PPT 2007 -> PPT 2003 Backward Compatibility: SLide Master

[Dave Jenkins]

We have continuing requirement for our users to edit PowerPoint files using
PPT 2003, when the files were originally created in PPT 2007 and saved as
..PPTs (compatibility mode). Once the file is in .PPT format, these users may
have problems editing it in PPT 2003 due to apparent incompatibilities
between the PPT 2007 slide master model and the PPT 2003 slide master model.

When such a file is edited in PPT 2003, the Slide Master will typically show
two unconnected "Slide masters" and no Title Master. The appearances, etc.
of those two master slides are what they should be - i.e., there will be one
that looks like a real content slide, and one that looks like a real title
slide.

The problem creeps in when someone wants to change the "Title Master" (which
no longer apparently exists). PPT gets confused and it will impose the
content placeholder layout on what's supposed to be a Title Slide.

In other cases, we've generated PPT 2003 sample presentations in PPT 2007
that had only one Slide Master slide when they got to PPT 2003.

Here's my question(s):

1. I'd like to get a real rundown on what our users can expect as it
pertains to their ability to edit and modify presentations that were
originally created in 2007, but were saved in compatibility mode. I'm not
talking about Smart Art, etc. issues - I'm just talking about the Slide
Master issues
2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?
What procedures can we tell them to follow that will allow them to utilize a
different slide master? And, no - simply copying a new master from some
other presentnation does NOT work.
3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility. To say otherwise is to say, in effect, that backward
compatibility really doesn't exist. And if that's the case, how come there
are no MS caveats posted all over the place explaining the ramifications of
this issue, workarounds, etc? What's MS going to do about this? When?

Anybody else troubled by this?

 

[Echo S]

Well, since nobody has responded, Dave, I'll at least throw in my $.02.

You are not alone in the troubles you're experiencing with the slide masters
and layouts when moving back and forth between 2007 and 2003. I believe
there are bugs with the title masters especially. I think this is because a
title master is really a title slide layout in 2007, but it's a master in
2003. And that causes some issues. I wonder if creating a new slide layout
and calling it "new title master" or something -- and formatting it like the
title master you want -- will make any difference. You'd want to leave the
existing title slide layout in the master-layout hierarchy in 2007 -- but
you could drag it to the bottom of the list and put your new one in its
place so the users see it more readily. This is because (I think...please
understand that I'm really just guessing here) the title layouts are treated
differently than other layouts -- and I think this is for backward
compatibility, but I *also* think MS didn't get it right. Also, IIRC, title
slide layouts get recreated even if you delete them in the 2007 master view.

Unfortunately, I don't have any details for you on what your users can
expect when editing and modifying when a file's been saved in compatibility
mode.

2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?

You mean when they want to apply a different title master in PPT 2003? Or do
you mean they want to edit the existing title master(s)?

3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.

I agree. I don't know what they intend to do about it, if anything, but you
can believe I'll be bringing it up next time I'm there!

 

[Shyam Pillai]

Hey Echo,
The only time I attempted to fix a template to work in both versions was as
follows:
1. Create all the desired layouts/formats in PPT 2007 and finalize it.
2. Open the template in PPT 2003.
3. Delete the additional slide master (title master layout) that appears.
4. Add a title master to the slide.
5. Format it as required.
6. Save it.

That worked for me then in both versions. I haven't tried since, so you may
get different results.


--
Regards,
Shyam Pillai

Animation Carbon: Copy/Paste/Share animation libraries.
www.animationcarbon.com

Well, since nobody has responded, Dave, I'll at least throw in my $.02.

You are not alone in the troubles you're experiencing with the slide
masters and layouts when moving back and forth between 2007 and 2003. I
believe there are bugs with the title masters especially. I think this is
because a title master is really a title slide layout in 2007, but it's a
master in 2003. And that causes some issues. I wonder if creating a new
slide layout and calling it "new title master" or something -- and
formatting it like the title master you want -- will make any difference.
You'd want to leave the existing title slide layout in the master-layout
hierarchy in 2007 -- but you could drag it to the bottom of the list and
put your new one in its place so the users see it more readily. This is
because (I think...please understand that I'm really just guessing here)
the title layouts are treated differently than other layouts -- and I
think this is for backward compatibility, but I *also* think MS didn't get
it right. Also, IIRC, title slide layouts get recreated even if you delete
them in the 2007 master view.

