Over the past couple of weeks I have been detailing my process of creating an e-learning course. So far I have discussed identifying the initial requirements such as target audience, goals and objectives and identifying the key content to be used. Then I discussed the use of images within the course and how to create some of your own.
Now I will discuss some tips I have learned about importing a course you have developed in PowerPoint into Storyline. For the most part Storyline does a pretty good job of importing. However there are a few things you should be aware of that will help you with the import process.
How Storyline Handles Images and Fonts
First, Storyline doesn't handle grouped objects very well. For instance, in this project I created several images for the course using shapes that I grouped together. When imported into Storyline, the shapes oftentimes loose their size and sometimes even their location within the slide. To help with this issue, I usually just save all of my grouped images as PNG files (right click on the grouped image and choose Save As Picture). Then I need to insert the image file into PowerPoint.
Now I will discuss some tips I have learned about importing a course you have developed in PowerPoint into Storyline. For the most part Storyline does a pretty good job of importing. However there are a few things you should be aware of that will help you with the import process.
How Storyline Handles Images and Fonts
First, Storyline doesn't handle grouped objects very well. For instance, in this project I created several images for the course using shapes that I grouped together. When imported into Storyline, the shapes oftentimes loose their size and sometimes even their location within the slide. To help with this issue, I usually just save all of my grouped images as PNG files (right click on the grouped image and choose Save As Picture). Then I need to insert the image file into PowerPoint.
 Before Slide: This slide used group images in the PowerPoint. When imported into Storyline the objects lose some of their placements. For example the tires are no longer on the car. |  After Slide: This slide used a saved image rather than a grouped image. It imported into Storyline exactly how it looked in PowerPoint. |
All tables and SmartArt graphics will be imported as images. You may want to re-construct these in Storyline if you would prefer for them to remain editable.
Also any images with 3D rotation will be imported as images without the 3D rotation. You will need to add the 3D rotation back in once it is in Storyline. Or you can save the image you created with the 3D rotation in PowerPoint and insert that image instead.
If you are using any embedded fonts, be sure you have downloaded them to your computer. If the font is not located on your computer, Storyline will apply the default Arial font to the text.
Set Up of Project
Be sure to select the correct size for your project in Storyline BEFORE you do the import. If you import a PowerPoint that is a different size than your Storyline project, you will need to make adjustments to the size and placement of objects. It is much easier to set the proper size from the beginning.
Adding Animations and Transitions
I generally will wait until I have imported the PowerPoint into Storyline before adding any animations or transitions. Storyline 2 has added several more options in regards to animations and transitions. However there are still some that are not supported. Instead of doing the work in PowerPoint only to find out that the transition or animation is not supported after I import it, I have just waited to do these functions right in Storyline. Also I find it much easier to organize the items on the Timelline in Storyline rather than using the Selection Pane in PowerPoint and organizing the objects on the slide in the correct order.
Handling Navigation
Lastly, you will need to figure out the navigation once the PowerPoint is imported into Storyline. PowerPoint navigation is linear so when it is imported into Storyline it will import a Jump to next slide trigger. Be aware of this and make any necessary changes.
To learn more about tips for importing PowerPoint into Storyline 2 visit:
http://www.articulate.com/support/storyline-2/tips-for-importing-microsoft-powerpoint-and-articulate-presenter-content
Next week I will cover some additional tips and tricks for customizing your course in Storyline.
Also any images with 3D rotation will be imported as images without the 3D rotation. You will need to add the 3D rotation back in once it is in Storyline. Or you can save the image you created with the 3D rotation in PowerPoint and insert that image instead.
If you are using any embedded fonts, be sure you have downloaded them to your computer. If the font is not located on your computer, Storyline will apply the default Arial font to the text.
Set Up of Project
Be sure to select the correct size for your project in Storyline BEFORE you do the import. If you import a PowerPoint that is a different size than your Storyline project, you will need to make adjustments to the size and placement of objects. It is much easier to set the proper size from the beginning.
Adding Animations and Transitions
I generally will wait until I have imported the PowerPoint into Storyline before adding any animations or transitions. Storyline 2 has added several more options in regards to animations and transitions. However there are still some that are not supported. Instead of doing the work in PowerPoint only to find out that the transition or animation is not supported after I import it, I have just waited to do these functions right in Storyline. Also I find it much easier to organize the items on the Timelline in Storyline rather than using the Selection Pane in PowerPoint and organizing the objects on the slide in the correct order.
Handling Navigation
Lastly, you will need to figure out the navigation once the PowerPoint is imported into Storyline. PowerPoint navigation is linear so when it is imported into Storyline it will import a Jump to next slide trigger. Be aware of this and make any necessary changes.
To learn more about tips for importing PowerPoint into Storyline 2 visit:
http://www.articulate.com/support/storyline-2/tips-for-importing-microsoft-powerpoint-and-articulate-presenter-content
Next week I will cover some additional tips and tricks for customizing your course in Storyline.
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