Cannot import a PPT file -- no way, no how!

Jun 07, 2019

Hi,

I'm in the first stages of a PowerPoint to Storyline conversion project for a client, and trying to something I've done without trouble many times before--import a PowerPoint into Storyline using the Import PowerPoint dialog.

Every attempt results in a "Failed import PowerPoint presentation" message.

Here are some things I've tried:

  • Confirming/completing each item on the list given at the page linked in the error message:  https://articulate.com/support/article/Articulate-Storyline-360-Failed-to-Import-PowerPoint-Presentation, including "repairing" my Microsoft Office installation.
  • Uninstalling all my Storyline apps; reinstalling Storyline 3.
  • Asking a remote colleague to try importing the original PPT using his SL360 installation. (He got the same error message.)
  • Importing several different PPT files, each from different eras and versions of PowerPoint.
  • Importing different PPTs into Storyline 2, Storyline 3, and Storyline 360.
  • Rolling back to the early May 2019 version of Storyline 360 from the latest update.
  • Opening a blank Storyline file and importing into that. Starting from the opening screen and using the Import dialog. (Neither workflow works.)
  • Moving the PPT from a folder to my desktop, and restarting the whole computer.

In short, I've tried just about everything I can think of and unfortunately, I still can't import a PPT to Storyline.

I hope that Articulate can offer some insight here!

33 Replies
FS H

Hi, here is an update to this issue:

Using an old laptop, I was able to import the problem PPT into Storyline 3 using the Import PowerPoint dialog. No problems there.

Transferred the resulting .story file back to my working computer, and was able to open in Storyline 360 without detecting any issues.

So, yay!, that's a workaround for my immediate need.

That said, there is still an issue with importing PowerPoints to any edition of Storyline on my working computer (Windows 10, latest Office, latest Storyline 3 and Storyline 360).

Just tested again after reinstalling Articulate 360 and Storyline 360, and received the usual error message.

Please advise regarding next steps!

 

 

Alyssa Gomez

Hey FS H! Sorry you're hitting so many roadblocks when importing a PowerPoint file into Storyline 360!

Does this problem happen when you import any PowerPoint file, or just one in particular?

If you're not sure, here's how you can test that:

Let me know how it goes!

Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Hi FS,

You said you're using the "latest Office" - do you know what actual version that is? You'll need to use one of the supported versions for Storyline 360 of: 

Microsoft PowerPoint 2010-2019 (32-bit or 64-bit) or Microsoft Office 365 (desktop apps only) 

The full list of system requirements for Articulate 360 is here. 

If you're using Office 365, make sure you're using the Desktop apps installed on your computer, not one of the web-based versions.

Let me know if that sheds any light on the setup! 

FS H

Hi, here's what I'm seeing:

This is a desktop installation, not web-based.

I gave a close look at the system requirements and it appears that everything required there is on-board my computer.

You may be interested in these two items which appear to coincide with the reinstallation of MS Office on 6/9/19:

I upgraded to Office 365 in late May, and never encountered the no import issue before that.

Hoping for a fix SOON, because (of course!) now I have a rash of projects that depend on the Import PowerPoint workflow.

Thank you!

Leslie McKerchie

Thank you for sharing all those details and your troubleshooting, but I know this must be frustrating.

I've opened a support case on your behalf so that you can work 1:1 with a support engineer who can take a deeper dive into what the issue may be. 

I've shared the information you've posted here along with a direct link to this conversation as well.

You should be hearing from someone soon and I'm following along because now I'm curious too.

FS H

I'm still working with an Articulate support engineer to resolve this issue.

Many hypotheses have been put forth and tested over the past couple of weeks, but  no fix has been found. Of course, I'm hoping for a solution soon!

May I suggest that you open a support ticket about your issue? This accomplishes three things:

1. Allows support to take a look at other computers where the same issue is present.

2. Communicates to Articulate that this issue is affecting multiple users.

3. Gives you a possible temporary workaround, as the engineer will likely cheerfully convert to SL any PPT you send to him/her.

