powerpoint presentation how to make text appear on click

How To Make Text Appear On Click In PowerPoint

To make the text appear on click in PowerPoint, simply choose the element > menu bar > “Animations” > “Add Animation” . Additionally, you can customize the duration or delay of the text and choose if you want to make sentences appear word by word or per letter (typing effect).

Making your presentation appear on click can make it more fun or professional , depending on what goal you want to achieve and how you want your audience to see you. Create amazing effects that will definitely grab your audience’s attention!

It only takes a few simple steps to make text appear on click in PowerPoint.

Step 1: Choose which element you want to animate to appear. It may be a picture , a text , or a shape . In this case, we will be using a text box.

Step 2 : Click “ Animations ” on the menu bar and then “ Add Animation .” Make sure you like the animation you have chosen.

Step 3: Since the animation is defaulted to “ appear on click ,” you now have a text box that will appear on click.

Making sentences appear word by word

Words appearing word by word can have an impact on your audience and help keep them focused on what you are saying. This technique is often used in presentations that require a lot of detail, such as medical presentations or legal discussions.

To add word-by-word animation to your PowerPoint presentations:

Step 1: C hoose the textbox with the sentence or phrase you want to animate.

Step 2: Click “ Animations ” on the menu bar and then “ Add Animation .” Make sure you like the animation you have chosen.

Step 3: Click the “ Animation Pane “. This will show up in the sidebar.

Step 4: Click the arrow next to the element that corresponds to the text box. Alternatively, you can right-click the element.

Step 5: Select “ Effect Options .” This will open a window.

Step 6: In the window , click the drop-down option “ Animate Text ,” and select “ By Word .” 

Step 7: Adjust the delay on which the words appear by using the “ % delay between words ” that is located below the “ Animate Text ” option.

Step 8: Click ‘ OK ‘ and You’re done! Your text will now appear word by word.

Adding a typing effect in the animation

Enhance your presentation and capture your audience’s focus using the typing effect animation . It works for both text and images, allowing you to control how quickly or slowly they appear on the screen.

Here’s how to add a typing effect in PowerPoint:

Step 1: Choose the textbox with the word, sentence, or phrase you want to animate .

Step 2: Click “ Animations ” on the menu bar and then “ Add Animation .”

Step 4: C lick the arrow of the element that corresponds to the text box .

Step 6: In the window , click the drop-down option by “ Animate Text ” and select “ By Letter .”

Step 7: Adjust the delay on which the letters appear by using the “ % delay between letters ” that is located below the “Animate Text” option .

Step 8: You’re done! Your text will now appear like it is typing.

Enhancing your PowerPoint presentation with these simple tips will make it easier for your audience to understand and follow your message. With your next click, your presentation will now be more engaging and attention-grabbing, so don’t miss the opportunity to deliver organized and clear content!

Related Posts:

Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials How to Make Text Appear on Click in PowerPoint

How to Make Text Appear on Click in PowerPoint

Different PowerPoint templates contain animations that make text appear on click. To create a sequence for your presentations with PowerPoint, click on the reveal option; see the simple instructions below to set your animated sequence.

How to Make Text Appear in PowerPoint on Click

To make text appear, click in PowerPoint, select the text, go to the Animations tab, and select an appropriate animation such as ‘Appear.’

Go to the Timing menu in the Animations tab and select On click from the Start dropdown menu. You can also choose the duration of the animation and delay timing from the same section.

For additional options, click the Animation Pane in the Animations tab and select the animation for your text. Now, go to Effect Options .

In Effect Options , you will have configuration options divided into two tabs from the dialog box that appears. This includes the Effect and Timings tabs. The Effec t tab is meant to adjust sound-animated text appearance (e.g., don’t dim, hide after animation, etc.) and can select if the text is animated all at once, by word or letter. These are advanced effect settings that can optionally be changed.

The Timing tab provides options to select if the animation starts on click, with the previous or after the last animated element. Furthermore, you can choose animation duration, delay, and repeat options. This section also contains trigger options that can be configured to create a trigger for a specific element. However, if you want your text to appear simply, you can avoid adding a trigger.

Final Words

To make your text appear on click, simply use the Appear animation for your selected text and enable it to appear on click from the Animations tab. You can also experiment with other animation types to make your text appear on click using different styles. The animated sequence can be delayed, and the duration for it to appear can be adjusted from the Animations tab and other advanced options to customize how your animation runs in slideshow mode.

Like this article? Please share

Animations, Microsoft PowerPoint Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials

Related Articles

Filed under Google Slides Tutorials , PowerPoint Tutorials • April 17th, 2024

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: A Detailed Comparison

Contrast and pick with presentation software suits your best. Check our guide on how the Google Slides vs. PowerPoint eternal debate.

Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials • April 16th, 2024

How to Insert an Equation in PowerPoint

Learn how to create easy-to-understand science slides by mastering how to insert an equation in PowerPoint. Step-by-step guide.

Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials • April 9th, 2024

How to Remove Notes from PowerPoint

Make alternative versions of your presentation files by learning how to remove notes from PowerPoint. Step-by-step guide with screeshots.

Leave a Reply

How to Make Things Appear in Powerpoint by Clicking a Button

• Small Business
• Setting Up a New Business
• Setting Up a New Business Basics
• ')" data-event="social share" data-info="Pinterest" aria-label="Share on Pinterest">
• ')" data-event="social share" data-info="Reddit" aria-label="Share on Reddit">
• ')" data-event="social share" data-info="Flipboard" aria-label="Share on Flipboard">

How to Reset Shortcut Keys in Microsoft Excel

How to insert a countdown timer in powerpoint, how to add animation to a powerpoint on mac os x.

• How to Merge XPS Documents
• How to Remove Animations From PowerPoint

With Microsoft PowerPoint you can craft a unique, effective presentation using its many features and media options. Although this plethora of features can be helpful, sometimes all the choices and capabilities make the one element you actually want difficult to find. If you want to click a button to make an object appear, like a text box, WordArt, a picture or practically anything else, you can easily add an animation to that object. During your presentation, it will appear when you click the mouse button on that slide.

Open PowerPoint if it's not open already.

Add in the object or objects that you want to make appear, if they're not already present. Most of what you could need is readily available in the "Insert" tab.

Click on the object or objects you want to make appear during your presentation. You can select more than one object by holding "Control" and clicking each one. If you select multiple objects, they will all appear at the same time. If you want to add animations to multiple objects, you can work through them one by one, and they'll appear in that order. You can always change the order later.

Click the "Animations" tab near the top of the window.

