PPTools Optimizer and Transparent PNGs?

[Mel]

Does the PPTools Optimizer compress a transparent png picture and
still leave a transparent back? I see it do a transparent gif, but it
fills the back of a png. Am I doing anything wrong or is it not made
to deal with png's like that?

Thanks,
Mel

 

[Mel]

It uses PPT to export the image prior to compression and unfortunately,
PPT doesn't preserve the transparency in this situation.

Trying to do something similar but on a smaller scale to the
Optimizer, I found I could get PPT to retain a transparent PNG or GIF
in 2003 but not in 2007. I wrote a routine that ends up exporting the
slide (with a transparent png or gif on it) but it sets the slide
master background to transparent before exporting it. It then exports
as a png, not jpg of course. The code successfully retains the
transparent back of the png or gif graphic. But I can't get it to work
in 2007. It renders it with a solid background. I want to explore this
further but want to know first if you have any thoughts why it works
in one but not the other?

Thanks,
-Mel

 

[Mel]

Cool trick, Mel.  Thanks for sharing.

Which version of 2007 do you have?  Image export is unreliable in SP1.

In v2007, I'm using SP2, more specifically...
(12.0.6504.5000) SP2 MSO (12.0.6425.1000)
Office Ultimate 2007

I plan to step through the code and inspect the temporary ppt file
used to export and see how it's acting different than 2003. Is there
different or extra code available to change backgrounds to transparent
in 2007? I'm using...

Dim oExpPrez As Presentation
Set oExpPrez = Presentations.Add(msoFalse)

With oExpPrez.Add(msoFalse).SlideMaster.Background
.Fill.Visible = msoFalse
.Fill.ForeColor.RGB = RGB(0, 0, 0)
.Fill.Transparency = 1
.Fill.Solid
End With

From there it adds a blank slide and then so on, and it worked in 2003
and not in 2007. I tried applying the transparency to the added slide
itself and it didn't work.

I realize masters are different in 2007, does the code have to be
edited to reflect that?

Thanks,
Mel

 

[Mel]

Seems that you may've found a bug.

Oh, no. That reminds me of the old doctor joke where he tells the
patient, "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is they're
gonna' name a disease after you..." <g>

Is there anything I can do to help validate this is a bug? It's hard
to face my boss with that because, as you know, too many people cry
"bug" when they can't get something to work. <g>

Did I ready you right... did you already try changing each layout
master? I tried changing the background of the slide itself and the
master. Does Shyam or others have any ideas or workarounds? When can I
tell my boss this is an official bug? <g>

Thanks,
Melina

 

[Mel]

Seems that you may've found a bug.

Does anyone with 2010 beta know if this is still a bug in it?

Thanks,
Melina

 

[Mel]

Can you write up the steps to repro the problem and post them back here?
And a link to a sample PNG would be useful too.
I'll pass it along to someone at MS.  It might take a week or so before
I get some tuits though.

I'll write something up and get it to you.

-Melina