Hyperlinks and action buttons are useful tools in PowerPoint 2007 presentations. They allow you to create interactive slides that connect to other slides, files, webpages, or run programs. This article will teach you how to effectively utilize hyperlinks and action buttons.
What Are Hyperlinks in PowerPoint?
A hyperlink in PowerPoint is a connection from one slide to another resource. The hyperlinked text or object, when clicked during the slideshow, will open the linked resource.
Hyperlinks can:
- Link to another slide in the same presentation
- Link to a specific slide in a different PowerPoint presentation
- Link to a webpage
- Link to a file such as a Word doc or PDF
- Create an email hyperlink to prefill a “To” address
When inserted properly, hyperlinks in PowerPoint presentations become active during the slideshow. The mouse cursor will turn into a hand icon when hovered over a hyperlink, indicating it can be clicked.
Benefits
- Create an interactive presentation
- Allow smooth navigation between slides and external resources
- Provide access to additional information
How to Insert a Hyperlink in PowerPoint
To insert a hyperlink:
- Select the text or object you want to be hyperlinked
- Go to the “Insert” tab and click the “Hyperlink” button
- In the dialog box, choose the type of resource you want to link to
- Fill in the necessary info such as web address or file location
- Click OK
The text or object will now be hyperlinked. Test it by starting the slideshow.
Pro Tip: To link to a file or webpage, you need to provide the full path or URL. To link within the same presentation, choose the desired slide from the list.
Removing and Editing Hyperlinks
To remove a hyperlink, right-click the hyperlinked item and select “Remove Hyperlink”. This will strip the link while keeping the text or object in place.
To edit an existing hyperlink:
- Right-click the hyperlinked item
- Select “Edit Hyperlink”
- Make changes to the address or linked resource
What Are Action Buttons?
Action buttons perform a predefined action when clicked during a slideshow. They act as shortcuts to navigate or trigger something instantly.
Some examples of action button uses:
- Jump to the first, last or specific slide
- Play an audio or video clip
- Run another program like opening a website
- Display more information by linking to another file
Benefits
- Create an interactive, non-linear presentation
- Quick access to external resources
- Ability to navigate slides in a custom order
Inserting Action Buttons
To insert an action button:
- Go to the “Insert” tab
- Click the arrow below “Shapes”
- Select a premade action button from the menu
To customize the button action:
- Draw the action button onto your slide
- In the “Action Settings” dialog box, choose the button function
- Fill in any required additional information
- Click OK
Some action buttons have default functions, like jumping to the first or last slide. Feel free to get creative with buttons by linking to webpages, other files, or custom slide navigation.
Test action buttons thoroughly before finalizing your presentation. Check all custom paths and links.
Design Tips
- Use hyperlinks and action buttons judiciously. Too many can overwhelm an audience and detract from your main content.
- Style links to match your design theme using custom colors and formatting.
- Ensure action icons clearly communicate their function through shapes and ScreenTips.
- Check all links and buttons in Slide Show view before presenting.
Recap
- Hyperlinks connect slides to additional resources and information.
- Action buttons trigger instant navigation or actions with a simple click.
- Both tools boost interactivity and customization in your PowerPoint presentations.
With a solid understanding of these features, you can now build dynamic slides to better engage your audience. Use them to connect ideas, provide access to extra materials, or enable non-linear slide navigation.
Just remember to test thoroughly before going live! Audiences will appreciate well-executed hyperlinks and action buttons in your PowerPoint presentations.
