Interactive reports, personal stories, presentations, and more can now be easily created and shared through a new app from Microsoft Office-Sway. Sway allows users to simply add pictures and text, search and import relevant content from various sources, and then Sway compiles it into a dazzling presentation. Users are no longer limited to pre-designed templates that look identical to others, and it does not require design skills in order to make presentations interactive and attention-grabbing. There’s no need for users to spend excess amounts of time on formatting because Sway’s built-in design engine is responsible for making a user’s project look its best. If the initial design created by Sway does not meet a user’s expectations, more designs can easily be applied, or there are customization tools available for a user to make their own.
Sway also makes it easy to share finished products with friends, family, classmates or coworkers, online, without requiring them to sign up, sign in, or download anything. Privacy settings can also be changed for Sway, whenever a user requires more control over what they share. Sway is free for anyone who has a Microsoft Account, whether that be Hotmail, Live, or Outlook.com. More sophisticated Sways, with more content, can also be created when you use Sway with an Office 365 subscription.
The Sway interface focuses on a storyline, which users then utilize to add a series of cards. These cards can be filled with content and grouped together in sections. This content can be added, removed, edited or reordered quickly and easily, depending on the user’s narrative. Sway is a much more free-flowing style of presentation than PowerPoint, which adds a refreshing change to presentation styles.
Sway has no option for creating content within itself, unlike PowerPoint. The content must be uploaded to the software, in order for itto be compiled. Content can also be pulled in directly from different sources, from within Sway. These sources include popular sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr. All of these features simplify the creation process for users and minimizes the amount of time spent creating projects on Sway.
When using the online version of Sway, there are options to import existing Word, PowerPoint, or PDF documents. Once imported, new Sways can be created based on their content. Therefore, a project drafted in Word or PowerPoint can then be converted to Sway and turned into a unique and effective presentation, with headings, text, and media that is broken up into specific cards and sections.
Overall, Sways are very easy to begin creating. Whether it is a report, presentation, newsletter, photo album, or a visual trip report, there is virtually no limit for users on what they can do creatively with Sway. If inspiration is needed, users can view and interact with a repository of Sways that other users have created. Users can also start by using one of the featured templates, to begin using and learning Sway quickly and effectively.
Clarus Communications has been serving the St. Louis area since 2001 and can assist your business in getting started with Microsoft Office 365 or any of the suite of Microsoft products and services. We’ll work with you to assess your needs and recommend a solution that is custom tailored for your business. If you would like more information about Microsoft Office 365, click here or call us at 855-801-6700.