Bluewave performed general tests for PowerPoint version compatibility on both Mac and PC platforms. Here’s what we learned:

Opening PC PowerPoint 2003 files in Mac PowerPoint 2004 or 2008

• Fonts can be a problem. While easily fixed, it’s best to check each slide carefully.
• PowerPoint gradients become separate lines of color instead of a solid fill of smooth gradient color. The only real solution is to avoid using gradients in PC PowerPoint 2003 if you plan to open the file on a Mac.
• The permanent embedded color palette remains the same in both platforms, but slide colors created outside the permanent color palette may change. Again, this is easily fixed but you will probably need to check slide-by-slide for color shifts.
• PowerPoint arrow points may disappear. Easily fixed — just reapply the line/arrow formatting.
• In one test, a picture appeared nearly transparent when the file was opened on a Mac. Doubleclicking the picture opened a Mac dialog box where the transparency level could be corrected.
• Charts can be opened and edited, but results may vary depending on the Mac version. Some chart colors may change, for example.
• Converting charts: If you open a PC file on a Mac and save it, then reopen the file again on a PC, doubleclicking on a chart brings up a dialog box asking if you wish to convert the chart. If you select yes, the chart will be converted from the old chart editor format to Excel. If you select no, the chart remains in the native chart editor format. The choice is up to you, but our consensus is that Excel may be the better option because it provides more powerful tools for chart creation and data management.

Opening PC PowerPoint 2007 files in Mac PowerPoint 2008

NONE of these problems occured in our modest testing!

Fonts seemed fine (but doublecheck, just in case), none of the colors changed, gradients and arrow points translated perfectly, etc. There is no chart conversion issue that we could discern. The latest versions of PowerPoint for the PC and Mac utilize Excel instead of the internal chart editor — charting works the same on either platform.

Naturally, we’ll keep our eyes open for any other problems we didn’t encounter in our tests. But overall the news is good: if you’re using the lastest versions of PC and MAC software, there should be very few (if any compatibility issues.

There is no chart conversion issue —the latest version of PC and Mac PowerPoint files both utilize Excel instead of the internal chart editor. Charting works the same on either platform.