Unfortunately, I don't have any details for you on what your users can
expect when editing and modifying when a file's been saved in
compatibility mode.

2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?

You mean when they want to apply a different title master in PPT 2003? Or
do you mean they want to edit the existing title master(s)?

3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.

I agree. I don't know what they intend to do about it, if anything, but
you can believe I'll be bringing it up next time I'm there!

 

[Echo S]

Hey, that's great information! Thanks, Shyam. Let's hope it works
consistently.

I haven't had to create a template yet that works in both versions, but I
have a project coming up where it will be important. So, Dave, your post is
very timely for me! ;-)

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

Hey Echo,
The only time I attempted to fix a template to work in both versions was
as follows:
1. Create all the desired layouts/formats in PPT 2007 and finalize it.
2. Open the template in PPT 2003.
3. Delete the additional slide master (title master layout) that appears.
4. Add a title master to the slide.
5. Format it as required.
6. Save it.

That worked for me then in both versions. I haven't tried since, so you
may get different results.


--
Regards,
Shyam Pillai

Animation Carbon: Copy/Paste/Share animation libraries.
www.animationcarbon.com

Well, since nobody has responded, Dave, I'll at least throw in my $.02.

You are not alone in the troubles you're experiencing with the slide
masters and layouts when moving back and forth between 2007 and 2003. I
believe there are bugs with the title masters especially. I think this is
because a title master is really a title slide layout in 2007, but it's a
master in 2003. And that causes some issues. I wonder if creating a new
slide layout and calling it "new title master" or something -- and
formatting it like the title master you want -- will make any difference.
You'd want to leave the existing title slide layout in the master-layout
hierarchy in 2007 -- but you could drag it to the bottom of the list and
put your new one in its place so the users see it more readily. This is
because (I think...please understand that I'm really just guessing here)
the title layouts are treated differently than other layouts -- and I
think this is for backward compatibility, but I *also* think MS didn't
get it right. Also, IIRC, title slide layouts get recreated even if you
delete them in the 2007 master view.

Unfortunately, I don't have any details for you on what your users can
expect when editing and modifying when a file's been saved in
compatibility mode.

2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?

You mean when they want to apply a different title master in PPT 2003? Or
do you mean they want to edit the existing title master(s)?

3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.

I agree. I don't know what they intend to do about it, if anything, but
you can believe I'll be bringing it up next time I'm there!

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

We have continuing requirement for our users to edit PowerPoint files
using
PPT 2003, when the files were originally created in PPT 2007 and saved
as
.PPTs (compatibility mode). Once the file is in .PPT format, these
users may
have problems editing it in PPT 2003 due to apparent incompatibilities
between the PPT 2007 slide master model and the PPT 2003 slide master
model.

When such a file is edited in PPT 2003, the Slide Master will typically
show
two unconnected "Slide masters" and no Title Master. The appearances,
etc.
of those two master slides are what they should be - i.e., there will be
one
that looks like a real content slide, and one that looks like a real
title
slide.

The problem creeps in when someone wants to change the "Title Master"
(which
no longer apparently exists). PPT gets confused and it will impose the
content placeholder layout on what's supposed to be a Title Slide.

In other cases, we've generated PPT 2003 sample presentations in PPT
2007
that had only one Slide Master slide when they got to PPT 2003.

Here's my question(s):

1. I'd like to get a real rundown on what our users can expect as it
pertains to their ability to edit and modify presentations that were
originally created in 2007, but were saved in compatibility mode. I'm
not
talking about Smart Art, etc. issues - I'm just talking about the Slide
Master issues
2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?
What procedures can we tell them to follow that will allow them to
utilize a
different slide master? And, no - simply copying a new master from some
other presentnation does NOT work.
3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility. To say otherwise is to say, in effect, that
backward
compatibility really doesn't exist. And if that's the case, how come
there
are no MS caveats posted all over the place explaining the ramifications
of
this issue, workarounds, etc? What's MS going to do about this? When?

