Microsoft Expression PNGs for PowerPoint

PowerPoint and Alpha Channels | Photoshop TIF and Alpha Channel Export for PowerPoint

In this tutorial, we will learn how to export a PNG graphic from Microsoft Expression with an alpha channel that PowerPoint can import. We have used the new Microsoft Expression 3.3 for Macintosh. The PowerPoint version used is PowerPoint X for Macintosh. The same techniques should work with the Windows version.

Presently, you can download free versions of Expression for the Mac and Windows from the Microsoft website.

1. Launch Expression and choose the File | New option. Expression will create a new document.
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2. Open or create a simple drawing that uses a transparent gradient. For this tutorial, we created three rectangles with a red to transparent fill. We also applied a repeating Stars stroke to the rectangles. Save your drawing.
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3. Choose the File | Save as Bitmap (see screenshot).
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4. Choose a name and location to save the graphic. Within the Format drop down box, choose PNG. Click the Save button.
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5. You'll now see the Bitmap Setting dialog box. Check all the three options listed on the bottom left: Keep Aspect Ratio, Save Alpha Channel and Anti-Alias. Click OK here. In the next dialog box, click OK again to save the drawing as a PNG bitmap (see both screenshots). Save your document and exit Expression.
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6. In PowerPoint, create a new presentation or open an existing one. On a blank slide, just insert the exported PNG using the Insert | Picture command. The screenshot below shows you how the transparent areas reveal themselves.
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