.NET OXPS to POTM Conversion API

What is OXPS file format?

OXPS file format is a type of document file created by Microsoft as a successor to the XPS format. The OXPS format was introduced in the 2011 version of Microsoft Office and provides several advantages compared to the XPS format, including the ability to embed fonts, better support for embedded vector graphics, built-in support for digital signatures and encryption, and the ability to embed other document types. OXPS files are based on the OpenXPS format, an open source format based on the Open Packaging Conventions (OPC) of Microsoft’s .NET framework. This makes OXPS files easier to share across different platforms and with different applications. OXPS files can be opened with Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, Corel WordPerfect, and other software which supports the OpenXPS format. Although OXPS files provide several advantages over XPS files, both formats are still supported and are compatible with modern Microsoft Office applications. OXPS files are the preferred format for sharing Microsoft Office documents, but XPS files can still be used for documents that need to be viewed or printed out in an XPS viewer or other software that supports the XPS format.

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.