How can I set a placeholder to automatically resize an image?

[Guest]

I am trying to create a template that allows the presentation creator to add
images from files but I need to restrict the size of the image to the size of
the placeholder automatically. I did try the "Format placeholder" option and
there appear to be facilities in there that deal with aspect ratio etc. but
they are all greyed out (regardless of what else I tick/set). I did suspect
that these settings were controlled by the master placeholder but when I look
in there the master placeholder (the only one I can see) only seems to have
text boxes and the aspect ratio options are greyed out there too anyway. I
did consider adding a new placeholder but cannot find a way to do this
either! I have searched for answers to this without success and any help
would be most appreciated.

Chris

 

[Kathy Jacobs]

Chris,
You need Shyam's Image Importer Wizard. Not only will it let you import
multiple pics at once, it also lets you set up templates for how and where
those pictures go. Check out this site for more information:
http://skp.mvps.org/iiw.htm

--
Kathryn Jacobs, Microsoft MVP PowerPoint and OneNote
Author of Kathy Jacobs on PowerPoint - Available now from Holy Macro! Books
Get PowerPoint and OneNote information at www.onppt.com

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

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

I am trying to create a template that allows the presentation creator to add
images from files but I need to restrict the size of the image to the size of
the placeholder automatically. I did try the "Format placeholder" option and
there appear to be facilities in there that deal with aspect ratio etc. but
they are all greyed out (regardless of what else I tick/set). I did suspect
that these settings were controlled by the master placeholder but when I look
in there the master placeholder (the only one I can see) only seems to have
text boxes and the aspect ratio options are greyed out there too anyway. I
did consider adding a new placeholder but cannot find a way to do this
either! I have searched for answers to this without success and any help
would be most appreciated.

First problem is that we can't add new placeholders in PowerPoint.

If you're using PPT 2002 or higher, the multiple masters feature can help you
get 'round this one; you could change the size of the body text placeholder
(which also determines the size/placement of content placeholders on other slide
types); then add a generic content slide based on that master.

Seems like a lot of tricky stuff to teach a naive user, though.

Another approach would be an add-in. We include a tool that does pretty much
exactly what you want in some of our custom-written add-ins. Click a button,
choose a picture, the addin positions/sizes it to match a pre-determined
rectangle.

But also have a look at http://www.pptools.com and check the free Starter Set
add-in. It includes a tool that might do some of what you want, or at least
give you a few ideas.