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How to open, edit and save .key Keynote files on PowerPoint on a Windows PC

Is there an easy way to open Keynote files on a Windows PC? My colleagues all use Macs.

Keynote may well be the best presentation software package you can buy – or get for free with any new Mac – but if truth be told it isn’t the most widely used. That honour still belongs to PowerPoint, and while it’s possible to open that program’s files in Keynote, the reverse is a little more complicated. Fret not, though, because in this tutorial we show you how to edit .key files in Windows.

Related: Apple Keynote Review | 10 Apple Keynote Tips | Alternative to Apple’s Keynote or PowerPoint for Mac

What is a .key file?

When you create a new presentation in Keynote the file is automatically saved in the .key format. This is different from, say, PowerPoint, which uses the .pptx format, or Microsoft Word, which uses the .docx variety . Essentially they all do the same thing, but not all applications can open each type of file.

The main issue for Keynote users is that PowerPoint is unable to read .key formats and therefore makes it a bit awkward to easily move presentations between the platforms. It can be done, though, as we’ll explain below.

Exporting a Keynote presentation in a PowerPoint format

If you’re the creator of the Keynote presentation then it’s actually very easy to convert it into a PowerPoint format that your Windows friends can open.

The first thing you need to do is find the file in question, open it, then go to the menu bar at the top and click File > Export To > PowerPoint.

This will open a new window that asks you to confirm that you want to Export to PowerPoint. Exporting creates a duplicate version of your Keynote presentation, so be assured that your original remains intact. The new one is simply in a format that can be opened on a Windows PC.

Before you create the new file try clicking on the grey arrow next to Advanced Options .

This reveals a dropdown menu where you can select the exact format you want. Usually the .pptx is the one you’d choose, but if the person to whom you’re sending the file is using an older version of PowerPoint (circa 1997-2003) then you can opt for .ppt instead.

Click Next , name the file and where you want to store it, then click Export . A copy of the presentation should now be found in the folder you selected, replete with a .pptx extension at the end. This means you can now send it to your Windows chums and they’ll be able to open it just like any other PowerPoint file.

Using iCloud to edit Keynote on a Windows PC

If the Keynote file wasn’t created by you, or you don’t have access to a Mac, then it takes a little more effort to open a .key presentation.

The easiest way is to use iCloud, Apple’s online portal, which includes web versions of Pages, Numbers and Keynote. If you’re not an existing iCloud user then you can quickly set up a free account. Just visit the iCloud site and click on the Don’t have an Apple ID? option at the bottom of the screen. Follow the instructions and you’ll be good to go in a couple of minutes.

Related: How to use iCloud Drive

With you account set up, you now have access to the online version of Keynote. Just log into iCloud with your Apple ID and you’ll be presented with a selection of icons for all the different Apple services. Click on the blue Keynote icon to launch the application.

In the Keynote app you’ll see a Settings icon (a gear cog) at the top of the page. Click on this and a dropdown menu will appear, with the option Upload Presentation at the top.

Select this, navigate to your .key file, click Open, and your presentation will appear in the Keynote app.

From here you can either edit the presentation and then save it as a normal .key file again, or if you want to use PowerPoint then you can download a copy in the .pptx format. To do this click on the Wrench/spanner icon in the upper right area of the screen and select Download a Copy from the menu that appears.

Now all that’s left to do is choose the PowerPoint format from the windows that appears and you will have a .pptx file that can be opened on your Windows PC.

While many of the features, fonts and formats will be shared across different applications, you might come across a few things that don’t quite match up. In these cases it’s best to let the software replace them with the ones it recommends. Hopefully most things will go smoothly, and before long both you and your Windows counterparts will be creating beautiful and informative presentations in a harmonious fashion.

Be sure to also check out our How to edit .pages files on Windows and How to install Windows on a Mac articles for more Microsoft/Apple collaborations.

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor, Macworld

how to open apple keynote presentation on windows

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews.

How to Open Keynote on Windows PC?

Ever tried opening a Keynote presentation on your PC and felt like you're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole? You're not alone. Let's dive into the world of cross-platform compatibility and find a solution.

In an ideal world, every file format would be universally compatible. But alas, we're not there yet. Especially when it comes to Apple's Keynote and the Windows PC.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using iCloud to Open Keynote on PC

Navigating the world of presentation software can be tricky, especially when you can’t open Keynote files directly on a Windows computer. But don't fret! Here's a detailed tutorial to help you view and use your Keynote presentations on a PC.

Setting Up iCloud for Keynote on Windows

Step 2: Sign in using your iCloud account credentials. If you don't have an iCloud account, you'll need to create one.

Accessing and Viewing Your Keynote Presentations

upload keynote presentation or find it on your icloud

Converting Keynote to Microsoft PowerPoint Format

If you need to open and edit your Keynote presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint or share it with Windows users who might not know how to open Keynote on Windows, converting it to a PowerPoint file is a smart move.

