Animations in PowerPoint add a dynamic touch to presentations. In this guide, we'll delve into the basics of animations, discussing their benefits and potential drawbacks. Additionally, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to add, change, and remove animations, ensuring your presentations captivate your audience.
Basics of Animations in PowerPoint
What Are Animations Effects
Animations in PowerPoint are dynamic effects that enhance the visual appeal of presentations. They add movement and interactivity to elements like text, images, and shapes. These effects engage the audience and make the content more memorable.
Basic Animation Effects in PowerPoint:
Entrance Effects: These bring elements onto the slide. Examples include "Fade In," "Fly In," and "Appear."
Exit Effects: These make elements leave the slide. Options include "Fade Out," "Fly Out," and "Disappear."
Emphasis Effects: These draw attention to specific elements. Common emphasis effects are "Bold Flash," "Color Pulse," and "Grow/Shrink."
Motion Paths: These allow you to define a specific path for an element to move along.
Transitions: While not strictly animations, transitions control how slides change from one to another.
Pros and Cons of Using Animations in PowerPoint
Pros:
Enhanced Engagement: Animations capture attention and make information more engaging.
Visual Emphasis: They help highlight key points, making complex information easier to understand.
Storytelling: Animations allow for a narrative flow, guiding the audience through the content.
Memorability: Dynamic elements are more likely to be remembered than static content.
Cons:
Overuse Distraction: Too many animations can overwhelm and distract the audience.
Misinterpretation: Improperly used animations might confuse the message.
Accessibility Issues: Some individuals with visual impairments may find animations challenging.
Presentation Length: Excessive animations can extend the duration of a presentation.
Real-life Example: Imagine a sales presentation where product features are revealed through sequential animations, creating a clear and impactful narrative.
In the next sections, we'll delve into adding, arranging, and removing animations to give you full control over your PowerPoint presentations.
How to Add Animations to Your PowerPoint Presentations
Adding animations to your PowerPoint presentations can greatly enhance their visual appeal and engagement. Follow these step-by-step instructions to seamlessly incorporate animations into your slides：
Step 1: Select the object or text that you want to animate.
Step 2: On the Animations tab, click the Animation Pane.
Step 3: In the Animation Pane, click the Add Animation button.
Step 4: Select the animation effect that you want to apply.
Step 5: To customize the animation effect, click the Effect Options button.
Step 6: In the Effect Options dialog box, make the desired changes and then click Close.
Step 7: To preview the animation, click the Play button in the Animation Pane.
Step 8: To apply the animation to your presentation, click the Close button in the Animation Pane.
Here are some additional tips for adding animations to your PowerPoint presentations:
You can add multiple animations to the same object or text.
To change the order of the animations, drag and drop them in the Animation Pane.
To delay the start of an animation, click the animation in the Animation Pane and then enter a value in the Delay box.
To change the duration of an animation, click the animation in the Animation Pane and then enter a value in the Duration box.
To remove an animation, click the animation in the Animation Pane and then press the Delete key.
How to Change Animation Order in PowerPoint
Changing the order of animations in your PowerPoint presentation can help you fine-tune the flow and timing of your content. Follow these step-by-step instructions, accompanied by screenshots, to effortlessly rearrange animation sequences：
Step 1: Open the Animation Pane. To do this, on the Animations tab, in the Advanced Animation group, click Animation Pane.
Step 2: In the Animation Pane, click the animation that you want to move.
Step 3: Click the Move Up or Move Down button to move the animation to the desired position in the list.
Step 4: Preview the animation order by clicking the Play button in the Animation Pane.
Step 5: Once you are satisfied with the animation order, click the Close button in the Animation Pane.
Here are some additional tips :
You can also drag and drop animations in the Animation Pane to change their order.
To move an animation to the top or bottom of the list, click the Move to Top or Move to Bottom button in the Animation Pane.
To reset the animation order to its original state, click the Reset button in the Animation Pane.
By following these steps, you'll be able to seamlessly re-order animations in your PowerPoint presentation, ensuring a polished and professional delivery.
How to Remove Animation Effects in PowerPoint
Animations can enhance a presentation, but there are times when you might need to remove them. Follow this detailed guide, complete with screenshots and expert tips, to seamlessly eliminate animation effects from your PowerPoint slides：
Keyboard shortcut to remove animation effects: Ctrl+Del
Step 1: Open the Animation Pane. To do this, on the Animations tab, in the Advanced Animation group, click Animation Pane.
Step 2: In the Animation Pane, click the animation effect that you want to remove.
Step 3: Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 to remove any other animation effects that you want to remove.
Step 5: To close the Animation Pane, click the Close button.
Tips:
You can also remove all animation effects from a slide by clicking the None button in the Animation Pane.
