Video · Software guide
Keynote 15.4 on Mac: media and presenter display
When a speaker supplies Keynote and the room needs slides, notes and videos, decide the delivery path before converting the file. This guide uses Keynote 15.4 for Mac as its reference. Record the workstation’s installed version and macOS; iPad and Keynote for iCloud need their own review.
Receive the deck, resources and the author’s reference
Ask for slide proportions, Keynote version, videos with sound and presenter notes. Identify the room, speaker and approved version. A reference PDF helps compare text and layout; it does not show media playback by itself.
Keep the editable deck and original media. Check with the author whether images or premium resources require rights or account access, and confirm how they will be used in the deliverable. If you use rented equipment, also check the software license and content permissions as part of preparation.
Does the video work on the presentation Mac?
Apple requires audio and video formats supported by QuickTime on the Mac. Retained media formats and optimization options can affect playback on older devices. Review Keynote → Settings → General, Adding Media, in the preparation copy; do not convert the only original.
Test each media slide in presentation mode and check start, loop, sound and ending. Check there whether the video starts automatically or needs an action, as well as viewing it in the editor. If conversion is needed, agree on the destination format, preserve the source and test playback of the converted copy.
- Cannot add media? Identify the codec, file and Mac compatibility before blaming a display.
- Picture without sound? Check object audio and the planned sound destination; listen through that path.
- Picture changes between computers? Compare format, optimization and visual reference; .mov or .mp4 alone does not identify the codec.
Separate the audience picture from the presenter display
Apple documents slideshow output and a presenter display with notes, a clock and references. Prepare unmirrored displays when different pictures are needed. During rehearsal, check each destination before exposing it to the audience.
Play → In Fullscreen selects that presentation mode. The guide documents X for switching display assignments; test it during rehearsal with labeled destinations. Play → Rehearse Slideshow prepares the speaker layout without an external display. It does not verify the room’s physical output.
Keynote copy → audience slides + speaker notes; audio → agreed destination
Choose a deliverable that preserves the event requirements
File → Export To creates a copy in another format. If PowerPoint is needed, open the .pptx in the version planned for the event and compare fonts, media and animations with the original Keynote deck. Check the exported copy separately before using it; results can change between applications.
| Alternative | Review needed |
|---|---|
| .key on the planned Mac | Media, fonts, notes, transitions and destinations. |
| PowerPoint | Open at destination and compare layout, media and control. |
| Approved static content; check whether notes or comments are included. | |
| Video | Fixed timing, resolution, audio and acceptance of the resulting navigation. |
Example: opening, video and return to the talk
To rehearse a talk with an opening video and private speaker notes, prepare an identified copy and run the sequence: advance, play the video and return to the slide. Check the audience picture, readable notes and sound on the planned outputs.
If the destination Mac or app version changes, repeat the sensitive sections and record which file was checked. Preserve the approved version while reviewing changes. Use the linked control and DSM guides for remote advance or multiple confidence displays.
- Record Keynote version, macOS, file and rehearsal destinations.
- Compare sensitive slides, each media item and the playback ending.
- Note results and pending items by destination before replacing the approved copy.