Linking slides in PowerPoint presentations allows you to create an interactive experience for your audience. With linked slides, you can connect relevant slides so users can seamlessly navigate to additional information.
Follow these 10 steps to effectively link slides in your PowerPoint presentations.
1. Determine the Purpose of Linking Slides
Before adding links, think about why you want connected slides. Linking slides helps:
- Provide more detail through slide connections
- Create an interactive, non-linear presentation
- Customize presentations for different audiences
- Tell a story by connecting key ideas
- Save time by avoiding slide searches
By linking slides with a purpose in mind, you can create meaningful connections versus links for the sake of links.
2. Choose a Linking Method
PowerPoint provides several options for linking slides:
- Hyperlinks – Link text or images to slides
- Action buttons – Add clickable buttons to trigger links
- Slide Zoom – Link slides with slide thumbnail images
Consider which method aligns best with your linking purpose. For example, hyperlinks blend seamlessly into slide content, while action buttons clearly display clickable links.
3. Select Link Source
The source slide contains the link that triggers navigation to another slide. Decide which slide content should link to additional content.
Relevant link sources include:
- Key terms and concepts
- Images, icons, and logos
- Buttons, shapes, and text boxes
Place links strategically on impactful slide elements that warrant more information.
4. Choose Link Destination
The destination is the slide the link goes to when clicked. Pick destination slides that:
- Provide more detail on source slide content
- Answer questions from the source slide
- Share a storytelling connection with the source
Link to the most relevant and useful destination slides to create an engaging, meaningful presentation.
5. Insert Hyperlinks
If using hyperlinks, follow these steps:
- Select the link source text or object
- Go to Insert > Links > Hyperlink
- Choose destination slide
- Test link
Hyperlinks blend right into slide content for a clean linking experience.
6. Add Action Buttons
To link with clickable buttons:
- Select link source object
- Go to Insert > Links > Action
- Choose destination slide
- Test button
Prominently display links with customizable action buttons.
7. Include Slide Zooms
To link slides with slide thumbnail images:
- Copy destination slide
- Paste slide thumbnail on source slide
- Resize and position thumbnail
- Test link
Visually represent destination information with interactive slide thumbnails.
8. Refine Formatting
Enhance link visibility and usability with formatting:
- Contrasting colors: Use complementary colors for links and slide backgrounds
- Indicators: Add pointers, outlines, and animations to highlight links
- Descriptive text: Include context with link text descriptions
Format links so audiences can easily identify and use them.
9. Check Accessibility
Ensure links are accessible to all audiences:
- Read link text out loud – Confirm text describes destination
- Check color contrast – Links should stand out from backgrounds
- Use multiple cues – Support links with multiple indicators like color, text, and icons
Links should make sense and work for listeners, colorblind users, and more.
10. Test Thoroughly
Check links extensively before presenting:
- Test all links – Click every link, confirm destination
- Check with slides out of order – Link paths should work regardless of sequence
- Review on different devices – Ensure links function on phones, tablets, and computers
Rigorously test links to catch any issues before an audience tries accessing them.
Linking Slides in PowerPoint Demo
See linked slides in action by downloading the PowerPoint demo presentation:
10 Steps to Linking PowerPoint Slides Demo.pptx
The demo provides examples of hyperlinks, action buttons, and slide zooms to inspire your interactive linked slides.
By thoughtfully linking PowerPoint slides, you can create dynamic, engaging presentations that tell a fluid story. Use these 10 steps to add purposeful connections through hyperlinks, action buttons, and embedded thumbnails. With compelling links, your custom path through the presentation keeps audiences interested and informed.
