![DataPoint-Dynamic-Presentations-Scoreboard_A](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DataPoint-Dynamic-Presentations-Scoreboard_A-300x200.jpg)
In this article I will show you 3 different ways to display information of a database in your PowerPoint presentation by using the DataPoint add-on. These 3 methods are very close to each other but they all have their own characteristics and (dis)advantages.
Preparation
With DataPoint installed, first the user should have to identify the database that the user wants to connect to and use in the presentation. Common used databases are Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL and more generic connections like ODBC and OLEDB connections. In this article we will use the sample Microsoft Access database northwind.mdb. First click DataPoint in the PowerPoint menu.
![click datapoint in the menu](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/PowerPoint-with-DataPoint-menu.jpg)
![list connections to add one connection to the presentation](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DataPoint-menu.jpg)
![select microsoft access node first](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/add-ms-access-connection.jpg)
![click browse to navigate to the database](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/browse-for-ms-access-connection.jpg)
![database connection is added to powerpoint presentation](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ms-connection-added.jpg)
First method: linking a table directly
Make sure that the added connection is selected and click Add query.
![add query of database connection to the powerpoint](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/add-query-to-database.jpg)
![select from the table list](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/select-a-table-from-the-list.jpg)
![preview of the database data on your form](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/preview-table.jpg)
Second method: use a database query
As a database administrator, the user can create queries in the Access database. In the northwind.mdb sample database, there are a few queries already defined. A query is filtering and sorting information of a base table. For example it is filtering out the unpaid invoices. Or it is joining information of two or more data tables when the user needs to display or filter out information of more than one table.
![list of microsoft access queries to use](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/queries-in-a-ms-access-database.jpg)
![and preview again of the data before linking](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/query-added-to-list.jpg)
Third method: use custom sql statement
Most flexible is this last option to bind data to the presentation. Again click Add query on the connections list and click the Custom SQL option on the form.
![select the custom sql option](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/choose-custom-sql.jpg)
![enter a custom sql statement in your powerpoint](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/enter-custom-sql.jpg)
![data preview in powerpoint](https://presentationpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/custom-sql-qeury-added.jpg)
Apply the database data to your shapes
Now the user will know 3 ways to get information of a database in the presentation. The user can now add text boxes and tables and start linking this dynamic database information to the presentation.
Note that with data driven presentations the user will always have the latest information in the presentation, in real-time and without any typing mistakes.
Run this slide show and DataPoint will continuously scan the database for updates and update the default PowerPoint shapes accordingly.
Download DataPoint from the PresentationPoint web site. The NorthWind database is a sample Microsoft Access database provided by Microsoft. The user can download a copy of it.