Click the animation you want to apply to the one or more objects you have selected. You can choose one of the standard options immediately available in the "Animation" group, like "Appear" or "Fly In," or you can click the "More" drop-down button, then "More Entrance Effects," where you'll find more animations.

Ensure that the "Start" option in the "Advanced Animation" group is set to "On Click." Otherwise the animation may proceed automatically, without you clicking a button. Even though you selected "On Click," pressing the space bar or the Enter key will also begin the animation.

Add another animation effect to the object if you prefer. You can add two or more effects by clicking the "Add Animation" button in the "Advanced Animation" group.

Select another object or objects to add animations to them if you prefer. Those objects will appear when you click the mouse button again on that slide during your presentation.

Click the "Preview" button in the "Animations" tab to see how your slide will look during your presentation. The slide's elements will appear automatically, but during your actual presentation they will only appear when you press a button to advance to your next point. You can run your presentation by pressing F5.

• Microsoft Office Support: Animate Text of Objects
• If you want to change anything related to the animations you're using, you can click the "Animation Pane" button in the "Advanced Animation" group.. The pane will appear on the right side of your slide show, and in it you can see all of your current slide's animations. If you click on one, you can change the animation effect it uses, and you can change where it falls in the order of animations by using the arrow buttons at the bottom of the pane.
• While adding animation to your slides can make them seem more personal or enjoyable, you should exercise caution so you don't use too many animations or animations that are overly extended. Gaudy or long animations can lessen the effectiveness of a presentation. Sometimes more subtle animations, like "Fade," "Appear" and "Wipe," work much better than more elaborate options.

A lover of technology in all forms, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010, specializing in Windows computers and Android devices. His writing has appeared on many websites providing a plethora of technology information and tutorials. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.

Related Articles

How to speed up a narrated powerpoint, how to create an invisible button in powerpoint for a callout, how to type in a circle in a powerpoint, how to make a soft edge in powerpoint, powerpoint 2007 slides won't automatically advance, rotating imbedded objects in microsoft word, how to make a lot of squares with a brush in illustrator, how to make a swirl in indesign, how to angle things in illustrator, most popular.

• 1 How to Speed Up a Narrated PowerPoint
• 2 How to Create an Invisible Button in PowerPoint for a Callout
• 3 How to Type in a Circle in a PowerPoint
• 4 How to Make a Soft Edge in PowerPoint

How to Make Things Appear in Powerpoint with Clickable Buttons

Making things appear in PowerPoint by clicking a button is pretty straightforward. You need to use the animation feature to create a trigger that will make an object visible upon clicking. This is a useful feature for presentations where you want to reveal information progressively or create interactive elements for your audience.

After you complete the action, the object you have set up will appear on your PowerPoint slide when you click the designated button during the presentation. This can help keep your audience engaged and make your presentation more dynamic.

Introduction

PowerPoint presentations are a staple in both educational and professional settings. They provide a visual aid that can enhance the communication of information and make complex concepts more digestible. However, a static slide with an overload of information can be overwhelming and frankly, boring. This is where the magic of animation comes in – especially the ability to make things appear with the click of a button.

Imagine being able to control the flow of information, revealing bullet points one at a time, or having images pop up to emphasize your point. This technique is not only engaging but also allows the presenter to manage the audience’s attention and retention. It’s especially relevant for teachers looking to create interactive lessons, professionals aiming to deliver impactful presentations, or anyone wanting to elevate their PowerPoint skills.

Step by Step Tutorial: Making Things Appear in PowerPoint

Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s understand what we’re aiming to achieve. We’re going to set up an animation trigger that, when clicked, will make an object appear on the slide. This is great for interactive presentations or for revealing information piece by piece.

Step 1: Insert the Object

Insert the object you want to appear on your slide.

Objects can be text boxes, images, shapes, or any other element that you wish to appear upon clicking. Make sure it’s positioned where you want it to appear during the presentation.

Step 2: Open the Animation Pane

Go to the Animations tab and click on ‘Animation Pane’.

The Animation Pane will open on the right side of your PowerPoint window. This is where you’ll manage all the animations for your slide.

Step 3: Add an Animation

Select your object and choose an entrance animation from the gallery.

There are many animations to choose from. For making an object appear, ‘Appear’ or ‘Fade’ are commonly used. Click on the animation you prefer to apply it to your object.

Step 4: Set the Animation to Start on Click

In the Animation Pane, click on the dropdown arrow next to your animation and select ‘Start On Click’.

This means that the animation won’t start automatically, but will only begin when you click a button or object during the presentation.

Step 5: Test the Animation

Start the slideshow and click the button to ensure the object appears as intended.

Always preview your animation before presenting to make sure everything works smoothly. Click the button you’ve set as a trigger and watch your object appear.

Additional Information

Making things appear in PowerPoint by clicking a button is a simple yet effective way to add interactivity to your presentations. It’s a feature that, when used judiciously, can greatly enhance the delivery of information. Remember to always keep your audience in mind – the goal is to aid their understanding, not to show off every animation PowerPoint has to offer.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the animations align with your content. The appearance of an object should complement the information being presented, not detract from it. Secondly, practice your timing. If you’re revealing information bit by bit, ensure that you’re giving your audience enough time to absorb each piece before moving on. Lastly, remember that less is often more. A few well-placed animations can be much more effective than a presentation full of bells and whistles.

• Insert the Object
• Open the Animation Pane
• Add an Animation
• Set the Animation to Start on Click
• Test the Animation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i make multiple objects appear with one click.

Yes, you can set several objects to appear with a single click by selecting them all and applying the same ‘Start On Click’ animation.

Can I use this feature on all versions of PowerPoint?

While the exact process may vary slightly, the animation feature is available on most versions of PowerPoint.

Can objects disappear again after they appear?

Absolutely, you can add an exit animation and set it to trigger on a subsequent click to make objects disappear.

Is it possible to trigger the animation from a different slide?

No, the click-to-reveal functionality is limited to the slide that the objects are on.

Can I make objects appear in a specific order?

Yes, you can reorder the animations in the Animation Pane to dictate the order in which objects appear.

Mastering the art of making things appear in PowerPoint by clicking a button can transform your presentations from monotonous to memorable. It’s a feature that, when used thoughtfully, can make your message more engaging, interactive, and impactful. Whether you’re in the classroom, the boardroom, or anywhere in between, this technique can elevate your presentation and keep your audience hooked on every slide.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your style and content. And remember, the best presentations are those where technology enhances the message, not overshadows it.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

Share this:

Join our free newsletter.

