Drawing Accuracy and Dimensions in Powerpoint

[Dave Harding]

I use PowerPoint drawing engine for a good deal of illustration.

Is there a way to make accurate graphics, say with specific dimensions like
you can do in a CAD program?

Likewise, is there a way to show dimensions automatically like in an
engineering drawing?

I know I can do these things in a CAD program but I know how to use
PowerPoint and the learning curve for a CAD program is substantial.

TIA, Dave Harding

 

[Kathy J]

Dave,
I don't think that PPT is the right place to build these kinds of drawings.
It really isn't meant for it. However, I do have an alternative for you. Its
a program called SmartDraw. Their Website is at:
http://www.smartdraw.com/index.htm

They have a free trial download, full version ranges from US$69 to US$198
depending on how many shape libraries you want.

I have played with the product and found the interface fairly intuitive. It
allows you to do the CAD drawing you want to do, without having to learn a
complex program.

(I am not involved with the company in any capacity other than the fact that
I am writing a review of the product for my site.)

--
Kathryn Jacobs, Microsoft MVP PowerPoint and OneNote
Author of Kathy Jacobs on PowerPoint - Available now from Holy Macro! Books
Get PowerPoint answers at http://www.powerpointanswers.com
Featured Presenter at PPT 2004 - http://www.pptlive/com

I believe life is meant to be lived. But:
if we live without making a difference, it makes no difference that we lived

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Perhaps....you could draw things that were accurate to a specific dimension....but I wouldn't go down that route.
It's not what powerpoint is good at. In fact it's bad at measurement (particularly the powerpoint inch)...see
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00072.htm

You're better off taking the time to try-out another program....

- corel draw
- any cad program
- smart draw


Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

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