online service, how secure your data is also depends on how you use it.
13. Easy to Track the Changes
Google Slides also makes it easy to track the changes made to your presentation. It keeps a record of all the changes and allows you to see who made them and when. This is a very useful feature, especially if you’re working on a presentation with others.
14. Compatible with Other Google Apps
Google Slides is compatible with other Google apps, such as Google Docs and Sheets. You can easily insert content from these apps into your slides and vice versa. This is very convenient for showcasing data on your presentation from your spreadsheet or document.
Disadvantages Of Google Slides
Here are some disadvantages of Google Slides:
15. Limited Templates
Google Slides offers a limited number of templates as compared to other alternatives like MS PowerPoint. While there are some good templates available, you might need to use a different program if you’re looking for more variety. You can also download additional templates from the internet, but finding good ones can be time-consuming.
16. Lack Some Features
Google Slides lacks some features that are available in other programs, such limited ability to add animations or transitions to your slides. While you may still achieve these by using add-ons or workarounds, it’s not as convenient as having built-in features.
17. Limited Functionality While Offline
While you can still use Google Slides offline, some features like spelling and grammar check will be disabled. You won’t be able to access your saved works, either. Moreover, the offline mode might not work if it is not properly set. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re working on a presentation and suddenly lose the connection.
18. Possible Security Risks
As we said earlier, Google Slides is relatively secure, but it’s still possible for your data to be hacked or leaked. This is especially true if you carelessly share your presentation with others. Be careful about what information you include in your slides and who you share them with.
19. Formatting Loss when Importing
When you import a presentation from another program like MS PowerPoint to Google Slides, the formatting might not be retained. This can be very annoying, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time working on the original presentation.
20. No Dedicated Desktop App
Google Slides is web-based, which means you can access it from any device with an internet connection. However, there’s no dedicated laptop app for it. Some institutions or workplaces block access to certain services, including Google, which can make it difficult to use Google Slides.
Conclusion
Google Slides is a great program for creating presentations, especially if you’re working with others. It’s free, easy to use, and includes features like real-time collaboration and cloud storage. Apart from a few disadvantages, like limited templates and features, Google Slides is a good choice for those looking for a highly-capable and free online presentation program.
