How to Add Slide Transitions in PowerPoint 2016

Edited 4 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 is a powerful tool that allows users to create beautifully organized presentations. One of the ways to add some charm and professionalism to your presentations is to use slide transitions. Slide transitions are a visual effect that occurs when you move from one slide to the next during a presentation. These transitions can help grab your audience's attention and make your presentation more engaging. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to add transitions to your slides in PowerPoint 2016.

Understanding slide transitions

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what slide transitions are and why they're important. Slide transitions are animations that play when you move from one slide to the next. They provide a more dynamic and visually appealing way to navigate through your presentation. Transitions provide a smoother flow between slides than abrupt transitions. They can be simple, subtle animations or more dynamic, dramatic effects, depending on the goal of your presentation. However, it's important to use them sparingly so as not to distract from the content.

Opening PowerPoint 2016 and selecting a slide

To start adding transitions, open PowerPoint 2016 on your computer. If you already have a presentation you want to work on, open that file. If you're starting a new presentation, click Blank Presentation and add a few slides to work with.

Select the slide you want to add the transition to by clicking on it in the slide navigation pane on the left side of the screen. The first step in the process is to select the slide you want to apply the transition effect to.

Accessing transition options

Once you've selected the slides you want, go to the Transitions tab at the top of the PowerPoint window. The Transitions tab contains all the tools you need to apply, customize, and control transitions.

In the Transitions tab, you'll find a variety of transition effects organized into different categories like subtle, exciting, and dynamic content. Hover your mouse over any transition in the list to see a preview of that transition.

Apply a transition to a slide

To apply a transition, click the transition effect you want to use. The transition will automatically appear on the selected slide. To see how it looks, you can press the Preview button in the left corner of the Transitions tab. This button allows you to see how the transition will look when you move to this slide during the presentation.

It's important to remember that transitions can be adjusted for each slide individually or applied to all slides in your presentation. If you want the same transition effect across all your slides, you can set it once and click the Apply to All button. However, if different slides need different transitions, you'll need to repeat these steps for each slide.

Customizing transition effects

PowerPoint doesn't limit you to the default settings for transitions. Each transition effect can be customized to better fit the theme and content of your presentation. After you apply a transition, you can customize the settings using three main features: timing, sound, and duration.

Time

Timing is very important in presentations. You can control when and how long a transition will last. In the Transitions tab, you will find the Timing group, which allows you to set the duration of the transition. Increase or decrease the duration to make the transition slower or faster, respectively.

In addition, you can choose to trigger the transition with a mouse click or set it to transition automatically after a certain amount of time. With the automatic option, you can ensure that the slide changes after a predefined period, creating a continuous flow that users don't have to actively manage.

Sound

Sound effects can also be added to transitions to improve the overall experience. Under the same Timing group, there is an option to add sound. Click the drop-down menu labeled Sound to choose from a list of preloaded sound effects. Choose one that matches the tone of your presentation or logically discusses the progression of ideas.

However, it is advisable to use sound effects sparingly. Excessive use of sounds can be distracting and take away attention from the main points of your presentation.

Duration

The Duration setting allows you to determine how long the transition will take from start to finish. A short duration will result in a quick transition, while a longer duration will create a more gradual effect. To adjust the duration, use the up and down arrows next to the Duration option, or type the desired length in seconds.

Transition between specific slides

Sometimes, you might want a different effect for the transition between some slides. You can personalize the transition for each slide pair, helping to emphasize the connection or transition between related content. To do this, simply select the slide, apply the appropriate transition, and customize it as described in the steps above. Repeat the process for other slides where different transitions are needed.

Checking transition consistency

Once you have added transitions to your presentation, it is advisable to do a test run. Make sure the transitions are not too distracting and that they enhance the flow of information rather than interrupt it. Transition presentation cohesion occurs when the same transitions or styles are used for related slides.

Use Slide Show mode to see your transitions in real time. You can start the slide show from the beginning or from the current slide using the options found under the Slide Show tab.

Refining and finalizing your presentation

With transitions applied and your presentation appearing smoothly, you are now in a position to finalize other elements of your presentation. Keep the focus on the content, ensuring that adding transitions contributes to a stronger delivery without distracting from the main points.

Sometimes, you may need to adjust transitions based on how you and your audience perceive the presentation. Revisit any slides as you practice your presentation and fine-tune the transitions to suit your needs.

Conclusion

Adding slide transitions in PowerPoint 2016 is a straightforward process that can greatly contribute to the professional look and coherence of your presentation. By choosing the appropriate transition and customizing settings such as timing and sound, you enhance the presentation and audience engagement. Remember that the goal of transitions is not to distract attention, but to enhance the flow and coherence of your presentation. Through thoughtful use and testing, transitions can help leave a lasting impression and ensure that your message is communicated effectively.

With this in-depth understanding of how to add slide transitions in PowerPoint 2016, you can hone your presentation skills and make your slides more dynamic and engaging. Whether you're presenting a business report, a project plan, or an academic lecture, transitions can enhance the storytelling aspect of your presentation, making it more impactful and memorable for your audience.

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