I use slide masters a lot but now with PPT 2007, I see there is "Slide Master" and "Slide Layout". I don't understand what the "Slide Master" does.
I just edit the "Slide Layouts" as the changes I make there directly affect how my slides work. Changes i make in the "Slide Master" don't seem to affect anything.

The Slide Master is used to sett features which affect all layouts. Typically Font type, bullet types, images or backgrounds that appear on all slides layouts.

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Microsoft PowerPoint MVP 2007-2023
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Well, that's what I would expect from something with "Master" in the name however, why don't the following work:
1. I changed the case of the Title from Sentence to Upper - none of the "Slide Layouts" were changed
2. I edited the Footer and changed its position from middle to left -none of the footers on the "Slide Layouts" changed. Note that the Slide Layouts already had a footer box

Don't know why changing the case doesn't inherit but it doesn't

Moving the footer should UNLESS you have moved the layout footers already in which case they no longer follow the master. If you start with a new presentation they should reposition. In essence modify the layout manually and they no longer follow the master

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Microsoft PowerPoint MVP 2007-2023
Free Advanced PowerPoint Tips and Tutorials