PPT2002: Objects Automatically Snap to Edge of the Slide (285508)

SYMPTOMS

When you create a presentation slide and you want to place an object less than 1/4 inch (.025 inch) from the edge of the slide, the object automatically snaps, or moves, to the edge of the slide. This behavior occurs even if the Snap objects to grid option is selected and your grid spacing is set at less than 1/4 inch.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if you move an object less than 1/4 inch from the edge of the slide. When you move any object near the edge of the slide, the object automatically snaps to that edge. For an example of this behavior, follow these steps:

Start PowerPoint.
On the Draw menu, click Grid and Guides.
In the Grid and Guides dialog box, make sure that Snap objects to grid is selected.
Under Grid settings, set the Spacing at .063, and then click OK.
On the Drawing toolbar, click the rectangle button.
Draw a rectangle on the blank slide.
Use a click-and-drag operation to move the rectangle to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the slide.

Notice that the rectangle automatically snaps to the edge of the slide when you move it within 1/4 inch of the edge.

NOTE: This behavior occurs with any object (oval, text box, graph, and so on) when moved near the edge of the slide.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, press and hold the ALT key when you drag the object, as in the following example.

NOTE: When you hold down the ALT key, you temporarily turn off all forms of snap in PowerPoint.

Start PowerPoint.
On the Draw menu, click Grid and Guides.
In the Grid and Guides dialog box, make sure that Snap objects to grid is selected.
Under Grid settings, in the Spacing box enter the value 0.063, and then click Ok.
On the Drawing toolbar, click Rectangle, and then draw a rectangle on the blank slide.
Press and hold ALT and use a click-and-drag operation to move the rectangle to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the slide.