Import "shapes" from external programs as vector - NOT AS IMAGE

  • Thread starter Thread starter -chris
  • Start date Start date
C

-chris

Does anyone know of a way to import a custom shape created in an external
program (ie. Illustrator) into powerpoint and retain the vector data
information so that it can be filled and effected as any other "shape"

I've looked all over the place and tried a number of options to do this.
Thanks!
-chris
 
Yes, I do this a lot. Export in WMF or EMF format. Import into PowerPoint and
ungroup. You'll get a question about whether you want to convert it to
PowerPoint objects. Say Yes. You'll have to ungroup it a second time. They
you can edit in PowerPoint. I've done this to import charts created in
Illustrator and was then able to add a wipe animation to the bars of the
chart.

Ellen
 
Yes, I do this a lot. Export as EMF or WMF. Import into PowerPoint and
ungroup. Click Yes when asked if you want to convert to PowerPoint objects.
Ungroup a second time. I've done this to import bar charts created in
Illustrator and was able to add a wipe animation to the bars.

Ellen
 
I have lost faith in the WMF and EMF file formats for one simple reason: neither of these formats can accurately retain the fine curve data of a true vector file created within PPT.

Proof: Typeset the word "Test" in Times Roman in Illustrator at around 100 pt. Convert type to outlines. Export your beloved WMF or EMF file. Place the file (insert picture) in PPT. Zoom into the image so you can see the serifs (you may have to enlarge the imported object. Tell me the curves of the imported file look great... I dare ya.

This type of curve distortion is unacceptable and dangerous, especially if you are importing a WMF / EMF file of your company's logo. You can minimizethe curve distortion by enlarging your source image to approx. 400% largerthan you plan on using it within PPT, but it's still there.

This issue of cross-software compatibility is a major problem for anyone working as a professional visual communicator/designer. And it's so importantto the software programmers that they have not resolved it in over 2 decades of software versioning and upgrading.

Classic case of not listening to your customers.
 
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