Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all!  While we highly recommend using the PowerPoint Storyboard in order to get high conversion integrity, you can use the conversion tool on existing PowerPoints and will get very satisfactory results.

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What type of conversion ratio can I expect from Power Book Builder?

Power Book Builder works great for converting legacy PowerPoints into ToolBook or for using PowerPoint as a storyboarding tool that SMEs can use to create content that can then be converted into ToolBook.

When using PowerPoint as a storyboarding tool, if you use the tools provided with Power Book Builder to create a PowerPoint storyboard template, content will convert over to ToolBook with near perfection including all text, graphics, and question objects.

When converting legacy PowerPoints originally created for classroom training a high conversion rate can be realized as there are various options available during the conversion process that will allow adjustments to accommodate e-learning elements such as a navigation panel, narration, etc. There may also be a need to do some adjustments to the PowerPoint prior to conversion. For tips on converting legacy content see the Power Book Builder documentation which is available for free at http://www.toolbookdeveloper.com/products/pbb/pbb-downloads.htm

What if my PowerPoint is a different size than the ToolBook project I wish to create?

A great feature of PowerPoint is that you can easily resize it to suit your desired ToolBook size.  All proportional aspects, except font sizes will be maintained.  (For more information on font sizing, click here.)

What happens to all of the objects that I create in PowerPoint such as lines, rectangles, and other shapes?

Most PowerPoint objects are converted to ToolBook objects including Clipart and some of the popular AutoShape objects.

All objects are faithfully converted with respect to their size and position.

Grouped objects are grouped in ToolBook.

What about shapes with text in them?

AutoShape objects that include text are converted to two separate objects and then grouped in ToolBook.

First: the AutoShape is either converted to a ToolBook object or an image.

Second: a ToolBook field is created and populated with the text.

Third: the AutoShape and the field are grouped.

But, PowerPoint can rotate text and ToolBook can't, so what happens to rotated text during the conversion?

You decide how to handle it!  Your options are:

1. Have the rotation completely ignored and a field is created

2. Set a maximum rotation degree to which the rotation is ignored. e.g. <= 5^o

3. If not 1 or more than 2 then convert to a Picture as per the above options.  Convert all rotated text to an image or if you choose option 2, convert only objects greater than the maximum rotation set to an image.

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And, how are bullets handled?

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Does Power Book Builder support double-byte characters?

At this point in time Power Book Builder does not support double-byte characters, but we are considering investigating that possibility for future releases.

So, what's the hitch?  This is too good to be true.  What will not work?

All fonts are transferred correctly.  However, there is a difference in the size - this is still under investigation. The problem is a 12 point font in PowerPoint looks like 14.5 when in ToolBook.  The following options are available as a workaround:

Use PowerPoint Font size as is.

Apply a percentage factor to reduce the font size.

Generate a Font Table that includes a list of sizes allowing you to change the Font Face and sizes. The Font Table is automatically generated from all slides and all objects on the slides.

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Do you have a demo version of Power Book Builder?

Power Book Builder is a full ToolBook application that can be opened in TB Instructor or Assistant.  That makes it difficult for us to offer time limited demos.  We understand that you need to see how the program functions before you purchase it.  To that end we offer to do a free conversion for you so that you can see how the converter works with your PowerPoints.  You can access all of the Power Book Builder documentation and samples here.  We will put you in contact with other Power Book Builder customers who are using the converter in a similar way to your requirements.  You are welcome to post a question on the TB Listserve to elicit feedback from Power Book Builder customers.  Finally, we offer a 30 day money back guarantee.  We will refund the purchase price if you find that within 30 days of purchasing Power Book Builder it does not meet your needs.

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Does Power Book Builder come with support?

Power Book Builder comes with one years support and upgrades.  After that, annual support and upgrades are $249 per year per developer license.  Support agreements must be purchased before the current support agreement expires.  Upgrades can be purchased at a 50% discount off of the list price of Power Book Builder if a support agreement is not in place.  Quantity discounts apply if more than one developer license is upgraded at the same time.

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How can I contact you for more information on Power Book Builder

You can e-mail Peter and Robin or you can call Robin at 888-496-3538 in the US/Canada or 802-496-3538 outside of the US.

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