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related posts:

• How to Remove Animations From PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Make an Object Disappear After Animation in PowerPoint
• How to Rotate Animation in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Show One Point at a Time in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Set Time for Slides in Powerpoint
• How to Remove Animation from Powerpoint 2010
• How to Save Powerpoint as PDF with Notes
• How to Add Page Numbers in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Loop a Slideshow on Powerpoint 2013
• How to Make a Powerpoint Slide Vertical in Powerpoint 2013
• How to Drag Slides From One PowerPoint to Another: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to View Layers in Powerpoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Delete a Slide in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Unhide a Slide in Powerpoint 2013
• How to Embed a Word Document Into PowerPoint 2000: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Rotate a Slide in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to End Powerpoint on Last Slide in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Make GIFs as a Background on PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Hide a Slide in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Combine PowerPoint Presentations With Different Orientations

How to Make Things Appear in PowerPoint by Clicking a Button

When it comes to creating an engaging and professional PowerPoint presentation, the right use of animations and interactive elements can make all the difference. One of the most effective ways to add interactivity to your PowerPoint slides is by using buttons. Clicking a button can trigger a variety of effects, such as making text or images appear or disappear, moving objects around the slide, playing sound effects or videos, and more. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of PowerPoint buttons, exploring everything from the benefits of using them to advanced techniques for customization and animation.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Using Buttons in Your PowerPoint Presentations

One of the primary benefits of using buttons in your PowerPoint presentations is that they enable interactivity and engagement. By clicking on a button, your audience can trigger visual and audio effects that not only make your presentation more interesting, but also help you emphasize key points and ideas. Buttons are particularly useful for interactive presentations, such as training sessions or product demonstrations. They can also be used for navigation purposes, allowing your audience to move between slides or sections with ease.

Another benefit of using buttons in your PowerPoint presentations is that they can help you save time and effort. Instead of manually navigating through your slides or using keyboard shortcuts, you can simply add buttons that take your audience to the desired slide or section. This not only makes your presentation more efficient, but also reduces the risk of errors or confusion.

Furthermore, buttons can be customized to match your branding or design preferences. You can choose from a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to create buttons that complement your presentation theme. This can help you create a cohesive and professional-looking presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Understanding the Basics of PowerPoint Animation

Before we dive into the specifics of creating buttons, it’s important to understand the basics of PowerPoint animation. Animation refers to the movement or progression of objects on a slide, such as text, images, and shapes. PowerPoint offers a wide range of animation effects, such as fade in/out, fly in/out, spin, and more. Animations can be applied to individual objects or to entire slides. To create animations, you can use the Animation pane, which allows you to select the object you want to animate and choose the effect, duration, and start time.

One important thing to keep in mind when using animations in PowerPoint is to not overdo it. While animations can add visual interest and help emphasize key points, too many animations can be distracting and take away from the overall message of the presentation. It’s best to use animations sparingly and only when they serve a specific purpose.

Another useful feature of PowerPoint animation is the ability to trigger animations based on user actions, such as clicking on a button or hovering over an object. This can be a great way to create interactive presentations and engage your audience. To set up trigger animations, you can use the Trigger option in the Animation pane and select the object and action that will trigger the animation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Buttons to Your PowerPoint Presentation

Now that we have a basic understanding of PowerPoint animation, let’s move on to the main topic of this article: adding buttons to your PowerPoint presentation. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating buttons in PowerPoint:

• Select the object you want to turn into a button, such as an image or a shape.
• Click on the Insert tab, and then click on the Action button in the Links group.
• In the Action Settings dialog box, choose the action you want to assign to the button, such as go to the next slide or play a sound.
• Customize the appearance of the button as desired, using the Shape Format or Picture Format tab.
• Test the button by clicking on it in the slideshow view.

Adding buttons to your PowerPoint presentation can greatly enhance the user experience and make your presentation more interactive. Buttons can be used to navigate between slides, play videos or audio, or even link to external websites. It’s important to keep in mind that buttons should be placed strategically and not overwhelm the content of your presentation. By following these steps, you can easily create buttons that will engage your audience and make your presentation stand out.

How to Customize Your Buttons for a Professional Look

While adding buttons to your PowerPoint presentation is relatively easy, creating buttons that look professional and aesthetically pleasing requires some additional effort. Here are some tips for customizing your buttons:

• Choose colors and fonts that match the overall theme of your presentation.
• Use high-quality images or icons for your buttons.
• Make sure the size and position of the button are consistent across all slides.
• Add hover effects or other graphic details to make the buttons more visually appealing.

Another important aspect to consider when customizing your buttons is their functionality. Make sure that each button is clearly labeled and serves a specific purpose in your presentation. Avoid cluttering your slides with too many buttons, as this can confuse your audience and detract from the overall message of your presentation. Additionally, test your buttons thoroughly before presenting to ensure that they work properly and smoothly transition between slides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Buttons to Your Presentation

While buttons can enhance your presentation, they can also be distracting or confusing if not used properly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when adding buttons to your presentation:

• Using too many buttons, which can overwhelm or confuse your audience.
• Making buttons too small or too close together, which can make them difficult to click on.
• Assigning actions to buttons that are not relevant to the content of the slide.
• Using overly complex animations or sound effects, which can be distracting or annoying.

Another common mistake to avoid when adding buttons to your presentation is not providing clear instructions on how to use them. Your audience may not be familiar with the software or platform you are using, so it’s important to provide clear and concise instructions on how to interact with the buttons.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the accessibility of your buttons. Make sure they are large enough and have enough contrast to be easily seen by all members of your audience, including those with visual impairments. You can also provide alternative ways to interact with the content, such as keyboard shortcuts or voice commands, to ensure that everyone can participate in your presentation.

Tips for Making Your Button Animations Smooth and Professional

When you create button animations, you want them to look smooth and seamless, not jerky or awkward. Here are some tips for achieving a professional-looking button animation:

• Set the duration and timing of the animation to match the pace of your speech or presentation.
• Use easing or other animation effects to create a natural-looking movement.
• Make sure the animation is consistent across all buttons, to create a cohesive look.
• Test the animation on different devices and screen resolutions to ensure it works properly in all situations.

Another important tip for creating smooth and professional button animations is to keep them simple. Avoid using too many different animation effects or transitions, as this can make the animation look cluttered and confusing. Stick to one or two effects that complement the design of your button and enhance its functionality. Additionally, consider the placement of your buttons and how they will be used by your audience. If the buttons are meant to be clicked quickly or repeatedly, a more subtle animation may be more effective than a flashy one that could distract or annoy users.