Anybody else troubled by this?

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Thanks, Shyam.


--
Dave Jenkins
K5KX

Hey Echo,
The only time I attempted to fix a template to work in both versions was as
follows:
1. Create all the desired layouts/formats in PPT 2007 and finalize it.
2. Open the template in PPT 2003.
3. Delete the additional slide master (title master layout) that appears.
4. Add a title master to the slide.
5. Format it as required.
6. Save it.

That worked for me then in both versions. I haven't tried since, so you may
get different results.


--
Regards,
Shyam Pillai

Animation Carbon: Copy/Paste/Share animation libraries.
www.animationcarbon.com

Well, since nobody has responded, Dave, I'll at least throw in my $.02.

You are not alone in the troubles you're experiencing with the slide
masters and layouts when moving back and forth between 2007 and 2003. I
believe there are bugs with the title masters especially. I think this is
because a title master is really a title slide layout in 2007, but it's a
master in 2003. And that causes some issues. I wonder if creating a new
slide layout and calling it "new title master" or something -- and
formatting it like the title master you want -- will make any difference.
You'd want to leave the existing title slide layout in the master-layout
hierarchy in 2007 -- but you could drag it to the bottom of the list and
put your new one in its place so the users see it more readily. This is
because (I think...please understand that I'm really just guessing here)
the title layouts are treated differently than other layouts -- and I
think this is for backward compatibility, but I *also* think MS didn't get
it right. Also, IIRC, title slide layouts get recreated even if you delete
them in the 2007 master view.

Unfortunately, I don't have any details for you on what your users can
expect when editing and modifying when a file's been saved in
compatibility mode.

2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?

You mean when they want to apply a different title master in PPT 2003? Or
do you mean they want to edit the existing title master(s)?

3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.

I agree. I don't know what they intend to do about it, if anything, but
you can believe I'll be bringing it up next time I'm there!

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

We have continuing requirement for our users to edit PowerPoint files
using
PPT 2003, when the files were originally created in PPT 2007 and saved as
.PPTs (compatibility mode). Once the file is in .PPT format, these users
may
have problems editing it in PPT 2003 due to apparent incompatibilities
between the PPT 2007 slide master model and the PPT 2003 slide master
model.

When such a file is edited in PPT 2003, the Slide Master will typically
show
two unconnected "Slide masters" and no Title Master. The appearances,
etc.
of those two master slides are what they should be - i.e., there will be
one
that looks like a real content slide, and one that looks like a real
title
slide.

The problem creeps in when someone wants to change the "Title Master"
(which
no longer apparently exists). PPT gets confused and it will impose the
content placeholder layout on what's supposed to be a Title Slide.

In other cases, we've generated PPT 2003 sample presentations in PPT 2007
that had only one Slide Master slide when they got to PPT 2003.

Here's my question(s):

1. I'd like to get a real rundown on what our users can expect as it
pertains to their ability to edit and modify presentations that were
originally created in 2007, but were saved in compatibility mode. I'm not
talking about Smart Art, etc. issues - I'm just talking about the Slide
Master issues
2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?
What procedures can we tell them to follow that will allow them to
utilize a
different slide master? And, no - simply copying a new master from some
other presentnation does NOT work.
3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility. To say otherwise is to say, in effect, that
backward
compatibility really doesn't exist. And if that's the case, how come
there
are no MS caveats posted all over the place explaining the ramifications
of
this issue, workarounds, etc? What's MS going to do about this? When?

Anybody else troubled by this?

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Thanks, Shyam:

A question about your response: When you're talking about a "tenmplate"
you're not talking about a .pot, are you? And in step 4, how can I get a
"good" title master in there? Or do I have to create it from scratch in 2003?

Thanks!
--
Dave Jenkins
K5KX

Hey Echo,
The only time I attempted to fix a template to work in both versions was as
follows:
1. Create all the desired layouts/formats in PPT 2007 and finalize it.
2. Open the template in PPT 2003.
3. Delete the additional slide master (title master layout) that appears.
4. Add a title master to the slide.
5. Format it as required.
6. Save it.

