How to screenshare a PowerPoint

The most frequently shared content during a live stream or webinar is PowerPoint slides.

Below are some basic instructions on how to do this using a Mac or PC.

Note: Slides are usually shared by the host or the session moderator. As screen sharing goes through a compression step in the live stream, we recommend sharing from a small screen, ideally with a resolution as close as possible to 720p (HD).

How to share a PowerPoint on a Mac

1. First, on your Mac, make sure that your browser has the permissions to access screen recording: Go to System preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy, and ensure that your browser is added to the allowed apps, and that the box is checked:
   
   To do this, you may need to click on the padlock, then the + button, to select your browser in order to add it.
   
   Once the permissions are granted, your browser will be able to access the necessary applications (like PowerPoint) for screen sharing.
   
   
2. Open your PowerPoint presentation, open Slide Show tab, and click Set Up Slide Show:
   
   
   
3. Select Browsed by an individual (window) and hit OK to save:
   
   
   
4. In the Slide show tab, click on Play from start to display the presentation in full screen.
   
   
5. In Studio, click on the Share your screen button  at the bottom of the stream viewer.
   In the Share your screen prompt, click on the Application Window tab. and select your PowerPoint.
   
   
6. After you've selected the PowerPoint, click Share.

Note: If you can't see the PowerPoint app in order to select it when when sharing your screen:
Make sure that your Powerpoint presentation is visible on the Background, and not minimized to tray
Make sure to Exit full screen mode on your Chrome or Firefox browser when sharing the screen.

How to share a PowerPoint on PC

1. First, Open your PowerPoint, and select Reading View in the bottom left corner. It will switch your presentation to a movable box instead of full screen.
   
   
2. In Studio, click on the Share your screen button  at the bottom of the stream viewer.
   In the Share your screen prompt, click on the Application Window tab. and select your PowerPoint.
   
   
3. After you've selected the Powerpoint, click Share.

How to screenshare using a single monitor

Whether you are using Mac or PC, you can view your slides in "presenter view" in PowerPoint (with the notes and next slides visible to only you), while sharing your presentation with the audience in "slide show view", in full screen via Studio (without any notes visible to the audience).

If you are using a single monitor to do this, you will not see SpotMe Studio when sharing your slides (you will see your presentation and notes). However, as you move through your slides in PowerPoint in  presenter view, the audience will see the presentation move through the slides in full screen (without the notes).

1. Before you start to screen share, open the PowerPoint on the starting slide for the presentation, and select Presenter view (instead of Reading View in PC or Play from start in Mac):
   
2. Next, go to Studio (in your browser). To do this you may need to use the keyboard short cut while in Presenter mode in PowerPoint:
   - In Mac: Press and hold the command key, and press the Tab key or arrows to select your browser.
   - In Windows: Press and hold the alt key, and press the Tab key or arrows to select your browser.
   
   
3. In Studio, click on the Share your screen button at the bottom of the stream viewer. In the Share your screen prompt, click on the Application window tab.
   Two more options are now available here: Presenter view and Slide show view). Please select Slide show view here to share your presentation in full screen without any notes visible to your audience:
   
   From here, click on Share to start sharing the slide show presentation, and go back to PowerPoint, in the Presenter view, and start presenting when you are ready.

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Technical notes
FAQ