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

Please note: this review was based on assessing the products available as at October 2025. Specifically the version of PPT Productivity Power Tools which was available from our website in October 2025. For Efficient Elements, we originally reviewed the product in late 2023. We then checked the currency of this information via the handbook on the Efficient Elements website as at October 2025.

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," in our view 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 the buttons on the Efficient Elements task pane. While this is useful, the scope of the feature is specific to the features on the task pane.

PPT Productivity takes this much further, with fully customizable shortcut keys that allow you to set or change shortcut keys for standard PowerPoint shortcuts and PPT Productivity's features.

• 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 works well for browsing structured template libraries. 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 customers frequently tell us that PPT Productivity has a more 'native' feel within within the PowerPoint environment.

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 in our experience 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. In our testing, PPT Productivity's Agenda Wizard provided more granular control over the styling of agenda and divider slides while maintaining automation

Summary: Why We Recommend PPT Productivity

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

But in our assessment, PPT Productivity is the better option for consultants and professionals who demand speed, flexibility and control.

• 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.

Both products are subject to ongoing development. Features, pricing and functionality may have changed since this review was written. Readers are encouraged to verify current features directly with each provider. This article is written by the team at PPT Productivity and represents our own assessment of the two products based on our testing.