Office for Mac Issues

How to Add Editable Text During a PowerPoint Presentation on Mac

Elise Williams Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to input or edit text dynamically while in Slide Show mode in PowerPoint for Mac.

How to Add Editable Text During a PowerPoint Presentation on Mac

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Presenting a slideshow and needing to type or add text on the fly during the presentation.
Observed behavior: Standard Windows Developer tools and ActiveX text boxes are unavailable in PowerPoint for Mac, preventing direct text input during a live presentation.

Before you start

Ensure your presentation is saved and you are comfortable using basic VBA macros, as this workaround requires saving the file in a macro-enabled format (.pptm).

Solution 1Recommended

Use a VBA Macro to Prompt for Text Input

Since macOS does not support ActiveX controls, you can use a simple VBA macro attached to a shape to update its text dynamically during the presentation.

PowerPoint for Mac does not include Windows Developer tools or ActiveX controls, which are traditionally used for live text entry. Instead, you can trigger a pop-up input box during your slideshow that will update a designated text box or shape on your slide.

Add and name a shape

Insert a text box or shape onto your slide. Open the Selection Pane (Home > Arrange > Selection Pane) and rename this specific shape to "MyShape".

Create the VBA Macro

Open the VBA editor by navigating to Tools > Macro > Visual Basic Editor. Create a new module and write a macro that uses an InputBox to update the text property of "MyShape".

Assign the macro to the shape

Select your shape on the slide, go to Insert > Action, and assign the macro you just created to the "Run macro" action on click.

Save as a Macro-Enabled Presentation

Go to File > Save As and choose Macro-Enabled Presentation (.pptm) from the file format dropdown to ensure the code executes properly.

Test during Slide Show

Start your Slide Show mode and click the shape. The input prompt will appear, allowing you to type and add text dynamically.

Use a VBA Macro to Prompt for Text Input

Feature Request: If you wish to see native live-text entry support on Mac without macros, you can submit a formal feature suggestion to Microsoft by navigating to Help > Feedback > I have a suggestion.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Presentation Experience

If you frequently encounter feature limitations or compatibility differences with Office on Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with familiar presentation tools designed to streamline your workflow on macOS.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the macOS version of WPS Office, and follow the installation prompts.
2. Open your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing PowerPoint files directly to seamlessly continue your work.
3. Create and Present: Use the rich set of built-in presentation tools, animations, and transitions to deliver your slideshow flawlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint formats (.ppt, .pptx, .ppsx).Lightweight architecture that runs smoothly on macOS without heavy resource usage.Familiar, easy-to-use interface requiring little to no learning curve.Free alternative offering powerful presentation, document, and spreadsheet tools in one app.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find ActiveX controls in PowerPoint for Mac?

ActiveX is a proprietary Windows technology developed by Microsoft and is not supported by the macOS architecture. Consequently, standard Windows Developer tools like ActiveX text boxes are unavailable in Office for Mac.

Will my Mac VBA macro work if I share the presentation with Windows users?

Yes, basic VBA macros using standard functions like an InputBox are generally cross-platform. Just make sure you share the file as a Macro-Enabled Presentation (.pptm) and that the recipient chooses to 'Enable Macros' upon opening.

Is there a Developer tab in PowerPoint for Mac?

You can enable a Developer tab via PowerPoint Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar, but its functionality is limited. It allows you to access the Visual Basic editor and manage macros, but it does not contain the ActiveX controls found in the Windows version.

Office App Problems