Sorry that the news is not more positive!

Mustafa Yucelgen

Hi All.

I guess this issue is a discrepancy between versions of SL 360 and MS Office 365. 

I've managed to pinpoint the issue as follows: 

-I was using an older version of SL 360: SL360-1.png

-I've managed to import a template powerpoint made with MS Office 365 - 64-bit English version: SL360-2.png

-Then I've updated SL 360: SL360-3.png

-Afterward I've tried to import the same powerpoint template again then I got this error: SL360-4.png.

We are working hard with the tech. support team on this. So I gıuess they will eventually come with a solution very soon.

 

Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Hi Mustafa, 

Thanks for reaching out here, and letting us know what you're running into. I worked with a colleague to test this out comparing Update 27 with Update 31 and the import from Powerpoint to Storyline, and we didn't see any differences or errors while using the same file. For good measure, we tested in Office 365 and Powerpoint 2016 and both presented the same successful import.

I've asked one of our Support Engineers to reach out to you directly so that we can troubleshoot the import issue you're having. Please always feel free to reach the team by submitting a case here too! 

Jeffrey Browne

I'm having the same issue with my recent upgrade to a new MacBook with a newer version of Office 365. My old MacBook still can import PPT files. I've tried the sample PPT to see and still get the error. I will submit a case as well.

My Office version is Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus 16.0.11929.20300

My Storyline 360 version is: 3.31.19951.0

Michael Rosenberger
FS H

Hi,

I'm in the first stages of a PowerPoint to Storyline conversion project for a client, and trying to something I've done without trouble many times before--import a PowerPoint into Storyline using the Import PowerPoint dialog.

Every attempt results in a "Failed import PowerPoint presentation" message.

Here are some things I've tried:

  • Confirming/completing each item on the list given at the page linked in the error message:  https://articulate.com/support/article/Articulate-Storyline-360-Failed-to-Import-PowerPoint-Presentation, including "repairing" my Microsoft Office installation.
  • Uninstalling all my Storyline apps; reinstalling Storyline 3.
  • Asking a remote colleague to try importing the original PPT using his SL360 installation. (He got the same error message.)
  • Importing several different PPT files, each from different eras and versions of PowerPoint.
  • Importing different PPTs into Storyline 2, Storyline 3, and Storyline 360.
  • Rolling back to the early May 2019 version of Storyline 360 from the latest update.
  • Opening a blank Storyline file and importing into that. Starting from the opening screen and using the Import dialog. (Neither workflow works.)
  • Moving the PPT from a folder to my desktop, and restarting the whole computer.

In short, I've tried just about everything I can think of and unfortunately, I still can't import a PPT to Storyline.

I hope that Articulate can offer some insight here!

Just went through all of this too. Reading this thread it looks like the latest Office/Powerpoint doesn't work now with Storyline 360? Is there a public fix so I can complete a project that is due? I submitted a ticket on the by and by though after messing with this all morning.

Anyone?

 

Joseph Flanagan

HI, I thought I would add to this as well. I have Office 365. Be honest, I haven't worked with Office in years, and versions with 365 thing is really confusing to me. I think the Powerpoint version is 1910 and something about the Monthy Channel: I just installed it a few weeks ago, so the versions should be up to date. 

Anyways, I can't import a PowerPoint slide into Storyline 3. I get the standard error and tried what people describe above. I also can't do anything with Presenter 13 in the Powerpoint. I can also do some things with the Articulate button in Presenter (I got the import buttons to work --- but didn't try to actually import anything)  but if I either try to Preview or Publish, there is a quick flash and then the whole presentation (as well as PowerPoint itself) freezes. I can't get out of the menu nor use any aspect of the ribbon. I can use a keyboard shortcut to create a new presentation, but other than creating a new presentation, I can't do anything. I can't even close the presentation unless I go to the dock and click there to close all presentations.