How to Use Triggers to Control When and How Objects Appear on Your Slides

Triggers are a powerful feature in PowerPoint that allow you to control when and how objects appear on your slides. A trigger is a specific action that activates an animation, such as clicking on a button. To use triggers, follow these steps:

• Create the object you want to animate, such as an image or a text box.
• Select the object, and then click on the Animations tab.
• Click on the Add Animation button, and choose the animation effect you want to use.
• Click on the Trigger button, and choose the trigger you want to use, such as On Click or With Previous.
• Test the animation by clicking on the trigger object in the slideshow view.

Triggers can also be used to control the timing of animations on your slides. For example, you can set a trigger to start an animation after a certain amount of time has passed, or to start an animation when the previous animation has finished. This can be useful for creating more complex and dynamic presentations. To set the timing of your animations using triggers, simply select the animation you want to modify, and then click on the Timing tab. From there, you can adjust the duration, delay, and start options for your animation.

Adding Sound Effects and Narration to Button Animations

In addition to visual effects, you can also add sound effects and narration to your button animations. This can create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience. To add sound effects or narration to a button animation, follow these steps:

• Create the button and the animation as described above.
• Click on the Animations tab, and then click on the Effect Options button.
• In the Sound section, choose the sound effect you want to use, or click on Other Sound to add your own audio file.
• To add narration, click on the Record Narration button in the Slide Show tab, and follow the prompts to record your voiceover.
• Test the animation in the slideshow view to ensure the audio plays as expected.

Advanced Techniques for Button Animation in PowerPoint

Finally, for those looking to take their button animation skills to the next level, there are several advanced techniques you can try. These include:

• Creating custom motion paths for your buttons, using the Paths tool in the Animations tab.
• Using triggers and animation effects to create interactive games or quizzes within your presentation.
• Creating 3D buttons using the 3D Models feature in the Insert tab.
• Using macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to automate button animations and other tasks.

With these advanced techniques, you can create truly unique and engaging PowerPoint presentations that stand out from the crowd.

As you can see, adding buttons to your PowerPoint presentation is a great way to add interactivity and engagement to your content. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you can create buttons that look professional, work smoothly, and enhance your message. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced PowerPoint user, we hope this article has provided you with some useful tips and inspiration for your next presentation. Happy button-clicking!

By humans, for humans - Best rated articles:

Excel report templates: build better reports faster, top 9 power bi dashboard examples, excel waterfall charts: how to create one that doesn't suck, beyond ai - discover our handpicked bi resources.

Explore Zebra BI's expert-selected resources combining technology and insight for practical, in-depth BI strategies.

We’ve been experimenting with AI-generated content, and sometimes it gets carried away. Give us a feedback and help us learn and improve! 🤍

Note: This is an experimental AI-generated article. Your help is welcome. Share your feedback with us and help us improve.

Powerpoint Assist

Tips for Powerpoint by Regina Griffin

How To Click To Make Text Appear In PowerPoint

Are you looking to enhance your PowerPoint presentations with engaging and dynamic text effects?

In this tutorial by Oregon-based teacher Regina Griffin, you will learn step-by-step instructions on how to add, edit, format, and make text appear in PowerPoint.

From inserting a simple text box to applying animation effects, this guide will help you elevate your presentation skills and captivate your audience.

Let’s dive into the world of text manipulation in PowerPoint and take your slides to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

• Easily add text in PowerPoint by selecting slide, clicking on the text box icon, and typing in text.
• Edit text in PowerPoint by selecting the text box and making desired changes.
• Format text in PowerPoint by selecting the text box and using formatting tools.

How to Add Text in PowerPoint

Adding text in PowerPoint is a fundamental step in creating engaging and informative presentations. To begin, open your PowerPoint software and select the slide where you want to insert text.

Clear and concise text plays a crucial role in ensuring that your audience can easily grasp the information you are trying to convey. When inserting text, aim for brevity while maintaining relevance to the topic. Remember, cluttered slides can overwhelm your viewers and dilute the impact of your message.

• Place text strategically on the slide, ensuring it complements visuals rather than competing with them. Proper text placement can enhance the overall design and flow of your presentation.
• When formatting text, use legible fonts and appropriate font sizes. Bold important keywords or phrases to make them stand out. Bullet points can help organize information effectively.

Engagement with the audience often hinges on how well the text is presented. Customization options in PowerPoint, such as font styles, colors, and animations, can help you create visually appealing text that captures attention and reinforces key points.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and Select Slide

To start adding text in PowerPoint, launch the software and choose the specific slide where you wish to incorporate your textual content.

Once you have selected the desired slide, navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab located on the top menu bar. From here, you can choose various options such as ‘Text Box’ to create a designated area for your text. Utilize the Edit Text function to type in your content within the text box. You can further adjust the font style, size, color, and alignment under the ‘Home’ tab to refine the text appearance on the slide. Remember to save your changes periodically to avoid losing your work.

Step 2: Click on the Text Box Icon

Once you have selected the slide, locate and click on the text box icon within the PowerPoint interface to initiate the text insertion process.

Text boxes in PowerPoint play a crucial role in organizing content on your slides effectively. By clicking on the text box icon after selecting a slide, you can create designated areas where text can be easily inserted, formatted, and manipulated. Upon adding a text box, you can resize, move, and style it using various options available in the ‘Format’ tab.

Selecting a text box allows you to change text alignment, adjust font size, apply bold or italic formatting, change text color, and even add bulleted or numbered lists to enhance readability.

You can modify the shape, color, and outline of the text box itself to complement your presentation’s design. By exploring the ‘Format Shape’ options, you can customize the fill, border, and effects of the text box to align with your overall theme.

Step 3: Click on Slide to Add Text

Subsequently, click on the selected slide where you want to add text, enabling you to create a text box or directly input text onto the slide.

Once you’ve selected your slide, finding the ideal spot to place your text is crucial for a polished presentation. By activating the slide for text input, you unlock a world of possibilities in terms of text placement . Whether you opt for a designated text box that you can resize and reposition to your liking or decide to type directly onto the slide itself, the choice is yours. The key is to ensure that the text is strategically positioned for maximum impact , considering factors such as background imagery, font size, and color contrast.

Step 4: Type in Text

Begin typing the desired text into the selected text box or directly onto the slide, tailoring your content to suit the purpose and audience of your presentation.

When composing text for your PowerPoint slides, it is crucial to keep it concise and engaging. Avoid cluttering your slides with lengthy paragraphs that can overwhelm your audience. Instead, opt for bullet points or short, impactful sentences to convey your message effectively.

