File Types That Can be Opened in PowerPoint 2016 for Mac

We already learned about the file types PowerPoint 2016 for Mac can save. But when you go and look at the file types that PowerPoint 2016 for Mac can open, you'll find that there's no drop-down list in the Open dialog box that you can see in Figure 1. All files within any navigated folder are shown, and the only way you understand that a particular file type can be opened is because those files are not grayed out.

Figure 1: File types that can be opened in PowerPoint 2016 for Mac

Have you ever wondered what all those file types that are not grayed out are? Should you even be concerned about them at all? These are the file types that PowerPoint 2016 for Mac can open.

PPTX (PowerPoint Presentation)

This file type is the default open option in PowerPoint 2007/2008 and later. It is based on XML and can be distinctly identified as different from the older file formats for PowerPoint. Also, it has four letters rather than three in the extension, for example PPTX rather than the older PPT format.

PPT (PowerPoint 97–2003 Presentation)

This file type was the default format for presentations created in PowerPoint versions 2003 and earlier. Most of the time, this is known as the PowerPoint 97 to 2003 format (or the PowerPoint 97 to 2004 format if you include Mac versions of PowerPoint).

PPTM (PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation)

This is identical to the PPTX file format other than the fact that file type creates presentations with macros enabled.

PPSX (PowerPoint Show)

This file type comprises presentations that have been saved as a slide show. In all respects this is the same as a PPTX file, but when double-clicked, this opens in Slide Show View rather than Normal View. If you use the Open dialog, it opens in Normal view. See our PPT vs. PPS (or PPTX vs. PPSX) article.

PPS (PowerPoint 97–2003 Show)

This file type comprises presentations that have been saved as a slide show in PowerPoint 97 to 2003. In all respects this is the same as a PPT file, but when double-clicked, this opens in Slide Show View rather than Normal View. If you use the Open dialog, it opens in Normal view. See our PPT vs. PPS (or PPTX vs. PPSX) article.

PPSM (PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Show)

This file type comprises presentations that have been saved as a slide show with macros enabled, and works in the same way as PPSX files.

POTX (PowerPoint Template)

Opens a template that you can use as a starter for future presentations. This file format belongs to PowerPoint 2008 and subsequent versions of PowerPoint.

POT (PowerPoint 97–2003 Template)

Opens a template from the older PowerPoint 97 to 2003 POT format, you can use this as a starter to create a new presentation.

THMX (Office Theme)

This file type opens a new presentation based on the Theme chosen, this includes colors, fonts, and effects. Such Office Theme files can also be used within Word, Excel, and other Office applications to impart a standard look to all your documents.

PPAM (PowerPoint Add-In)

This file type opens presentations as an add-in that includes custom commands or VBA code. Typically used in PowerPoint 2008 or later versions.

PPA (PowerPoint 97–2003 Add-In)

This file type opens presentations as an add-in that you can open in PowerPoint 97 to 2003. Typically used in PowerPoint 2004 or earlier versions.

RTF (Outline/Rich Text Format)

This file type opens the presentation as an outline in Rich Text Format, which you can open in Microsoft Word. This only includes text that is contained with the text placeholders as opposed to text boxes.