More often than not, software upgrades mean a visibly improved product. And then we have PowerPoint 2007.
The upgrade from PPT 2003 actually contained some very useful feature additions, but unfortunately the software’s improvements were largely obscured by a boneheaded brand new and completely unintuitive interface called “The Ribbon.”
Many corporations, being the lumbering aircraft carriers they are, simply have not upgraded to Office 2007. As a result, many presentation designers I’ve talked with recently have also been late to the PPT 2007 picnic.
Just a few months ago I was swearing to myself that I would retain PowerPoint 2003 as my primary presentation design software. But because of the new job’s workflow, 2007 is now my default presentation program, and I’ve found a lot to like about it. I’ve been urging my freelancers to make the switch, and if you do a lot of PPT design, I recommend upgrading if you can.
Top Ten Reasons to Move to PowerPoint 2007
- Soft shadows and reflection
- Text columns
- Unlimited custom master placeholder images
- Move and edit objects within a group
- Non-destructive image effects (soft edges, duotone coloring, change image shape, etc.)
- “Change Picture” function
- Better gradient control
- Plays better with Macs
- Layer visibility panel (designers will appreciate this one)
- Everyone else is doing it (or at least they will soon be)
Of course, there are still things to dislike about it: Video & flash support is still problematic…nothing new in animation…clunky downsaving to PPT 2003…ill-conceived interface…
The switch WILL be difficult, but just give it some time and you’ll find yourself actually working faster and better.
But is there a reason still to hold out? Well, PPT 2010 IS just around the corner… http://tinyurl.com/klaw28