Text formatting can also play a significant role in enhancing the visual appeal of your presentation. Use bold, italics, underline, and different font sizes strategically to highlight key points. Ensure proper alignment of text to maintain a clean and professional look on your slides. Remember, clear and well-structured text can greatly aid in communicating your ideas clearly and keeping your audience engaged.

How to Edit Text in PowerPoint

Editing text in PowerPoint allows one to refine and enhance the textual components of a presentation. To begin, users should identify the text they wish to modify and access the necessary editing tools.

When selecting text, it is crucial to consider the font style, color, size, and alignment for consistency and readability. Utilize the bold , italic , underline , and strikethrough options to emphasize key points or create a visual hierarchy. Incorporating bulleted or numbered lists can help organize information effectively, guiding the audience’s focus. Tailor text formatting to match the theme and tone of the presentation, ensuring a cohesive look throughout. Advanced text editing techniques in PowerPoint include utilizing WordArt for creative typography, adjusting character spacing for design precision, and using text boxes for flexible placement and arrangement.

Step 1: Select Text Box

The first step in editing text in PowerPoint involves selecting the specific text box or content you want to modify, enabling you to focus on refining the textual elements.

There are several methods you can employ to identify and select text quickly in PowerPoint. One way is by using the mouse cursor to click and drag over the desired text. Alternatively, you can hold down the ‘Shift’ key on your keyboard while using the arrow keys to highlight text. Accuracy is key when selecting text , especially when dealing with intricate designs or complex layouts, as precise selection ensures that only the intended text is modified during the editing process.

Step 2: Make Changes to Text

Following text selection, proceed to make the desired changes to the text, such as revising content, adjusting formatting, or enhancing visual appeal to optimize your presentation.

Within PowerPoint, you have a plethora of options to edit text efficiently. Font modifications allow you to alter the typeface, size, and color to suit the tone of your message. Utilize bold or italic styles to highlight key points and create emphasis. Alignment adjustments play a crucial role in the presentation’s visual cohesiveness. With just a few clicks, you can align text left, center, and right, or justify it for a polished look. Text effects like shadow, reflection, and glow add depth and dimension to your content, elevating the overall impact of your slides.

How to Format Text in PowerPoint

Formatting text in PowerPoint allows you to tailor the appearance and style of your textual content to align with your presentation’s theme and message. To begin formatting text effectively, access the formatting tools within PowerPoint.

One key aspect of text formatting in PowerPoint is font customization . This includes selecting suitable fonts to convey the right tone, adjusting font size for emphasis, and enhancing readability through font styles like bold or italics.

Another vital component is text alignment , which ensures a clean and professional look. Utilize options such as left, center, right, or justify alignment to enhance the visual appeal of your slides.

Moreover, color selection plays a significant role in text formatting. Choose contrasting colors for text and background to ensure readability and grab the audience’s attention.

Commence the text formatting process by selecting the specific text box or content you want to format, enabling you to apply stylistic changes and enhancements.

When you choose the appropriate text box for formatting, you gain control over the layout and presentation of your content. These boundaries play a crucial role in determining how your text aligns and flows within a document. By defining the dimensions and position of the text box, you can ensure that your information is organized and visually appealing.

Text box selection allows you to experiment with various text styling options such as font type, size, color, and alignment. These style elements significantly impact the visual impact of your text, making it easier to read and engaging for your audience.

Step 2: Use Formatting Tools

Utilize the formatting tools provided within PowerPoint to adjust the font, size, color, alignment, and other stylistic elements of the selected text, enhancing its visual presentation.

One powerful feature of PowerPoint is the ability to modify the font style to suit different themes and moods. By selecting bold, italic , or underlined options, you can emphasize key points effectively. Playing with font size ensures that essential information stands out prominently. Color adjustments offer a way to create a visual hierarchy, making titles and headings pop against the background. Experimenting with text effects like shadow, reflection, or glow can add depth and dimension to your slides. Proper alignment settings are crucial for a neat, organized layout, ensuring content is easy to follow and visually appealing.

How to Make Text Appear in PowerPoint

Animating text in PowerPoint can add a dynamic element to your presentation, capturing the audience’s attention and reinforcing key points.

To make text appear in PowerPoint, you can leverage various animation effects. Some of the options available include Entrance effects like Fade, Appear, or Fly-In, which smoothly introduce text onto the slide. Emphasis effects such as Grow/Shrink, Spin, or Color Pulse can highlight specific words or phrases. Also, Motion Path animations allow text to move along a specified path, adding an interactive touch to your presentation. By strategically incorporating these animations, you can create visually appealing text appearances that enhance the overall delivery and engagement of your content.

To initiate the text animation process, start by selecting the relevant text box or content that you want to animate, setting the stage for captivating text effects.

Text box selection plays a crucial role in the animation workflow, as it determines the specific area where the animated text will appear. By carefully choosing the text box, you can ensure that the animation is applied accurately, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your design. Precision in text selection directly correlates with the smoothness and clarity of the animation, avoiding any unwanted distortions or overlapping effects. When defining the animated text, clarity is key to conveying the intended message effectively and engaging your audience with visually dynamic content.

Step 2: Click on the Animations Tab

Subsequently, navigate to the animations tab within PowerPoint to access a range of animation effects that can be applied to your selected text, enhancing its visual impact and engagement potential.

Once you have located the animations tab, you will be presented with a variety of animation options to choose from. These animation effects can range from subtle entrances like Fade and Appearance to more dynamic motions such as fly and Spin. Each effect has its unique way of adding interest and highlighting key points in your presentation.

Choosing appropriate animations is crucial to ensure that they complement your text rather than distract the audience. For instance, using subtle animations like Fade for text transitions can enhance readability, while bold effects like Grow and Bounce may be more suitable for emphasizing key messages.

Step 3: Choose Animation Effect

Select a suitable animation effect from the options presented in the animations tab, considering factors such as timing, entrance style, and overall effect to align the animation with your presentation goals.

Effect selection in text animation plays a crucial role in capturing your audience’s attention and reinforcing your message. The chosen animation style can significantly impact how your audience perceives the content of your presentation.

For instance, a subtle fade-in effect can convey elegance and professionalism, while a dynamic bounce effect can add a sense of energy and excitement to your text. It’s essential to match the animation style with the tone and purpose of your presentation to create a cohesive and engaging visual experience.

Step 4: Set Animation Options

Fine-tune the animation settings and options according to your preferences, adjusting parameters such as duration, delay, and repetition to create a customized text animation that suits your presentation narrative.

When customizing animation settings, changing the duration can significantly impact the flow of your presentation. A shorter duration can create a dynamic effect, while a longer duration allows for a more gradual reveal of text. Adjusting the delay between animations can help maintain audience engagement, with shorter delays keeping content moving smoothly. Experimenting with repetition settings can reinforce key points or add emphasis to specific information.

