Wireless internet access is available almost everywhere we go now. But it still helps to have fallback options when you get boxed in a place without a strong connection, or some other wireless hindrance -- especially when giving a PowerPoint presentation with embedded web elements.

You don't want to be caught off guard with a dead presentation that won't start because you lack internet access, right? Fortunately, Microsoft Office has a feature that can save you from such presentation disasters.

Stay Safe With "Package Presentation for CD"

A CD in today's age of the cloud? Well, it doesn't have to be a CD. This handy feature has been a part of PowerPoint since version 2007, back when CDs were king, but nowadays you can "package" presentations for almost any portable device.

PowerPoint creates a packaged folder with all the essential elements of a presentation: multimedia files, fonts, Excel worksheets, and other linked files. You can carry this folder or give it to someone. The package also includes the PowerPoint Viewer. Anyone can see the slideshow even if they do not have PowerPoint on their machine.

Here's how to package a presentation:

  1. Open your PowerPoint presentation. Go to the File tab > Export > Package Presentation for CD.
    PowerPoint Package for CD
  2. Give your package a descriptive and easy to understand name.
  3. Click on Add if you want to add other PowerPoint files to the package. The arrows change the order of presentation.
    PowerPoint Package for CD
  4. Click on Options. Ensure that files that are linked to your presentation will be the package. Select the Linked files check box.
    PowerPoint Package for CD
  5. To use embedded TrueType fonts, select the Embedded TrueType fonts check box.
  6. Enhance security and privacy. Type the password that should be used to open the presentation or edit it.
  7. Inspect your presentation for hidden data and personal information. Just select the Inspect presentation for inappropriate or private information check box before you save the package.
  8. In the final step, you can copy the presentation package to a CD. But as they are almost passé, use Copy to Folder. Enter a folder name and location, and then click OK.

A Rarely Used but Useful Tool

I have used it once or twice. Not having a backup is a PowerPoint mistake we can ill afford. The Package Presentation for CD simplifies the entire movement of linked files in one short swoop. Keep all your assets in one folder when you create your presentation. It makes everything a lot more organized.

Has Package Presentation for CD saved you before?

Image Credit: Christian Bertrand via Shutterstock