PowerPoint Notes

How do I use an animated GIF as a fill for my WordArt?

Try these steps:

1. Create your WordArt as required.

2. Then right-click the WordArt object and choose Format WordArt.

3. In the Colors & Lines tab, click the downward pointing arrow next to the Color fill option and choose Fill Effects from the resultant menu.

Filed Under: Techniques

PowerPoint for Handhelds

On the Palm, Dataviz’s Documents To Go program includes the Slideshow To Go component that allows you to synchronize, edit and rehearse your PowerPoint files and make last minute changes to your presentation.

If you have an older handheld that runs Windows CE, you’ll be thankful to find a copy of Pocket PowerPoint included with the product. For some reason, Microsoft seems to have abandoned the development of Pocket PowerPoint for the PocketPC platform.

On the new PocketPC platform, you’ll have look at third-party software solutions like Pocket Slideshow, Pocket Slides and iPresentation Suite.

Finally, you’ll find hardware solutions like Margi’s Presenter-To-Go for both Palm and PocketPC handhelds.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Why Does My Windows Computer Have No PowerPoint?

The Problem

Many users believe that their Microsoft Windows operating system includes PowerPoint, or other Microsoft Office programs. Their reasoning is that since the operating system is from Microsoft, they just need to find a wee bit. As a reward, they will find full versions of Microsoft Office installed in some folder!

Now I agree that this sounds crazy. However, you only have to read what people write on support forums to understand that people will believe what they want to believe.

The Facts

1. Microsoft Windows is the operating system. You need an operating system such as Windows to run PowerPoint. Incidentally, PowerPoint is also a favorite program for many folks who use that other operating system, Mac OS.
2. You need to buy PowerPoint or Microsoft Office (comprising PowerPoint) separately–it is not part of Microsoft Windows, although some versions of Windows do included bundled Universal app editions of Microsoft Office.
3. You can also download a trial version of Microsoft Office. This trial version works identical to a full version for the period of the trial, and then no longer allows you to edit or save files. However, many users have found that expired trial versions continue allowing opening and viewing of files.
4. If you only need to view PowerPoint presentations, you can download the PowerPoint Viewer.

Other Options

There are more options too, such as using a free version of PowerPoint called PowerPoint Online that works in a browser, or getting academic and education versions, if you are eligible. You can learn more in our Get a Free or Cheaper Copy of Microsoft PowerPoint article.

Filed Under: Troubleshooting
Tagged as: Microsoft Windows, PowerPoint, Windows XP

How Do I Convert My PowerPoint Presentations to VHS?

Do you want to convert your presentation to VHS? You will need to use a slide converter or similar device.

Creating Your Visuals: Converting PowerPoint to Video
– by Jim Endicott

Recording your PowerPoint presentation to VHS
– by Austin Myers

How to Videotape a PowerPoint Presentation
– Microsoft Knowledge Base Article

Filed Under: Techniques
Tagged as: PowerPoint, Video

Click, and all my text becomes white or disappears!

When I click the text placeholder, all my white text gets highlighted in white and I cannot see anything! What can I do?

In PowerPoint 97/2000: Go to Format | Slide Color Scheme. You’ll find your background color set to white. Change it to something darker (or a non-white color).

In PowerPoint 2002/2003: Go to Format | Slide Design. In the activated Slide Design task pane, click Color Schemes. Then click Edit Color Schemes… and change your background color from white to something darker (or a non-white color).

Related Links:

Echo Swinford has a nice Color Schemes tutorial on her site.

Steve Rindsberg’s PowerPoint FAQ has more info – see Text disappears when I edit it

Shyam Pillai’s free Color Schemes Manager allows you to manage and share your PowerPoint color schemes.

Filed Under: Troubleshooting