How to Apply Multiple Animations in PowerPoint
(Note: Suitable for users of PowerPoint 2016, 2019, 2021, and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.)
Objective
Apply multiple animations to one object in PowerPoint.
Multiple Animations in PowerPoint Explained
Animations are visual effects that can be applied to objects in PowerPoint. Animations can be applied to text, shapes, pictures, charts, icons, lists and much more. Animation adds a dynamic element to objects instantly making a presentation look more interesting.
Animation controls the way objects move on or off the slide. Effects that control how an object moves on to the slide are called Entrance Effects. Effects that control how an object moves off a slide are called Exit Effects. We can even apply Emphasis Effects which occur once the object has arrived on the slide.
When used correctly, Animations can really enhance a presentation and draw attention to keep points of interest. When used incorrectly, they can make a presentation look chaotic and unprofessional.
Our recommendation is to build the PowerPoint presentation first and apply animation effects at the end when all objects are in their final locations. Try to stick to subtle animation effects and don’t use too many different effects in one presentation.
It is possible to add more than one animation effect to a single object. However, how we do this is not immediately obvious.
- Apply an Entrance Effect Animation to a Bulleted List
- Apply an Emphasis Effect Animation to a Bulleted List
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Apply an Entrance Effect Animation to a Bulleted List
In this example, we want each bullet point to fly in from the left when the presenter clicks the mouse.
- Select the first bullet point.
- From the Animations tab, in the Animation group, click the drop-down arrow to expand the animation gallery.
- From the Entrance group, click Fly In.
- From the Animations tab, in the Animation group, click the drop-down arrow next to Effect Options.
- Select From Left from the menu.
- Repeat this process to apply the same animation to each bullet point in the list.
By default, animations will be set to start On Click. This means the animation won’t play until the presenter clicks the mouse. We can adjust this setting if we want the bullet points to fly in automatically after the previous slide finishes.
When an animation has been applied to an object, it’s indicated by a number. This number determines the order in which the animations will play.
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Apply an Emphasis Effect Animation to a Bulleted List
Using the animation gallery in PowerPoint allows us to add an entrance effect OR an emphasis effect, OR an exit effect. However, what if we need to add an entrance effect AND an emphasis effect to the same object?
When applying multiple animations to one object, we need to approach this slightly differently. If we use the animation gallery, the new effect will replace the original effect.
In this example, I want the bulleted list of items to fly in from the left and then pulse once they have arrived on the slide. So, I need to add an emphasis effect but still retain the entrance effect.
- Select the first bullet point in the list.
- From the Animations tab, in the Advanced Animation group, click the drop-down arrow next to Add Animation.
- From the Emphasis group, select Pulse.
The Emphasis Effects will show in the Animation Pane and can be customized.
- From the Animations tab, in the Animation group, click Animation Pane.
Each animation is listed in the Animation Pane. Click the drop-down arrow next to the animation to see more customizable options.
Once multiple animations have been applied to an object, the Animation gallery will reflect that.
Also read:
How to Wrap Text in PowerPoint
How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint
Easy Steps on How to Change Slide Size in PowerPoint
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Deborah Ashby
Deborah Ashby is a TAP Accredited IT Trainer, specializing in the design, delivery, and facilitation of Microsoft courses both online and in the classroom.She has over 11 years of IT Training Experience and 24 years in the IT Industry. To date, she's trained over 10,000 people in the UK and overseas at companies such as HMRC, the Metropolitan Police, Parliament, SKY, Microsoft, Kew Gardens, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP.She's a qualified MOS Master for 2010, 2013, and 2016 editions of Microsoft Office and is COLF and TAP Accredited and a member of The British Learning Institute.
