PDFelement-Powerful and Simple PDF Editor
Get started with the easiest way to manage PDFs with PDFelement!
So you are now done with your presentation. Now you need to send a copy to your bosses, colleagues, or professor so they can review the report or idea. Giving them the exact file you used for the live presentation is not the best way to do it. We recommend you convert it first to PDF. Python PPTX to PDF conversion is one of the most reliable approaches to this.
Not anyone can use Python, though. Don't worry. If you are unfamiliar with this tool, you can use other tools. Wondershare PDFelement and HiPDF are the best ones. In this article, you will learn how to use these 3 tools.
What Is Python?
Python is a high-level, versatile, and interpreted programming language. It is known for its simplicity and readability, which is better than the existing programming languages when it was introduced.
Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python emphasizes clear and concise code syntax. It makes it easy for beginners to learn and use. Python supports various programming paradigms, including object-oriented, functional, and procedural styles. It enables developers to easily write efficient and powerful applications. For instance, you can use it to create a PPTX to PDF converter.
In this article
Part 1. How To Convert PPT to PDF Using Python?
You need Aspose.Slides for Python via .NET library to convert PPT to PDF. This library enables automation of the presentation manipulation operations from within your Python applications. To install this library, use PyPi and enter this command:
> pip install aspose.slides
Basic Python PPT to PDF Conversion
Now that you have installed the required library, you can convert your PPT files. To do so, follow these steps:
- Import Aspose.Slides. Use the code:
import aspose.slides as slides
- Use the Presentation class to load your PPT or PPTX file. The code is:
pres = slides.Presentation("filename.pptx")
- Convert the file to PDF using the method:
Presentation.save(string, export.SaveFormat.PDF)
Here is a code sample:
import aspose.slides as slides
pres = slides.Presentation("sample.pptx")
pres.save("pptx-to-pdf.pdf", slides.export.SaveFormat.PDF)
Include Hidden Slides When Converting PPT to PDF Using Python
The problem with the steps above is it does not include hidden pages. If you want to include them, do this instead:
- Load the PPT/PPTX presentation using the Presentation class.
- Create an object of PdfOptions class. Use the code:
options = slides.export.PdfOptions()
- Set PdfOptions.show_hidden_slides property to True. Use the code:
options.show_hidden_slides = True
- Use the Presentation.save(string, export.SaveFormat.PDF, PdfOptions) method to convert the PPT/PPTX file to PDF.
Presentation.save(string, export.SaveFormat.PDF, PdfOptions)
- Save the file using the code:
pres.save("pptx-to-pdf-hidden-slides.pdf", slides.export.SaveFormat.PDF, options)
Here is a code sample:
import aspose.slides as slides
pres = slides.Presentation("sample.pptx")
options = slides.export.PdfOptions()
options.show_hidden_slides = True
pres.save("pptx-to-pdf-hidden-slides.pdf", slides.export.SaveFormat.PDF, options)
Convert Only Specific Slides of the PPT/PPTX to PDF
Suppose you want to convert only specific pages of the PDF. Python also allows you to do that. Here's how:
- Load the PPTX/PPT file using the Presentation class.
- Create an array containing slide numbers. Follow this syntax:
slides_numbers=[ 1, 3 ]
The numbers should correspond to the page numbers that you want to convert.
- Convert PPT or PPTX to PDF using the code:
Presentation.save(string, slides_numbers, export.SaveFormat.PDF)
Here is a sample code:
import aspose.slides as slides
pres = slides.Presentation("sample.pptx")
slides_array = [ 1, 3 ]
pres.save("pptx-to-pdf-selected-slides.pdf", slides_array, slides.export.SaveFormat.PDF)
Pros
You can modify the codes to fit your specific needs.
If you already have an environment for Python, you don't have to install a new program.
It allows you to convert PPT and PPTX files to PDFs for free.
Cons
It requires you to know programming, specifically Python programming.
Part 2. Convert PPT to PDF Offline without Python
Web apps are great because they are very accessible. However, they can sometimes be unstable. So you may want to use an offline converter instead. And your best option is Wondershare PDFelement.
