Creating animations or movies in PowerPoint can take your presentations to the next level and captivate your audience. With some simple tips and tricks, you can use PowerPoint to create stunning visual effects.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create animations and movies in PowerPoint, from basic animations to cinematic video productions.
Step 1: Add Basic Animations in PowerPoint
The easiest way to add animation in PowerPoint is through the Animations tab. Here are the steps:
- Select the text or object you want to animate on your slide
- Go to the Animations tab and browse the animation gallery
- Choose an entrance, emphasis, exit, or motion path animation
- Customize the animation with effect options like direction, color, duration etc.
- Preview the animation with the Play button
You can add multiple animations to the same slide and control the order in which they play with the Animation Pane.
Basic animations like fades, wipes, and fly-ins can make your text and images more dynamic. Use them sparingly to highlight important points.
Step 2: Create Advanced Animations and Motion Paths
To go beyond basic effects, explore the advanced animation options in PowerPoint. Some techniques include:
Spin and Rotate Objects
Make shapes and images spin or rotate dynamically by selecting the Spin or Rotate animation effects. You can set multiple rotations and customize speed and direction.
Animate Charts and Graphs
Bring your data viz to life. Make your charts grow, highlight key data points with circles and arrows, and more.
Morph Shapes and Images
Morph allows you to animate smooth movement and transformation of objects. You can morph circles into rectangles or one image into another.
Add Motion Paths
With custom motion paths, you can make objects follow preset or custom trajectories across the slide. This takes some work to set up but allows advanced movement.
Step 3: Record Animated Slide Shows
PowerPoint allows you to create animated movies by recording your on-screen actions as you present. Here’s how:
- Set up animations and transitions on slides
- Go to Slide Show tab and click on Record Slide Show
- Choose camera and mic options, start recording
- Go through the slides, triggering animations with clicks
- Stop recording when done and save
The end result will be a video showing your animated slide show with synced voiceover.
Step 4: Save Animations as Video
For wider sharing, you can export your animated slides or slideshows as standard video files.
On the File menu, choose “Export > Create a Video” and pick output options. The resolution and frame rate will impact video quality.
PowerPoint will render all animations, transitions, narrations, and effects to video. You can share this animated video file anywhere without needing PowerPoint.
Step 5: Share Animations Online
To share your animated PowerPoint slides or movies online:
- Save as MP4, MOV or animated GIF files
- Upload files to YouTube, Google Drive or Dropbox
- Embed videos into websites and blogs
Follow platform guidelines for video formats, sizes and aspect ratios. YouTube has optimization tips for PowerPoint conversions.
Pro Tips for Better PowerPoint Animations
Here are some professional tips to take your PowerPoint animations to the next level:
- Use animation styles consistently across slides
- Time animations with slide narration
- Avoid overusing animations
- Ensure animations work well on mobile devices
- Add custom motion paths for a cinematic look
- Use video style editing transitions
- Include animated GIFs for memes and humor
With the right balance of visual effects, animated PowerPoints can capture attention and effectively communicate your ideas.
Conclusion
Whether you want to add some movement to text, make shapes spin and fly, or create an animated cinema, PowerPoint provides all the necessary tools. Follow our step-by-step guide to create animations, record animated slide shows, save them as video, and share online.
With these PowerPoint animation tips and tricks, prepare to wow your next audience!
