In Part 1 of this series, I discussed how to detect hidden images and change the dimensions of an image. Both of these can have a large affect on your file size. But did you know that the type of image can also affect your file size?

It may not seem like it really matters, and image is an image, right? Well through trial and error over the years I have learned that the type of image can make a difference. Knowing when to use a vector image instead of a raster image is also very important.

But first, what is a vector image and what is a raster image?

In the simplest terms, in relation to PowerPoint, vector images are the shapes that you can draw in a slide (squares, circles, arrows) and raster images are the photographs that you insert into a slide. Raster images are more commonly used in place of vector images because it is much easier to just place a premade picture. This can affect the overall file size of your presentation. It is actually much more beneficial in the end to take the time to create vector images.

Diagrams, organizational charts, and schedules are very good examples. These are commonly inserted as a picture from file instead of being built with shapes. Check to see if any of the photos that you are using can be recreated using simple shapes from the Drawing toolbar. Look for any images that have basic shapes (rectangles, circles, arrows, stars, etc.) that can be created in PowerPoint. Also look for text, especially if it is something that will possibly need to be edited in the future. For coloring options you will have the ability to use solid colors, patterns, gradients, and different strokes.

Any simple graphic that fits this description should be converted to use shapes. Not only will this reduce the file size in some cases, but also enhances the finished look and is easy to edit in the future.

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