Quick answer: The deck is ready to send only when it survives the move to a different machine. This is the checklist before exporting the PPTX.

The content

  • [ ] Every slide carries one idea.
  • [ ] The text follows the word-count rule.
  • [ ] The numbers are consistent across slides.
  • [ ] The claims and the sources are accurate.
  • [ ] The deck follows the professional checklist.

The text is editable

  • [ ] Click the text on a sample slide; it can be selected and edited.
  • [ ] The slides are not full-page images.
  • [ ] The charts are chart objects, not flattened pictures.

The editable PPTX check explains the test.

The fonts

  • [ ] The fonts are embedded or system-safe.
  • [ ] The font license allows embedding.
  • [ ] The CJK text uses the correct language font; see the CJK guide.
  • [ ] The headings and the body use a consistent hierarchy.

The images and media

  • [ ] Screenshots are sharp at 2x; see the blurry image guide.
  • [ ] The images are not stretched.
  • [ ] The video and audio survive, or are replaced.
  • [ ] The file size is reasonable for the channel.

The layout

  • [ ] The slide size is correct (16:9 unless the room needs 4:3).
  • [ ] The objects snap to the grid.
  • [ ] The repeated elements sit in the same place.
  • [ ] The whitespace is consistent.

The special effects

  • [ ] The animations and transitions survive the export.
  • [ ] The hyperlinks work.
  • [ ] The notes are present if the founder needs them.

The final open

  • [ ] Open the file on a different machine or a clean account.
  • [ ] Check the fonts and the layout on that machine.
  • [ ] Run the deck in presentation mode from the first slide.
  • [ ] Check every slide, not just the first three.

The PDF

  • [ ] Export the PDF as the read-only send.
  • [ ] Check the PDF matches the PPTX.
  • [ ] Verify the PDF opens on a phone as well as a desktop.

The PPTX vs PDF decision covers when to send which.

The sources

  • [ ] The external numbers have a source.
  • [ ] The competitor facts are current.
  • [ ] The quotes are attributed and approved.

The meta for the web export

  • [ ] If the deck is published online, the title and the description are set.
  • [ ] The OG image exists if the page is shared.

The delivery

  • [ ] The PPTX is the source; the PDF is the read.
  • [ ] The filename is clear and includes the version.
  • [ ] The relevant person has the editable file.

Frequently asked questions

Why open on a different machine? The author's machine hides the missing fonts and the missing media. What if the export comes from a web tool? Run the Canva export checks; the same losses apply to other web tools. Is the PDF a substitute for the PPTX? No, the PPTX is the editable source; the PDF is the fixed send. What is the most common failure? The font substitution and the flattened image slides; both are on the list.

The deck passes when it opens on another machine, the text is editable, and the fonts stay in place.

Related guide: the AI PowerPoint generator guide.