PowerPoint or separate JPEGs: what does the funeral home need?

A frequently asked question: in what format should I deliver the presentation? The answer depends on what the funeral home or crematorium uses. In this article, we explain the three options.

The three export formats

1. PowerPoint (.pptx)

What is it? A ready-to-use presentation that you open in Microsoft PowerPoint or a similar program.

When to choose?

• The funeral home explicitly asks for PowerPoint
• There is a computer with PowerPoint available
• You want to be able to make small adjustments yourself

Advantages:

• Widely supported
• Easy to open and check
• Transitions and timing are included

2. Numbered JPEGs

What is it? All photos as separate files, numbered in the correct order: 001.jpg, 002.jpg, 003.jpg, and so on.

When to choose?

• The funeral home has its own display system
• They ask for "separate photos" or "a folder with images"
• The music is played separately by the funeral home

Advantages:

• Works with any system
• No software dependency
• Funeral home determines the timing themselves

Note: With this format, the funeral home determines the display time per photo. Indicate how many seconds per photo you had in mind.

3. Farewell Player

What is it? A standalone application from The Last Farewell that plays the presentation. You download the Player, export your presentation as a .farewell file, and it works everywhere.

When to choose?

• The funeral home has no standard system
• You want to play the presentation yourself (at home, on location)
• No PowerPoint is available

Advantages:

• No software installation needed on the playback computer
• Music is included (MP3)
• Works offline

How do I know what the funeral home needs?

Ask them. Call or email the funeral home and ask:

1. "What format do you need for the photo presentation?"
2. "Do you play the music yourself, or should it be in the presentation?"
3. "How can I deliver the files?" (USB, email, WeTransfer)

Most funeral homes are used to this and can answer immediately.

What if the funeral home accepts multiple formats?

Choose PowerPoint. This is the most universal format and gives you the most control over timing and transitions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I export multiple formats?

Yes. With The Last Farewell, you can export the same presentation in all three formats. Handy if you want a backup.

What if the funeral home can't open the format?

Contact the funeral home and ask which format they do support. You can then re-export in the correct format.

Is the music included in all formats?

• PowerPoint: Yes, if you uploaded an MP3
• JPEGs: No, only the photos. The funeral home plays music separately
• Farewell Player: Yes, if you uploaded an MP3

How do I deliver the files?

Usually via:

• USB stick (most common)
• Email (for small files)
• WeTransfer or similar service
• Sometimes: direct upload to the funeral home's system

Ask the funeral home about this in advance.