To create engaging text animations, consider incorporating entrance effects such as ‘Fly In’ or ‘Zoom’ to bring text onto the slide dynamically. These effects can captivate your audience and make information stand out. Utilizing exit effects like ‘Fade Out’ or ‘Fly Out’ can help in smoothly transitioning between slides or emphasizing the conclusion of a point. Remember to balance the use of animations to avoid overwhelming your audience and maintain clarity in your message.”

Step 5: Preview and Adjust as Needed

Before finalizing the text animation, preview the effect to ensure it aligns with your presentation style and message.

This step is crucial as it allows you to catch any inconsistencies or errors in the animation, ensuring a smooth and professional outcome. Take the time to review the timing of text transitions, the sequence of animated elements, and the overall impact of the effects. Making adjustments to these factors can significantly enhance the coherence and visual appeal of your animation, making it more engaging and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i make text appear in powerpoint.

To make text appear in PowerPoint, you need to click on the text box and type in your desired text. You can also paste text from other sources and the text will automatically appear in the text box.

Can I make text appear one letter at a time in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can make text appear one letter at a time by using the Appear animation effect. Simply select the text box, go to the Animations tab, and choose Appear as the animation effect.

How can I make text appear on a specific slide in PowerPoint?

To make text appear on a specific slide, you can use the “On Click” or “With Previous” animation options. This allows you to control when the text appears during the presentation.

Is there a shortcut to make text appear in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can use the shortcut key “Ctrl+Enter” to quickly make the selected text appear on the slide. This can save you time when creating multiple text boxes in a presentation.

Can I change the color or font of the text when it appears in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the text when it appears by using the formatting options. Simply select the text box, go to the Home tab, and make desired changes to the font, size, color, etc.

How do I make text disappear in PowerPoint?

To make text disappear, you can use the Disappear animation effect or simply delete the text box. You can also use the Fade or Fly Out animation effects to gradually make the text disappear during the presentation.

Similar Posts

How to insert notes in powerpoint for speaker.

Are you looking to enhance your PowerPoint presentations? Adding notes can be a game-changer! In this article, we will explore why using notes in your PowerPoint presentation is beneficial and how you can easily insert notes and format them. We will also discuss different options for viewing notes during a presentation and provide tips and…

How To Remove Watermark In PowerPoint

Are you tired of dealing with pesky watermarks on your PowerPoint presentations? In this comprehensive guide, we will show you exactly why you need to remove watermarks and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do so using various tools in PowerPoint. From utilizing the Slide Master to using third-party software, we’ve got you…

How To Insert Hyperlink In PowerPoint

Have you ever wondered what a hyperlink is and how it can enhance your PowerPoint presentations? We will explore the ins and outs of hyperlinks in PowerPoint, how they work, why they are beneficial, and how to insert them into your slides. Whether you want to create easy navigation, interactive presentations, or a professional look,…

How To Add Border In PowerPoint 2007

Looking to enhance your PowerPoint presentations with a professional touch? Adding borders to your slides can make them visually appealing and engaging for your audience. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to add borders in PowerPoint 2007. From selecting the right shape to customizing the border, we will cover everything you…

How To Insert Pdf In PowerPoint

Do you ever wonder how to make your PowerPoint presentations more engaging and informative? One way to do that is by learning how to insert PDF files into your slides. Follow this step-by-step guide by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, US, to discover the importance of incorporating PDFs into your presentations. From selecting the…

How To Open Keynote In PowerPoint

Do you ever find yourself needing to switch between Keynote and PowerPoint for your presentations? In this article, we will explore the process of how to open Keynote in PowerPoint, and why you may want to do so. From compatibility with different devices to collaboration with others, we will cover the benefits of being able…

How to Make an Object Appear and Disappear in PowerPoint Using Animations

Make an Object Appear and Then Disappear on a PowerPoint Slide Using Entrance and Exit Animations

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 7, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

You can combine entrance and exit animations in PowerPoint to make an object appear and disappear on a slide during a slide show. This can occur automatically or on click. An object is typically a shape, image, text placeholder or text box.

Recommended article: How to Use Morph in PowerPoint to Design Engaging Presentations

Do you want to learn more about PowerPoint? Check out our virtual classroom or in-person classroom PowerPoint courses >

To apply animations, use the Animations tab in the Ribbon:

The expanded Animations Gallery appears when you click the More down arrow in the Animations group:

If you want to apply more than one animation to an object, you will need to use Add Animation in the Advanced Animation group.

Animations are typically added to objects in Normal View (but can be applied in Slide Master View).

In this article, we are using animations to make objects appear and disappear. Check out the article How to Use Morph in PowerPoint to Design Engaging Presentations for other ways to make objects move on or off a slide during a slide show using the Morph transition.

Add an entrance animation to make an object appear

To add an entrance animation to an object to make it appear on click:

• Select an object. For text objects, click in the text box or placeholder or click its edge.
• Click the Animations tab in the Ribbon.
• In the Animations group, click the More down arrow on the bottom right of the Animations Gallery.
• Click the Appear entrance animation in the Entrance group. Other common entrance effects are Fly In or Fade.

You can also apply an entrance animation by clicking Add Animation on the Animations tab in the Advanced Animation group.

By default, the object will appear on click during a slide show.

Add an exit animation to make an object disappear

To add an exit animation to an object to make it disappear on click:

• Click Add Animation in the Advanced Animations group (you must select Add Animation if you are adding more than one animation to an object). A drop-down menu appears.
• Click the Disappear exit animation in the Exit group. Other common exit animations are Fly Out or Fade.

Display the Animation Pane

When you apply multiple animations to an object, it's best to display the Animation Pane so you can easily edit the animations.

To display the Animation Pane:

• Click Animation Pane in the Advanced Animations group. The Animation Pane appears on the right side of the screen.

The Animation Pane will display the animations you have applied. If you have applied an entrance and exit effect, two animation effects will appear in the Animation Pane. You can click the animation effect in the Animation Pane and click the arrow to the right to display a drop-down menu with options or you can select options in the Ribbon for that effect.

In the Animation Pane, a green star appears beside entrance animations and a red star appears beside exit animations as follows:

Change the way an object starts

Animations are set by default to start on click during a slide show. If you want an animation to start automatically, you will need to change the start setting.

To start an animation automatically, you have two options:

• After Previous – the animation sequence will begin once a previous animation effect or effects is  completed. The start of a slide show is also a previous effect.
• With Previous – the animation sequence will begin at the same time as a previous animation effect or effects. The start of a slide show is also a previous effect.

