What is the best tool for a funeral slideshow?

You want to create a photo presentation for a funeral, but which tool do you use? There are several options, each with pros and cons. In this article, we compare them.

The options at a glance

1. PowerPoint / Keynote / Google Slides

The classic approach: you create the presentation yourself in presentation software.

Advantages:

• Free (if you already have the software)
• Full control over the design
• No internet needed after creation

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming (4-8 hours for a good presentation)
• Technical knowledge needed
• iPhone photos (HEIC) often don't work
• Difficult to collaborate with family
• Music timing must be done manually

Suitable for: people with experience in presentation software and enough time.

2. Online funeral tools (like The Last Farewell)

Tools specifically built for funeral presentations.

Advantages:

• Family can collaborate via a link
• All photo formats work (HEIC, JPEG, PNG)
• Photos are automatically synchronized to music
• Multiple export formats (PowerPoint, JPEGs, Player)
• Free to try

Disadvantages:

• Payment on export
• Internet needed during creation

Suitable for: families who want to work together, and people without technical experience.

3. Video editors (iMovie, Windows Video Editor)

You create a video instead of a presentation.

Advantages:

• More creative possibilities
• Free with your operating system

Disadvantages:

• Steep learning curve
• Exports to video (MP4), not PowerPoint
• Not all funeral homes can play video
• No collaboration possible

Suitable for: people with video editing experience who know the venue supports video.

4. Canva

Online design tool with presentation feature.

Advantages:

• Beautiful templates
• User-friendly
• Free version available

Disadvantages:

• Not specifically designed for funerals
• Music sync is limited
• Collaboration requires everyone to create an account
• Export to PowerPoint can cause formatting issues

Suitable for: people already familiar with Canva.

5. Have it made by a specialist

You send photos to a company that creates the presentation for you.

Advantages:

• No work
• Professional result

Disadvantages:

• Higher costs (often €50-200+)
• Lead time of 1-3 days
• Less control over the final result
• Adjustments often cost extra

Suitable for: people without time or energy who have budget.

What should you look for?

1. Can family collaborate?

If you want to collect photos from multiple people, collaboration is important. Email works, but a central place is more convenient.

2. Do iPhone photos work?

Many iPhones save photos as HEIC. Not all tools support this. Check this in advance.

3. What does the funeral home need?

Ask what format they need:

• PowerPoint (.pptx) — most common
• Separate JPEGs — for venues with their own system
• Video (MP4) — less common

4. How much time do you have?

At a funeral, time is often limited. A tool that works quickly and needs little explanation saves stress.

5. What is your budget?

Options range from free to hundreds of euros. Free isn't always better — your time is also worth something.

Our recommendation

If you're technical and have time: PowerPoint or Keynote works fine.

If you want to collaborate with family: Use an online tool like The Last Farewell. Everyone can add photos, and the presentation is ready quickly.

If you don't have time or energy: Have it made by a specialist, but expect higher costs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I combine multiple tools?

Yes. For example, you can collect photos in a shared folder and create the presentation in PowerPoint. Or you use an online tool and adjust the result in PowerPoint.

What if I want to switch tools halfway?

With most tools, you can export or re-download photos. You just need to reset the order and timing.

Is a free tool less good?

Not necessarily. Free tools (like PowerPoint) do require more time and knowledge. Paid tools often offer convenience and time savings.

Does the music need to be in the presentation?

That depends on the funeral home. Some venues play the music separately. Ask about this in advance.