How to Make a Slideshow: 5 Free Methods (2024)

Creating a slideshow is a great way to relive your favorite memories. Whether you want to share photos from your vacation with family or present ideas to your colleagues, knowing how to make a remarkable slideshow can do wonders.

In the 17th century, the "magic lantern" was invented, allowing presenters to project hand-painted slides onto walls. It was an early form of slideshows.

In this article, we'll take you through the essential steps to create engaging slideshows and provide you with 5 effective services. Read on to discover versatile tools that will elevate your slideshow-making experience.

1. Icecream Slideshow Maker

Using Icecream Slideshow Maker is a great option for anyone to swiftly make a slideshow that looks polished and professional. With just a few steps, you can make an engaging slideshow and share it as a video.

1. Download and install the free slideshow creator on your computer.
2. Launch the program and choose the files that you want to add. You can click "Add Photo" to select images one by one or "Add Folder" to import the whole album.
3. Add captions and transitions, and set time for each slide. You can also add music if you wish.
4. Preview your slideshow and select how many times you want the project to repeat.
5. When you're satisfied with the result, press the "Create" button to save it to your device.

Overall, utilizing Icecream Slideshow Maker to create slideshows is an excellent choice to quickly put together an engaging presentation. All you need is a few minutes of your time and you'll have a professional-looking slideshow ready to share with your audience!

2. iMovie

iMovie is a MacOS application designed primarily for video editing, but it also has features for creating slideshows with your photos and videos. Here's how to do it:

1. Open iMovie and select "Create Movie" from the "Projects" menu.
2. Add your images to the "My Media" tab by clicking the "Import" button.
3. Click "Transitions" and place the transition between photos.
4. You can add music from "My Media" or press "Audio" and select a song from iTunes.
5. When you're happy with your photo slideshow, click "Share" to save it.

Overall, a user-friendly interface and flexible editing options make iMovie a great tool to create a picture slideshow. It's awesome for beginners and casual editing tasks but may have limitations for advanced users seeking more features and customization options.

3. Adobe Express

Using Adobe Express to make a slideshow is an effective way to create visuals for presentations, events, and other purposes. Here is a step-by-step guide on creating a slideshow with photos:

1. Go to Adobe Express and press the "Create now" button.
2. Open the "Media" tab and click "Upload from device" to import photos.
3. Select a slideshow template from the "Templates" tab.
4. Drag and drop your photos on slides, and add animations and effects. You can also remove the background or adjust the opacity.
5. Click "Download" to export the project an your device or "Share" to publish it on social media.

Adobe Express is an excellent choice for creating slideshows quickly and easily without needing any prior experience with video editing software. However, it may not be the best option if you have a large amount of photos and want the slideshow to be in video format.

4. Canva

Making a slideshow with Canva is an effortless and efficient method of making appealing presentations. This online slideshow creator can help you put together a professional-looking slideshow. Here's an in-depth tutorial:

1. Create a free account on Canva or log in if you already have one.
2. Select the "Video" option, click "Uploads" in the side menu, and add your images, videos, and audio files.
3. Place all photos and videos on the timeline and set their duration. Click between two photos and select "Add transition".
4. To add text fields or draw on your slides, use the sidebar to the left of the page.
5. Download, print, or share your picture slideshow by clicking the "Share" button.

All in all, Canva is a great way to create professional slideshows swiftly and simply without spending money on expensive software. However, you might want to use another slideshow maker if you need your video in any format other than MP4.

5. Picsart

PicsArt is an easy-to-use photo editing app that can help you create stunning slideshows. Although the slideshow creator tool requires a premium subscription, you can use a video editor to create a picture slideshow. Here's how you can do it:

1. Download the PicsArt app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app, tap the "+" symbol and select "Video".
3. Click "See All" and choose all photos you want to use.
4. Adjust the length of slides, and add effects, transitions, or music.
5. Once you're done creating the slideshow, tap the arrow symbol in the upper right corner and save or share it.

PicsArt is an accessible photo and video editing app with a wide range of features. It's suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. However, users with less powerful devices may struggle to use it to create photo slideshows.

FAQ

1. Can I include music in my photo slideshow?

Most free slideshow makers support adding an audio track when creating a slideshow. You can either upload a file from your device or search for royalty-free music online.

2. How can I ensure my slideshow appears professional?

To guarantee that the picture slideshow looks professional, you can use a slideshow template and use consistent fonts and colors.

3. How do I decide on the length of my slideshow?

Contemplate how much time it will take to present each slide and the amount of content you must include. In case the slideshow is too long you can trim the video to the desired length.

Tips on creating a slideshow

The average person in the audience has an attention span of only 10 minutes.

1. Gather relevant content. Collect photos, videos, text, and other elements you want to include in the slideshow.
2. Organize your content into logical sections and sequences to ensure it's easy to understand.
3. Choose a template that works well with your content and the purpose of your photo slideshow.
4. Apply transitions between slides to keep viewers engaged and add continuity to the slideshow.
5. Add music to create a more captivating experience for viewers. You can export audio from video to use it in your slideshow.
6. Sync music and transitions. Time the transitions to match the rhythm of the audio. This synchrony will enhance the overall viewing experience.
7. Tell a story. Try to create a narrative using your photos. Begin with a strong opening and end with an engaging conclusion.

Conclusion: How to make a slideshow

Creating a slideshow with your photos doesn't need to be a stressful task. With the right slideshow makers, you can create a stunning presentation easily and quickly.

Whether you're making a personal photo album, a professional presentation, or something entirely unique, the process can be both fun and rewarding. So, don't hesitate to experiment, add your personal touch, and watch your images and ideas come to life.