PPT Productivity vs. Efficient Elements: Which Add-in Optimizes Your Workflow?

When you spend 10+ hours a day in PowerPoint, the difference between a "good" add-in and a "great" one isn't just about features - it's also about flow. Two popular add-ins in the consulting world are PPT Productivity and Efficient Elements.

While Efficient Elements is a robust tool known for its structured "Wizards," PPT Productivity is increasingly the add-in of choice for high-performance consultants and strategy teams. Why? Because it prioritizes speed and customization above all else.

In this post, we compare the two tools to help you decide which one belongs on your ribbon.

1. PowerPoint Shortcut Keys: Customization vs. Assignment

If you are a "keyboard ninja" who hates using the mouse, this is the most critical difference between the two tools.

Efficient Elements allows you to assign shortcuts to its own specific features (like its Agenda Wizard or alignment tools). While this is useful, its limited to the tools they provide.

PPT Productivity takes this much further, with fully customizable shortcut keys.

• Remap Anything: You aren’t limited to just the add-in’s features.  With PPT Productivity add-in, you can assign a shortcut key to over 800 standard PowerPoint commands (like "Align Top," "Distribute Horizontally," or "Increase Font Size").
• Searchable Shortcuts: Forgot a hotkey? PPT Productivity includes a "Search Shortcuts" feature that lets you type a command name and instantly see (or set) the keystroke.
• Printable Cheat Sheets: PPT Productivity lets you generate a custom PDF guide of your personal PowerPoint shortcuts, so you can train your muscle memory.

The Verdict: If you want to build a workflow in PowerPoint where your hands never leave the keyboard, PPT Productivity is the superior choice.

2. The Slide Library vs. The Element Wizard

Both tools offer a way to save and reuse content, but the User Experience (UX) differs significantly.

Efficient Elements uses the "Element Wizard," a gallery structure that lets you pick from box layouts, process chains, and maps. It also has a "My Elements" feature for storing your own content. It is structured, logical, and functions largely like a directory.

PPT Productivity features a "Slide Library Toolbar" that sits permanently as a task pane on the right side of your screen.

• Click to add Speed: Simply click on slides, shapes, or icons from the Slide Library Toolbar to add them to your slide (or to add a new slide) in seconds.
• Save in a Snap: Saving a great slide, shape, image or even a complex legal disclaimer to the Library is as easy as selecting it and clicking "Save."
• Team Libraries: Toggle between your Personal library and a Team library, or select both to search across all assets. The Team Library feature ensures everyone is using the latest corporate assets or consulting frameworks.

The Verdict: Efficient Elements is good for browsing standard templates. PPT Productivity is better for the rapid-fire reuse of your own high-value content.

3. UX Design: Native Ribbon vs. Task Panes

Usability is subjective, but independent reviews often praise PPT Productivity for its "Native" feel.

Efficient Elements relies heavily on Wizards and Task Panes. When you want to create an agenda or insert an element, you often interact with a pop-up wizard or a side menu. This structure might be okay once you get used to it, but it can sometimes feel like a separate layer on top of PowerPoint.

PPT Productivity is designed by ex-consultants (BCG, Accenture, McKinsey and Bain alumni) to feel like 'PowerPoint on Steroids'. Most features are accessible directly from the PPT Productivity tab on the Ribbon or Toolbars with single clicks (also via the custom shortcuts). PPT Productivity's icons and layout blend seamlessly with the native Microsoft interface, reducing visual clutter and cognitive load.

4. Agenda Management

Both tools offer powerful Agenda Wizards that automate the painful process of updating page numbers and section dividers.

• Efficient Elements: Offers a solid Agenda Wizard that calculates time slots and updates slides automatically.
• PPT Productivity:  Has a comprehensive automated Agenda Wizard. The Agenda wizard also includes formatting tools and options that allow you to style agenda and divider slides with more granular control, without breaking the automation.

Summary: Why We Recommend PPT Productivity

Efficient Elements is a strong, capable product, particularly for organizations that need rigid template compliance via wizards.

However, for consultants and professionals who demand speed, flexibility, and control, we think PPT Productivity is the better option.

• Superior Shortcuts: The ability to remap standard PowerPoint keys is a game-changer.
• Faster Workflow: The Slide Library and "Magic" formatting tools are designed to save seconds on every click.
• Consultant DNA: PPT Productivity feels like it was built by people who have actually built 100-page decks under a deadline.

Ready to speed up your slide creation?

Download the free 30-day trial of PPT Productivity and experience the difference today.