Fix PowerPoint 2016 Inking That Does Not Draw on Slides
Question details
The user needs to restore inking in PowerPoint 2016 when a selected pen does not draw on slides.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user selects an inking pen in PowerPoint 2016 to mark a slide.
- Observed behavior
- The inking controls appear and a pen can be selected, but no marks appear on the slide. Reinstalling Office and applying updates may not resolve the issue.
Open a slide and check that you can select a pen from the available inking controls. Have Word 2016 available if you want to try the Ink Comment workaround.
Restart Office and install available updates
Use this first because Microsoft released a fix for the reported inking issue.
Close PowerPoint, Word, and any other open Office applications.
Reopen PowerPoint and select File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. Install any available Office updates.
Close and reopen PowerPoint, select an inking pen, and try drawing on a slide.
Test Ink Comment in Word before returning to PowerPoint
Try this workaround if PowerPoint still selects a pen without drawing after an update.
Work with PowerPoint slides in WPS Presentation
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface for opening and editing presentations. Its Microsoft Office format compatibility helps you move existing files to WPS, although it does not repair PowerPoint's inking issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I select a pen but not draw in PowerPoint 2016?
The reported issue can affect inking even when the pen controls are visible. Restart Office and check File > Account > Update Options > Update Now for the available fix.
What can I try if updating Office does not fix inking?
In Word, select Ink Comment if available and test the pen in the comment box. Then return to PowerPoint, select the pen again, and try drawing on a slide.
What if I cannot find Update Options in PowerPoint?
Your installation may use a different update method or be managed by your organization. Check with your administrator or review the update method for your Office installation.
Will WPS Office fix the inking problem in Microsoft PowerPoint?
No. WPS Office is a separate alternative for working with PPT and PPTX presentations; it does not repair Microsoft PowerPoint.
