Adding Transitions Animations Audio and Video

Use movement and media with restraint, correct timing and reliable playback.

What you will learn

• Apply appropriate slide transitions
• Animate objects in a meaningful sequence
• Insert and test audio or video

Before you begin

Use a practice presentation and non-sensitive sample information. PowerPoint versions can place commands differently, so use the ribbon search box when a named command is not immediately visible. Save before making major changes.

Use transitions sparingly

A transition controls how one slide changes to the next. A subtle transition applied consistently is usually sufficient.

Use duration to control speed. Avoid combining many dramatic transitions, which distracts from the content.

Animate for a reason

Animations can reveal steps, direct attention or explain a process. Use the Animation Pane to inspect order, timing and triggers.

Choose whether an effect starts on click, with the previous effect or after it. Keep the sequence predictable and test it in Slide Show.

Prepare media

Insert media from a permitted source and check whether it is embedded or linked. Trim it where useful and provide captions or a transcript for essential spoken content.

Test sound, video and network-dependent media on the actual presentation computer. Keep a fallback plan such as a still image or local copy.

Guided practice

1. Apply one subtle transition to all practice slides.
2. Animate three process steps in the correct order.
3. Insert or identify a short test media file and verify playback settings.

Knowledge check

1. What is the difference between a transition and an animation?
2. Where can animation order be reviewed?
3. Why is a media fallback useful?

Completion standard

Continue when you can complete the guided practice and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.