Tip of the Week - EPS and PSD Files VS Microsoft PowerPoint

I've had calls about an issue with adding EPS and PSD files to PowerPoint presentations and thought it might be a good idea to post the answer(s) here in case anyone else has the same issue(s).

The first issue - and the biggest is that although PowerPoint will now accept an EPS or PSD file it really doesn't understand it, hence the pixelation, etc. So, don't try and add an EPS or PSD file.

Another issue is that EPS and PSD files are often in the wrong mode for the web or PowerPoint. They must be RGB and they are often in index or CMYK mode.  If you click on Save As and PNG is not an option, go back and click on Image > Mode and check RGB. Then try Save As again and you should see PNG in the list.

If you have an EPS file, our logo for example, open it and make sure the mode is RGB and then save it as a PNG file. You will get a much clearer, crisp image (see example to left) and the file size will be considerably smaller. Also, the PNG file will preserve a transparent background. When you try to bring a PSD file into PowerPoint any transparency will disappear. You will also lose transparency if you convert to a JPG file, so PNG is the way to go. Call or e-mail me if you have questions.