How to create animations in PowerPoint 2016

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Your presented data may be deathly boring but your presentation of it doesn't have to be. Animations can be used to bring a bit of life to your report.

Let's face it, not everything you share will be tantalizing to keep the attention of your audience. Just as transition effects or images can complement the information, animations help to increase the "wow" factor.

Here's how you can add animation effects to text, shapes, and images.

Animation effects can be applied to text, shapes, and objects on any slide in PowerPoint 2016. When you explore the number of animation effects, you will notice that they are grouped into four types. Let's see what they are and how to use them.

  • Entrance — This group of effects serves to introduce text or objects into a slide during a presentation.
  • Exit — This group helps to mark the end of the text or object's time on the slide.
  • Emphasis — This group provides you the option to draw attention to text or objects. It can be used to highlight important details.
  • Motion Paths — This group allows you to move text and objects along a predetermined path. These can be used as transitions of sorts on a slide.

With the exception of Motion Paths, most of the animation types contain subgroups of effects. They include Basic, Subtle, Moderate and Exciting effects.

How to add and remove animation effects in PowerPoint

How to add an animation effect to text or objects

  1. Select the text or object you need to animate
  2. Click on the Animations tab in the navigation ribbon.
  3. Click Add Animation.
  4. Select an animation effect from the list.

You can apply more than one effect to the same object. This can only be done by clicking on Add Animation. If you try to add another animation by any other means, you will only replace the previous effect.

The default naming convention for animation effects could be somewhat confusing to look at. The ability to rename animations to clarify target objects is available in the Selection pane from the Home tab. Double-click on a name to be able to edit it.

How to remove an animation effect

  1. Select Animation Pane from the Advanced Animation group.
  2. Select the animation effect from the pane on the right side.
  3. Click the Down Arrow to open a drop-down list.
  4. Select Remove.

How to edit and manage animation effects in PowerPoint

How to change the order of the animation effects

  1. Click the Animations tab in the navigation ribbon.
  2. Select the Animation pane from the Advanced Animation group.
  3. Select the Animation you wish to move in the Animation pane.
  4. Select either the up and down arrow, next to the Play From button, to move the animation earlier or later in the sequence.

How to set the start time and duration of an effect

  1. Navigate to the Animation pane.
  2. Select an animation effect from the list.
  3. Click the Down Arrow to the right of the effect listing.
  4. Select Timing from the drop-down list.
  5. Select Start from the Timing tab to select an option.
  6. Choose a value under the Delay option.
  7. Choose the length of the animation effect under the Duration section.

By adjusting the duration, you are altering the speed of the animation, which can potentially alter the impact the effect has on the audience.

How to activate an animation effect by clicking on it

  1. Click on the object or text in question.
  2. Click on the Animations tab.
  3. Add the animation as described in How to animate text or objects in PowerPoint 2016.
  4. Locate the Advanced Animation group.
  5. Select Animation pane.
  6. Select the object or text to be triggered with a click.
  7. Select Trigger from the Advanced Animation group.
  8. Select On Click from the drop-down.
  9. Select the object to confirm.

How to begin an animation during audio and video content

  1. Select the audio or video clip on a slide.
  2. Click Play from the media controls.
  3. Click Pause where you want to add a bookmark.
  4. Locate the Playback tab in the Video Tools section.
  5. Select Add Bookmark from the Bookmark group.
  6. Select the Animation tab.
  7. Select Advanced Animation.
  8. Select Animation pane.
  9. Select an animation effect.
  10. Select Trigger under Advanced Animation.
  11. Select On Bookmark from the drop-down list.
  12. Choose the bookmark you have set.

How to Repeat and Rewind an animation effect

  1. Select the Animations tab.
  2. Select the Show Additional Effect Options icon.
  3. Select the Timing tab.
  4. Select an option from the Repeat drop-down.
  5. Click the Rewind when done playing checkbox.

How to use motion path animation effects in PowerPoint

How to add a motion path to text or objects

  1. Select the Animations tab.
  2. Click Add Animation under the Advanced Animation group.
  3. Navigate to the Motion Path group of effects.
  4. Select a path.

If you were to select the Custom Path option, you will be required to draw out the path to be taken. Click and drag to create a visible, freehand path or just point and click to create lines with connection points. Double-click the left mouse button to mark the end of the path and see a preview of the movement.

How to modify a motion path

  1. Select Effect Options in the Animation group.
  2. Select from the presented motion alternatives to change the path.
  3. Navigate to the Path group in the drop-down.
  4. Click on Edit Points.
  5. Click on any points on the path and drag to a new location.
  6. Click Preview to see the revised animation in action.

Wrapping up

Now that you understand the basics, you can delve into the animation options for your own report. Just remember to make sure the effects are not disruptive. Your audience will remember the information and the importance you place on it. Do you have any favorite animation effects? Let us know in the comments!

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Ryan Blundell
Ryan Blundell