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Slideshows and photo presentations are often an effective way to convey information. A symbiosis of pictures, tables, text, graphs, background music, transitions, video files, etc. – it is easily accessible and entertaining. There are many online services for creating slideshows, but in this article, we focus on desktop programs, and slideshow makers for Mac in particular. Such apps provide more tools and stable work.
After brief reviews, towards the end of the article, we also add several honorable mentions and a summary table for 10 slideshow software for macOS we’ve selected. By the way, all apps performed reasonably well during testing. When looking for best examples our emphasis was on functionality and capability, as always.
Platform: macOS
Source: App Store & Internet
License: Free & Paid
01 of 10
Photos R Presented
Developer: RaceQart Internet Private Ltd.
macOS: 10.10 or later
Version: 3.0
License: Free
A straightforward application to create a slideshow in live mode. The app does not have the function of saving (exporting) a file – the entire performance takes place inside the program. When first launched, it briefly shows the tutorial on controls and functions, and there are not many. To add photos, you can drag them into the program window or open with the Photos button.
But still, we found several settings that can adjust the parameters of your slideshow. For example, in the upper right corner, there is an Edit button. Here you can select Filter, Rotate, Brightness / Contrast / Saturation, Effect, Blur / Focus, Draw, Crop, Resize tools.
Settings contain duration of transitions and effects, metadata, etc. Photos R Presented claims to have a total of 45 transition effects, 5 tabs with 9 effects each. However, we’ve experienced only one tab and 9 transitions for some reason.
Developer: Pocket Art Studio
macOS: 10.10 or later
Version: 1.0.0
License: Free
Another mini-slideshow application. It is suitable for broadcasting in live mode as well as for preparing a presentation. The workflow is super-easy. Add images, add an audio file, compile. Users can adjust a single parameter only: time of displaying the slides, from 1 to 6 seconds.
And then save a file by clicking the Export button on the toolbar. The format is MOV, which is playable on most modern devices. The program is absolutely free, without ads, which makes it a popular tool among fast slideshow makers for Mac.
03 of 10
Slideshow Maker HD
Developer: Xiaolei Zhang
macOS: 10.7 or later
Version: 3.3.7
License: Free / $14.99
This is a classic slideshow maker with lots of features. It supports image and audio files, plus 41 transitions are available with a short preview when one hovers the mouse over. Also, various tools for interacting with media files. For example, users can add text, set slide display duration, transition length.
To save a presentation, click the Export button with available options: FPS, format (.mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv) and bitrate. Note that the trial version adds a watermark.
04 of 10
iSkysoft Slideshow Maker
Developer: iSkysoft Studio
macOS: 10.6 or later
Version: 1.5.0
License: Free / $59.95
A convenient media browser opens in the iSkysoft app for macOS, so one can find and add files, or close it to see the whole workspace. There are three types of transitions: 12 general, 8 themes, 10 3D transitions, as well as intro and credits templates. Each image can be edited – color filters, crop, text with different fonts.
You can add an audio file or record sounds through a microphone too. The application has several options for saving projects. For example, direct upload to YouTube, export to iTunes, burn a CD, or save to a device. 30-day free trial is pretty decent as for slideshow makers for Mac. Though, the full license is quite expensive – $59.95.
05 of 10
Photo Slideshow
Developer: Ephnic Co., Ltd
macOS: 10.10 or later
Version: 3.0.0
License: Free / $29.99
A peculiar application with a variety of tools for editing slideshows. You can add image, video, audio files, transitions to the project. There is a separate track at the bottom, so one can drop or extend tracks from here. Export slideshows to iTunes, Facebook, YouTube directly from the app.
The Trial version of the application is without any restrictions, except a watermark. We’ve also noticed that this software activates the macOS process VTEncoderXPCService, related to graphics, and therefore producing quite a load both on RAM and CPU.
06 of 10
Photo Slideshow - DVD Slideshow1
Developer: DFAV Team
macOS: 10.7 or later
Version: 4.3.2
License: Free
Looking for simple slideshow makers for Mac that are free? This one has a detailed section for transitions. Each transition can be configured with duration (both effect and image display), various effects, adding text. Users can also add audio / video files, to create something more than a simple slideshow. In fact, this program, like the previous one, can be perceived as a video editor with slideshow maker options.
We want to draw your attention to a watermark on files in the trial version. While saving the file users have such options as FPS, bitrate, folder destination, file name. You can share slideshows on YouTube, Facebook, iTunes. The interface has a classic look.
07 of 10
SlideFlow
Developer: VeprIT
macOS: 10.11 or later
Version: 1.0.12
License: Free / $1.99
This small editor contains a lot of interesting tools that can make your slideshow exciting. For example, Zoom-on-Faces tool – works like a regular zoom, or Play Music check-box to add background music. Slide duration tool is as important, for sure. The most distinctive detail of SlideFlow is the ability to play slideshows on smart TVs directly from the app.
