Powerpoint global search

Question

Is there a way to do a quick search on PowerPoint mac desktop app to access settings such as "slide number" or "font-size"? I do not find it easy to look through the UI for specific settings.

This is the area in the web app where you can do such things (attached image)

In the PowerPoint web app, typing "add row" has useful suggestions, as seen below.

In the PowerPoint Mac OS app, typing "add row" has no useful suggestions, as seen below.  

This "global search" feature is very useful and is missing from the desktop app. This would be a good feature for a product manager to add.

Answer 1

I have unmarked this as the answer since the Help menu on the app is a feature that does not accomplish the same things as global search in the web app.

In the PowerPoint web app, typing "add row" has useful suggestions, as seen below.

In the PowerPoint Mac OS app, typing "add row" has no useful suggestions, as seen below.  

This "global search" feature is very useful and is missing from the desktop app. This would be a good feature for a product manager to add.

Answer 2

@Jim_ Gordon has the solution. The feature exists, but is slightly hidden inside the Mac OS toolbar instead of the PowerPoint app itself. Thanks for helping.

Answer 3

@Jim_ Gordon You have given me the information that I wanted. Thank you so much!

This is a great feature. In my opinion, the "help" taskbar placement is not very obvious. It would be good to integrate it with the search icon in the actual app, so more people can benefit from it without having to Google for answers. :)

Update: the "Tell Me" button in the top center of the Powerpoint Mac OS app also can search for some settings (e.g. fonts) but behaves slightly differently to the Mac toolbar's Help -> Search feature.

Answer 4

Hi JOhnny

You and Rhoda are in the wrong search box. Use the Menu Bar and choose Help and then enter the topic you want information about into the search field.

Answer 5

Dear Johnny Clapham,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, it seems that you are trying to do quick search on PowerPoint for Mac to access settings as PowerPoint for web app does, however, not showing the setting as expected in PowerPoint for Mac.

If the understanding above is right, we've also done a quick test in PowerPoint for Mac in version 16.77, and we can reproduce a similar situation on our side, below attached are the screenshot of our test for your reference:

PowerPoint for the web:

PowerPoint for Mac:

As far as we know, there are still differences between PowerPoint for the web in browser and PowerPoint for Mac. Personally, I completely agree with you, it would be definitely ideal if we can search for the settings in PowerPoint for Mac, this is indeed a good addition to the current experience.

Given this, we'd sincerely recommend you share your valuable feedback via PowerPoint > Help > Feedback within PowerPoint for Mac. Feedback submit by this way directly goes to the related team, this is the best way to let PowerPoint developers know your requirements and comments, help improve the product and make it better for you and others.

For your reference: How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365? - Microsoft Support

Meanwhile, please also considering sharing your feedback in PowerPoint Feedback Community (microsoft.com). The Product Team is in-charge of the feedback site, and they are constantly checking the comments and feedback from our customer. Many features have been developed or improved based on users' comment.

Sorry for the inconvenience again. Your patience and understanding are highly appreciated. Hope you stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator