- Prezi alternatives at a glance
- Ten zooming and slide-based presentation tools to weigh against Prezi
- Zooming canvas or classic slides: which presentation style suits you
- Motion, accessibility and comfort in presentation software
- Questions to ask before you move a presentation from Prezi
- Rebuilding a zooming presentation in a new tool
- Why a smaller presentation tool can be a good fit
- A simple way to try your presentation shortlist
- Frequently asked questions
A good Prezi alternative should suit the way you present, whether that's zooming, interactive or classic slides, and let you export your work. Check collaboration, sharing and comfort for your audience. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers how to choose and how to switch.
Prezi is presentation software best known for its zooming canvas, where you travel between ideas on one large map instead of clicking through separate slides. If you're looking around, perhaps because you want a calmer style, an easier way to collaborate or a different way to share, plenty of other tools can help.
This is a list of ten Prezi alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Some are familiar names and most are smaller or more specialised. I've drawn each description from the tool's own website, so check current details there before you decide. For a wider look at design help, see my overview of AI writing and design tools for marketers.
Prezi alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a plan or version you can keep using without a time limit. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the site states neither. Details change, so check before you start.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emaze | Online maker | Presentations, sites and eCards | Yes |
| Focusky | Zoom-style slides | Zooming, panning presentations | Yes |
| Genially | Interactive content | Clickable slides, quizzes and games | Yes |
| Haiku Deck | Image-led slides | Picture-first, minimal slides | Yes |
| LibreOffice Impress | Desktop slides | Open source slides on your computer | Yes |
| Mentimeter | Audience interaction | Live polls, quizzes and Q&A | Yes |
| Pitch | Team deck workspace | Collaborative decks with templates | Yes |
| Powtoon | Animated presentations | Animated slides and explainers | Yes |
| Slides.com | Browser slides | Decks that scroll in two directions | Yes |
| Zoho Show | Browser deck tool | Collaborative slides in a browser | Yes |
Ten zooming and slide-based presentation tools to weigh against Prezi
Emaze
Best for: Anyone who wants an online maker for presentations, simple sites and eCards from one account.
Focusky
Best for: Presenters who like a big-canvas style where the view zooms and pans between ideas.
Genially
Best for: Teachers and trainers who want slides with buttons, pop-ups and quiz elements built in.
Haiku Deck
Best for: Speakers who want one idea and one strong image per slide, on the web or a tablet.
LibreOffice Impress
Best for: People who want free, open source slide software that opens and saves common presentation files.
Mentimeter
Best for: Presenters who want the audience to vote, answer and ask questions during the session.
Pitch
Best for: Teams who want to design, comment on and present decks together in one shared workspace.
Powtoon
Best for: Marketers and trainers who want movement and characters in their slides without animation skills.
Slides.com
Best for: Presenters who like slides that move down as well as across, shared simply by link.
Zoho Show
Best for: Teams who want to build and present slides together online without installing software.
Zooming canvas or classic slides: which presentation style suits you
The big question is whether you want a zooming canvas or a conventional run of slides. Neither is better in itself; it depends on your talk.
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- Zooming canvas. Good for showing how ideas connect, but too much movement can distract or tire the audience.
- Classic slides. Easier to follow, print and share, and kinder if your audience uses assistive technology.
- Interactive slides. Polls, quizzes and clickable areas keep people involved, if you keep them simple.
- Animated slides. Movement can help explain a process, as long as it supports the message.
- Image-led slides. A single picture and a few words can carry a whole point.
Motion, accessibility and comfort in presentation software
Heavy zooming and panning can bother some viewers, including people who are sensitive to motion. If you present to a mixed audience, think about this before you commit to one style.
- Keep text large and contrast strong so people at the back can read it.
- Use motion sparingly and let the audience see where they are on the map.
- Offer a plain PDF or handout version for people who prefer it.
- Check whether the tool supports captions and screen readers where you need them.
- Test on the projector or screen you'll really use, not just your laptop.
If layout choices are new to you, my explainer of ten graphic design terms covers the basics.
Questions to ask before you move a presentation from Prezi
- Which presentations do you use most, and are they still worth keeping?
- Will you present live, online or by sending a link?
- Do other people need to edit the deck with you?
- Do you need to export to PowerPoint or PDF for clients?
- Can you download your work in an editable form before you leave?
Rebuilding a zooming presentation in a new tool
Zoom-style content doesn't always convert neatly to slides, so it's worth planning the rebuild.
- Write out the main ideas of the talk in the order you'll present them.
- Turn each zoom area into a section of slides or a clear group of them.
- Rebuild your brand colours, fonts and logo before designing anything.
- Rehearse the new version out loud, and time it.
- Keep the old version until the new one has been through a real presentation.
Why a smaller presentation tool can be a good fit
Smaller tools often focus on one style of presenting and reply quickly when you write in. You may find simpler menus and features aimed at your exact kind of talk.
Check when the company last updated its product, read its help pages and make sure you can export your work whenever you wish. If the site doesn't say, ask. Try one small talk before you trust it with a big one.
Do you make a presentation or slide tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
A simple way to try your presentation shortlist
Pick two options and rebuild the opening three minutes of one real talk in each. Notice how easy it was to edit, how it looks when you present full screen and what happens when you share it. Keep the tool that helps you tell the story with the least fuss.
Frequently asked questions
What is zooming presentation software?
It's software where all your content sits on one large canvas, and the view zooms and pans between points instead of moving from slide to slide.
Why would someone look for a Prezi alternative?
Reasons vary and aren't always about the tool itself: a calmer style, different collaboration options, other export formats or a better match for a particular audience. Start by listing what your talks need.
Can I convert a zooming presentation into normal slides?
Usually you'll need to rebuild it. Plan the order of your ideas first, then turn each area into a set of slides.
Are zooming presentations hard for some people to watch?
Fast zooming and panning can be uncomfortable for some viewers. Use motion sparingly, and offer a plain version if your audience may need one.
Is a free plan enough to get started?
It can be for occasional talks. Read the limits on exports, number of presentations and branding, and check the features you need are included, before you rely on one.
