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Most people know of Microsoft PowerPoint.
It’s one of the most popular and widely used slideshow applications.
But Microsoft has another tool for creating presentations calledSway.
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So how is Sway different from PowerPoint, and which should you use?
But this is pretty much where the similarities end.
In PowerPoint, you build slides and move through each slide to get to present your show.
PowerPoint is true slideshow software.
In Sway, you have one continuous “page,” so to speak.
Microsoft Swayis primarily a web-based app.
Additionally, you won’t find a Sway app for Android and theiOS version was retired in 2018.
The Interfaces Are Very Different
Theuser interfacesfor PowerPoint and Sway are completely different.
PowerPoint mimics the other Microsoft Office applications with its tabs, ribbon, and work area.
You’ll find many different tools and cancustomize its appearanceand options.
Sway, on the other hand, has a straightforward and mostly intuitive interface.
Because Sway isn’t limited to slides, this feature wouldn’t make sense.
So instead, let’s look at what they each have to offer in their realm.
There’s no doubt that PowerPoint offers an extensive feature set beyond Sway.
But a notable difference is in the images function.
However, there is not a commenting feature like PowerPoint to talk through changes together.
In that sense, Sway is a bit more limited.
You then control the advancement of the slides.
The intent is for you to present your slideshow to your audience.
Then, send it via email or share it on social media.
With Sway, you don’t have to control the presentation.
What displays is an interactive page that your audience can go through at their own pace.
They can move up or down, click a link, watch a video, and more.
you might use the Autoplay setting and have it continuously loop if you like.
But your audience can still interact with the presentation.
There is a freeweb version of PowerPoint, but it’s severely limited in comparison to the paid edition.
Sway is a completely free tool.
All you need is aMicrosoft account(also free) to sign in on theSway website.
Sway is an easy-to-use tool that can produce eye-catching, interactive presentations.
Presenting your Sway is as simple as sharing a link.
