PowerPoint size and linking pictures??

[Bob]

Hello. This is driving me crazy, hope someone can help.

I am creating a presentation of photographs and trying to keep the
size of the presentation down. I'd like to only link to the .jpg
files, not embed them, hoping this will allow 1) reduced file size 2)
allow easy updating of images in ppt after external changes and 3) to
avoid redundant images (in ppt and on disk).

Problem is, although linking to objects sounds like this will work, it
doesnt!

I have a .jpg, 1978kb, 2300x1800 (it's big I know, but if this worked
properly, it wouldn't matter), and have tried the following to
illustrate the issue/problem:

1) Insert Object | Create from file | did not click the "link" box

the resultant ppt file size is 11MB. Way too big!

2) Insert Object | Create from file | click the "link" box

the resultant ppt file size is 5MB. Better, still too big for a mass
of photographs

3) Insert | Picture | From File

the resultant ppt file size is 0.5 MB. Even still, 100 pics, 50MB,
plus any text and graphics and animations.

I just don't get it. Linking is suppose to keep the picture data
outside PowerPoint.

I've tried this in PowerPoint 2000 and 2002 -- same results

'elp?

 

[Sonia]

Use Insert > Picture > Picture from File and specify Link. *Don't use
Insert > Object.* However, also make sure that you have turned off "Fast
Saves" under Tools > Options > Save. Inserting an image of nearly 2 MB and
yielding a presentation of .5 MB isn't bad. Remember that the presentation
includes the template and other control information. Try adding additional
images and note the file size increase. It should be minimal.

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Bob,

What Sonia Said....but also

have a .jpg, 1978kb, 2300x1800 (it's big I know, but if this worked

properly, it wouldn't matter), and have tried the following to
illustrate the issue/problem:

If the presentation is mainly for on-screen presentations and the filesize
is a major issue for you....I'd go to the trouble of downsizing the pixel
count (aim for about 1024x768)....and perhaps trying a few tests of lowering
the "compression / quality" of the JPGs when they are saved....maybe even do
a batch conversion in something like photoshop or paintshop pro.

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

awesome - powerpoint backgrounds,
free powerpoint templates, tutorials, hints and tips etc
http://www.powerpointbackgrounds.com

 

[Bob]

Sonia,

Thanks for your reply.
However, there is not an option for "link" in Insert | Picture | From
File

I don't get it, under help it says, "What is a linked object?
When an object is linked, information is updated only if you modify
the source file. Linked data is stored in the source file. The
destination file stores only the location of the source file and
displays a representation of the linked data. Use linked objects if
file size is a consideration."

Sounds like object | link should work

Bob

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

However, there is not an option for "link" in Insert | Picture | From

File

There is, but it's well hidden.

Choose Insert, Picture, From File
Pick the picture you want to insert
Next to the INSERT button there's a little downward pointing
arrowheadthingie.
Click that and you'll see Link to File as an option. Click it and you're
good to go.

If it won't work, shut down some apps and restart PPT.

 

[John Langhans [MSFT]]

[CRITICAL UPDATE - Anyone using Office 2003 should install the critical
update as soon as possible. From PowerPoint, choose "Help -> Check for
Updates".]

Hello,

Based on the messages in this discussion thread, it appears that there
might be several potential product suggestions.

If you (or anyone else reading this message) think that it's important that
PowerPoint provide this kind of functionality (easier to find picture
linking capability? tools for management of linked/inserted content? etc?),
don't forget to send your feedback (in YOUR OWN WORDS, please) to Microsoft
at:

http://register.microsoft.com/mswish/suggestion.asp

As with all product suggestions, it's important that you not just state
your wish but also WHY it is important to you that your product suggestion
be implemented by Microsoft. Microsoft receives thousands of product
suggestions every day and we read each one but, in any given product
development cycle, there are only sufficient resources to address the ones
that are most important to our customers so take the extra time to state
your case as clearly and completely as possible.

IMPORTANT: Each submission should be a single suggestion (not a list of
suggestions)

John Langhans
Microsoft Corporation
Supportability Program Manager
Microsoft Office PowerPoint for Windows
Microsoft Office Picture Manager for Windows

For FAQ's, highlights and top issues, visit the Microsoft PowerPoint
support center at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=ppt
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbhowto

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