Step 4: Once the conversion process is complete, download the PowerPoint file to your Windows computer. This file will now be in .pptx format, which means you can open and edit it on your Windows machine using Microsoft PowerPoint or any other compatible presentation software.

Tips for Windows PC Users

If you've received a Keynote presentation and don't want to go through the iCloud process, consider asking the sender to export the file in PowerPoint format before sending.
Remember, while Keynote is an Apple product, with the online version of Keynote on Windows through iCloud, you can access, view, and even edit your presentations not just on Windows but also on other platforms.
For those who frequently migrate presentations from PowerPoint to Keynote or vice versa, always check the presentation's formatting. Some features in Keynote might not be available in PowerPoint and vice versa.

Converting Keynote to PowerPoint: A Comprehensive Guide

When you've crafted a beautiful presentation in Keynote but need to share it with someone using a Windows PC, converting it to a PowerPoint presentation becomes essential. Apple Keynote is a fantastic tool, but it's not natively available for Windows. So, how do you bridge this gap? Let's delve into a step-by-step tutorial to convert your Keynote slides into a format that's friendly for Windows PCs.

Preparing Your Keynote Presentation

open your keynote presentation on your mac

Step 2: Before you proceed with the conversion, ensure that your presentation is finalized. Check if the file was last edited recently and if all the elements are in place.

Initiating the Conversion Process

Customizing the Export Settings

Step 2: Depending on your needs, you might want to explore other settings. For instance, Keynote now supports exporting your presentation into a PowerPoint document or even as a QuickTime movie. Choose the format that best suits your needs.

Saving and Transferring the File

Step 1: Once you've selected the desired format, click "Next." You'll be prompted to save the file. Choose a location on your Mac where you can easily retrieve it.
Step 2: After saving, transfer the file to your Windows PC. You can use a USB drive, email, or any cloud storage solution. If you're using iCloud, you can use this same iCloud account to access the file on your Windows devices.

Opening the File on Windows

Step 1: Once you've transferred the file to your Windows PC, locate it and double-click to open. If you have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on the Windows machine, it should open like any other PowerPoint presentation.
Step 2: If you don't have PowerPoint, consider using alternatives like File Viewer Lite or other presentation software that supports the .pptx format.

Exploring Third-Party Software for Keynote Conversion

While Apple's Keynote offers its own methods to export to PowerPoint, sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where you can't access the original Keynote software or need an alternative solution. This is where third-party software comes into play. They provide another way to open and convert Keynote presentations, ensuring you can access your Keynote presentation right from a Windows PC. Let's explore some popular third-party tools and how to use them.

CloudConvert

Step 1: Navigate to the CloudConvert website.
Step 2: Click on "Select Files" and upload your Keynote presentation.
Step 3: From the dropdown menu, choose the .pptx file format for PowerPoint for Mac or Windows.
Step 4: Click "Start Conversion." Once done, download the converted file to your PC.

zamzar convert online keynote to powerpoint

Step 1: Visit the Zamzar website.
Step 2: Click on "Add Files" and select the Keynote presentation you want to open on Windows.
Step 3: Choose the .pptx file format from the conversion options.
Step 4: Click "Convert Now." After the conversion, download the file to access it on any Windows PC.

Document.Online-Convert

Step 1: Go to the Document.Online-Convert website.
Step 2: Under the "Document Converter" section, select “Convert to PowerPoint.”
Step 3: Upload your Keynote file.
Step 4: Ensure the target format is set to .pptx and then click "Start Conversion." Download the converted file once the process is complete.

While it's a bummer that Keynote isn't natively supported on PC, there are workarounds. Whether you choose iCloud, conversion, or third-party software, the key is finding what works best for you.

Yes, using iCloud's web version of Keynote allows editing.

No, Apple hasn't released a Keynote app for Windows.

Yes, an Apple ID is required to access iCloud services.

Yes, but always ensure they're safe and reputable before downloading.

Yes, Keynote allows exporting to PDF, HTML, and other formats.

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How to Open Keynote .key Files on Windows

Creating presentations on our Macs or iPads with Keynote is really convenient while at home or on the go. But later, we have hard times when we want to open them on our Windows PCs at work using Powerpoint.

Sometimes the other way around happens. We desperately need to open Powerpoint presentations that our colleague or visiting lecture sent us, on our iPads or Macs using Keynote. Additionally, sometimes we need to edit Powerpoint presentations on Keynote.

Whatever you need to do, I have good news for you. In this article, I will show you easy ways how to open Keynote (.key) files on Windows PC using Powerpoint . Furthermore, here you can also learn how to open Powerpoint presentations on macOS and iOS using Keynote .

How to Convert a Keynote File to a PowerPoint Presentation

Convert keynote to powerpoint presentations on mac.

Click on File .
Select Export To .
Choose PowerPoint .

