Animations in PowerPoint let you add movement to text, pictures, shapes, and other objects. They help highlight key points and make your slides easier to follow. But too many animations can distract your audience, so use them wisely.

The Four Types of Animations

PowerPoint offers four main types of animations:

  • Entrance: Controls how an object enters the slide. Example: the Bounce effect makes the object “fall” in and bounce.

  • Emphasis: Happens while the object is on the slide. Example: an object can spin when you click the mouse.

  • Exit: Controls how an object leaves the slide. Example: the Fade effect makes the object disappear smoothly.

  • Motion Paths: Moves the object within the slide along a path, such as a circle or line.

How to Add an Animation

  1. Select the object.
  2. Go to the Animations tab.

  3. Click the More drop-down arrow.
  4. Choose an effect from the list.

You’ll see a small number next to the object, showing its order. A star will also appear in the Slide pane to mark that slide as animated.

Adjusting Animation Effects

Some animations have options. For example, the Fly In effect lets you choose the direction of entry. You can change these using Effect Options in the Animations tab.


To remove an animation, select the number next to the object and press Delete.

Adding Multiple Animations

If you apply a new animation from the main menu, it replaces the old one. To add more than one effect, use Add Animation in the Advanced Animation group. Each animation gets its own number to show the sequence.


You can reorder effects with the Move Earlier and Move Later commands.

Copying Animations with Animation Painter

If you want to copy animations from one object to another:

  1. Select the object with the animation.

  2. Click Animation Painter.

  3. Select the object you want to copy the effect to.

Previewing Animations

To preview animations on a slide, click Preview in the Animations tab.


Using the Animation Pane

The Animation Pane gives you full control over your effects. From here you can:

  • See all effects in order.

  • Drag them up or down to reorder.

  • Preview them with the Play button.

  • Open Effect Options to fine-tune sound, sequence, and timing.

For complex slides, rename your objects in the Selection Pane to keep track of them.

Timing Your Animations

By default, animations start on mouse click. You can change this:

  • Start on Click: Plays when you click.
  • Start With Previous: Plays at the same time as the last effect.
  • Start After Previous: Plays once the last effect ends.

In the Timing tab of Effect Options, you can also add delays, change duration, or set the effect to repeat.

Animations can make your slides engaging, but keep them simple. Subtle effects like Fade or Wipe often work best. Too much movement makes slides look messy.


FAQs About Animations in PowerPoint

Q1. What is the difference between Entrance and Exit animations?
Entrance animations control how an object appears on the slide, while Exit animations control how it disappears.

Q2. How can I copy an animation to another object?
Use the Animation Painter tool. Select the animated object, click Animation Painter, then click the object you want to copy the effect to.

Q3. Can I add more than one animation to an object?
Yes. Use the Add Animation command to apply multiple effects, such as an Entrance and Exit animation, to the same object.

Q4. How do I preview animations without starting the slideshow?
Click Preview in the Animations tab or use the Play button in the Animation Pane.

Q5. What is the best type of animation to use in a presentation?
Simple effects like Fade, Wipe, or Appear usually work best. They are clear, professional, and less distracting than complex animations.