There are only two adjustable parameters: opening a folder with an exported file, open files in the player. In our opinion, SlideFlow is the best app for creating and exporting interactive presentations quickly. Due to stable operation, high quality export, Smart TV support, affordable Premium, this app could be the best choice for casual use.
08 of 10
Movavi Slideshow Maker 6
Developer: Movavi
macOS: 10.10 or later
Version: 6.5.0
License: $19.99 – $29.99
Movavi is a semi-professional tool for video and photo editing. It accommodates a huge number of tools that could help create stunning animations, slideshows, videos. In regards to our topic, developers came up with the Slideshow Wizard. It leads a user through stages ending up in a slideshow. Just select files, transitions and music, watch a preview, and then export a file.
The interface may seem overwhelming with lots of tools and tabs. In general, this Movavi product is fast and stable, although a seven-day trial puts a watermark on files.
09 of 10
Filmora9 Video Editor
Developer: Wondershare
macOS: 10.11 or later
Version: 9.5.0
License: Free / $44.99
Though Filmora is a complete video editing tool, it has all the necessary functions for creating slideshows. Over 100 transitions are available, adding and editing audio, effects and transitions. Additional actions include color tuning, cropping, rotation, preview rendering, green screen. Probably the only drawback is large space occupied on a hard drive – 683 Mb.
10 of 10
Photos (default app)
Developer: Apple Inc.
macOS: all
Version: 3.0
License: Free
A default macOS app (Photos) lets you make slideshows too. Before doing so, one has to prepare files and put them in one album. Then go to File – Create – Slideshow, type the project name and then OK. There are 7 themes for smooth animations and background sounds. You can also add audio files directly from iTunes library.
Summary
| Compatibility | Size, Mb | Audio | Transitions | Watermark (trial) | Trial version | |
| Photos R Presented | 10.10 + | 23.8 | No | 9 | No | No |
| Slideshow Master | 10.10 + | 19.4 | Yes | 1 default | No | No |
| Slideshow Maker HD | 10.7 + | 45.2 | Yes | 41 | Yes | Unlimited |
| iSkysoft | 10.6 + | 37.9 | Yes | 30 | Yes | 30 days |
| Photo Slideshow | 10.10 + | 139.5 | Yes | 25 | Yes | Unlimited |
| Photo Slideshow | 10.7 + | 53.3 | Yes | 78 | Yes | Unlimited |
| SlideFlow | 10.11 + | 31.8 | Yes | 1 default | Yes | Unlimited |
| Movavi | 10.10 + | 285.9 | Yes | 13 categories | Yes | 7 days |
| Filmora9 | 10.11 + | 683.3 | Yes | 100+ | Yes | Unlimited |
| Photos by Apple | – | 56.5 | Yes | 7 themes | No | No |
Bonus: 2 more slideshow makers for Mac
We’ve found 2 more decent apps for macOS – Clideo and Kapwing. Both are free, though there are no transition effects, and adding music is only available in Clideo. It also offers 23 output formats, while Kapwing – only two (GIF, MP4).
Read next: Free screen recorders for Mac.
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FAQs
Does Apple have a free slideshow maker? ›
The Slideshow Creator app is always free to use. Free version includes adding up to 20 media files per slideshow. Create longer slideshows (and get access to our award-winning desktop program) with a subscription. Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase.
What is the easiest way to make a slideshow on a Mac? ›In the Photos app on your Mac, select the photos you want in your slideshow. You can add or remove photos later (see “Add or remove photos and text in a slideshow,” below). Choose File > Create > Slideshow > Photos. Click the Slideshow pop-up menu and choose New Slideshow.
What is the easiest app to make a slideshow? ›- Movavi Clips (iOS & Android)
- MoShow Slideshow Photo & Video (iOS & Android)
- PicPlayPost (iOS & Android)
- Videoshop (iOS & Android)
- Viva Video (iOS & Android)
- Dayframe.
- Pixgram.
- Photo SlideShow Maker.
- Canva. Canva is a graphic design platform offering organizations a variety of professionally designed templates for their presentations. ...
- Visme. ...
- PowerPoint. ...
- Powtoon. ...
- SlideCamp. ...
- Prezi. ...
- VideoScribe. ...
- Haiku Deck.
With its powerful tools and dazzling effects, Keynote makes it easy to create stunning and memorable presentations, and comes included with most Apple devices.
Is there a better app than photos for Mac? ›Mylio and Adobe Lightroom are among the best photo organizer for Mac users. Both are cloud-based services that give you everything you need to edit, organize, store, and share your photos across any device.
