PPT2002: Slide Layout Is Changed When You Insert and Then Delete Diagram (278577)

SYMPTOMS

When you insert a diagram into a Microsoft PowerPoint slide, the layout of the slide is changed. If you delete the diagram, the layout remains changed and does not revert to its previous layout parameters.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because a placeholder is inserted along with the diagram. If the Automatic layout for inserted objects option in the AutoCorrect dialog box is selected, the placeholder changes the format of the slide to accommodate the diagram. When the diagram is deleted, the new slide format is not changed.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, reapply the original layout, or apply any other layout to the slide. To apply a layout to a slide, follow these steps:

In PowerPoint, select the slide to which you want apply a new layout.
On the View menu, click Task Pane if the Task pane is not visible.
Click the arrow on the Task pane title bar, and then click Slide Layout.
In the Slide Layout pane, click any slide layout that you want to use.

The layout of the selected slide is immediately changed.

WORKAROUND

To prevent this behavior from occurring, clear the Automatic layout for inserted objects option.

NOTE: By using this method to prevent the use of the automatic layouts, you can significantly reduce PowerPoint's ability to assist you in fine tuning the layout of slides in your presentation. Use this method only if you do not want any assistance at all from PowerPoint in automatically updating slide layouts based on objects that you insert into the slides.

To clear the Automatic layout for inserted objects option, follow these steps:

On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options.
In the AutoCorrect dialog box, click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
Under Apply as you work, click to clear the Automatic layout for inserted objects check box, and then click OK.