Convert OST to POTM in C# .NET

What is OST file format?

OST files are a type of file format used by Microsoft products such as Outlook, Exchange, and Windows Live Mail. This file type is used to store a user’s data from a server such as emails, attachments, contacts, calendar, and other information. The OST file format is open and proprietary and was designed for users to store their offline data for easy access when the computer isn’t connected to the server. This allows them to access the information when their computer is not connected to the server, allowing for increased productivity. Since the file format is open, it can be easily read by a variety of programs and third-party utilities. This allows users to transfer content between programs, sync their data across multiple devices, and even convert the data into different file formats. OST files are unique in that they can be easily manipulated and customized. This means users are able to modify the data stored in the files, add custom settings, and tailor the files to their specific needs. This helps make them more efficient, secure, and organized. Since the OST format is the preferred format for modern Microsoft products, it has become the default choice for data storage and transfer. It is versatile, reliable, and secure, which makes it an ideal choice for managing large amounts of data across different programs.

What is POTM file format?

A POTM file refers to a macro-enabled presentation template created using Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program used for creating slide show presentations. It includes default images, slide templates, macros, and formatting. POTM files are commonly used by PowerPoint users to create multiple .PPTM files with consistent designs and macro settings.

POTM files offer additional functionality compared to typical presentation files, as they support macros. Macros are script-like functions that automate repetitive tasks within PowerPoint. Users can record macros that can be replayed to perform specific actions and assign them to buttons or keystrokes for convenient execution. To record a macro, users can select View → Macros in PowerPoint.

For general presentation creation, users can save their files as .PPTX or .POTX files. However, if they want to create a template that incorporates macros, they can save their presentation as a POTM file.

It’s worth noting that POTM files were introduced by Microsoft when they released Microsoft Office 2007.

To open a POTM file, Microsoft PowerPoint (2007 or later) is the recommended application for full support of presentation formatting and embedded macros on both Windows and macOS. Alternative applications like Apache OpenOffice Impress, Kingsoft Presentation, and Apple Keynote can also open POTM files, but some formatting and macros may not be fully preserved. For Mac users looking to view a POTM file without editing, Apple Preview (bundled with macOS) or Google Drive, a free cloud storage service, can be used.

Online platforms like Google Slides allow users to upload POTM files for viewing, editing, and conversion. However, it’s important to note that Google Slides does not support macros.

To convert a POTM file, various presentation applications including Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, and OpenOffice Impress offer conversion capabilities. In Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows and Mac, users can select File → Save As and choose from formats such as .PPTX, .PPT, .PDF, .ODP, .XPS, .MP4, .WMV, .JPEG, and .PNG to convert the POTM file to their desired format.