Advanced

Best Practices

Master non-linear storytelling, visual hierarchy, audience engagement, accessibility, collaboration workflows, and understand Prezi pricing options.

Non-Linear Storytelling Techniques

🗺

The Hub & Spoke

Place your central idea in the middle with topics radiating outward like spokes. Zoom from the center to each topic and back. Great for showing how everything connects to a core concept.

🔄

The Journey

Arrange topics along a path (timeline, road, river). Follow the path from start to finish while zooming into details at each stop. Perfect for processes and chronological stories.

🔍

The Deep Dive

Start with the big picture, then zoom progressively deeper into details. Each zoom level reveals more specifics. Ideal for going from strategy to tactics to execution.

🎲

The Compare & Contrast

Place two or more options side by side on the canvas. Zoom between them to highlight similarities and differences. Great for decision-making presentations.

Visual Hierarchy with Zoom

Use Prezi's zoom levels strategically to control information hierarchy:

  • Overview level: Show only major themes using large, bold titles and icons. No detailed text.
  • Topic level: Reveal key points, summaries, and supporting visuals for each theme
  • Subtopic level: Present detailed data, quotes, evidence, and specifics
  • Size = importance: Larger elements on the canvas signal greater importance
  • Proximity = relationship: Items placed near each other are perceived as related

When to Use Prezi vs. Slides

Use Prezi WhenUse Traditional Slides When
Showing relationships between ideasPresenting sequential, step-by-step information
Storytelling and narrative presentationsData-heavy presentations with many tables
Standing out in a creative pitchFollowing strict corporate templates
Interactive, non-linear discussionsPresentations that will be printed as handouts
Spatial concepts (maps, processes, architectures)Collaborative editing with non-Prezi users
Video presentations and virtual meetingsQuick, simple updates with minimal visuals

Audience Engagement Tips

  1. Start with the overview: Show the full canvas first so the audience understands the big picture before diving into details
  2. Use the non-linear jump: During Q&A, zoom directly to relevant sections instead of scrolling through slides
  3. Build suspense: Keep subtopics hidden until you zoom in - the zooming animation creates anticipation
  4. Limit text: Use visuals and keywords on canvas, speak the details. Less text = more engagement.
  5. Practice transitions: Smooth, purposeful zooming looks professional; random jumping feels chaotic
  6. Use Prezi Video: Show your face alongside content for virtual meetings to maintain personal connection

Accessibility

  • High contrast: Use sufficient color contrast between text and background (WCAG 2.1 AA minimum)
  • Font size: Ensure text is readable at each zoom level - minimum 18px at the deepest zoom
  • Alt text: Add descriptions to images for screen reader compatibility
  • Motion sensitivity: Be aware that rapid zooming can cause discomfort. Use smooth, moderate-speed transitions.
  • Keyboard navigation: Ensure your presentation works with arrow keys for those who cannot use a mouse
  • Share readable version: Export a PDF summary for audiences who need a static, accessible format

Team Collaboration

Prezi supports real-time collaboration for teams:

  • Share and co-edit: Invite team members by email to edit the same presentation simultaneously
  • Comments: Leave comments on specific elements for feedback and discussion
  • Version history: View and restore previous versions of your presentation
  • Team folders: Organize presentations in shared folders with role-based access
  • Brand kit: Set company colors, fonts, and logos that apply across all team presentations
  • Analytics: Track who viewed your shared presentations and which sections they spent the most time on

Pricing Overview

PlanPriceKey Features
BasicFree5 visual projects, public presentations, Prezi Present, limited AI features
Standard~$7/monthUnlimited projects, private presentations, premium templates, PDF export
Plus~$12/monthEverything in Standard + Prezi Video, advanced analytics, offline access, PowerPoint export
Premium~$16/monthEverything in Plus + brand kit, advanced collaboration, priority support, full AI features
TeamsCustom pricingCentralized admin, team management, SSO, advanced security, dedicated support
💡
Note: Pricing may vary by region and is subject to change. Visit prezi.com/pricing for current rates. Educational institutions and nonprofits may qualify for special discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prezi free to use?

Prezi offers a free Basic plan that includes up to 5 visual projects and access to Prezi Present. However, free presentations are publicly visible. Paid plans unlock private presentations, more projects, Prezi Video, premium templates, and advanced features.

Can I use Prezi offline?

Yes, with the Prezi desktop app (available on Plus and Premium plans). Download your presentations for offline editing and presenting. Changes sync automatically when you reconnect to the internet.

Can I export Prezi to PowerPoint or PDF?

Yes. Standard plans and above can export to PDF. Plus plans and above can export to PowerPoint (.pptx). Note that zooming transitions are converted to simple slide transitions in the export, so the non-linear experience is preserved only in Prezi itself.

Does the zooming cause motion sickness?

Fast or excessive zooming can cause discomfort for some viewers. Best practices include: using smooth, moderate-speed transitions; limiting the number of zoom levels per section; avoiding rapid back-and-forth zooming; and pausing briefly at each zoom level to let the audience orient themselves.

How does Prezi compare to Gamma?

Prezi uses a non-linear, zooming canvas approach with AI-assisted creation. Gamma is a fully AI-driven presentation tool that generates polished slide-based decks from text prompts. Choose Prezi for spatial storytelling and video presentations; choose Gamma for fast AI-generated slide decks with modern design.

Can I collaborate with people who don't have Prezi accounts?

You can share a view-only link with anyone. For editing collaboration, all participants need Prezi accounts. You can also export to PDF or PowerPoint for non-Prezi users to review.

Is Prezi suitable for large corporate presentations?

Yes, especially with the Teams plan which includes brand kits, centralized management, SSO, and enterprise security. Many Fortune 500 companies use Prezi for sales pitches, training, and internal communications. The key is to follow design best practices and avoid overusing the zoom effect.

Congratulations! You've completed the Prezi course. You now know how to create engaging, non-linear presentations with AI-powered features, present with Prezi Video, and apply best practices for maximum audience impact. Visit prezi.com and start presenting differently!

Ready to Go Deeper?

Live instructor-led courses from our partners. Affiliate disclosure.