PPT2002: Frame Shape Album Layout Formatting Cannot Be Removed (285501)

SYMPTOMS

When you format a photo album collection in Microsoft PowerPoint, the Frame Shape list may be unavailable (dimmed), and the currently selected frame shape cannot be removed or changed.

The stuck frame shape can be an oval, a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, a bevel, or shapes in the corners of the picture (such as triangles, squares, or "plaque tabs" which look like quarter-pies).

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when you format a photo album collection with any frame shape, and then later change the Picture Layout option to Fit to slide.

The Frame Shape list of options was not designed to be used in conjunction with the Fit to slide option, and is unavailable when Fit to slide is selected. However, if you choose any other picture layout besides Fit to slide, the Frame Shape list becomes available. If you choose a frame shape, and then change the picture layout back to Fit to slide, the Frame Shape list becomes stuck on its current setting and cannot be changed.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, change the picture layout to anything other than Fit to slide. To do this, follow these steps:

On the Format menu, click Photo Album.
In the Album Layout section of the Format Photo Album dialog box, click 1 picture in the Picture layout list.

Notice that the Frame Shape list becomes available.
Change the Frame Shape list to the shape that you want.
If you want to, change the picture layout back to Fit to slide.

Notice that the Frame Shape list once again becomes unavailable if you do this.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.