Photographs can be heavy files and increase the size of the main PowerPoint file. So, how do you compress images in PowerPoint?
In PowerPoint 2013, to compress the photograph, select the image and use the Picture Tools>Compress button. Click Options>Compression Settings>Delete the cropped areas of pictures and then select the Target output size.
In PowerPoint 2003, select the picture and click on Compress Pictures on the Pictures toolbar. You can choose to apply this on all pictures or on the selected picture only. Once you’ve made your choice, select the Web or Screen resolution, followed by selecting the Compress Pictures and Delete Cropped Areas of Pictures options.
The ideal resolution for photographs so that they won’t increase the PPT’s file size and yet retain clarity ranges from 72 to 100 dpi with dimensions of 640 x 480 px.
When it comes to image file formats, JPEGs offer the best picture quality even in small file sizes. Avoid using heavy image files such as TIFs for PowerPoint presentations.
Next Step: Aligning Images on PowerPoint Slides.