When you receive a PowerPoint file, whether over a company network or as an email attachment, the file extension indicates whether it’s a show file (meant for viewing only) or a working presentation file. The show file has the file extension .ppsx, while the presentation working file uses the file extension of .pptx on the end of the file name. Changing this extension changes the file type.

PPTX vs. PPSX

A PowerPoint show is the actual presentation that you view when you are a member of the audience. A PowerPoint presentation file is a working file in the creation stage. They differ only in their extension and the PowerPoint format they in which they open.

Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2010; PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, and PowerPoint for Mac.

PPTX is the extension for a PowerPoint presentation.

PPSX is the extension for a PowerPoint show. This format saves presentations as a slideshow. It is the same as the PPTX file but when you double-click it, it opens in Slide Show view rather than Normal view.

Editing a PowerPoint Show File

Sometimes, you want to make a few changes to the finished product, but all you received from your colleague is the show file with the .ppsx extension. There are a couple of ways to make edits to a .ppsx file.

Open the File in PowerPoint

  • Open PowerPoint.
  • Select File > Open and locate the show file with the .ppsx extension on your computer.
  • Edit the presentation as usual in PowerPoint.
  • Go to File.
  • Select Save As.
  • In the Save As Type box, choose PowerPoint Presentation (.*pptx) to save the file as a regular working presentation file.

Change the File Extension

In some cases, you can just change the extension before opening the file in PowerPoint. 

Open PowerPoint.

Select File > Open and locate the show file with the .ppsx extension on your computer.

Edit the presentation as usual in PowerPoint.

Go to File.

Select Save As.

In the Save As Type box, choose PowerPoint Presentation (.*pptx) to save the file as a regular working presentation file.

  • Select File > Open and locate the show file with the .ppsx extension on your computer.
  • Right-click the show file with the .ppsx extension and choose Open file location.
  • Right-click on the file name and choose Rename.
  • Change the file extension from .ppsx to .pptx.
  • Double-click on the newly named file to open it in PowerPoint as a working presentation file.

Right-click the show file with the .ppsx extension and choose Open file location.

Right-click on the file name and choose Rename.

Change the file extension from .ppsx to .pptx.

Double-click on the newly named file to open it in PowerPoint as a working presentation file.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day