[OS X Software review]

Presentations with Keynote

I am one of the very last people who switched from transparencies to computer presentations. I always preferred hand writing, because it was faster, and plots were clearer. I tried PowerPoint twice, but I did not like it at all. However, after trying Keynote, I finally found what I wanted, and decided to switch.


1. Keynote

Here are the reasons why I like Keynote.


2. How to import equations, plots, and graphics into Keynote slides

PDF files can be pasted in Keynote slides. The advantage of using PDF files over JPEG and others is that the quality does not degrade even after scaling. Here, I will describe how to import PDF, EPS, a part of PS files, equations, and Feynman diagrams to Keynote slides.

[how to import graphics to Keynote]

How the graphics, equations, and Feynman diagrams are imported to Keynote

2.0 Preparations

In order to write equations, I suggest you install TeX, TeXShop, and Ghostscript.

2.1 How to write equations

LaTeXiT generates beautiful professional looking equations. Just write an equation in LaTeX format, press a button, and drag and drop the typeset image onto Keynote slide. You can even change the color of the equation in LaTeXiT.

[One problem is that the equation is treated as a graphic image in Keynote, and it cannot be inserted in text. Therefore, if the text moves around, you have to move the equation by hand. With AppleWorks, graphics can be inserted as a character in text, so why not also with Keynote? If you agree, send a feedback to Apple.]

2.2 How to import an entire PDF, EPS, PS file

2.3 How to import plots from a part of EPS, PS and PDF files

You can clip a portion of an EPS, PS and PDF file, such as plots, and put it on a Keynote slide. This can be done easily with Tiger (OS X 10.4) or Panther (OS X 10.3)'s Preview, or TeXShop's previewer (v1.29 or later) which can copy images in PDF format.

What could be simpler than this??? (You can drag the selection, too, but you have to be a little patient to wait until the pointer changes to an arrow with a plus sign, and then click to drop.) If you prefer, you can type commands to extract eps files, and convert them to PDF.

2.4 How to put complicated graphics

Keynote's tools for drawing graphics is sometimes too simple. The message is, "Keep the presentation slides simple!" However, if you still want to put more complicated graphics, here is how.

2.5 How to put Feynman diagrams

Feynman diagrams are used to show interactions between elementary particles. With usual applications, it is not easy to draw wavy lines (photons) or spiral lines (gluons).

  1. Install feynMF.
  2. Draw a Feynman diagram using TeXShop.
  3. Clip the diagram in the TeXShop's previewer, and paste it in a Keynote slide.

2.6 How to make readable PAW plots for presentations

If you simply use default settings for PAW to create plots and import them to Keynote slides, the lines are too thin, and characters are too small. Here is how to solve the problem.


3. Laser pointer

When you are freed from an OHP, it is a pity to go back and forth between your laptop and the screen. I now use Pocket Prensenter Wireless Laser from Kensington. The reasons are:


4. Some other tips


Updated 2005-07-24, Taku Yamanaka (taku[at]hep.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp, replace [at] with @)