Running Large PPT 2003 files (70MB +)

[Easi Media]

Hello,

Working for a number of clients here in Ireland and producing in-house kiosk
style advertisng displays for viewing on Large 42" + Plasma Screens and
smaller 19"-32" LCD's.

Using PPT 2003 and computers with
Semptron AMD 2400+ cpu, 256 mb ram, 40 GB HDD onboard 64mb VGA

Long Winded Question Time Coming up:

We design about 200 custom slides per client running at 1024 X 768 @ 72 dpi

Slides designed in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and a 3d package, also
using those great files from the Animation Factory.

The Presentations are editable by the client, where they can alter certain
text and rearrange the slides ad hoc.

However..... the file sizes are very very big. We've only had problems with
one client and the replacement of the memory card has solved this. (So not a
PPT problem, even though it took us a week of rearranging the presentation,
thinking it was a PPT glitch...not so.)

The files are between 20/30mb and can be up to 99mb in size, saved as a PPS.

Am I making problems for myself & the clients by designing the presentations
with huge file sizes or are these file sizes about normal for this type of
work.

I plan to incorporate video into the presentations in 30/40 second segments
and as this will increase the file size yet more I'm just concerned about if
there is a "safety limit" for PPT & PPS file sizes.

Thanks for your help, I have learned so much from this group.

God Bless,
Paul Boyle
Easi Media
Ireland

 

[Adam Crowley]

Hello Paul
First of all let me reassure you that adding video content to your
presentations will not increase their size as all video media (unless you
count Flash animations, which can be embedded) are linked rather than
embedded.
Secondly there is no file size limit as such but it is usually helpful to
optimise images so they're not unnecessarily large. i.e. a full screen
image in a set up that's being displayed at 1024x768 should ideally be that
size too (btw these don't have to be 72dpi - it's an evil myth that screens
work at 72 dpi - only the size in pixels matters).
I don't think 20-30MB is unnecessarily large for a 200 slide presentation -
sounds about right to me.
Adam

 

[Guest]

Most of your file size is probably coming from the photos.
I would check very carefully to see what type of resolution you really need
on the photos, i.e what resolution actually shows up on the display screen.
I have some concern that the files are becoming unneccesarily
large because of "file-bloat." Check the archive to find some links
on this topic. One starts out "Before you do anything serious with
PowerPoint.."
And has some very important advice on turning off several features that
pretty much only cause bigger file sizes.
Just as a reference - I commonly have 100 side files that are only 2 or 3 MB
(no photos though).

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

We design about 200 custom slides per client running at 1024 X 768 @ 72 dpi

Slides designed in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and a 3d package, also
using those great files from the Animation Factory.

The Presentations are editable by the client, where they can alter certain
text and rearrange the slides ad hoc.

However..... the file sizes are very very big. We've only had problems with
one client and the replacement of the memory card has solved this. (So not a
PPT problem, even though it took us a week of rearranging the presentation,
thinking it was a PPT glitch...not so.)

The files are between 20/30mb and can be up to 99mb in size, saved as a PPS.

PPS sizes should be equal to the PPT size. The files are the same other than
the extension. Are you doing a Save As and saving to anything but the normal
PPT file type? If so, don't. Not necessary and can make files get very large.

I'd also have a look here:

Do this before using PowerPoint seriously
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00034.htm

and here:

Why are my PowerPoint files so big? What can I do about it?
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00062.htm

but ...

Am I making problems for myself & the clients by designing the presentations
with huge file sizes or are these file sizes about normal for this type of
work.

If you're getting 200 slides worth of 1024x768 images into 20mb, I'd say you're
doing well. PPT can handle much larger files than that. At the same time,
depending on how the navigation works in your files, it might be more
convenient (and a bit safer in an "all eggs in one basket" sort of way) to
break the presentation up into multiple linked files.

I plan to incorporate video into the presentations in 30/40 second segments
and as this will increase the file size yet more I'm just concerned about if
there is a "safety limit" for PPT & PPS file sizes.

Adding video won't change the file size because video is always linked to the
original external video file. Of course, you'll still need to make sure the
video files and the PPT travel together. And that you set it up initially so
that the links don't break later, about which see:

Sounds/Movies don't play, images disappear or links break when I move or email
a presentation
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00155.htm

Looks like I've set aside your whole weekend for reading, haven't I? ;-)

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

image in a set up that's being displayed at 1024x768 should ideally be that

size too (btw these don't have to be 72dpi - it's an evil myth that screens
work at 72 dpi - only the size in pixels matters).

What??? REALLY???

You're pulling my leg, right?

;-)

 

[Adam Crowley]

What??? REALLY???

You're pulling my leg, right?

;-)

Slap me in the face with a kipper if I'm wrong

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

Slap me in the face with a kipper if I'm wrong

What? And ruin perfectly good food? Not a chance, mate!

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Paul,

What everyone else said..... but also....

Are you using JPGs or PNGs?

My personal preferences is PNG everytime.... but if filesize is critical then go for JPG (in some cases).

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

awesome - powerpoint backgrounds,
free powerpoint templates, tutorials, hints and tips etc
http://www.powerpointbackgrounds.com

 

[Easi Media]

Thanks to everyone who replied. Including the kipper.

I will start my new reading schedule without delay!

Lots of information to work on and I will post you as to how I get on.

Delighted to get the advice on the video, especially in ensuring that the
video file goes with the Powerpoint so that it can actually access it during
the presentation. I will look into this.


I am using a combi of Jpegs (for the pics) and PNGs for animated logos &
titles.

I usually scan or use digital photos, bring them into Photoshop, resize
them, add corporate border,color, logo, title/slogan - then flatten and save
as a jpeg.

I then bring that jpeg into Powerpoint and use it as a slide, adding any
extra text, PNGs or animations.

So far so good, but since I'm geting more clients (through word of mouth
from existing clients) I'm just making sure that I'm going about making
these presentations in the best way possible. The important issue for me is
that the client can then adjust + update information on certain slides in
the Presentation without affecting the whole thing.

Thanks again for the advice (& reassurance)

God Bless,
Paul Boyle
Ireland

Paul,

What everyone else said..... but also....

Are you using JPGs or PNGs?

My personal preferences is PNG everytime.... but if filesize is critical

then go for JPG (in some cases).