Ever opened your amazing PowerPoint presentation, only to find that your carefully picked private symbols are gone? Looks like little squares or mystery boxes instead? Yup, we feel your pain. But don’t worry—this guide will help you fix it in no time. And yes, we’ll make it fun!
TL;DR
If your private symbols aren’t showing in PowerPoint, it’s probably due to a missing font or encoding mismatch. To fix it, try installing the correct font, embedding it in your presentation, or using Unicode with caution. Keep things consistent from one computer to another. Follow our easy fixes below!
What Are Private Symbols, Anyway?
Private symbols usually refer to characters in the Unicode Private Use Area (PUA). These are custom symbols made just for you—or at least, your organization.
Some fonts use the PUA to store icons, logos, or industry-specific signs. They look great when you create the presentation. But show it on another computer, and… boom, they vanish!
Why Do They Disappear?
Let’s break down the usual culprits:
- Missing font: The font that includes your private symbols isn’t installed on the other computer.
- Font substitution: PowerPoint replaced your custom font with something else.
- Corrupt presentation: Sometimes, the file itself acts weird and can’t read the symbol.
- Encoding issues: Your system doesn’t interpret the characters as private symbols.
Each of these is annoying, but fixable. Let’s get to the solutions.
Fix #1: Install the Right Font
The most common issue is that the font isn’t physically installed on the computer you’re using to open the presentation.
- Figure out which font holds your private symbols. Maybe it’s a custom font like “MyCompany Icons.”
- Find the font file—this usually ends in .ttf or .otf.
- Double-click and hit “Install.” Boom—done!
Now reopen your presentation. If your symbols show up, congrats! If not, keep reading.
Fix #2: Embed Fonts in Your PowerPoint
This is a power move. Embedding fonts ensures they travel with your presentation, so your icons show up on every computer.
- Open your presentation.
- Click File > Options > Save.
- Scroll down to the section titled Preserve fidelity when sharing this presentation.
- Check Embed fonts in the file.
- Preferably, choose: Embed all characters.
Save the file again and test it on another computer. Your private symbols should be back in business!
Fix #3: Keep a Copy of the Font
If you can’t embed a font—because some fonts can’t be embedded!—then at least keep the font file with your presentation.
When sharing your PowerPoint file:
- Include a folder named “Fonts.”
- Drop your .ttf or .otf file in there.
- Tell your viewers to install the font before opening the presentation.
Old-school? Yes. But it works like a charm.
Fix #4: Use Symbol Fonts the Right Way
Some private symbols come from special symbol fonts like Webdings, Segoe MDL2 Assets, or custom icon libraries. These are not standard text characters.
If you’re using these fonts, make sure:
- You didn’t change the font after inserting the symbol.
- You didn’t copy the symbol from another app that altered it.
- You used consistent styles throughout the formatting.
Stick with one font per private symbol. Mixing them up only causes chaos.
Fix #5: Unicode to the Rescue
If your symbols were created using Unicode values in the Private Use Area, it’s good practice to enter them properly:
- Use a proper character map or text editor that supports Unicode input.
- Insert symbols by their Unicode value (E.g., U+E001).
- Always use the same font that maps that value to your symbol.
Different fonts can show completely different icons for U+E001. That’s why sticking to one font is key.
Fix #6: Use Images Instead
If you’re totally fed up with vanishing symbols, try this hack—turn the symbol into an image!
- Open Word or an editor that displays the symbol.
- Take a screenshot or copy and paste it into Paint.
- Save it as a transparent PNG.
- Insert the image into PowerPoint.
Symbols can’t disappear if they’re actually pictures. Genius, right?
Fix #7: Update PowerPoint and Windows
This might sound like your IT guy talking, but really—update your stuff! Sometimes missing symbol issues come from bugs or outdated font handling.
- Go to File > Account > Update Options in PowerPoint.
- Choose “Update Now.”
- Also, check for Windows updates. Newer font engines handle symbols better.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good update!
Pro Tips to Keep Your Symbols Happy
Okay, so you’ve fixed things. But how do you avoid issues in the future? Here are some life-saving tips:
- Test your slides on other machines before presenting.
- Stick to one version of your font—multiple versions can conflict.
- Name your font files clearly and include version numbers.
- Embed your fonts whenever possible.
- Back things up! Fonts, presentations, and all.
If All Else Fails… Ask For Help
Still having issues? Sometimes the problem is deeper—like font licensing, corrupt files, or OS-level restrictions.
Ask your IT team, design team, or community forums. Or better yet, switch to simple icons or images that everyone can see without lifting a finger.
Final Thoughts
Private symbols add personality to your slides. Custom icons, logos, or secret emoji? Super fun. But only if they show up!
With these simple tricks, you can make sure your symbols never go missing again. Whether it’s installing fonts, embedding them, or using images instead—you’ve now got the toolbox you need.
So go out there, open PowerPoint, and show off those secret symbols in style!
