Convert RAR to POTM in C# .NET

What is RAR file format?

RAR is a file format used for compressing and archiving files. It was developed by Eugene Roshal, a Russian software engineer, and was released in 1993. The RAR format is commonly used for sharing large files due to its high compression efficiency, which can often result in smaller file sizes than other compression methods. This makes it an ideal format for users who need to transfer large files over the internet or other networks.

The main advantage of RAR over other file formats is that it can be used to create multi-volume archives. This means that large files can be split into several smaller files, which can then be combined into a single file when needed. This allows for greater flexibility in storage and transmission, as users can transfer the smaller files more easily and then recombine them later.

RAR files can be password-protected and encrypted for added security. This is especially useful when transferring sensitive data over the internet. When creating a RAR file, users can choose to encrypt it with a password, which will be required to open the file. This makes RAR a popular choice for sharing confidential documents and files.

RAR files are typically identified by the .rar extension, and can be opened using WinRAR, a proprietary file archiving utility. WinRAR is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, and supports a variety of compression formats, including RAR, ZIP, and 7Z. It also includes features such as file splitting, password protection, and recovery volumes, which can be used to recover data in case of a file corruption or system crash.

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.