All Things Visual » Powerpoint

Creating a Slide Theme in PowerPoint 2008

arybin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:44:50 +0000

Please note: to view these PowerPoint illustrations at a larger size, click on the images.

To create a simple Art History style PowerPoint 2008 theme, first open a new presentation. The Formatting Palette will appear on the right side; if it does not, click on the “Toolbox” icon from the menu bar. On the Formatting Palette, select Style 4, which is a black background with white text.

To ensure that any subsequent text added to the slide with a text box is formatted correctly (ie, in white font), create a “test” text box by selecting that icon from the menu bar.

Once you have created and tested the text box…

…you’re ready to save the slide theme. Select “Save Theme” from the Formatting Palette.

Select a name for your theme that will be recognizable to you later.

To apply your theme to any future presentation, select the “Slide Themes” tab.

Next, select the “Custom Themes” tab. You will then see your theme saved with the title you assigned. Click on its thumbnail and you’re set!

You can follow the above steps to save other types of Microsoft Office 2008 themes as well. If you have any questions, please contact the VRC.

ARTstor in 4 Minutes: Download Images to PowerPoint

mmacken — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:11:57 +0000

Click on the image to learn how to download images from ARTstor and put them in PowerPoint for a classroom presentation.

Click here to view all ARTstor videos on Youtube.

Wondering how to . . .

mmacken — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:23:56 +0000

. . . make a PowerPoint presentation?

. . . create a high-quality digital image?

. . . find works of art in the VRC Collection?

. . . export a detail from Luna Insight?

. . . share a group of images in ARTstor?

The VRC can help you with all things related to digital imaging. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Powerpoint Shortcut: Loading a Folder of Images

mmacken — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:30:30 +0000

On a PC, it’s easy to load a folder of images directly into Powerpoint. With your presentation open, click on Insert in the menu bar, then click on Picture, then New Photo Album… This option lets you select an entire folder of images to add to your presentation. To learn more, download the VRC’s Powerpoint Manual for PCs (pdf).

Macs do not have a built-in photo album option. You can, however, install a simple program to import a folder of images.* For a free version of this program, contact the VRC. Please include your version of PowerPoint and your operating system (e.g. PowerPoint 2008, Mac OS 10.5). A similar application, InsertPicture Add-in with more advanced features, is also available for $10 (educational pricing).

*N.B. always ensure your version of Powerpoint is compatible with the software you are installing

What Size Images Should I Use in Presentations?

mmacken — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:14:05 +0000

The VRC recommends that you scan your images at about 1400 pixels on the longest edge of the digital image. Your computer will project up to 1400 (w) x 1050 (h) pixels on our projectors. Click here for a good explanation of Powerpoint-presentation image size from Microsoft.

NSIT Support for Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista

mmacken — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:17:10 +0000

NSIT has issued an advisory concerning Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista. Salient points:

Office 2007 for Windows has a default “save” format that is incompatible with earlier versions of Office and with Office for Mac.
If you are ordering a new machine, NSIT recommends purchasing it with Windows XP, instead of Vista.
NSIT will also not be fully supporting Windows Vista before 2008.

To read the full announcement, click here. If you have questions, please contact the NSIT Support Line at
support@uchicago.edu or 4-TECH (773-834-8324).