PPT98: Can't Print to EPS File w/LaserWriter 8.4.x/8.5.x Driver

If you attempt to use the Apple LaserWriter 8.4.x or 8.5.x printer driver to create an Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file from Microsoft PowerPoint, the process seems to work correctly, however, no file is created.

NOTE: You can successfully create an EPS file from other programs such as SimpleText or Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition.

To work around this problem, use any of the following methods.

Method 1: Save the Slide as a PICT File

You can save one or all slides in your presentation in PICT format. You can then open the PICT file in an illustration program (such as Macromedia Freehand) or a photo-editing program (such as Deneba Canvas or Adobe Photoshop) and then export it as an EPS file.

To export a single slide as a PICT file, follow these steps:

1. Open your presentation and go to the slide you want to export.
2. On the Tools menu, click Preferences.
3. Click the Save tab.
4. Click Save Current Slide Only.
5. Click OK.
6. On the File menu, click Save As.
7. In the Save File As Type list, select Macintosh Picture (PICT).
8. In the Save As box, type the name you want to use for your PICT file.
9. Click Save.

To export all slides in your presentation as PICT files, follow these steps:

1. Open your presentation.
2. On the Tools menu, click Preferences.
3. Click the Save tab.
4. Click Save every slide (series of graphic files).
5. Click OK.
6. On the File menu, click Save As.
7. In the Save File As Type list, select Macintosh Picture (PICT).
8. In the Save As box, type the name you want to use.
   
   NOTE: The name you enter will be the name of the folder that will contain all the PICT files created when you save your presentation in PICT format.
9. Click Save.

Method 2: Install an Earlier Version of the LaserWriter 8 Printer Driver

You can use an earlier version of the LaserWriter printer driver (such as 8.0.x through 8.3.x) because this behavior does not occur with these drivers.

Method 3: Install an Later Version of the LaserWriter 8 Printer Driver

You can use a later version of the LaserWriter printer driver (such as 8.6.x through 8.7.x) because this behavior does not occur with these drivers.

When you export a slide from PowerPoint as a PICT file, the PICT file can contain vector-based (object oriented) graphic information, bitmap-based (raster) graphic information, and text information. If you open the PICT file in an illustration program, you can edit the individual parts of the PICT file, including the text. If you open the PICT file in a photo-editing program, you cannot edit individual parts of the graphic because it becomes a single bitmap-type graphic.

NOTE: If your PowerPoint slide contains EPS graphics, the EPS information will be discarded. If your EPS graphic includes a preview, that preview will be retained in the exported PICT file.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.