Cannot Copy or Paste Objects in PowerPoint

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Use a Copy and Paste Operation

Select each of the objects by holding down the SHIFT key and clicking each object with the left mouse button. Do not select any empty placeholders. Copy the group of objects to the Clipboard and paste them into the new Slide.

Method 2: Use Send to Back Before You Copy

This method only works with PowerPoint 4.0 for Windows or Macintosh.

1. Select two of the objects and click Send To Back on the Draw menu.
2. On the Edit menu, click Select All.
3. On the Edit menu, click Copy.

You can now paste the objects into other slides. With this method, the empty object and title placeholders are also copied but without their identifying text. They lose their status as fundamental PowerPoint objects.

Method 3: Fill in the Placeholders

Fill in the placeholders before using the Select All command. Copy the items to the Clipboard, and they will successfully paste.