# Create presentation from file

> A Copilot in PowerPoint option that turns a Word document, or a PDF with a work licence, into a draft deck with slides, layouts, speaker notes and a theme.

**Category:** Copilot

**Create presentation from file starts the deck from content you have already written.** In [Copilot in PowerPoint](/glossary#copilot-in-powerpoint), you reach it from the Copilot button on the Home tab and point it at a Word document, or at a PDF if you have a Microsoft 365 Copilot work licence. Copilot splits the document into slides, applies layouts, writes speaker notes and picks a theme. It reads Word's **heading styles** to decide where one slide ends and the next begins, and images already in the document can carry over.

You cannot add extra instructions in the same prompt, so "keep it under eight slides" has to wait: build from the file first, then edit the result. You also need access to the file, and Copilot works best with documents under 24 MB. Copilot Pro offers a more limited version. Review the draft before you share it, as with any [Copilot](/glossary#copilot) output.

## At work

A consultant turns a status report with clear headings (Progress, Risks, Next steps) into a client-update deck, then asks Copilot to shorten the Risks slide before the call.

## Often confused with

Building a deck from a prompt. A prompt starts from nothing and lets you describe the deck you want; this option starts from an existing file and follows its structure, with no extra instructions in the same step.

## Related terms

- Copilot in PowerPoint
- On-canvas Copilot menu
- Microsoft 365 Copilot

## See it in a lesson

[Copilot in PowerPoint & Designer](/en/learn/copilot/advanced/powerpoint-and-designer)

## Further reading

- [Create a new presentation with Copilot in PowerPoint (Microsoft Support)](https://support.microsoft.com/office/create-a-new-presentation-with-copilot-in-powerpoint-3222ee03-f5a4-4d27-8642-9c387ab4854d): How to build a deck from a Word document or PDF.
- [Frequently asked questions about Copilot in PowerPoint (Microsoft Support)](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/frequently-asked-questions-about-copilot-in-powerpoint-3e229188-9086-4f4c-9f9f-824cd25ae84f): Which file types and licences file-based creation supports.

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Last updated: 14/10/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary