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pptx to pdf conversion issues with EMF graphics

Anonymous
2017-03-16T16:53:26+00:00

When I create graphics using mathematical software (Igor Pro), my preferred method is to paste figures into powerpoint using an EMF file type.

This format by far looks the best, especially because when zooming in to examine close details, the vector graphics scale nicely.

Two problems with this format though:

  1. my colleagues using Macs cannot view the figures
  2. when converting to PDF, the figures shrink or get rearranged.

To be clear, there are several EMF options available to me when exporting graphics.

I can choose from the different graphics modes: GDI, GDI+, and QT graphics

The EMF, GDI mode looks bad in pptx format, but converts to pdf and looks great

The EMF, GDI+ mode looks great in pptx format, but is shrunk when converted to pdf

The EMF, QT mode looks great in pptx format, but is shrunk when converted to pdf

I can paste graphics as a PNG (or other file types) in any of the graphics modes as well; they all look bad in pptx format but convert to pdf at the right size, but still look bad.

Note - I am using Windows 10, and up to date office 365

Why are these EMF files shrunk when converting to PDF?

Is there some setting that will make these convert to pdf appropriately?

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For home | Windows

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  1. Steve Rindsberg 99,086 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2017-03-16T21:37:06+00:00

    I don't have an answer for you, but if you post example EMFs in each of the formats, I'll be happy to try to reproduce the problem and if that's possible, try to get the sample files to the appropriate people at Microsoft.

    You can put the files up on OneDrive, DropBox or the like, then post a link to the folder here, or zip the files and link to the uploaded zip file.

    Extra points for including a text file with a copy of your question copy/pasted from above and a full PowerPoint version number (File | Account | About PowerPoint)

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-03-16T22:15:33+00:00

    Thanks for looking into it.

    I have posted a Powerpoint presentation with the various graphics in question as well as the pdf version.

    Each case is clearly labeled.

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vxlj9wuy10thvpm/AABGOI6HaWElMMeFV23osFBja?dl=0

    Microsoft Powerpoint Version: MSO (16.0.7766.7080) 32-Bit

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  3. Steve Rindsberg 99,086 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2017-03-17T17:27:43+00:00

    What a strange, small world it is.  I was just working with a PPT user in Australia last night who had a similar problem.  When exporting slides as images, some of the images on the slides would shrink.

    It turns out that:

    • The problem images were EMFs
    • The problem only appeared in Office 365, not previous versions that I tested
    • And when I applied the most recent updates, the problem went away

    My Office 365 was a subscription version with Insider Fast enabled, so the updates I received may not be more widely available yet.

    If you don't have the updates that fix the problem, I'd suggest reverting to PNG for these graphics. 

    If the PNGs don't look as good as they should, make sure that you've selected "Do not compress images in file" and Default resolution: High Fidelity in File | Options | Advanced.

    Also, if there are blank content or picture placeholders on the slide, delete them before inserting/pasting images.

    That should give you better-looking PNGs.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-03-20T14:38:49+00:00

    Hi Benjamin,

    Have you tried the suggestion above? Let us know any updates.

    Thanks,

    Frank

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-03-20T16:08:37+00:00

    I updated Office 365, this did not fix anything.

    I also tired the advanced settings options suggested to improve the png quality.

    This did not make any discernible difference.

    I will continue to use PNGs for now, which is unfortunate as the EMF quality is so much better.

    I look forward to getting whatever PPT update that fixes this issue.

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