PowerPoint Presentation Merger

A powerful Python GUI application for merging multiple PowerPoint (.pptx) files into a single presentation with perfect fidelity. Uses COM automation to ensure all formatting, animations, and embedded content are preserved during the merge process.

Features

• Step-by-Step GUI Workflow: Intuitive 4-step process for merging presentations
• Perfect Slide Copying: COM automation preserves all formatting, animations, and embedded content
• File Management: Easy file selection with validation and reordering capabilities
• Automatic Slideshow: Launches merged presentation immediately after creation
• Comprehensive Logging: Optional live logging for debugging and troubleshooting
• Error Handling: Robust error management with clear user feedback
• Dual Entry Points: Choose between standard mode or debug mode with live logging

System Requirements

Operating System

• Windows 7/8/10/11 (COM automation requires Windows)

Software Dependencies

• Python 3.6 or higher (for source code execution)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (must be installed and licensed)

Hardware Requirements

• Memory: 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended for large presentations)
• Storage: 100MB available space
• Display: 1024x768 minimum resolution

Installation

Option 1: Pre-built Executable (Recommended for End Users)

1. Download the latest release from the Releases page.
2. Extract the archive to your desired location.
3. Run MergePowerPoint.exe directly.

Option 2: From Source Code (For Developers)

1. Clone the repository:
   git clone [https://github.com/laashamar/MergePowerPointPresentations.git\](https://github.com/laashamar/MergePowerPointPresentations.git)
   cd MergePowerPointPresentations

2. Install dependencies:
   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the application:
   # Standard mode
   python main.py

   # Debug mode with live logging
   python run_with_logging.py

Usage Guide

Quick Start

1. Launch the application using one of the methods above.
2. Follow the 4-step workflow described below.
3. Enjoy your merged presentation with automatic slideshow launch.

Detailed Workflow

Step 1: Number of Files

• Enter the number of PowerPoint files you want to merge.
• Must be a positive integer.
• Press Enter or click Next to continue.

Step 2: File Selection

• Click "Add Files from Disk" to browse for .pptx files.
• Select exactly the number of files specified in Step 1.
• Only PowerPoint (.pptx) files are accepted.
• Duplicate selections are automatically prevented.

Step 3: Output Filename

• Enter a name for your merged presentation.
• The .pptx extension is added automatically if omitted.
• Press Enter or click Next to continue.

Step 4: File Ordering

• Use "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons to arrange files.
• Files will be merged in the order shown (top to bottom).
• Select a file in the list before using move buttons.
• Click "Create New File" to start the merge process.

Step 5: Merge and Launch

• The application automatically merges your presentations.
• Merged presentation is saved to your specified location.
• Slideshow launches automatically upon completion.

Application Modes

Standard Mode (main.py)

• Best for: Regular usage and end users
• Features: Clean GUI workflow without logging overhead.
• Command: python main.py

Debug Mode (run_with_logging.py)

• Best for: Troubleshooting and development
• Features:
  • Live logging window with real-time status updates.
  • Detailed error reporting and diagnostics.
  • Log file saved to Downloads/merge_powerpoint.log.
• Command: python run_with_logging.py

Documentation

• 🏗️ ARCHITECTURE.md - Technical architecture and design patterns
• 📝 CHANGELOG.md - Version history and release notes
• 🚀 PLANNED_FEATURE_ENHANCEMENTS.md - Planned features and roadmap
• 🤝 CONTRIBUTING.md - How to contribute to the project.
• 📜 CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md - Community guidelines.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.