New feature now available for testing in Word for the web

Feb 24, 2021 17:58 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has announced a new feature that essentially makes it possible for a Word document to be transformed into a PowerPoint presentation with just a few clicks.

The new feature is available in Word for the web, with Microsoft explaining only the First Release audience can try it right now, with all web users to get it shortly.

For now, the feature is currently available in English exclusively and does not support Internet Explorer and Safari browsers. Only text can be converted, as other media content is not supported right now and Microsoft recommends users to add their own media when the presentation file is ready.

“Have you ever wished you could easily transform an existing Word document into a great PowerPoint presentation? If so, the wait is over! When you use the Transform command, it creates a presentation based on all the summarized sections of the document. It also adds imagery, icons, videos, themes, and fonts using AI,” Mohit Anand, Program Manager on the PowerPoint team, explains.

First testers getting it as we speak

As usual, Microsoft says it’s using a gradual rollout to make sure everything is working as expected, and the company does not guarantee the mass release is reached, especially in case a major bug is discovered.

“Features are released over some time to ensure that things are working smoothly.  Therefore, we highlight features that you may not have because they’re slowly releasing to larger numbers of Insiders. Additionally, sometimes we remove elements to further improve them based on your feedback. Though this is rare, we also reserve the option to pull a feature entirely out of the product, even if you, as Insiders, have had the opportunity to try them,” the company says.

Converting a document into a presentation is possible by opening a document in Word for the web and then going to File > Transform > Transform to PowerPoint presentation.