To change the way an animation starts:

• Select the animation effect in the Animation Pane.
• In the Timing group, select an option from the Start drop-down menu.

Set the speed or duration of an animation

When you apply an animation, a duration or speed is automatically set for the animation (in seconds). The default duration is different for each animation effect. The initial duration is often fast and you may want to increase the duration to slow it down.

To set a speed or duration of an animation:

• In the Animations group, enter a time (in seconds) for the animation in the Duration area of the Timing group. You can click the up and down arrows to change the duration or type a duration.

Note the Duration in the example below:

Run a slide show

The final step is to run the slide show to see your object appear and disappear. Simply click the Slide Show button on the bottom right of the screen. Use the right and left arrows to move from slide to slide or start the animations. You can use many other methods to advance a presentation. Check out PowerPoint Slide Show Shortcuts (50+ Shortcuts) for other shortcuts you can use during a slide show.

Subscribe to get more articles like this one

Did you find this article helpful? If you would like to receive new articles, JOIN our email list.

More resources

How to Turn Off Automatic Text Resizing in PowerPoint

How to Change Slide Size or Dimensions in PowerPoint

How to Group and Ungroup in PowerPoint (with Shortcuts)

How to Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint (Complete Guide)

How to Remove the Background of an Image in PowerPoint (2 Ways)

Related courses

Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate / Advanced

Microsoft PowerPoint: Design for Non-Designers

Microsoft PowerPoint: Animations Bootcamp

Microsoft Excel: Intermediate / Advanced

VIEW MORE COURSES >

Our instructor-led courses are delivered in virtual classroom format or at our downtown Toronto location at 18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (some in-person classroom courses may also be delivered at an alternate downtown Toronto location). Contact us at [email protected] if you'd like to arrange custom instructor-led virtual classroom or onsite training on a date that's convenient for you.

Copyright 2024 Avantix ® Learning

You may also like

How to Insert or Type E with an Accent Mark in PowerPoint (È, É, Ê, Ë, è, é, ê, or ë)

You can insert or type e with an accent mark in PowerPoint using built-in tools or keyboard shortcuts (including Alt code shortcuts). The letter e can be inserted with an accent in both upper or lower case in text boxes or placeholders on slides, the slide master or layouts. The following are common accents in upper or lower case – È, É, Ê, Ë, è, é, ê, or ë.

How to Fade a Picture or Part of a Picture in PowerPoint (Using a Gradient)

You can fade a picture in PowerPoint by drawing a rectangle shape on top of the picture and then filling the rectangle with a gradient from opaque to transparent. This technique is often used to fade an image into the background of a slide. Since the rectangle is placed on top of the image and then text may be placed on top of the rectangle, you may need to reorder the objects.

How to Lock an Image, Shape or Other Object in PowerPoint

You can now lock an image, shape or other object in PowerPoint. Objects can be locked in Normal View or Slide Master View. Only PowerPoint 365 users can lock objects to prevent moving and resizing. This is helpful if you want to select and move other objects on the slide or prevent others from moving or resizing an object. You can lock items using the context menu or the Selection Pane.

Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, Microsoft Office and related Microsoft applications and logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in Canada, US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of the registered owners.

Avantix Learning |18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 1C4 | Contact us at [email protected]

Our Courses

Avantix Learning courses are offered online in virtual classroom format or as in-person classroom training. Our hands-on, instructor-led courses are available both as public scheduled courses or on demand as a custom training solution.

All Avantix Learning courses include a comprehensive course manual including tips, tricks and shortcuts as well as sample and exercise files.

VIEW COURSES  >

Contact us at  [email protected]  for more information about any of our courses or to arrange custom training.

Privacy Overview

Pin it on pinterest.

• Print Friendly

Animate or make words appear one line at a time

An animation effect option called By Paragraph lets you make list items appear one at a time. This type of animation is sometimes called a build slide . 

Make text appear one line at a time

On the slide, select the box that contains your text.

Select the Animations tab, and then pick an animation, such as Appear , Fade In , or Fly In .

For some animations, such as Fly In , select Effects Options , as you’ll need to pick a direction for the bullets to fly in from, such as bottom, top, left, or right.

Select Effect Options , and then select By Paragraph to make the paragraphs of text appear one at a time. (The other option, All at Once , makes all the lines of text appear at the same time.)

PowerPoint immediately previews the animation for you.

By default, when you present in Slide Show, each paragraph appears in response to a click. That way, you control when each paragraph appears. You can modify this setting by using the Start , Duration , and Delay controls on the far right end of the Animation tab of the ribbon.

Make text appear one letter at a time

You can also create a "typing" visual effect by making characters in a paragraph appear one at a time.

Select the Animations tab, and then select the Add Animation drop-down menu to select an animation, such as Appear .

Select the Animations tab, and then select Animation pane .

The Animation Pane opens on the right side of the PowerPoint window.

In the Animation Pane, select the arrow next to your animation, and select Effect Options .

In the dialog box, on the Effect tab under Enhancements , select the arrow next to Animate text , and select By letter . Then you can change the delay time in the seconds delay between letters box.

PowerPoint immediately previews the animation for you so that you can see the timing as the characters appear individually. You can repeat the preview by selecting the animation in the Animation Pane and selecting Play Selected .

Create a build slide

Change, remove or turn off animation effects

Select the Animations tab, and then pick an animation, such as Appear , Dissolve in , or Fly In .

For some animations, such as Fly In , select Effects Options on the Animation tab to pick a direction for the bullets to fly in from, such as bottom, top, left, or right.

Select Effect Options again, and then select By Paragraph to make the paragraphs of text appear one at a time. (The other option, All at Once , animates all lines of text in a placeholder or text box at the same time.)

By default, when you present in Slide Show, each paragraph appears in response to a click. That way, you control when each paragraph appears. You may also modify this setting by using the Start , Duration , and Delay options in the Animation pane.

On the Animations tab, select the Add Animation drop-down menu, and select an animation, such as Appear , Fade In , or Fly In .

Select the Animations tab, and then select Animation Pane .

(In PowerPoint for Mac 2011: On the View menu, select Custom Animation ).

In the Animation Pane, select the animation effect you want to modify, and then select the arrow next to Text Animations .

In the Animate text box, select By letter .

The default delay value for the time between letters appearing is 0.5 seconds, but you can change that by selecting the arrow next to Timing , and then choosing a new value in the Delay box.

Animate text in a shape

Now let's add Fly in and Spin animations to the text.

Select the shape text and select the Animations tab.

Select Fly in in Entrance Effects .

