Replace Font Dialog, PowerPoint 2010 vs. 2013
PowerPoint is very weak in the area of font management. One of the few features PowerPoint does offer, Replace Font, has unfortunately become even less useful in PowerPoint 2013.
Here is the Replace Font dialog in PowerPoint 2010 (it remains the same for PowerPoint 2003 and 2007):
Note that the drop down menu provides some good information. It indicates the type of font (True Type, Open Type, etc.) and if the font is not installed on the computer (indicated by a “?” next to the font name).
Here is the Replace Font dialog in PowerPoint 2013:
The drop down menu no longer displays any of the icons indicating format and if missing from computer (arghh!).
Hopefully I will be able to update this post in the future with a note that Microsoft has returned these features to the dialog (or better, they have implemented new features to provide true font management!).
– Troy @ TLC
Write It To Win It, Book Cover
Here is another book cover design project completed by TLC Creative Services. The author, Sean Hinchey, is a really great person and after getting a summary of the book’s message, he let us develop the creative direction from colors and fonts, to accent graphics.
This book is available on Amazon.
– Troy @ TLC
Zsa Zsa Book Cover
TLC was contracted by a wonderful gentleman that worked with the famous Zsa Zsa Gabor to develop an elegant book cover for his new book. Metallic text, subtle fabric cover texture, classic silver picture frame, and a gradient to draw the eye down the content. This is a PowerPoint presentation, but a design that presents a story.
For TLC Creative Services, another graphic design project, with the added benefit of working with a true character of Hollywood. The book is available on Amazon.
– Troy @ TLC
Microsoft MVP for PowerPoint Again!
A personal note, but one I am very proud of – Microsoft sent the below email this week awarding/renewing me as a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for PowerPoint for 2014! There are approximately 35 PowerPoint MVPs globally and I have been awarded by Microsoft annually since 2004. I am honored to have Microsoft recognize and support all of the PowerPoint work, expertise and community (that’s you!) contributions.
– Troy
My Microsoft Surface Pro Setup
I have been using the Microsoft Surface Pro since they debuted (I have not spent the money upgrading to the Surface Pro 3, but it looks great!). The Surface Pro is not my primary computer, it is not powerful enough to run everything I use on daily basis and also cannot compete with the 2TB of storage (almost all used) on my primary design laptop. But I do use the Surface Pro as my travel computer – carrying lots of project files on an external drive and using VPN access to the office server a lot, and as a backup show computer. The Surface Pro has proven it is a real computer.
(Surface Pro 2 with all of the below accessories) 
Over the past 6 months I have received a number of calls from various friends and emails about how I set my Surface Pro up and what accessories I recommend. So here is my recommendation list (note: all items apply to Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3):
1. Classic Shell: This not just for the Surface Pro, but for every Windows 8/8.1 computer! It is free and lets your computer go direct to the “Windows 7” interface where we are all more productive and do our real work. Website link.
2. Unitek USB 3.0 hub with Ethernet (model Y-3045): The Surface Pro has 1 USB slot, which is not enough for productivity. It also has no Ethernet port for wired internet/network access. This small unit takes care of both shortcomings (note: this unit also works with MacBook Pro laptops that do not have Ethernet or enough USB ports). Amazon link.
3. Mini DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA Adaptor: carry one adaptor for all video connections! Handles HD (1920×1080) perfect and I have used every connection option (note: this unit also works with MacBook Pro laptops Thunderbolt™ Port). Amazon link.
4. Bluetooth Mouse: the Surface Pro only has 1 USB port (it is USB 3.0, but it is still only 1). Don’t occupy it, or one of you hub ports, with a mouse USB dongle, go Bluetooth.
If you are using the Surface Pro for light duty, I really like the Microsoft Wedge Mouse – Amazon link.
If you are using the Surface Pro for more daily work, I like the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Mouse ( model H3S-00003) – Amazon link.
5. Type Cover Keyboard: the Surface Pro does not come with a keyboard, we all get to choose which one we want – and pay additional for it. First, get the Microsoft keyboard vs. third party, it just works. I have several and for real work I definitely recommend the keyboard with ‘real’ keys. The ultra thin and light touch cover keyboard does not provide any typing feedback and I have not found anyone saying it is a great experience for real work. For the Type Cover keyboard there are a few variations – I will say I prefer the version with the ‘real’ touchpad that has clickable left/right buttons. Amazon link.
(MS Surface Pro on Stage running software demo)
(MS Surface Pro as Backup Show Computer)
– Troy @ TLC
2014 Presentation Summit is Next Month!
This year is the 12th annual Presentation Summit, and it is being held in TLC Creative Services’ backyard (okay, next city over, but on a global scale, it is pretty much our backyard). This a great event and truly one of the few places anyone can find fantastic PowerPoint and presentation workshops and have the ability to be in a single place with the largest number of industry experts, and Microsoft PowerPoint developers.
October 12-15, 2014 in San Diego, CA. More information is available at the Better Presenting website here.
– Troy @ TLC
PowerPoint Bullet List to Timeline
A quick sample slide from a recent presentation makeover. After reviewing the content we determined the real message was an abstract timeline of tasks being promised as part of the new business setup. Rather than show a bullet list, the same information was recreated in a timeline visual.
– Troy @ TLC