PowerPoint 2007

Preface

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 has new a look and user interface known as the Ribbon. The Ribbon consists of three basic components Tabs, Groups, and Commands that replace the familiar menus and toolbars used in earlier versions. Task oriented Tabs contain Groups of resources and Commands to help accomplish interrelated tasks such as text formatting or design layout.

In addition, a new file structure offers all levels of users the ability to create presentations that exceed previous versions. However, there is a compatibility issue with earlier versions. Unless saved in the PowerPoint 97-2003 format, users of earlier versions are required to download and install the Office 2007 compatibility pack in order to open and edit presentations created in PowerPoint 2007.

What’s more, earlier versions convert the 2007 SmartArt graphics and visual objects to bitmaps, which prohibits editing certain features such as line width, fill color, and other specific properties. If the presentation will be presented using earlier versions, save the presentation as PowerPoint 97-2003. Saving in this format automatically runs the Microsoft Office PowerPoint Compatibility Checker and identifies any incompatibility issues.

Newest Features

The addition of new custom themes, slide layouts, and SmartArt graphics provide the user with the necessary tools to create a professional looking presentation. Collections of formatting options referred to as "Quick Styles" easily adapt to a particular themes colors to offer consistency throughout the presentation. In addition, new and improved formatting and visual effects for text, SmartArt graphics, shapes, WordArt, and charts allow further customization within the program. Adding three-dimensional effects to fills, lines, shadows, or glows, along with new proofing tools and file formats will make it easier to create, correct, present, and share your presentation.

The Ribbon

As mentioned, the Ribbon consists of three basic components Tabs, Groups, and Commands. There are seven default Tabs and each has several Groups of related items including Commands. Tabs are designed to be task oriented whereas Groups within each tab break a task into subtasks.

Access more commands Commands are a button or box to enter information or to choose from a menu by clicking on the down-arrow in the lower right corner of a Group. This will open the familiar dialog box to access more options related to the group. The Ribbon organizes all commands in logical groups under the tab associated with the task.

Other Tabs referred to as Task Oriented Tabs appear only as needed for additional formatting choices applying to tables, drawings, diagrams, & charts and pictures.

Customizing the Ribbon

Although the Ribbon interface cannot revert to the familiar toolbars or menus used in earlier versions, you can minimize it to provide a larger work area. You may choose from one of the three methods listed below.

How to:
Always Minimized

Click on the down-arrow located on the "Quick Access Toolbar" and then click on the menu "Minimize the Ribbon."
To utilize the Ribbon, click on the required tab and then the related command or option. After accomplishing the task, the Ribbon reverts to the minimized position.

To restore the Ribbon to the default setting repeat the first step above and then click on the menu "Minimize the Ribbon" to remove the checkmark.

Minimized for a Short Time

Double click on an active tab to minimize the Ribbon and hide all groups.
To restore the Ribbon and show all groups double click on any tab.

Keyboard Shortcut

Press [Ctrl]+[F1] to minimize or restore the Ribbon.

KeyTips and Keyboard Shortcuts

Accessing any command with a few keystrokes is easy when you elect to display Microsoft's KeyTips (Badges). There are keyboard shortcuts for every button on the Ribbon that require fewer keys to access.

How to:

Press the "Alt key" to display the Badges for the Ribbon Tabs, the Microsoft Office Button, and the Quick Access Toolbar.
Press the keyboard letter for the KeyTip desired. Then continue pressing letters for the specific command or option.