Make linked files use relative paths from the start

[Guest]

I know that if I package a powerpoint with linked files that the files will
be relinked with relative paths. But it would be far more convenient if PPT
allowed relative paths from the start. Is there a software switch which
keeps paths relative at all times.

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

I know that if I package a powerpoint with linked files that the files will
be relinked with relative paths. But it would be far more convenient if PPT
allowed relative paths from the start. Is there a software switch which
keeps paths relative at all times.

No, afraid not.

For *some* file types (movies, sounds) if you put the file in the same folder
as the PPT before inserting it, you'll get a pathless link (ie, just the file
name, no path).

For other file types (images) the link will always be fully pathed.

For still other file types (OLE links) they'll be fully pathed but if the
file's not where the path points and IS in the same folder as the PPT, PPT can
usually locate it.

As with all exceptionally weird and exceptionally inconsistent behaviors, there
are exceptions.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for confirming the "exceptionally weird behavior".

 

[Troy @ TLC]

What Steve has humbly not mentioned, is that he has created an very good
piece of software that does go in and convert all to true relative paths
(except for maybe a few exceptionally weird items). Costs a few dollars, but
I use it all the time. Check out Fix Links Pro at
http://www.pptools.com/fixlinks/index.html.

Here is sample of it in use I posted a while back:
http://pptblog.tlccreative.com/index.php/all/2006/10/25/fix_links_pro_fixes_a_hidden_problem

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

What Steve has humbly not mentioned, is that he has created an very good
piece of software that does go in and convert all to true relative paths
(except for maybe a few exceptionally weird items). Costs a few dollars, but
I use it all the time. Check out Fix Links Pro at
http://www.pptools.com/fixlinks/index.html.

Humility never stopped me before, kind sir. It's MS what done it.
Davison mentioned that PPT 2007's the version in use, and MS changed the way hyperlinks work
in 2007, so until we figure some workarounds or they fix it, Fixlinks in 2007's a nonstarter,
I'm afraid.