How does Powerpoint handle graphic files? 2

[SimonBrown]

I am doing some work into an audience's perception of visual resolution. I have a Powerpoint (2000) file containing many graphics (inserted but not linked). The total MB count of the inserted graphics is way over 60 MB yet the saved PPT file is about 5.5 MB.

How can this be? Presumably there is a form of compression happening but I need to know more background information and what sort of algorithm PPT is using to do this. Can anyone help or point me in the right direction to find out?

 

[DaleWatson123321]

Hi Simon,

Sorry I can't help regarding the METHOD of compression.

BUT, I can confirm that it indeed works without error.

I have been a long-time user of CorelDraw and have been embedding CorelDraw charts and graphs, etc into PowerPoint very extensively.

I can also confirm that, while it is possible to have "linked" files (i.e. objects like CorelDraw objects linked to disk-based files), it is also possible to TOTALLY EMBED objects WITHIN PowerPoint and have these non-PowerPoint objects saved within the PowerPoint file. And as you correctly pointed out, PowerPoint is able to compress these objects to a much smaller size than if the same objects were saved within their own native file format.

And, most importantly, with these embedded objects, they are indeed TOTALLY EMBEDDED, i.e. the user only has to double-click the object and this will result in launching of the software used to create the object (CorelDraw for example) and also load the embedded file. This is indeed an example of "perfect harmony", and makes PowerPoint that much more attractive as "Presentation Software".

A couple of significant footnotes:

1) Some versions (mostly early releases) of CorelDraw have had problems with total embedding - so users need to make sure to download the corrected release from Corel Corporation.

2) CorelDraw release 5.0 came with a "package" of additional software, including "CorelChart". For those Tek-Tips users who have not yet heard my opinion on "CorelChart", I need to "get to you" on this next point.

CorelChart, when used together with CorelDraw (total embedding), provides for an environment for creating charts and graphs which is "SECOND TO NONE". Put very directly, it "blows the competition out of the water". There simply IS NO COMPARISON. The reason: ...quite simple - with CorelDraw being a complete, full-lfedged "graphics" package, it means that when you embed a chart or graph into CorelDraw, you have COMPLETE flexibility regarding enhancements and creativity in shaping the chart or graph to suit your needs.

Other graphics software, by comparison, especially Microsoft's "charting engine" found in Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint), are far TOO RESTRICTIVE, i.e. in forcing the user to place text in "pre-set" positions, etc,. For "simple" applications, it is fine, BUT, for more challenging applications, AND ease-of-use, CorelChart and CorelDraw 5.0 are UNBEATABLE.

Proof-positive that my point is valid: When our office converted to Microsoft Office, there were several people involved in attempting to "re-create" several charts/graphs done in CorelChart/CorelDraw. Many of these simply could NOT be re-created AT ALL. And many others took SO much time and effort, that it became "rediculous" by comparison.

CAUTION: CorelChart is ONLY compatible with CorelDraw 5.0. It is NOT compatible with later versions. Corel Corporation is currently considering creating the required "filters" which will permit CorelChart to be compatible with their latest versions of CorelDraw. However, to my knowledge, they have yet to do so.

But, in the meantime, if you want THE BEST in Chart/Graph software, I STRONGLY recommend that you purchase CorelDraw 5.0 (which comes with CorelChart), and both of these are TOTALLY COMPATIBLE with PowerPoint.

And, final point: Once you confirm that this "duo" of CorelChart and CorelDraw is indeed "KING OF THE MOUNTAIN", you might want to email Corel Corporation to spurn them on in creating the "filters" required to enable compatibility with their latest CorelDraw release.

I hope this has been helpful and informative.

Regards, ...Dale Watson dwatson@bsi.gov.mb.ca

 

[Dreamboat]

Dale, you're after my own heart. Running CorelDraw 8.0 at home and 9.0 at work...
techsupportgirl@home.com

http://www.PiersonTech.com

Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word

 

[DaleWatson123321]

Hi Dreamboat,

Thanks for your "vote of confidence".

I hope that with your long-standing position as the "QUEEN OF THE MICROSOFT OFFICE MOUNTAIN" here at Tek-Tips, your support will contribute to causing other Tek-Tips readers to "sit up and take notice" of the points I covered.

Regards, ...Dale Watson dwatson@bsi.gov.mb.ca