Ungroup problem

[Theo Landman]

Hello,

We have some complex EMF files that import OK in PowerPoint 2003 (PC).
However, when trying to ungroup it fails to ungroup completely. When I
use a tool of ours to convert it to a CGM vector file, it also imports
OK in PowerPoint. However, again trying ungroup fails, although this
time we do get a part of the image as individual drawing elements.
Is there is a limit on the number of drawing elements in PowerPoint?

Regards,

Theo.

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

We have some complex EMF files that import OK in PowerPoint 2003 (PC).

However, when trying to ungroup it fails to ungroup completely. When I
use a tool of ours to convert it to a CGM vector file, it also imports
OK in PowerPoint. However, again trying ungroup fails, although this
time we do get a part of the image as individual drawing elements.
Is there is a limit on the number of drawing elements in PowerPoint?

Vector graphics can contain nested groups (ie, groups that include groups that
include groups ....)

If after ungrouping once you still have group shapes, that's probably what
you're seeing.

Try this:

Select the graphic and choose Ungroup.
Without clicking anything, choose Ungroup again.
Keep doing this until Ungroup becomes grayed out. That's PPT's way of telling
you there are no more groups among the selected shapes.

 

[Theo Landman]

Helo Steve

Vector graphics can contain nested groups (ie, groups that include groups that
include groups ....)

If after ungrouping once you still have group shapes, that's probably what
you're seeing.

Try this:

Select the graphic and choose Ungroup.
Without clicking anything, choose Ungroup again.
Keep doing this until Ungroup becomes grayed out. That's PPT's way of telling
you there are no more groups among the selected shapes.

I tried your suggestion. With the EMF I keep on getting a dialog box
saying that the image is not a group and asks if I want to convert it
into a Office drawing object. If click yes the screen is redrawn, but
nothing else happens. When I try again I get the same dialog box. I gave
up after 10x.

With the CGM, I get the same dialog box asking me to convert. When I
select yes, then about half of the graphics will be redrawn and the rest
disappears. So my guess is that in this case either I hit the limit of
drawing elements, although it could be the converter.

I have to tell you that these are rather complex vector graphics used in
the Oil & Gas industry and not realy suitable for a general purpose
application such as PowerPoint.

Regards,
Theo.

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

I tried your suggestion. With the EMF I keep on getting a dialog box
saying that the image is not a group and asks if I want to convert it
into a Office drawing object.

That's normal. PowerPoint always does that when you ungroup imported graphic or
OLE objects.

If click yes the screen is redrawn, but
nothing else happens. When I try again I get the same dialog box. I gave
up after 10x.

I've seen something similar when the graphic contains only a bitmap image, no
vector objects, but given your description below, it doesn't sound like that's the
problem. It may well be that you've hit some sort of object limit.

You might want to do any necessary editing in a beefier drawing app like Corel Draw
then convert to bitmap and import that into PPT.

 

[Theo Landman]

Hello Steve,

That's normal. PowerPoint always does that when you ungroup imported graphic or
OLE objects.




I've seen something similar when the graphic contains only a bitmap image, no
vector objects, but given your description below, it doesn't sound like that's the
problem. It may well be that you've hit some sort of object limit.

Indeed the graphics are lines and text only (no bitmap(s)). Sorry that I
forgot to mention that. Thanks for answers.

Theo.