Cross-Platform editing and running the same Powerpoint?

[CJM]

When I create a Powerpoint on a MAC, open it on a PC. Edit it on a PC bring
it back to a MAC. Edit on the MAC and then try to open it on a PC, boxes with
big red "X"s appear. Some page's info disapears.

The challenge is the I work in an office where the creatives work on MACs
but the business people work on PCs. So, I create presentations (on MACs) for
people who have to present on a PC. Sigh....Any thoughts on how to make
cross-platform editing and playing better?

Thanks!

 

[Sandy]

First, make sure that the PCs have the latest updates (Help > Check for
Updates).
Next, and I know this is going to sound painful, but I'd limit my graphic
work (backgrounds, shadows, other special touches) to the Mac, then do
everything else on the PC (create the presentation, insert the images you
created). Many of the agencies I work with just bypass the Mac...

 

[michael_carr]

I've been a Microsoft user since 1986, and a PowerPoint professional
since 2000. While I agree with the others about what to do in what
platform, I have some advice when edits on the Mac are necessary. (And
these notes will preserve the integrity of the elements all around.)

I'm currently a freelance consultant and was hired today to put
together a storyboard presentation for an agency pitch to a beverage
client.

I've noticed lately that Microsoft seems to be restricting file
formats, both individually and cross platform. Last week the issue was
movies for an investor/analyst presentation for an online horse-race
betting and technology client.

Today, it's sound files for the agency/beverage clients. Although files
created on Windows with .WMV sounds embedded play on the Mac, I am
unable to insert new .WMV sounds. It seems as though the only format
that will work cross-platform is the .WAV.

As for the "red X" dilemma, this was solved when I began converting all
of the images I use to the PNG format. It has been absolutely flawless,
working cross platform each and every time for the last three years I
have been doing this. In many cases I can batch process them in
Photoshop. It even works when I copy and paste the image from PowerPoint
to Photoshop, saving the copied image to the PNG format. It also seems
to eliminate those funnky pop-up conversion messages when opening the
file on the Mac after editing on a Windows machine.

Hope these tips help you.

Namaste...

Michael Carr

 

[Echo S]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the RedX issue, Michael.

Regarding sound formats, MP3 should work on both platforms as well.