How do I make a slideshow with music on my Mac for free? ›Launch iMovie on Mac and then click File > New Movie to start making a slideshow. You can also click Project > + button and then choose Movie. Then, you can add your photos, music, and video to iMovie. You can go to the My Media tab and click the Import icon to add the media from any location on your Mac.
How do you make a slideshow with music on a Mac? ›Control-click the pictures and select Play Slideshow from the drop-down menu. In the Themes menu, chose a theme. Select Music to add audio. Click the Play Slideshow button.
How do I make a video with pictures and music for free? ›- Launch Canva. Open Canva and type “picture videos” or “photo videos” on the search bar. ...
- Start inspired. Narrow down your search with ready-made templates by category, style, theme. ...
- Customize your template. Make the template yours. ...
- Add a soundtrack, transitions, and effects. ...
- Share and post with ease.
| Name | Platforms | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 👍 Icecream Slideshow Maker | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS | Learn More |
| Adobe Express | Windows and Mac | Learn More |
| InVideo | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS | Learn More |
| Animoto | Windows, iOS, and MacOS | Learn More |
How do you make a slideshow look good? ›
- 1) Skip the Stock Template.
- 2) Don't Use More than 6 Lines of Text.
- 3) Ditch the Bullet Points.
- 4) Use Sans Serif Fonts.
- 5) Size Fonts Appropriately.
- 6) Maintain a Strong Contrast Between Text and Background.
- 7) Use No More than 5 Colors.
- 8) Use Contrasting Text Colors to Draw Attention.
If you are looking for a free slideshow app with several features, including a large music library, MoShow is the best choice. MoShow is a great user-friendly slide show generator with several free features. It has a simple user interface, making it easy to add your photos in a selected style.
Is Keynote better than PowerPoint? ›For the basic presentations both are good, so choose the one you feel more comfortable with. For more advanced stuff, it depends on what you prioritize more — if it is design, then Keynote is best, but if you want better customization, choose PowerPoint.
What is a better tool than PowerPoint? ›Some of the best PowerPoint alternatives include Prezi, Keynote, Slides, Slidebean, Zoho Show, Google Slides, Canva and – of course – Visme.
What is the 10 20 30 rule for slideshow? ›Created by former Apple brand ambassador Guy Kawasaki, the 10-20-30 rule states that a PowerPoint presentation should have no more than 10 slides, never last longer than 20 minutes, and should use a minimum point size of 30 for the font.
What is the Mac version of PowerPoint called? ›Keynote comes pre-installed on Mac computers and is basically Apple's answer to the ever popular Microsoft PowerPoint. If you're used to using PowerPoint, then you'd need to get yourself acquainted on how to use Keynote. As with most things Apple, Keynote is a thing of beauty.
What is the most popular presentation tool? ›Some of the best presentation software include Visme, Haiku Deck, Prezi, Microsoft Powerpoint, Canva and Google Slides. In this comparison guide, we'll analyze each of these tools and many more to understand what the difference is between them so you can choose the best presentation maker for your business.
Is there a Mac version of PowerPoint? ›With Microsoft 365, you get features as soon as they are released ensuring you're always working with the latest. Create, edit, collaborate, and share presentations using PowerPoint for Mac. Now it's easier than ever to create, edit, and share presentations seamlessly across your devices and with others.
What is Apple replacing iPhoto with? ›Now, at last, Apple has replaced iPhoto with a new, free Mac app called simply Photos. It's much faster, less cluttered and has more editing options, yet still makes them simple to use.
Does Mac Have a free photo editor? ›The free Photos tool that comes pre-installed on your Mac will do just fine for basic edits, or you can use a free app like PhotoScapeX or Fotor for more filters and options. When you want to get into serious photo manipulations, you'll need a tool that has a more advanced suite of editing tools.
Is there a free slideshow maker with music? ›
Animoto's slideshow maker is easy to use and quick to learn. Simply drag and drop your photos and video clips into our online slideshow creator and add text and music to tell your story. Once your video is complete share it with friends, family, or followers.
How do I make a slideshow with music and memory? ›- Choose a memorial video template or start from scratch.
- Upload your photos and video clips.
- Personalize your video by changing colors, text, and music.
- Finish your HD video and download it to share at a funeral or online with family and loved ones.
FlexClip is a free online video maker platform that offers an easy way for memorial video and funeral slideshow creation in honoring loved ones and heroes. You can easily make a solemn video for the deceased in just a few minutes.
What app can i download to make a slideshow? ›PicPlayPost is the best slideshow maker, video collage maker, and live video wallpaper app with over 15 million users. Edit videos, make photo and video collages, slideshows, and live wallpapers. Everything you need to build community with professional content, at your fingertips.
