Sometimes you want the simplicity of a Word document to back up or print handouts of an important presentation. Find out how to convert a PowerPoint into a Word Document. 

Convert PowerPoint Handouts to Word

When you want to edit PowerPoint handouts, convert the handouts into a document that can be edited in Word.

Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, and PowerPoint 2010.

To convert handouts to Word format:

  • Open the PowerPoint presentation that you want to convert to a Word document.
  • Select File > Export. In PowerPoint 2010, select File > Save & Send.
  • Select Create Handouts and choose Create Handouts. In PowerPoint 2010, select Create Handouts under File Types and select Create Handouts under Create Handouts in Microsoft Word. The Send to Microsoft Word dialog box opens.
  • Select the page layout option you want to use.

Converting PowerPoint presentations to Word documents can be done in five different ways:

Open the PowerPoint presentation that you want to convert to a Word document.

Select File > Export. In PowerPoint 2010, select File > Save & Send.

Select Create Handouts and choose Create Handouts. In PowerPoint 2010, select Create Handouts under File Types and select Create Handouts under Create Handouts in Microsoft Word. The Send to Microsoft Word dialog box opens.

Select the page layout option you want to use.

  • Notes next to slidesBlank lines next to slidesNotes below slidesBlank lines below slidesOutline only

Comparing the options can help you choose the best one for you.

Notes Next to Slide on Handout

The first option when converting PowerPoint presentations to Word is the most commonly used printout option. A miniature version of the slide is printed on the left and a box showing any speaker notes written to accompany the slide are shown on the right.

Three thumbnail versions of your slides print on each page.

Blank Lines Beside Slide on Handouts

The second option when converting PowerPoint presentations to Word is to print blank lines beside the slide on the handout for the audience to make notes during your presentation.

Three thumbnail slides print on each page.

Notes Below Slides on Handouts

The third option when converting PowerPoint presentations to Word is to print speaker notes below the slide for easy reference during the presentation.

One slide prints on each page.

Blank Lines Below Slides on Handouts

The fourth option when converting PowerPoint presentations to Word is to print blank lines below the slide on the handout for the audience to make notes during your presentation.

One thumbnail version of the slide prints on each page.

Outline Only

When converting PowerPoint presentations to Word, the fifth option is to print an outline of all the text in the PowerPoint presentation. No graphics are shown in the outline, but this view is the quickest to use when editing is needed.

Another feature that PowerPoint offers when it converts your presentation to a Word document is the choice of Paste or Paste Link. Here is the difference.

  • Choose Paste to create the handout in the style you have chosen.Choose Paste Link to create a handout in the style you choose as well. However, if the PowerPoint presentation is later edited, the changes appear in the Word document the next time it is opened. This is not the case when you choose the Paste command.

When you have made all your selections select OK and a new Word document opens with the PowerPoint handouts in the format you selected.

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