Issue with objects moving out of place when I open PowerPoint

Question

Sometimes, when we are working with mulitple users in a document. some objects, like lines etc. move out of place when you close and reopen PowerPoint. We thought this might be an issue with some users opening in Browser instead of App but it seems to be either now. Is there a way to resolve this?

Answer 1

It sounds like you are experiencing issues with object alignment in PowerPoint when multiple users are collaborating on a document. This can sometimes happen due to differences in how PowerPoint handles layouts between the desktop application and the browser version. Here are a few steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Check Compatibility: Ensure that all users are using compatible versions of PowerPoint. Sometimes, features and layouts can differ between versions, which may cause objects to shift.
2. Use the Same Platform: If possible, have all users work in the same environment (either all in the desktop app or all in the browser). This can help maintain consistency in how objects are displayed.
3. Lock Objects: If certain objects are critical to the layout, consider locking them in place. This can prevent accidental movement when editing.
4. Check for Updates: Ensure that PowerPoint is up to date for all users. Updates often include bug fixes that may resolve such issues.
5. Test in Safe Mode: You can try running PowerPoint in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if background programs are interfering with PowerPoint's functionality.

If the problem continues, you may want to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance, as they can provide more tailored troubleshooting based on your specific setup.

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References:

• Error when view or edit in browser for Word or PowerPoint Online

Answer 2

Hello Lou M

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum 

Thanks for the details so far. The shifting of lines and other objects when closing/reopening the presentation can happen due to how PowerPoint handles syncing and rendering during collaborative editing. 

While Microsoft continues to improve co-authoring fidelity, I recommend you trying some workarounds: 

1.Use only the desktop PowerPoint app for editing  

Ask everyone on the team to open and edit the file exclusively in the full desktop version of PowerPoint and avoid the browser/web version entirely. Even occasional use of the web version can introduce small positioning differences. This is the single most impactful step for most teams. 

2.Group related objects together  

Select multiple related objects, then right-click > Group. Grouped objects tend to stay together as a single unit during saves and syncs, reducing individual shifts. 

3.Turn off Snap to Grid and Snap to Other Objects  

• In the desktop app: Go to View tab > check Gridlines if you want to see them, then click the small arrow next to Gridlines > Grid Settings.  
• Uncheck “Snap objects to grid”  

4.Create a fresh copy of the presentation  

• Open the current file > File > Save As > save it with a new name in the same OneDrive/SharePoint location. 
• Share the new version with the team and switch to using that one going forward.  

5.Lock important objects to prevent accidental movement  

• Select the objects you want to protect. 
• Right-click > Lock   
• Locked objects cannot be moved, resized, or deleted until unlocked, but text/content inside them can still be edited. This helps avoid accidental nudges and works well alongside the steps above 

The initial response may not fully address your needs, but it will help me better understand your situation and advice the next steps. Thank you for your patience while we work through it  

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