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What is
an add-in?
It is easiest to
think of an add-in as a
macro that stays with the PowerPoint program instead of the individual presentation.
They can be rather useful for completing recurrent tasks on multiple
presentation files. For
instance, if I have a frequent need to add a drop shadow all the text in a
series of presentations, then I could write an add-in and have it execute from
one of the buttons on a tool bar. Because it is an add-in, it will
open when PowerPoint opens and always be available on the machine.
Which is one of
the key points with an add-in. They are machine based. That means
that an add-in that you install on your machine will not travel with a
presentation to a new machine. The add-in will need to be installed on the
new machine separately. Conversely, a macro travels with the presentation
and will be available (depending on the machines security level) when the presentation
opens.
A macro stays with
the presentation; an add-in stays with the machine.
- My Add-ins:
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- Slide Into Word
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PowerPoint add-in that replaces and enhances the native 'Send To Word'
function.
It has multiple options that increase the usability while keeping the low
output file size and fast function speed.
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- Slide XX of YY
-
Free PowerPoint add-in that adds the ability to display 'Slide 4 of 12' style
page numbering on the
bottom of all the slides. This add-in also has a function that allows
the user to save a selection of slides as a new presentation.
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- Jumper
-
Free PowerPoint add-in that adds
the ability to immediately jump to a slide in edit view. Be sure to
read the "How to install an add-in".
Finger Tips
This is a free add-in that will
simply open a handy directory where you can store links, files, or whatever in for later
easy retrieval. The items you store will be at your "Finger Tips".
Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Shadow Text
This is a free add-in that adds a
slight black drop shadow to text on all the slides in a presentation.
Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
MoveMe
This is a free add-in that will
automatically add the controls and code required to manually move any
picture/text/object on a slide during an active presentation.
You will need to allow PowerPoint to change VBA code by selecting Tools ->
Macro -> Security -> Trusted Sources -> Trust access to Visual Basic
Project. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
ReOpen
This free add-in remembers what
presentations you have open whenever PowerPoint is closed, and gives you the
option of reopening them when PowerPoint next opens. It will only work
in PowerPoint 2002 (XP) and newer, but can be rather useful. For this
add-in to function, the following option must be set: Tools
è Options è View
è Uncheck 'Windows in Taskbar'. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Word Count Plus
This is a free add-in that will
automatically count the number of words, letters, spaces, punctuation marks,
etc. on your slides and in your notes. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Note View
Hyperlinks
This is a free (but not fully
tested yet) add-in that will give you the option to activate a website
address when selected within the notes page. The add-in can be turned
on or off from within the tools menu. As of now, it is limited to
activating com, org and biz domain addresses. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Multi-line footers
A ZIP-compressed free add-in that will
allows for multiple lines of text within the slide footer. The add-in
is activates from within the tools menu. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
NoteChord
A ZIP-compressed free add-in that will
print your presentation in Notes Page format. What makes this special
is that it will add additional pages to print the overflow from any notes
page. The add-in
is activates from within the tools menu. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Timber!
Its a logger, folks. A
ZIP-compressed free add-in that logs the times a Presentation is opened, a
Slide Show started, which slides are displayed and when, then stores it all
in a simple text file in the same folder as the presentation. The add-in
is activates/de-activates from within the tools menu. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Alt
3-ups
This will print alternate sided
3-up handouts. Kinda cool fun. Could save paper if your printer
can handle it. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Table Decimal tab tool
This simple add-in inserts
decimal tabs into a table column. This makes a column of decimal
numbers look much better. Activate this add-in from the PowerPoint
tools menu. This is just a trial, feedback will improve the final
version. Be sure to read the "How to install an add-in".
Add-ins I
recommend:
This is not a complete list, just a few off the top of my head that I
strongly suggest every PowerPoint user look at.
PPTools - A toolbox full of neat
gadgets and required assistance.
Hand-out Wizard - Shyam's excellent
handout designing tool
Secure Pack - Protect
your intellectual property
Event Generator -
Event triggers for PowerPoint
Image Importing Wizard - Photo
Album on steroids, great stuff.
PowerShow - If
one is good, two shows is better
PFC Media - The only sure thing in
PowerPoint Multimedia
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