Why should you choose Wondershare PDFelement? It is not just a PDF converter! Wondershare PDFelement also allows you to edit and compress PDFs. And if you need to sign the PDF before sharing it with others, Wondershare PDFelement allows you to do that too. Furthermore, it includes AI tools that can help you in so many cases. But let us focus on its converter capabilities for now.
Here is how to easily convert PPT and PPTX to PDF using Wondershare PDFelement:
- Launch Wondershare PDFelement.
- Click Create PDF on the bottom left of the screen.
- Select From File. In the new window, select your PPT or PPTX file.
- Wondershare PDFelement will convert the file to PDF and will open a preview. Save the document.
Pros
Conversion in PDFelement is fast, and you can jump right into editing the converted PDF.
Wondershare PDFelement offers many other useful features.
Cons
The free version has limited capabilities.
It requires product installation, which can be a problem if you are running out of storage space.
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
User Review:
One G2 reviewer said that PDFelement is the best all-in-one PDF solution. They loved the Quick Tools that allows you to easily edit, convert, combine, and compress files
Convert PPT to PDF Online without Python
Python gives you so much control over how you want to convert your PPT or PPTX file. However, realistically, the method is only for programmers. Those unfamiliar with it need to study Python first and install the tools necessary for programming.
But why go through all that when you can use PPT to PDF converters? For example, you use HiPDF, an online PDF solution. This free web app offers many features, including a PDF converter.
Here is a guide on how to convert PPT to PDF using HiPDF:
- Launch a web browser and navigate to HiPDF's PPT to PDF converter tool.
- Upload your PPT/PPX file through either of these methods:
a. Click Choose File and select the file.
b. Drag and drop the PPT file into HiPDF's interface.
c. Click the Cloud button and select the service where your PPT is stored in. Import your file from there.
- On the new window, click Convert.
- Click Download once the PDF is ready.
Pros
HiPDF is a free tool.
It does not need you to know how to program.
It is an online app, so no product installation is required.
Cons
You need to register to unlock unlimited document processing.
There is a batch-processing limit in the free version.
Rating and User Reviews:
G2 Rating: 5/5 Stars
User Review:
A G2 user reviewer says HiPDF allows them to convert documents to PDF without complications. They also love how it keeps your documents safe.
Comparison Table
Python |
Wondershare PDFelement |
HiPDF |
|
Needs Internet? | No | No | Yes |
Free | Yes | Free trial for 14 days | Yes |
Allows You to Edit the PDF? | No | Yes | Yes |
Easy to Use? | For programmers only | Yes | Yes |
Biggest Advantage Over the Others | It allows you to convert only selected pages of the PDF. | HiPDF is an online tool, meaning you can access it anywhere and with any device. | Wondershare PDFelement is also a powerful PDF editor with so many cool features. |
Part 4. FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Python PPTX to PDF conversion.
Q1. Are There Any Specific Python Libraries for PPT to PDF Conversion?
Yes, "python-pptx" is a popular Python library for working with PowerPoint files, and "reportlab" is commonly used for PDF generation. Additionally, libraries like "pywin32" and "comtypes" provide access to the Windows COM API for automating PowerPoint. And as mentioned above, you can also use Aspose.Slides.
Q2. Can I Convert PowerPoint Files With Complex Layouts to PDF Using Python?
Yes, Python allows you to handle complex layouts. You can access individual slides, images, text, and formatting through the libraries mentioned earlier. You can customize the PDF output to match the original presentation's layout. However, it requires you to really know Python.
Q3. Is Python PPT to PDF Conversion Cross-Platform?
It depends on the libraries you are using. Some libraries used for Python PPT to PDF conversion are platform-dependent. For instance, pywin32 is Windows-specific due to its reliance on the Windows COM API. However, the Aspose. Slides library is cross-platform and can work on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Q4. Can I Batch Convert Multiple PowerPoint Files to PDF Using Python?
Yes, Python enables you to create scripts to process multiple PowerPoint files in a batch. You can also create loops that will automate the process.
Conclusion
You can write programs that convert PPT and PPTX files to PDF using Python. But you need to be a programmer to do that. It's way easier to use ready-made converters like HiPDF and Wondershare PDFelement.
HiPDF is an online tool, so you can access it anywhere. Meanwhile, Wondershare PDFelement is a powerful desktop software, offering fast processing and better stability. You can't go wrong with any of these two.