Convert Keynote to PowerPoint presentations on iOS Devices

While in Keynote, long – press on the Keynote presentation , and click on Share .
Select Export from the menu.
Tap on PowerPoint .

Convert Keynote to PowerPoint presentations on iCloud

Select Download a Copy.
Choose PowerPoint.

How to Open a Keynote (.key) file in PowerPoint

If you received or created a Keynote presentation, these are the methods you can do to view and edit the .key file on Windows using PowerPoint.

While using Keynote, you can export the presentation into a PowerPoint document with a .ppt or .pptx extension. To do that, Select File > Export to PowerPoint , and that’s it. You’ve got the Keynote into a PowerPoint format.
If you are using Keynote on your iDevice, use the export to PowerPoint option. Create the presentation on your iPad and then email it to your work account converted to a PowerPoint file, directly from your iPad.
If you do not have an iPad or Mac with Keynote installed, and you received a Keynote presentation, ask the person to export the file into a PowerPoint presentation. After that, tell them to send you the .ppt or .pptx file on email so that you can edit it on your Windows PC.

How to Export a Keynote File to a PowerPoint Presentation Using Your iPad

If you are creating Keynote presentations on your iPad, you can send the file directly to your email in a PowerPoint format.

Open Keynote on your iDevice .
Select the presentation you want to export.

Now, choose how you want to send the file. (via Mail, Drive, DropBox, etc.)

Note: When exporting to PowerPoint, the process replaces any unrecognized fonts with its system recognized fonts. Additionally, Powerpoint replaces your Keynote transitions and animations with comparable ones from Microsoft’s palette.

How to Open a Keynote file in PowerPoint Using iCloud

iCloud is a highly useful service for its users. It allows your Windows PC to use iWork. When you use iWork on iCloud, you can access all your Keynote presentations through any Mac or PC web browser . Keynote for iCloud allows you to open, edit, and share your keynote files from any Windows computer connected to the internet . You can also use devices with other operating systems. The only thing you need is internet access and a web browser.

To use Keynote for iCloud, sign in to iCloud.com and make sure your iCloud account uses iCloud Drive. That way, Keynote for iCloud will be able to download .ppt and .pptx files.

How to Convert Keynote to PowerPoint Presentations using iWork for iCloud

Double-click on your presentation.

After you download the file, open it like any other PowerPoint presentation on your Windows PC. And, what is even more convenient is that after you finish editing the file, you can use this same iCloud tool to convert your presentation back to a Keynote file.

How To Present Keynotes Using iCloud

iCloud offers you an option to present any Keynote presentation without downloading or converting any files. It is simple. You just need internet access and a web browser.

Open your browser of choice.
Navigate to com .
Open Keynote .
Open your presentation and click on the Play button . That’s it.

Additionally, iCloud allows online editing your presentations, with no downloads required.

Pay Attention to Your Fonts

While using Keynote on iCloud, keep in mind that your local Mac fonts will not be available. So when creating your presentation on Keynoter for Mac or iCloud, make sure you choose system fonts that both your iCloud and computer share. If you include local fonts, iCloud will replace those with system fonts. Also, depending on your internet connection, while using Keynote on iCloud some of the animations may not playback smoothly.

However, if you are concerned about the animations and fonts, you can save the file as a QuickTime movie. That’s how you will keep all the same effects and fonts. If you are using this method, keep in mind that your presentation is only viewable, without options to change or edit something. Also, make sure you have Quicktime installed on the Windows PC you use.

Showing Keynote Presentations Using an iPad

Want to Convert PowerPoint to Keynote Presentations? Here is How

Importing your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation into Keynote never been so easier. Keynote now supports many PowerPoint features. You can use it to comment, perform conditional formatting, and even create bubble charts on PowerPoint presentations.

Keynote makes viewing and editing PowerPoint presentations super simple. Just open the Keynote software on your Mac, choose import an existing file, and navigate to your PowerPoint presentation . You can open .ppt as well as .pptx file extensions.

How to Open a PowerPoint File Using Keynote for iCloud

Open your web browser , type com , and login with your Apple ID .

Wait while your PowerPoint presentation is uploading on iCloud .

How to Open a PowerPoint Presentation on Your iPad

Send your PowerPoint presentation to your iPad . (Upload it to iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, or send it to your email)
Locate the attachment you’ve just sent on your iPad , and open it .
Tap on the Share button and select Copy to Keynote .
Your iPad will automatically convert and import the file to Keynote .

After the presentation opens, you may get a message telling you that the file was last edited in a different app than the most recent Keynote version. Also, it may tell you that Keynote does not support some aspects of the presentations. And lastly, Keynote will let you know for any substitutions that it may do for things like animations or fonts.

Final Words

Having an option to open and edit Keynote and PowerPoint presentations on both Mac and PC is convenient and needed in many situations. Use these methods to get out the best from both worlds, Apple’s Keynote and Microsoft’s PowerPoint.