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Storyline 3: Failed to Import PowerPoint Presentation

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Storyline 3

If you see a “Failed to import PowerPoint presentation” error message in Storyline 3, it means one or more of the following issues is occurring.

The Presentation Is Password Protected

Remove the password protection from the presentation, then import the presentation into Storyline.

You Don't Have a Supported Version of PowerPoint

If a supported version of PowerPoint isn't installed, you won't be able to import presentations into Storyline. Supported versions include Microsoft Office 365 (desktop apps only) or the latest perpetual version of Microsoft PowerPoint (32-bit or 64-bit). If you're using a Mac, Office apps must be installed in your Windows environment.

You Need to Install the Latest Service Pack for Your Version of PowerPoint

If the issue persists, you may need to update your Microsoft Office software with the latest service pack(s).

PowerPoint Is Running with Different Security Permissions than Storyline

If PowerPoint and Storyline have security privileges, you won't be able to import PowerPoint presentations into Storyline. For example, if the PowerPoint executable file is configured to run as an administrator, you'll need to configure the Storyline executable file to run as an administrator as well.

The Presentation Doesn't Start with Slide Number 1

PowerPoint presentations must start numbering slides from 1 to import successfully into Storyline. If your presentation starts with slide 0 or another number, here's how you can fix it:

Go to the Design tab on the ribbon, click Slide Size, and choose Custom Slide Size. Enter 1 in the Number slides from field and click OK.

If You Still Can't Import PowerPoint Presentations...

If this issue persists after using the troubleshooting steps above, it's likely that you need to repair Microsoft Office, especially if you have more than one version of PowerPoint installed. Here's how:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features.
  2. Select Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 in the list of programs depending on which version you're using, and click Modify.
  3. When the installer launches, select the option to Repair and follow the prompts.
  4. When the repair process has completed, reboot your computer and test your software again.