That worked for me then in both versions. I haven't tried since, so you may
get different results.


--
Regards,
Shyam Pillai

Animation Carbon: Copy/Paste/Share animation libraries.
www.animationcarbon.com

Well, since nobody has responded, Dave, I'll at least throw in my $.02.

You are not alone in the troubles you're experiencing with the slide
masters and layouts when moving back and forth between 2007 and 2003. I
believe there are bugs with the title masters especially. I think this is
because a title master is really a title slide layout in 2007, but it's a
master in 2003. And that causes some issues. I wonder if creating a new
slide layout and calling it "new title master" or something -- and
formatting it like the title master you want -- will make any difference.
You'd want to leave the existing title slide layout in the master-layout
hierarchy in 2007 -- but you could drag it to the bottom of the list and
put your new one in its place so the users see it more readily. This is
because (I think...please understand that I'm really just guessing here)
the title layouts are treated differently than other layouts -- and I
think this is for backward compatibility, but I *also* think MS didn't get
it right. Also, IIRC, title slide layouts get recreated even if you delete
them in the 2007 master view.

Unfortunately, I don't have any details for you on what your users can
expect when editing and modifying when a file's been saved in
compatibility mode.

2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?

You mean when they want to apply a different title master in PPT 2003? Or
do you mean they want to edit the existing title master(s)?

3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.

I agree. I don't know what they intend to do about it, if anything, but
you can believe I'll be bringing it up next time I'm there!

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

We have continuing requirement for our users to edit PowerPoint files
using
PPT 2003, when the files were originally created in PPT 2007 and saved as
.PPTs (compatibility mode). Once the file is in .PPT format, these users
may
have problems editing it in PPT 2003 due to apparent incompatibilities
between the PPT 2007 slide master model and the PPT 2003 slide master
model.

When such a file is edited in PPT 2003, the Slide Master will typically
show
two unconnected "Slide masters" and no Title Master. The appearances,
etc.
of those two master slides are what they should be - i.e., there will be
one
that looks like a real content slide, and one that looks like a real
title
slide.

The problem creeps in when someone wants to change the "Title Master"
(which
no longer apparently exists). PPT gets confused and it will impose the
content placeholder layout on what's supposed to be a Title Slide.

In other cases, we've generated PPT 2003 sample presentations in PPT 2007
that had only one Slide Master slide when they got to PPT 2003.

Here's my question(s):

1. I'd like to get a real rundown on what our users can expect as it
pertains to their ability to edit and modify presentations that were
originally created in 2007, but were saved in compatibility mode. I'm not
talking about Smart Art, etc. issues - I'm just talking about the Slide
Master issues
2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?
What procedures can we tell them to follow that will allow them to
utilize a
different slide master? And, no - simply copying a new master from some
other presentnation does NOT work.
3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility. To say otherwise is to say, in effect, that
backward
compatibility really doesn't exist. And if that's the case, how come
there
are no MS caveats posted all over the place explaining the ramifications
of
this issue, workarounds, etc? What's MS going to do about this? When?

Anybody else troubled by this?

 

[Nicolo]

Thanks Shyam.

But by this you have 2 different templates. 1 for 2007 and 1 fior 2003.

It gets tricky when a user creates a presentation under 2007 and send it to
a user that works with 2003, who opens it and add a title slide... as the
presentation is based on the 2007 presentation, the Title slide won't fit.

How do you deal with this ?

Thanks for your help

Hey Echo,
The only time I attempted to fix a template to work in both versions was as
follows:
1. Create all the desired layouts/formats in PPT 2007 and finalize it.
2. Open the template in PPT 2003.
3. Delete the additional slide master (title master layout) that appears.
4. Add a title master to the slide.
5. Format it as required.
6. Save it.

That worked for me then in both versions. I haven't tried since, so you may
get different results.


--
Regards,
Shyam Pillai

Animation Carbon: Copy/Paste/Share animation libraries.
www.animationcarbon.com

Well, since nobody has responded, Dave, I'll at least throw in my $.02.

