# Shrink PowerPoint Files

**Problem**  
Pictures added to PowerPoint are added in a non-optimized form. Consequently, large images added to PowerPoint result in a large file size.

**Solution**  
In Microsoft Office XP/2002/2003, use the “compress pictures” feature. Mac Office does **<span class="caps">NOT</span>** have this feature (grmph).

Open PowerPoint, go to View (menu) &gt; Toolbars (submenu) &gt; Picture (menu item). On the resultant toolbar, click the picture icon with four arrows pointing inward. In the “compress pictures” windows set as needed.

- N O T E &lt;&lt;\*  
    Users have been known to keep ***original*** images in PowerPoint for later extraction and insertion into Word for publication documents. Thus, encourage and inform users to plan accordingly in advance.

**More / Related Info**:  
[How to Optimize, Shrink, or Compress Powerpoint Presentations](http://www.somacon.com/p133.php)  
[Reduce the Size of PowerPoint Files](http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/HA011168821033.aspx)  
[PowerPoint 2002 Tips and Tricks](http://www.microsoft.com/office/previous/xp/tips/powerpoint.asp)