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Fix PowerPoint on Mac Changing Contributor Names to Author
Question details
The user needs to prevent PowerPoint for Mac from replacing collaborator names with 'Author' in presentation comments after the file is saved.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Collaborating on a shared presentation and reviewing feedback in the comments pane.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint drops specific collaborator account names and replaces them with a generic 'Author' label after a shared presentation is saved.
Before troubleshooting, ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that your presentation file is saved in the modern .pptx format, as older formats may not support advanced collaboration metadata.
Verify Microsoft Account Sign-in and User Information
Confirm that everyone editing the file is properly logged into their Microsoft account and has their user information configured.
PowerPoint tracks comments based on the active Microsoft account. If a user gets signed out or operates offline, their comments might default to a generic author name upon syncing.
Open PowerPoint on your Mac. Click on your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner of the window to verify that you are signed in to the correct Microsoft 365 account.
Go to the top menu bar, click on 'PowerPoint', and select 'Preferences'. Under Personal Settings, click on 'User Information'.
Ensure that your 'First and Last Name' and 'Initials' fields are filled out correctly, then check the box that says 'Always use this name regardless of how I'm signed in to Office'.
Update PowerPoint and macOS
Outdated software versions can cause synchronization and display bugs with collaboration features.
Recover Original Names Using Version History
Use the version history feature to view or restore comments with the original contributor names intact.
Use WPS Presentation for Seamless Collaboration on Mac
Tired of syncing issues and missing contributor names in Microsoft Office? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for Mac users. With WPS Presentation, you can collaborate smoothly, track comments accurately, and enjoy full compatibility with Microsoft PowerPoint files without the heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official WPS website.
- 2. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and click 'Open' to select your existing .pptx file.
- 3. Collaborate Effectively: Use the 'Review' tab to add, manage, and accurately track contributor comments with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PowerPoint comments say 'Author' instead of a name?
This usually happens if the user isn't signed into their Microsoft account when making the comment, if there's a syncing glitch in OneDrive/SharePoint, or if the file was saved in an older format that strips personal metadata for privacy reasons.
Does saving a PowerPoint file as .ppt affect comments?
Yes, older file formats like .ppt do not support all modern collaboration features. Saving your presentation as a modern .pptx file helps ensure metadata, like contributor names and threaded comments, is properly preserved.
Can I automatically change 'Author' back to a specific name in PowerPoint?
No. Once a file is saved and the names are converted to 'Author', you cannot automatically revert the names in that exact version. You will need to check the document's Version History to find a previous save state with the original names.
How do I ensure my name appears on my comments in Office for Mac?
Go to the 'PowerPoint' menu, select 'Preferences', then 'User Information'. Ensure your name and initials are filled out correctly and check the box to always use this name. Also, ensure you are continuously signed into your Microsoft 365 account.
