How to Create a Free Memorial Slideshow
Sharing photos or videos of a loved one during a gathering can be a wonderful way to pay tribute, but often it is hard to know what technology to use. We’ve evaluated several free tools for creating beautiful slideshows for a memorial service or celebration of life. Whether you’ll be gathering in person or using a virtual platform, these tools can help you create a professional-looking memorial slideshow to honor and reflect on the life of your loved one.
We’ve created examples featuring the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg to demonstrate memorial slideshows made using different platforms available online.
Google Slides
If you’re familiar with PowerPoint, you’ll have no problem creating a memorial slideshow with Google Slides. You can invite others with Google accounts to collaborate and customize colors and fonts. A couple of downsides are that seamlessly adding music not really an option and the built-in templates are not designed for this use.
Pros
Easy to use for anyone familiar with Google products or PowerPoint
Lots of font and color options available
Cons
Difficult to add music
Must have a computer present to project
Limited built-in templates
Canva
My personal favorite. While Canva only had one template specifically for a memorial slideshow, they have many other beautiful designs that can be adapted to show the personality of a loved one. They have endless options for customization and an easy user interface for anyone who is somewhat familiar with design tools.
Pros
Can be exported in many different formats or presented directly from your browser
Fully customizable
Many songs, fonts, and templates available in the free version
Cons
Some content and features require a paid account
Requires at least a medium level of proficiency with design tools
iPhone Slideshow
If you’re an avid Apple user, this is a simple way to create a polished slideshow in seconds. Others with Apple devices can easily add photos to a shared album. If there is an Apple TV or other compatible device available, this method is simple yet effective.
Pros
Extremely simple
Easy for others to contribute photos by creating a shared album
Cons
Must be projected onto an Apple TV or other compatible device
Limited customization for music and graphics
Smilebox
While the software is user friendly and the templates are well designed, the free account has limited usefulness, as it only allows for sharing on Twitter. (No exporting file, sending via email, sharing on Facebook, etc.) If you’re planning to share at a memorial service, you’ll need a paid account which is hard to justify for a single-use. However, if you copy and paste the link embedded in the Tweet you can view the slideshow in a browser. I did encounter several bugs while using the platform where my work was not being saved.
Pros
Beautiful templates for all personalities
Can import photos from Facebook
Customize music, colors, and more
Cons
Limited sharing and export options available with the free account
Smilebox branding with the free account
Go to Smilebox.com>
Other Memorial Slideshow Tips
Ask for photo contributions from family & friends
This is an opportunity to crowdsource photos from others who knew your loved one. You’ll have lots of great images to share and may even get some new photos and stories you never knew by involving others.
Find out what technology is available at the venue
The technology available to you to present may be one of the main factors determining what you’ll use to build a slideshow. Ask the venue what format(s) are compatible with their technology. (What kind of a projector are they using? Is there a sound system for music? What file formats can they project?)
If you’re having a virtual service, you may want to test sharing your screen and audio ahead of the live event.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Often extended family or friends want to contribute and may not be sure how. Ask for help from a tech-savvy nephew or close friend. It may be a wonderful way for others to feel they are helping and it can take some of the burdens off of your plate.