To remove all animation effects from a presentation, click the Set up Show button on the Slide Show tab and then check the Show without animation box in the Set up Show dialog box.
Be careful when removing animation effects, as you cannot undo this action.
I think that animation effects can be a great way to add interest and engagement to your PowerPoint presentations. However, it is important to use them wisely and avoid using too many animations, as this can be distracting and overwhelming for your audience.
If you are unsure whether or not to use animation effects in a particular presentation, it is always best to err on the side of caution and leave them out. You can always add them later if you decide that you need them.
Get Best Free PowerPoint Animations Templates in WPS Office
WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office files. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet editor, presentation software, and PDF editor. WPS Office is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Some of the advantages of WPS Office include:
File compatibility: WPS Office can open and save files in a variety of formats, including Microsoft Office formats, PDF, and more.
Free to use: WPS Office is free to download and use for personal and commercial purposes.
Built-in templates and fonts: WPS Office includes a variety of free templates and fonts that you can use to create professional-looking documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Features in WPS Office that Microsoft Office does not offer for free:
PDF editing: WPS Office includes a built-in PDF editor that allows you to create, edit, and convert PDF files.
Built-in free delicate templates store: WPS Office includes a built-in store of free templates for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Make Your Presentations Better
Choose 3 different types of free best-animated WPS presentations templates and write a brief overview of their features; Insert link for free download:
1. Business Animation Template
This template is perfect for creating professional-looking business presentations. It includes a variety of animated slides that you can use to highlight your key points and engage your audience.
Features:
Animated slides that highlight key points
Professional-looking design
Easy to customize
Download link: https://www.wps.com/academy/ppt-template-with-animation-quick-tutorials-1873100/
2. Education Animation Template
This template is perfect for creating educational presentations. It includes a variety of animated slides that you can use to teach your students new concepts and make learning fun.
Features:
Animated slides that teach new concepts
Engaging design
Easy to customize
Download link: https://template.wps.com/themes/educational-templates-you-need-242/
3. Creative Animation Template
This template is perfect for creating creative presentations. It includes a variety of animated slides that you can use to showcase your creativity and impress your audience.
Features:
Animated slides that showcase creativity
Unique design
Easy to customize
Download link: https://www.wps.com/academy/search/cool-animated-powerpoint-templates-free/
WPS Office is a great alternative to Microsoft Office, especially if you are looking for a free and open-source office suite. WPS Office includes a variety of features, such as a built-in PDF editor and a built-in store of free templates, that Microsoft Office does not offer for free.
If you are looking for free animated PowerPoint templates, I encourage you to check out the WPS Office template store. There are a variety of templates available to choose from, so you can find one that is perfect for your needs.
FAQs
How do I make animations appear one by one in PowerPoint?
To make animations appear one by one in PowerPoint, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select the object you want to animate.
Step 2: Go to the "Animations" tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
Step 3: Click on "Add Animation" and choose the desired animation effect.
Step 4: In the Animation Pane on the right, you'll see the list of animations. By default, they will appear all at once.
Step 5: Click on the dropdown arrow next to the animation entry in the Animation Pane.
Step 6: Select "Start On Click" or "Start After Previous" depending on when you want the animation to start.
Repeat these steps for each object you want to animate individually.
How do I keep animation consistent in PowerPoint?
To keep animations consistent in PowerPoint, consider the following tips:
Use a Theme: Stick to a specific theme for your presentation. This ensures that animations, fonts, and colors remain consistent throughout.
Apply Animation Styles: Use similar animation styles for related elements. For instance, use the same entrance effect for all bullet points.
Set Timing and Delays: Adjust the timing and delays of animations to maintain a consistent flow. Elements with similar content or importance should have similar timing.
Preview Animations: Before finalizing, preview your presentation to ensure that all animations appear and behave as intended.
What is the best animation timing?
The best animation timing depends on the content and purpose of your presentation. Here are some general guidelines:
Transitions Between Slides: Keep transitions relatively short, around 0.5 to 1 second. This provides a smooth flow between slides.
Entrance Animations: For individual elements, consider a staggered approach. Start with 0.5 to 1 second delays between animations.
Exit Animations: Ensure exit animations align with the pace of your presentation. They shouldn't be too fast or too slow.
Emphasis Animations: Use emphasis animations sparingly and keep them short. They're meant to draw attention to specific points.
Ultimately, it's important to test your presentation and adjust timing based on how it feels in real-time. Pay attention to audience engagement and adjust as needed.
Summary
Mastering animations in PowerPoint is a powerful skill that can greatly enhance your presentations. With WPS Office, you have access to a suite of features that rival premium office suites. Elevate your presentations with dynamic animations and engaging templates, making your content truly shine.
