Adding animations to your PowerPoint slides can make your presentations more dynamic and memorable. However, PowerPoint animates objects in the order you add them, which may not always suit your needs. Fortunately, reordering animations is easy in the latest versions of PowerPoint.
Why Change Animation Order?
Sequencing your animations properly allows you to:
- Control the flow of information
- Emphasize key points
- Maintain audience attention
- Avoid visual clutter
For example, you may want a graph to appear first to set the context before animating in the explanatory text. Or have bullet points fly in one by one to reveal information sequentially. Changing the order allows you to achieve the desired effect.
Access the Animation Pane
To reorder animations, you first need to open the Animation Pane:
- Go to the Animations tab
- Click Animation Pane in the Advanced Animation group
The pane shows all animations on the current slide. Each one has a number that indicates when it appears.
Reorder Using Drag and Drop
The easiest way to reorder animations is using drag and drop:
- Click the animation you want to move
- Drag it up or down the list to the desired position
- Release the mouse button to drop it into place
As you drag, a red line indicates the new position. The animation numbers update automatically upon dropping.
Use the Reorder Buttons
Alternatively, use the Reorder Animation buttons:
- Select the animation in the Animation Pane or on the slide
- Click Move Earlier or Move Later to shift its position
Repeat as needed until each animation is in the right sequence.
Set Precise Timings
Additionally, you can set precise timings for when animations occur:
- Start – Delay before the animation begins
- Duration – Length of the animation
- Delay – Time between this and the previous animation
Adjust these options in the Effect Options pane.
Animation Order Best Practices
When sequencing animations:
- Reveal information progressively
- Use simple motions that emphasize without distracting
- Maintain consistency in animation types
- Preview frequently to ensure optimal flow
The order should always serve your core message rather than impress with flashy effects.
Other Animation Tips
- Use subtle animations sparingly
- Keep text builds simple (e.g. bullet points)
- Animate important visuals or diagrams
- Allow time for audience to absorb information revealed
Conclusion
Carefully planning and adjusting animation order gives you precision control over the viewing experience. Follow the techniques outlined here within PowerPoint to sequence animations effectively. Keep it simple, consistent, and focused on enhancing your presentation content above all else.
