Chapter 12 Moderator Presenter

Uploading Presentations

Presenters can upload files into the BigBlueButton room and display them as a presentation. BBB supports various file formats and allows you to manage multiple presentations simultaneously.

Uploading a Presentation

Click the Plus button (bottom left) and select Manage presentations.

Alternatively, drag and drop files directly into the upload window.

After selecting your file, confirm by clicking the Upload button.

While the file is being uploaded, participants will see a small progress dialog.

Supported File Formats

Format Notes
PDF Recommended — best display quality with no formatting loss.
Word (.docx) Converted to PDF on the server. Minor formatting changes may occur.
PowerPoint (.pptx) Converted to PDF on the server. Formatting issues are possible (missing fonts, animations are not supported).
Images (JPG, PNG, etc.) Displayed directly as slides.

The maximum file size is 30 MB. For best results, export your presentation as PDF before uploading.

Managing Multiple Presentations

You can have multiple files uploaded at the same time and switch between them during your session:

  • To switch presentations, set the green checkmark next to the desired file in the upload dialog.
  • The default slide is a blank whiteboard (e.g. default.pdf).
  • Delete presentations you no longer need to keep the list tidy.

Enabling Download for Participants

You can allow participants to download a presentation file:

In the upload dialog, click the download icon (paper with arrow) next to the file you want to share.

Once enabled, a small download arrow appears in the bottom left of the presentation area, indicating that participants can download the file.

Pre-Uploading Presentations

Presentations can be uploaded before the meeting starts via the bbbserver management interface, Greenlight, or your LMS. Pre-uploaded presentations are available immediately when the room opens, reducing setup time at the start of your session.

Include blank slides in your presentation to use as whiteboards during the session. You can also upload a blank landscape PDF to use as a collaborative virtual whiteboard.

PowerPoint files may lose fonts and animations during conversion. Always export your slides as PDF before uploading to avoid formatting issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum file size is 30 MB. If your file is larger, try compressing images or splitting the presentation into smaller parts.

PowerPoint files are converted to PDF on the server. This process can cause formatting changes, especially with custom fonts, animations, and complex layouts. For the best results, export your presentation as PDF before uploading.

Yes. You can upload several files and switch between them during the meeting. Use the green checkmark in the upload dialog to select the active presentation.

Only if you explicitly enable the download option for a file in the upload dialog. By default, downloads are not enabled.

Yes. Use the bbbserver management interface or your LMS to pre-upload presentations. They will be available from the moment the room opens.