How to Export Charts for PowerPoint and Google Slides (2026 Guide)

You created a great chart. Now you need it in your presentation.

You export it, insert it into PowerPoint... and it looks terrible. Pixelated. Wrong size. Colors off.

The problem? Wrong export settings.

Here's the complete guide to exporting charts that look crisp and professional in presentations. Whether you're building a business report or a student assignment, these steps will ensure your charts look sharp every time.

PowerPoint: Best Export Settings

File Format: PNG (Recommended)

Why PNG:

High quality, lossless compression
Transparent background (optional)
Works in PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides

Not JPG: Lossy compression degrades quality—especially around text and sharp edges in charts.

Resolution: 1920x1080 or Higher

Standard presentation resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)

For projection: 1920x1080 is perfect.
For 4K displays: 3840x2160 (but 1920x1080 usually fine).
Minimum: 1280x720 (lower quality, avoid if possible).

How to Export from Different Tools

CleanChart:

Create your chart (try our Bar Chart Maker, Line Chart Maker, Pie Chart Maker, Donut Chart Maker, or Scatter Chart Maker)
Click "Export"
Choose "PNG (1920x1080)"
Download

Excel / Google Sheets:

Right-click chart
"Save as image" or "Download"
Save as PNG

Python (matplotlib):

plt.savefig('chart.png', dpi=150, bbox_inches='tight')

For a full comparison of chart tools and their export capabilities, see our best free chart makers in 2026 roundup.

Google Slides: Same Settings

Good news: The same PNG format works perfectly for Google Slides.

Resolution: 1920x1080 recommended.
Upload: Just drag the PNG into your slide.

Inserting Charts: Step-by-Step

PowerPoint

Method 1: Drag and drop (easiest)

Open PowerPoint slide
Drag PNG file from folder onto slide
Done

Method 2: Insert menu

PowerPoint → Insert → Pictures
Choose your PNG file
Click Insert

Resizing tip: Hold Shift while dragging corners to maintain the aspect ratio. Don't stretch—it distorts the chart.

Microsoft has detailed instructions in their official PowerPoint guide.

Google Slides

Method 1: Drag and drop

Open Google Slides
Drag PNG onto slide
Resize as needed

Method 2: Insert menu

Insert → Image → Upload from computer
Choose PNG file

Google provides instructions for inserting images in Slides.

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue #1: Chart Looks Blurry/Pixelated

Cause: Exported at too low resolution.

Fix: Re-export at 1920x1080 or higher. Or export as SVG (vector format, scales perfectly). Prevention: Always export at full presentation resolution.

Issue #2: Colors Look Different

Cause: RGB vs CMYK color space, or screen vs projector differences.

Fix: Test on actual projector if possible. Use high-contrast colors (easier to see on projector). Avoid light colors (hard to see on bright projector).

For color guidance, see our guide to color in data visualization and color palette recommendations.

Issue #3: Chart Too Small on Slide

Cause: Exported at small dimensions.

Fix: Re-export at larger size. Or export SVG (scales without quality loss). Don't stretch a small image—it makes it blurry.

Issue #4: Text Too Small to Read

Cause: Chart created for screen, not optimized for presentation distance.

Fix: Increase font sizes before exporting. Minimum 18pt font for presentations (viewers sit far away). Test: View slide from 10 feet—can you read it?

Pro Tips for Presentation Charts

Tip #1: One Chart Per Slide

Don't: Cram 3-4 charts on one slide.

Do: One chart per slide, with title and key takeaway.

Why: Easier to digest, more impact. For more on effective business presentations, read our business reports with charts guide.

Tip #2: Animate Key Points

PowerPoint animation:

Select chart image
Animations → Appear (or Fade)
Click to reveal during presentation

Even better: Reveal title first, then chart. Builds anticipation, controls pacing.

Tip #3: Add Context on Slide

Don't just show the chart image. Also include:

Slide title: "Q4 Revenue Exceeded Target by 23%"
Chart: Visual showing the data
Key takeaway (bullet): "West region drove growth"

This reinforces the message both verbally and visually.

Tip #4: High Contrast for Projectors

Projectors wash out colors. Use dark colors on white background, or light colors on dark background. Avoid pastel colors (too subtle).

Test: View presentation in a room with lights on (closer to actual conditions).

For accessibility guidance on color choices, see our colorblind-friendly charts guide.

Tip #5: Editable Alternative

Option A: Create chart natively in PowerPoint (Insert → Chart → choose type → enter data). Fully editable but more work.

Option B: Export as SVG from CleanChart, edit in Inkscape (free) or Adobe Illustrator. More advanced but fully customizable.

Option C (easiest): Create variations in CleanChart, export multiple versions.

Quick Reference Chart

Presentation Tool	Format	Resolution	Method
PowerPoint	PNG	1920x1080	Drag & drop
Google Slides	PNG	1920x1080	Drag & drop
Keynote	PNG	1920x1080	Drag & drop
PDF	PNG or SVG	300 DPI	Insert image

Checklist Before Presenting

Resolution: 1920x1080 or higher
Format: PNG (or SVG for scalability)
Font size: Minimum 18pt (readable from distance)
Contrast: High contrast colors (test on projector if possible)
One per slide: Don't overcrowd
Test: View from 10 feet away—readable?

Create Presentation-Ready Charts in 2 Minutes

Upload data → create chart → export at presentation resolution. That simple.

Try CleanChart Free

Quick Tools

Bar Chart Maker - Create bar charts for presentations
Line Chart Maker - Visualize trends
Pie Chart Maker - Show composition and proportions
Scatter Chart Maker - Show correlations
CSV to Pie Chart - Convert data to pie chart
Excel to Pie Chart - Import Excel data
CSV to Bar Chart - Convert CSV data

External Resources

Microsoft: Insert Pictures in PowerPoint - Official guide
Google: Insert Images in Slides - Official guide
Inkscape - Free vector graphics editor for SVG charts
Storytelling with Data - Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic's presentation tips

Last updated: January 29, 2026