MC1055556 – Refreshed placeholders in PowerPoint desktop (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Mac, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

485770

Details:

Summary:
PowerPoint desktop image placeholders are being refreshed for a modern look and clearer guidance on object insertion, allowing selection from various sources. Rollout starts mid-April 2025 and completes by mid-June 2025. Inform brand managers as it affects company templates; no admin action required.

Details:
Image placeholders in Microsoft PowerPoint desktops are getting refreshed to look more modern and provide clear guidance on the object that can be inserted. Image placeholders now allow you to pick from a variety of sources to insert an image.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 485770.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in mid-April 2025 and expect to complete by mid-June 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-04-15

updated:
2025-04-15

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Changes
The refreshed image placeholders may confuse users who are accustomed to the previous layout, leading to potential delays in productivity as they adapt to the new interface.
   - roles: End Users, Brand Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485770

Template Consistency
Brand managers may face challenges in maintaining template consistency across presentations, as the new placeholders could alter the appearance of existing templates, requiring updates and adjustments.
   - roles: Brand Managers, Content Creators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485770

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

PowerPoint, a tool many of us use for creating presentations, is getting a small but useful update. Imagine you’re working on a PowerPoint presentation and you want to add an image. Previously, you might have seen a generic box that simply said "Insert Image." Now, these boxes, known as placeholders, are being updated to look more modern and give clearer instructions on how to add images. Think of it like a new signpost that not only tells you where to go but also gives you options on how to get there.

These updated placeholders will let you choose images from various sources directly, making it easier to add visuals to your slides. It's similar to having a remote control that not only changes the channel but also lets you choose from different streaming services. This means you can pull images from your computer, online sources, or other connected services without leaving PowerPoint.

For brand managers, this change is important because it will appear in company templates. It’s like updating the signboards in a company office to reflect a new logo or brand color. No action is needed from IT administrators, as this update will happen automatically. However, it might be a good idea to inform your team about this change, so they know what to expect and can make any necessary adjustments to their presentations.

This update will start rolling out in mid-April 2025 and should be completed by mid-June 2025. It’s a straightforward improvement aimed at making the process of adding images to presentations smoother and more intuitive.