You are not alone in the troubles you're experiencing with the slide
masters and layouts when moving back and forth between 2007 and 2003. I
believe there are bugs with the title masters especially. I think this is
because a title master is really a title slide layout in 2007, but it's a
master in 2003. And that causes some issues. I wonder if creating a new
slide layout and calling it "new title master" or something -- and
formatting it like the title master you want -- will make any difference.
You'd want to leave the existing title slide layout in the master-layout
hierarchy in 2007 -- but you could drag it to the bottom of the list and
put your new one in its place so the users see it more readily. This is
because (I think...please understand that I'm really just guessing here)
the title layouts are treated differently than other layouts -- and I
think this is for backward compatibility, but I *also* think MS didn't get
it right. Also, IIRC, title slide layouts get recreated even if you delete
them in the 2007 master view.

Unfortunately, I don't have any details for you on what your users can
expect when editing and modifying when a file's been saved in
compatibility mode.

2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?

You mean when they want to apply a different title master in PPT 2003? Or
do you mean they want to edit the existing title master(s)?

3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.

I agree. I don't know what they intend to do about it, if anything, but
you can believe I'll be bringing it up next time I'm there!

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

We have continuing requirement for our users to edit PowerPoint files
using
PPT 2003, when the files were originally created in PPT 2007 and saved as
.PPTs (compatibility mode). Once the file is in .PPT format, these users
may
have problems editing it in PPT 2003 due to apparent incompatibilities
between the PPT 2007 slide master model and the PPT 2003 slide master
model.

When such a file is edited in PPT 2003, the Slide Master will typically
show
two unconnected "Slide masters" and no Title Master. The appearances,
etc.
of those two master slides are what they should be - i.e., there will be
one
that looks like a real content slide, and one that looks like a real
title
slide.

The problem creeps in when someone wants to change the "Title Master"
(which
no longer apparently exists). PPT gets confused and it will impose the
content placeholder layout on what's supposed to be a Title Slide.

In other cases, we've generated PPT 2003 sample presentations in PPT 2007
that had only one Slide Master slide when they got to PPT 2003.

Here's my question(s):

1. I'd like to get a real rundown on what our users can expect as it
pertains to their ability to edit and modify presentations that were
originally created in 2007, but were saved in compatibility mode. I'm not
talking about Smart Art, etc. issues - I'm just talking about the Slide
Master issues
2. When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?
What procedures can we tell them to follow that will allow them to
utilize a
different slide master? And, no - simply copying a new master from some
other presentnation does NOT work.
3. I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility. To say otherwise is to say, in effect, that
backward
compatibility really doesn't exist. And if that's the case, how come
there
are no MS caveats posted all over the place explaining the ramifications
of
this issue, workarounds, etc? What's MS going to do about this? When?

Anybody else troubled by this?

 

[Katt Toon]

If you have created two different templates (2003 & 2007) if the user with 2003 gets the 2007 file, all they have to do is change their Slide Design to the 2003 template. That should fix the problem. If not, here is a solution that we have been using:

In PowerPoint 2003, choose View>Master>Slide Master to see the slide masters. All master styles from 2007 that were used in the presentation will show up.
To fix the slide master problem, follow these steps:

Select the slide that has the desired Slide Master Layout then insert a Title Master (you should now have a title and a slide master connected together)

If the background of the new title master is not correct, then you can apply the background from one of the other existing masters:

-- If the slide background is an image (instead of one of the background colors): Select the slide with the desired layout and select the new 2003 title master, (make sure the slide with the desired layout is the active slide). Choose format>background>Fill Effects>OK, then choose Apply (this will apply the background to the new title master)

-- If the background is made up of images on the slide: Select all of the desired background images and choose Copy. Paste the images to the newly created title master

You can then delete any other masters that are not in use. Note: if you delete a master style that is being used, that slide will revert back to it’s default layout master.

After fixing the slide masters, you may need to go through the presentation and re-apply the desired slide layouts. (ie: select all title slides and re-apply the title layout)


I hope this helps...it really sucks that we have to go through all these hoops when it is supposed to be backwards compatible.