Converting a Keynote presentation (created using Apple's Keynote software on macOS or iOS) to Microsoft PowerPoint format involves exporting the .keynote file into a format PowerPoint can open and edit. While Keynote and PowerPoint both create presentations, they use different underlying file structures and proprietary features. Keynote can export directly to the standard PowerPoint PPTX file format, translating most content and layout elements for compatibility with PowerPoint on Windows, macOS, or online.

To convert, open your .keynote file in Apple Keynote. Navigate to File > Export To > PowerPoint. In the dialog box that appears, choose the .pptx format (preferred for modern PowerPoint versions) and click Next. Give your file a name, select a save location, and click Export. Now, you can open this .pptx file in Microsoft PowerPoint. This conversion is frequently required by macOS/iOS users needing to share presentations with colleagues or clients primarily using Windows and PowerPoint, or when transitioning work between Apple and Microsoft ecosystems.

The main advantage is seamless cross-platform collaboration. However, limitations exist: complex animations, transitions, or custom fonts unavailable on the receiving system might not transfer perfectly. Charts or objects relying on specific Apple features could require manual adjustment in PowerPoint. Generally, while layouts and most text/media convert well, carefully review the presentation in PowerPoint after conversion for formatting issues or missing elements. While primarily requiring a Mac or iOS device for conversion (PowerPoint itself cannot open .keynote files directly), PowerPoint Online can sometimes open .key files exported from Keynote for iOS if uploaded via iCloud.