'Convert to Shape' function disabled

Question

Hi,

I am using PowerPoint Professional Plus 2016 with Version 1904, Build 11601.20144 on the monthly update channel. It seems like with the latest update, the usage of built-in pictograms and, most importantly, the 'convert to shape' tool have been disabled. Apart from disappearing from the ribbon, I can not make use of either tool even if I manually insert them to a custom section via Options>Customize Ribbon. So the corresponding icons exist, but are grayed out.

Since I used both tools some weeks ago, I assume that one of the recent updates changed this. Have there been provided any alternatives to these tools? Can I re-enable them?

Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

I think maybe we've missed a crucial bit of information:  you indicated that you're using Office 2016 (rather than Office 365, the subscription version). 

Subscription versions receive regular updates that add new features ... like the ability to insert icons.  The non-sub version (2016) doesn't receive these new features.

2016 *has* received updates that allow it to play back presentations that include new features available only in subscription versions; it now can accept and to some extent edit SVG graphics (the icons are all SVGs).

What you're seeing/describing (well, by the way; thanks!) matches what I see here on my PC with Office 2016, other than that I don't have Insert Icons as an option in the Customize Ribbon dialog box ... how'd you add that to the ribbon?

Possibly this: sometimes new features intended only for the subscription version appear briefly and mistakenly in the non-sub version; usually they go away in a later update or sometimes after a computer re-start.

Answer 2

There may be subtle differences I'm missing but when used on an Icon, Convert To Shape seems to produce the same result as ungrouping the icon a few times does.

Give that a try: right click the icon, choose Group | Ungroup

Answer 3

It sounds like you have a few things wrong with your installation. An Office repair may fix these:

1. Close all Office programs.
2. Click on the Start button, then on Settings, then on Apps.
3. Select Microsoft Office 2016 and click on the Modify button.
4. Choose Online Repair, then click on the Repair button.
5. Allow the process to complete, restart your computer, then see if you can insert icons and convert them top shapes.

Answer 4

@John: Thanks for this suggestions, it did not solve the problem, but it matches what @Steve is suspecting.

To close this thread and sum up the results: after repairing Office (and just to make sure, I reinstalled it), I was not able anymore to add Change to Shape or Insert Icon to the ribbon anymore, these two commands vanished from the list of commands in File>Options>Customize Ribbon. Presumably the reason for this is exactly what Steve is saying: the features were added mistakenly to Office 2016 and patched out with the latest Update, and for some reason the commands remained as disabled 'ghosts'.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 5

Converting SmartArts works. I am referring specifically to converting SVG graphics, i.e. upon having an imported SVG graphic selected going to Format>Change>Convert to Shape (as shown here).

Concerning the pictograms: yes, Insert>Icons is exactly what I mean, sorry for confusing that.