How to Add Curtain Transition in PowerPoint

Adding transitions between slides in a PowerPoint presentation can help smooth the flow from one slide to the next. One popular transition effect is the “curtain” transition, which opens and closes like a theater curtain to transition from one slide to another.

Curtain transitions provide a clean and professional way to transition between slides. They help focus the audience’s attention as each new slide is revealed. In this article, we’ll walk through how to add curtain transitions in PowerPoint.

What Are Curtain Transitions in PowerPoint?

The curtain transition in PowerPoint opens each new slide like a theater curtain, revealing the slide’s contents. When the next slide appears, the current slide’s contents close like a curtain.

This transition effect was introduced in PowerPoint 2013 and is not available in older versions. If you apply a curtain transition in PowerPoint 2010 or earlier, it will likely default to a fade transition instead.

Curtain transitions come in several color variations. You can choose red, blue, black, or white curtains. The default curtain color is red.

Benefits of Using Curtain Transitions

Here are some of the benefits of using curtain transitions in PowerPoint:

• Provide a clean, professional transition between slides
• Help focus the audience’s attention as each slide is revealed
• Add visual interest and keep your audience engaged
• Fun theater theme sets your presentation apart
• Available in several color variations to fit your theme

How to Add a Curtain Transition in PowerPoint

Adding a curtain transition in PowerPoint is easy. Here are the steps:

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide you want to add a transition to.
2. Click the “Transitions” tab at the top of the screen.
3. In the “Transition to This Slide” section, click the transition effect dropdown menu.
4. Select “Curtains” from the dropdown menu.
5. The curtain transition will be applied to the selected slide.
6. To preview the transition, click the “Preview” button.
7. Optionally, open the Effect Options to select a curtain color. Choices include red, blue, black or white.
8. Select the transition speed using the duration dropdown.
9. Click apply to all if you want the curtain transition on all slides.

And you’re done! The curtain transition is now set. Repeat the process for additional slides as needed.

Customize the transition speed and colors to perfectly fit your presentation’s look and feel.

Curtain Transition Limitations

While curtain transitions provide a clean slide transition effect, there are a couple limitations to be aware of:

• Only opens, doesn’t close: The curtain will open to reveal each new slide, but it does not close to hide the previous slide. Many users wish there was a “close curtain” option.
• Not available in older versions: As mentioned, curtain transitions are only available in PowerPoint 2013 and newer. In older versions, it will default to a fade transition.

If you want to simulate a “closing curtain” effect in older versions, you can get creative with multiple slides and animations. Just be aware it takes some work.

Tips for Using Curtain Transitions

Here are some tips to help you make the most of curtain transitions:

• Use subtly and sparingly. Curtain transitions work best when used cleanly between key slides.
• Be consistent with the effect. Don’t mix many transition types.
• Adjust speed appropriately. Make sure the curtain opens/closes at an ideal pace.
• Match color scheme. Select curtain colors to match your presentation theme.
• Preview transitions and animations. Double check the slide flow makes sense.

Curtain Transition Ideas and Examples

Curtain transitions work especially well for:

Revealing key text/images: Open the curtain to highlight important points, visuals or quotes.

Scene changes: Use curtains to transition between major topics or themes, like a literal theater scene change.

Show opening/closing: Open your presentation or conclude it with an elegant curtain rise/fall.

Get creative with curtains to set the scene and draw focus where you want it. Use subtlety, consistency, and purpose.

Conclusion

Adding curtain transitions in PowerPoint provides a clean and professional way to transition between slides. Curtains help reveal key information while adding stylistic flair.

Now you know how to quickly add curtain transitions in just a few clicks. Adjust color, speed, and usage to perfectly complement your presentation content.

Just be aware curtain transitions are limited to PowerPoint 2013 and beyond. And you can currently only open curtains, not close them. Get creative with animations if you want a true curtain close effect.

Use curtains wisely, subtly, and consistently for best results. Let us know if you have any other questions!