Powerpoint 2011 Format Background Slide Image and Lock Aspect Ratio

[hmarcinik]

Running Office 2011 for Mac — PowerPoint question:

I converted a 4:3 aspect ratio presentation to 16:9.

The background image of the slide was stretched.

I'm reading on other sites about how to lock aspect ration when formatting a slide background with an image (Windows or other Office version), but I cannot locate this option on the 2011 version of PowerPoint. Does it even exist?


I'm wondering if I have to redesign the background graphics (I wasn't the initial designer of this particular presentation) to fit the widescreen format.

 

[chscag]

The only thing I could find that might help with Powerpoint 2011 is go to "Preferences", and click on the "Save" tab. In the bottom of the dialog you'll see... "Save slides as graphic files". From there you can set the width and height of the slides. That should allow you to lock the specific aspect ratio you desire (after doing a bit of math).

 

[hmarcinik]

Thanks much. I'll have a look at your suggestion. So, it isn't just me who cannot locate a "lock picture aspect ratio" for a background slide image. Apparently, Windows versions have it.

 

[chscag]

Yeah, unfortunately the Mac versions of Office apps are not quite up to par with the Windows versions. Office 2016 supposedly corrects that but I'm personally not in the mood to installing 2016 after reading about all the glitches that users have been experiencing. Maybe after Microsoft releases another service pack I'll think about installing it.

 

[hmarcinik]

I appreciate that additional information since I have on my to-do list to upgrade to Office 2016 for other reasons (operating a shared calendar with a PC user opens up a new set of issues). Thanks much!

 

[Slydude]

Yeah, unfortunately the Mac versions of Office apps are not quite up to par with the Windows versions. Office 2016 supposedly corrects that but I'm personally not in the mood to installing 2016 after reading about all the glitches that users have been experiencing. Maybe after Microsoft releases another service pack I'll think about installing it.

Hey Charlie, go ahead take a chance. I thought you liked being out there on the bleeding edge? You test the waters and I'll jump in right after I promise.

 

[chscag]

I have a copy of 2016 which I purchased on line at a discount. I'm waiting for MS to publish the long awaited service pack that restores options from 2011 that were removed in 2016. We should see an update sometime this Spring.