Select the text again and select Spin in Emphasis Effects . The Animations property pane now looks like this:

(Optional) In the Animations property pane, select each animation step and adjust the Effects options and Timing settings as required. Learn more .

To preview the animation, select the first animation and select Play From .

Animate a word on a slide

Change or remove animation effects

To preview the animation, on the View tab of the ribbon, in the Start Slide Show group, select From Current Slide , and then select to see each paragraph of text appear one at a time.

By default, when you present in Slide Show, each paragraph appears in response to a click. That way, you control when each paragraph appears.

Animate a picture on your slide

Animation effects available in PowerPoint for the web

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

TechRepublic

Account information, share with your friends.

Creating a series of click-activated instructions in PowerPoint

Your email has been sent

Recently a colleague asked me for help in designing a PowerPoint presentation. He wanted to know if there was an easier way to accomplish his mission, which was to display a different question or instruction each time the user clicks the mouse .

His approach was to make five or six copies of the same slide, and then edit the slides individually. I showed him a much faster and easier way to create a series of click-activated instructions—by creating a single slide that contains all of the instructions in a text box, and then tweaking the timing and effects properties for that text box. Here’s the scoop.

Timing is everything Suppose you’re designing a training slide show, and you want the student to read a question or an instruction, ponder it, and then click the mouse to display the answer to the question or the next instruction. And maybe, just for fun, you want to display a cool graphic image after the student clicks for the last time.

To illustrate how to create click-activated text, we’ll use the slide shown in Figure A . (We simply created a blank slide, added one text object for the title, another text object for the instructions, and an image object for the clip art.)

Once you’ve typed the instructions in your text box, here’s how you make those instructions appear one click at a time.

Right-click on the text box that contains the instructions and select the Custom Animation option from the Context menu, as shown in Figure B .

When the Custom Animation dialog box appears, click the Timing tab .

The item labeled “Text 2” will be selected by default. (That’s the second text object in our sample slide, the one that contains our instructions.) In the Start Animation section, click the Animate radio button. When you do, PowerPoint will move Text 2 to the top of the Animation Order list, as shown in Figure C .

Next, click the Effects tab . At this point, select one of the options under the Entry Animation and Sound option. These options determine how the text will appear on the slide—you can select plain old “Appear” or any of the other animation options. Then click the check box labeled Grouped by and select the “1st” option, as shown in Figure D . That option says, “bring in the text one first-level paragraph at a time.”

In order to make the picture the last thing to appear on this slide, click the Timing tab again. Click on “Object 3” and then click the Animate radio button. When you do, PowerPoint will add Object 3 to the Animation Order list. Click the effect tab and choose an entry animation style for the graphic. (For our sample slide, we chose the option Fly From Left.)

Click OK to close the Custom Animation dialog box.

Running the slide show When you run this slide show, the first thing you’ll see is the title text box—the only object with which we didn’t associate any animation. When you click the mouse, you’ll see the first line of your instructions. Each time you click, the next text entry appears in order.

After you’ve clicked four times to display all four entries in the text box, the fifth mouse click displays the clip art image. In this example, our slide show only contains one slide. However, if your presentation contains more than one slide, the next click will simply display the next slide.

Using this technique for your lessons Trainers can put this technique to work by creating slide shows that contain click-activated instructions.

You just tell your students, “click, read, and then click again.” If you want to add some pizzazz to the slides, you can not only define which appearance effect you use—such as fading in, flying in from left, right, or top—but you can use the Custom Animation dialog box to tell PowerPoint to play a particular sound each time the mouse is clicked.

I like having a picture appear at the end of the mini-lesson because it provides a visual cue to the student that the lesson for that slide is over. And you don’t have to use clip art images—you can insert screen shots or any other image you’ve created. To comment on this tip or to share your favorite PowerPoint tip, please post a comment below or follow this link to send us a note .

Subscribe to the Developer Insider Newsletter

From the hottest programming languages to commentary on the Linux OS, get the developer and open source news and tips you need to know. Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

* - indicates required fields

Sign in to TechRepublic

Lost your password? Request a new password

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support .

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

You're all set.

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

How to Make a Clickable Interaction in PowerPoint

by Thomas Reyes-Cairo | PowerPoint Tips | 0 comments

With a few simple steps, we can easily turn this pre-made PowerPoint graphic into a clickable animated process interaction.

Step 1: Plan Interaction

How do you want your interaction to look and function? You’ll need to identify which items should be clickable. Decide which animations and effects to apply with each click. Make sure that the artwork is to your liking, because we’ll be using this slide as a template for the others.

Step 2: Add Buttons

To add buttons, draw a shape over the items you want to make clickable. Note: Right click and select “Edit Points” to make sure the shape fits perfectly over the clickable area. Once all clickable shapes have been added, it’s time to make them transparent. Then simply add hyperlinks to the shapes so each shape navigates to a corresponding slide in your presentation.

Step 3: Create Pages

You’ll need a landing page for each clickable item to navigate to. Copy/Paste your artwork and buttons to each landing page slide. Tweak the content on each slide as needed.

Step 4: Make Awesome

At last we throw in some wicked animations. You can make them as extreme as you like, but subtle animations tend to look more professional. Adding a small animation to each shape that is clicked on is a nice way to indicate what was just clicked.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

• Bad PowerPoints Happen to Good People (But Not You)
• Fresh New PowerPoint Template Styles for Spring
• How to Create Awesome Zoom Virtual Backgrounds
• Why Color Contrast Matters in Your PowerPoint Presentations
• Creating Branching Scenarios in PowerPoint

Recent Comments

• Karen Webb on 5 PowerPoint Design Tips from a Graphic Designer
• Miriam Castellon on PowerPoint Tips: Over 25 Ways to Save a Presentation
• Elevano Consulting on Get Rolling with these 40 New Hub and Spoke Graphics
• Miguel Monteiro on 5 Things You Didn’t Know PowerPoint Could Do
• Philippa Leguen de Lacroix on 5 Things You Didn’t Know PowerPoint Could Do
• February 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• January 2017
• December 2016
• November 2016
• October 2016
• September 2016
• August 2016
• February 2016
• January 2016
• December 2015
• November 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• August 2015
• February 2015
• January 2015
• December 2014
• November 2014
• October 2014
• September 2014
• February 2014
• January 2014
• December 2013
• Cutout People Images
• Cutout People Images Questions
• Knowledge Base
• Membership/Account
• PowerPoint Graphics
• PowerPoint Graphics Questions
• PowerPoint Tips
• Stock Images
• Uncategorized
• Entries RSS
• Comments RSS
• WordPress.org