Tutorial

PPT Autoshape BG (3)

Next is an easy step, because I just use the previous gradient again. Here are the steps:
1. Select gradient
2. Duplicate
3. Go to DRAW >> ROTATE OR FLIP >> ROTATE RIGHT 90′
4. Position at bottom of slide
5. Stretch left/right to width of slide

With another layer a nice effect has been achieved leaving a lighter area in the top left, which creates a subtle visual motion with the darker streak (from the first autoshape)on the opposite axis:

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T16:01:51-07:00May 27th, 2007|Tutorial|

PPT Autoshape BG (2)

To create visual depth I layered some semi-transparent gradients to create lighter and darker areas (that were not overly linear). The second autoshape is a gradient, that begins with the darker blue and goes to transparent.

Here is this element placed over the right side of the slide. Layered on top of the first full size autoshape the upper right now has a larger dark area than the rest of the slide.

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T16:01:28-07:00May 25th, 2007|Tutorial|

PPT Autoshape BG (1)

My goal was to use a blue from the corporate color scheme and develop a visual with a sense of depth and subtle motion.

The first element is a full screen autoshape. The base color is a blue from the corporate color scheme. The secondary color is a darker version of the same blue.

Using the FILL EFFECTS options the darker blue radiates from the top right corner. Next we begin layering autoshapes.

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T16:00:47-07:00May 23rd, 2007|Tutorial|

Creating a Background w/ PPT Elements

On a recent project the specs were to develop a visually dynamic presentation, but maintain an extremely small files size (goal = under 2MB for 75-100 slides – with images!).

The first place was to begin with the template backgrounds. Because native autoshapes are vector based, they have the smallest files size – especially when needed as full screen images.

Here is the content slide developed using just autoshapes:

Over the next few posts we’ll build the background one autoshape at a time.

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T16:00:19-07:00May 21st, 2007|Portfolio, Templates/Assets, Tutorial|

Solving PPT 2003 & Vista Problems

Here are the steps to solve the two usability problems with Vista and PPT 2003 described in the previous two posts:

1. Locate the actual .exe for PowerPoint 2003 (C: >> Program Files >> Microsoft Office >> Office 11)

2. Right click the POWERPNT.EXE

3. Go to the COMPATABILITY tab

4. Check the DISABLE VISUAL THEMES option

5. Click OKAY and launch PowerPoint 2003

So I can pass along others experiences with Vista, send me an email (link is on the right) letting me know if things do, or do not, work on your computer – or if things work with earlier versions (PPT 2000, XP, etc.).

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-05-11T11:25:02-07:00May 15th, 2007|Software/Add-Ins, Tutorial|

VIsta & PPT 2003 Jumping Objects

A problem I have encountered on Vista computers here (Vista Ultimate) and several others I have spoken with have experienced is truly frustrating. Note: this may be caused by Logitech or Wacom drivers, but I have not had time to test to verify.

In PowerPoint 2003 you go to click on any object – image, text box, autoshape, etc. – and it jumps up and to the right. It’s not your unsteady hand, but a Vista “incompatability.” There is an easy solution up next.

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T15:58:58-07:00May 13th, 2007|Tutorial|

VIsta & PPT 2003 Adv. Animation Pane

This one almost had me uninstalling Vista. this one invovles the Custom Animation pane open and set to view the Advanced Animation view (where the animations are shown on the timeline).

The problem (seen on multiple computers) is when you click and drag the animation bar to a new position, it basically disapears until you unclick. The result is loosing all ability to easily and accurately fine tune animations.

Again, there is a solution which is in the next post 🙂

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T15:57:58-07:00May 11th, 2007|Tutorial|

PPT 2003 and Vista

I am now feeling confident running Vista and all of my applications. But it may not be my recommendation for the person unwilling to research hacks and settings to overcome the many situations that come up. On my primary system I have all versions of PowerPoint installed. In many instances client needs determine the software used. Although PowerPoint 2007 is wonderful, I am living in a PowerPoint XP-2003 world.

So if you have upgraded to Windows Vista and use PPT 2003, I have a few fixes to problems. The next two posts will explain usability problems and the third will cure both!

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T15:57:26-07:00May 9th, 2007|Tutorial|

PPT 2003 to 2007 Commands

If you have installed PowerPoint 2007, you know the User Interface with its new Ribbon layout is very different! Keep this Microsoft website handy as you begin to relearn how to do everything.

This interactive Flash page allows you to click and choose almost any feature in a PPT 2003 simulation and then it shows where to find the same command in PPT 2007. Click here to try it.

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T15:56:05-07:00April 12th, 2007|Software/Add-Ins, Tutorial|

Existing Presentation to Widescreen (pt 2)

For the best quality layout and graphics when converting an existing presentation to widescreen I go through several steps. Note: 1-4 assure that new widescreen presentation maintains all formatting such as fonts, custom bullets, default color scheme, header/footer, etc.

1. Open existing presentation

2. Save As (name)_WideScreen.ppt

3. Delete all slides

4. Change page size to needed widescreen size

2. If background artwork is developed in Photoshop, modify in Photoshop to create new version of artwork that is setup for new widescreen aspect ratio

3. Update the master slide(s) with modified artwork and adjust formatting to fit widescreen layout

Now I have a widescreen template of my presentation.

– Troy @ TLC

By |2016-11-17T15:54:14-07:00April 6th, 2007|Tutorial|
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