The following procedures are provided to assist Microsoft PowerPoint users prepare
computer files to be imaged into slides. The Center for Instructional Support
(CIS) does not provide technical support or training on the use of slide-making
software. All inquiries related to software support should be directed to the
appropriate Office of Information Technology (ITS) Mac or PC Labs in Keller
Hall.
Due to frequent upgrading of PowerPoint software, and the multitude of user
versions on both the IBM/PC and Macintosh, all files will be converted to the
lastest version of PowerPoint prior to imaging. Although the Service Bureau
has tested the filmrecorder extensively for PowerPoint imaging, the complexity
of PowerPoint files may at times have unexpected results, i.e., what you see
on your computer screen may not be as imaged. This caveat is partly due to the
increased "functionality" of the software (such as table editors,
graphing functions, etc.); the ability to import/paste images/graphics unacceptable
for the filmrecorder; and conversion problems between different software versions.
Therefore, if you plan to submit "complicated" files which include
imported/pasted graphics and images, it is suggested that files be submitted
as early as possible in the event slides/files need to be adjusted or reimaged.
It is important to note however,
that most PowerPoint files do not have difficulties imaging and that most "problems"
associated with imaging PowerPoint files have been addressed below. It is also
important for customers to provide feedback of any problems which have occurred
so that it they be addressed for future PowerPoint users.
Slide image does not fill the entire frame.
PowerPoint presentations "automatically" default to an "On-screen show" format. Go to the FILE menu and choose Page Setup. Under the SLIDES SIZED FOR menu, choose 35mm slides.Slides imaged from a file formated for "On-screen show" will have vertical black bands/edges on the left and right sides. The filmrecorder will not "stretch" the file to fit the entire frame. Further, the Service Bureau will not adjust the page set-up for customers after submission. Resetting the page set-up readjusts the margins; imported graphics/pictures become stretched. Therefore, it is important correctly the format the presentation before starting.
Bullets image as characters, e.g., "n" instead of "n."
PowerPoint may "automatically" format the bullet in a font not be acceptable for the filmrecorder. Go to the FORMAT menu and choose Replace Fonts... . Click on the REPLACE menu, select the font used as the bullet and replace WITH Zapf Dingbats, Wingdings, or any acceptable font in the Computer/Digital Slide Imaging brochure. If you do not have any of these fonts, use the OPTION+8 bullet in the "normal text."While in the Replace Fonts menu, make sure that all fonts listed in the REPLACE section are acceptable fonts for imaging.
Rotated text did not image correctly.
Vertically rotated text, such as labels for the y-axis for charts and tables may not image correctly when the chart/graphic is imported from another graphics program (such as Delta Graph, SAS, and other charting software). Select the chart/graphic in PowerPoint and "ungroup" the graphic and adjust the rotated text as required. This will also allow you to edit the graphic.
Graphic/picture in the presentation did not image.
Due to the availability of graphic images/pictures available on the world-wide web, many PowerPoint users insert these files into their presentations. Web graphics are usually GIF or JPG/JPEG files which are in the wrong color format/mode (index color) and compressed. It is recommended that images be set in the RGB mode and decompressed for proper imaging. Further, web graphics tend to be of low resolution. Pictures may look fine on the computer screen, but when they are imaged onto slides and projected, the image may appear bitmapped or unclear.On occasion, a graphic image will not image if the file is too large (i.e., exceeded the memory capacity of the filmrecorder) or the resolution is too high. If you require a full-frame, high-resolution graphic/picture file as a slide, consider submitting a Photoshop file instead. Refer to the Tips and Guidlines for Creating Slides in Adobe Photoshop for more information.
The filmrecorder does not image patterns and pattern fills; use solid color fills. The filmrecorder will either interpret the pattern and color into a tint/shade of the solid color, or omit the pattern fill completely.