Toronto IT Consultant: Here’s What You Can Do as PowerPoint Bids Farewell to Reuse Slides

Not all software changes are useful. Unfortunately, other updates eliminate the tools that people use on a daily basis. Currently, that would be Reuse Slides, which is a popular feature of PowerPoint. As Microsoft retired this feature, it has left users disappointed. The Toronto IT consultant notes that Reuse Slides are one of those app features that was working quietly in the background but has made building presentations easier for teams.  

PowerPoint Bids Farewell to Reuse Slides

Toronto IT Consultant Explains Why Reuse Slides Mattered 

This feature opens a side panel within PowerPoint, making it easy to browse another presentation by the user. Teams and individuals creating a new presentation can then choose from among the slides to import and edit, as needed. Additionally, there is also the option to retain the original format. The Toronto IT consultant explains that having this saves a lot of time and effort. This is especially true since proposals and reports were used on multiple occasions in the same team. It also provides consistency in training decks as well as keeping the elements of branding precise and professional. Moreover, logos, colors, and layouts were in line with company standards. And because there is no need to recreate different slides, the task is completed faster since they only change little details within the templates. Basically, it simplified the workflow without its complexity. 

Why Microsoft Removed It, Toronto IT Consultant Clarifies 

The feature was removed by Microsoft earlier this year, allegedly due to duplication. A Toronto IT consultant explains that this is when similar tasks are already carried out by other tools. For Microsoft, it did not make sense to maintain overlapping features. Although logically, that is a rational explanation. To users, however, convenience is important. This is because in using the Reuse Slides feature, it provides a one-click operation with the clarity and precision that users like.  

Toronto IT Consultant Shares What You and Your Team Can Use Instead 

Slide sharing can still be achieved albeit with an additional step. One way to achieve this is by opening both presentations at the same time. With this, slides can be moved between files using the drag-and-drop functionality. This generally maintains the formatting and animation, including the media aspects. Nonetheless, there can be minor layout problems that would need a little clean-up. 

Alternatively, there is also View > New Window. This opens a replica presentation window. And helps in creating an updated version while keeping the original file unchanged. Although these workarounds are operable, it is not as smooth since Reuse Slides gave better control. It was also particularly effective in choosing a few slides. 

Preparing Your Team 

Software evolution also involves change, emphasized by a Toronto IT consultant. Microsoft is currently moving towards lean functionality. As a response, changes in your workflow should be planned. Hence, for teams using PowerPoint, staff should learn how to drag-and-drop and use it comfortably. Similarly, the New Window technique can also be explored. This planning and adaptation prevent disappointments and ensures continuous operations.  

Is your team looking to transition to Microsoft 360? Or, maybe, need assistance as you adapt to this new system? 

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