Switch Kit › Office alternatives › Switching to DeckCraft
Switch Kit guide 13 · 15-page PDF
A free alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint: switching to DeckCraft
DeckCraft is a free, open-source presentation app from the ArtCraft team, designed to feel familiar to people who use Microsoft PowerPoint software. This page sums up what you should know before switching; the guide takes you through a safe test with your own files.
Short answer
DeckCraft is a free, open-source presentation app that opens and saves PPTX, with transitions including Morph, 64 animations, presenter view, audio and video. It does not open .ppt or .odp, and it does not prompt you to save on close: save often (version 0.5, alpha).
PowerPoint vs DeckCraft at a glance
| PowerPoint | DeckCraft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Microsoft 365 Personal: €99/year in Spain (US$99.99 in the US) | Free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, mobile, web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Formats | PPTX, PPT, ODP and more | PPTX only |
| Animations | Full set | 64 of about 190; Morph included |
| Printing and add-ins | Yes | Not yet |
| Maturity | Industry standard | Alpha (v0.5), about 55% ready |
Prices are US or Spanish list prices checked on 31 October 2026 and vary by country. Maturity figures for ArtCraft apps are the developers' own estimates.
What to know before you switch
- PPTX only (no .ppt, .odp or .pptm).
- Transitions including Morph; 64 of about 190 animations; presenter view.
- Exports PDF, PNG, JPEG and GIF.
- No printing, equations, add-ins or VBA yet; English interface only.
- Important: no save prompt when closing an edited file.
Facts checked on 31 October 2026. Prices and versions change; check the official sites.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if…
- You build simple talks and class presentations.
- You use PowerPoint mainly for PPTX decks.
- You want a free presentation tool.
Better to wait if…
- You depend on complex animations or SmartArt.
- You need printing or add-ins.
How to switch from PowerPoint to DeckCraft in five steps
- Check the fitRead what is ready and what is missing, and decide whether DeckCraft suits your work today.
- Install from the official sourceDownload DeckCraft only from the official site and verify the checksum. Keep PowerPoint installed for now.
- Run a five-file testOpen five real files from your own work, edit and export them, and note what changes.
- Use both for two weeksDo new, low-risk work in DeckCraft while keeping PowerPoint for anything urgent.
- Time your subscriptionIf you decide to leave, cancel at the cheapest moment and download everything first.
The guide expands each step with checklists, a test sheet and a two-week plan.
Other free options worth knowing
This guide focuses on one alternative, but it is not the only one. These well-known options may suit you better depending on your work. See the full comparison of free Office alternatives.
LibreOffice Impress
Mature free, open-source presentation app.
ONLYOFFICE
Free desktop editors with strong PPTX compatibility.
PowerPoint on the web
Microsoft's free browser version with a Microsoft account.
Inside the guide
The two tools at a glance · a self-assessment (good fit or better to wait) · what feels familiar and what is still in progress · a five-file compatibility test · plug-ins, AI and workflow notes · timing your exit from your subscription without surprise fees · protecting your work before you leave · safe installation · a gentle two-week migration plan · a printable checklist.
Printable A4 PDF in English · instant download · checklists you can tick · written by Julian Beaumont, 20 years of hands-on experience with creative and digital tools.
€7PDF, VAT included
Get the guide · €7Frequently asked questions
What is a free alternative to PowerPoint?
Several exist; DeckCraft is a new open-source option with a familiar layout. The guide shows what transfers well.
Does DeckCraft open PPTX files?
Yes, PPTX only. Older .ppt files must be converted first.
Does DeckCraft support Morph?
Yes, Morph is among its transitions.
Does DeckCraft work on Mac and Linux?
Yes. DeckCraft has builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, from getartcraft.com or the project's GitHub.
Is DeckCraft safe to download?
Download it only from the official sources. Each release ships with SHA-256 checksums so you can verify the file; look-alike download sites exist.
Can I keep PowerPoint while I test DeckCraft?
Yes, and the guide recommends it. Both can be installed side by side, so you test with real files before changing anything.
Next steps
Stopping Microsoft 365? Read what happens to OneDrive, Outlook and your files.
New to ArtCraft? Start with the free overview of all thirteen apps.
