WPS OfficeLinux
vs
PowerPoint ViewerWindows
WPS Office as a Linux alternative to PowerPoint Viewer
Updated
Our verdict
WPS Office is a solid replacement for PowerPoint Viewer if you need to view .ppt and .pptx files with full support for animations, transitions, hyperlinks, and embedded media. It runs natively on Linux and handles Microsoft formats reliably. While it includes editing features, read-only use is straightforward. The interface is intuitive for slide navigation in full screen and thumbnail view. Users who only need to view presentations without editing will find it functional and dependable.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary=https://www.wps.c…
- Price
- freemium
- Latest version
- 11.1.0.11723 (February 22, 2024)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports viewing .ppt and .pptx files
- Preserves animations and slide transitions
- Handles hyperlinks and embedded media correctly
- Offers full-screen presentation mode
- Provides thumbnail-based slide navigation
What is different
- WPS Office allows editing, whereas PowerPoint Viewer was strictly read-only
- Requires accepting a proprietary EULA
- Includes cloud integration and online templates (not in PowerPoint Viewer)
- Larger download size due to full office suite
- Ads appear in the interface, which PowerPoint Viewer did not have
Opening your PowerPoint Viewer files
WPS Office opens .ppt and .pptx files accurately, including complex formatting, animations, and transitions. It reliably renders content created in Microsoft PowerPoint. Exporting to PDF is supported, but exporting back to .pptx retains compatibility. There are no known issues with standard presentation files. If a file opens correctly in Microsoft PowerPoint, it will almost certainly open correctly in WPS Presentation.
Switching from PowerPoint Viewer to WPS Office, step by step
- Install WPS Office from Flathub using 'flatpak install flathub com.wps.Office'
- Open .ppt or .pptx files by double-clicking or using 'wps presentation' from the terminal
- Use F5 to start presentation in full screen, or View > Slide Show
- Navigate with arrow keys, mouse click, or thumbnails panel
- Close the presentation with Esc or via the menu
Key features of WPS Office
- Deep compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats
- Includes Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets
- Available via Flathub for easy installation
- Supports PDF export and conversion
- Cloud storage integration options
- Template gallery for presentations and documents
- Collaborative editing features
- Lightweight compared to Microsoft Office
How to install WPS Office on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.wps.OfficeFrequently asked questions
Is WPS Office free to use on Linux?
Yes, WPS Office has a free version for Linux with full viewing and basic editing. A premium subscription removes ads and unlocks extra templates and cloud features.
Does WPS Office support all PowerPoint animations and transitions?
Most animations and transitions are rendered accurately. Rare or complex effects may not display exactly as in PowerPoint, but common ones like fades and wipes work reliably.
Can I use WPS Office offline?
Yes, WPS Office works fully offline. Internet access is only needed for initial activation, cloud storage, or template downloads.
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