How do you make a slideshow with multiple pictures? ›- Copy and paste images into your slide. ...
- Use the Insert menu in PowerPoint. ...
- Use the layout option in PowerPoint. ...
- Use the 'Shape Fill with Pictures' option. ...
- Use the SmartArt option.
- Create a New Project. ...
- Import Photos, Videos, and Audio Files. ...
- Apply Transitions & Effects. ...
- Add Titles and Text. ...
- Import Photos from the iPhoto Library. ...
- Add Music to Your iMovie Slideshow Project. ...
- Export Your iMovie Slideshow Video.
In the Photos app on your Mac, click a slideshow under Projects in the sidebar. Click Export in the toolbar, or choose File > Export > Export Slideshow. Enter a filename for your slideshow movie in the Save As field.
How do I make a movie from photos on my Mac? ›- In the QuickTime Player app on your Mac, choose File > Open Image Sequence.
- Select the image sequence folder in the Finder, then click “Choose media.” You can choose to select specific images and not the entire folder.
- Set the movie quality. ...
- Click Open.
| Supported Platform | Pros | |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Slideshow Director | iOS | Supports HD full screen; Can make music videos |
| PicFlow | iOS | Drop and drop to edit a photo; Various transitions to use |
| iMovie | iOS | Many movie themes to use; You can change audio |
| Photo FX Live Wallpaper | Android | You can customize the photo; High-quality output |
VivaVideo supports multi-track editing, where you can layer voice clips and music. The application is ideal to use for both Android and iPhone users.
What is the best app to make a video with pictures for free? ›
1. FotoPlay. The ridiculously popular video-making, photo-merging app has earned its place at the top among apps that create videos clips from photos. It seamlessly lets you merge photos with videos, music, effects, stickers, you-name-it, to create wonderfully cinematic memories from your favorite photos.
Is there an alternative to Powerpoint for Mac? ›With its powerful tools and dazzling effects, Keynote makes it easy to create stunning and memorable presentations, and comes included with most Apple devices. Use Apple Pencil on your iPad to create diagrams or illustrations that bring your slides to life.
Is there a free image editor on Mac? ›Pixlr offers many tools for your Mac free photo editing, including basic photo editing tools and professional photo manipulation ones for Mac users. Inside Pixlr you can use the magic wand tool, the lasso tool and the erase tool which makes you feel you are having the free photo editor like Photoshop.
What is the easiest movie maker for Mac? ›With iMovie, create professional‑looking videos without an editing degree. Easily add photos and videos to projects, trim clips with your finger, add seamless transitions, and fade audio like a pro. You can also import and edit ProRes video 2 and add Apple ProRAW images to your movies and trailers.
Is there a free program like PowerPoint? ›Google Slides
The new OG in the presentation tool arena. Google Slides is the one-size-fits-all inheritor of the PowerPoint mantle. If you have used PowerPoint, you'll already be pretty familiar with Google Slides.
Keynote allows you to easily integrate sounds and videos into your project, something that may be quite frustrating to do in PowerPoint. Better usability. Keynote is easier to take up for a first-time user, and there are more customizing options that, however, don't litter your toolbar. Product integration.
Do you have to pay to use PowerPoint on Mac? ›This application requires a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 includes premium Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps, 1 TB cloud storage in OneDrive, advanced security, and more, all in one convenient subscription.
Which photo editing app is best and free? ›- 14 Best Free Photo Editing Apps.
- PhotoDirector - Best Free Photo Editor App. ...
- YouCam Perfect: Best Free Photo Editor. ...
- Pixlr - Best Photo Editor For Filters. ...
- PicsArt - Best Photo Editor For Filters. ...
- Snapseed - Best Photo Editor App for Casual Users. ...
- Adobe Photoshop Camera - Best Photo Editor For Taking Pictures.
1. PicsArt (Android, iOS) PicsArt is our top pick of the best photo editing apps, because it's fun, easy to use, yet covers just about all the bases for consumer mobile photography. It provides lots of creative control, excellent image-editing tools and a large variety of attractive filters.
Is there a free version of Movie Maker? ›Windows Movie Maker 2022
So if you need a Free Version Windows Movie Maker, you can download Windows Movie Maker Classic. If you need a more powerful movie maker & video editor software, you can download Windows Movie Maker 2022.
Is iMovie completely free? ›
iMovie comes free with all Mac operating systems.
What is the best movie making app for Mac? ›- PowerDirector 365 - Best Overall.
- VideoPad - Best Export Options.
- Shotcut - Best Format Support.
- iMovie - Best for Beginners on a Budget.
- Adobe Premiere Pro - Best for Professionals.
- HitFilm - Best for Visual Effects.
- Adobe Premiere Elements - Best for Beginners.