Countdown Timer in PowerPoint
7 minutes read
If you actively engage your audience, there are times you want them to be aware of the time passing.
For these times you can add a timer to a PowerPoint slide.
As a presenter, I find it essential to actively engage my audience. There are moments when I want them to be mindful of the time, and I can seamlessly incorporate a PowerPoint timer into my presentation to achieve this. Doing so allows me to create a sense of urgency, keep the flow organized, and ensure that my content aligns with the allotted time.
Whether it’s a timed quiz, a countdown display, or simply managing my speaking duration, adding a timer to a PowerPoint slide enhances the overall experience for both me and my audience.
Why Use a Timer in PowerPoint?
There are many different reasons to use a PowerPoint timer. Learning how to add a countdown timer to PowerPoint can be helpful in various situations:
- If you must give a presentation in a short amount of time, you can add a timer to PowerPoint slides to keep you on track.
- If you include a Q&A section in your presentation, you might want to add a timer so that the audience knows they have a limited time to ask or answer questions.
- A timer can also track the time left in a break for a longer presentation.
In this article, I’ll show you three different methods of inserting a timer in PowerPoint. You’ll also explore some premium templates from Envato Elements and learn why templates are beneficial. Finally, we’ll look over some common PowerPoint questions and answers.
How to Add a Timer in PPT (Quickstart Video)
Are you in a hurry to add a timer to PowerPoint? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this quickstart video. In just a few minutes, you’ll learn how to insert a PowerPoint timer into your slides:
Do you want to find out more about using a timer for PPT slides? Continue reading the written tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
How to Add a Timer to Your PowerPoint Presentation
Timers can have many purposes in your presentation. Primarily, they help keep track of time passing or let the audience know the remaining time.
To demonstrate how to insert a timer in PowerPoint, I’ll use the Multima Multipurpose Template from Envato Elements.
For this tutorial, I’ll focus on slide four. Here’s what slide four looks like without any edits made to the slide. It’s nearly ready to insert PowerPoint timer graphics.
Three methods can be used to add a timer or insert a countdown clock in PowerPoint. Let’s look at each of them in turn.
The tips in this section were written using Windows and Office 365. If you’ve got a different operating system or a different version of PowerPoint, your steps may be slightly different.
Method #1: Create a Bar Timer
The bar method effectively shows the passage of time. You can create a moving bar that progresses at your chosen speed, providing a flexible timer option for your slides.
1. Create a Timer Base
To add a bar timer to PowerPoint, click on the Insert tab, then click on the Shapes button.
From the shape menu, choose the rectangle shape and draw it for your timer. If desired, right-click on the rectangle and select Fill to change the color.
To add text, click Insert and then click Text Box. Type something like “Presentation Will Resume Soon.”
2. Add Movement to Your Timer
Select your rectangle, then click on the Animations tab. Hold down the Control key and click on the text box to select both shape and text.
In the Animations tab, click on the More drop-down arrow, then select Fly Out from the Exit group.
Next, adjust how the bar moves by selecting Effect Options and clicking To Left.
3. Create a Custom Duration
With your rectangle selected, adjust the animation duration in the Timing section on the right side of the Animations tab.
You’ve now built a custom timer in PowerPoint using the bar technique!
Method #2: Create a Clock
The clock method offers a visual representation of time, making it suitable for those who prefer a clock-like timer.
1. Pick Your Clock Base
Choose a shape for your clock base, either from your template or a custom one. This shape will form the inner part of your clock.
Draw a circle using the Insert tab and the Shapes button. Add additional shapes to create the clock’s outer design.
Add numbers to indicate time by double-clicking inside the shape or using a text box to input the desired numbers.
2. Pick Your Clock’s Color
Select the shape and click on the Shape Format tab. Click on the Shape Fill drop-down button to choose a color for your clock.
3. Add Movement to Your Clock
Select the middle circle and click on the Animations tab. From the Animation group, find and select the Wheel option.
4. Customize Your Clock’s Duration
To make your clock timer more precise, select the middle circle again. In the Animations tab, adjust the Duration field to customize the speed of the Wheel animation.
Method #3: Use an Add-In
Using an add-in can simplify the process of adding a timer to your slide.
1. Find the Add-In
Click on the Insert tab and then click on the Get Add-ins button.
This will open the add-ins store where you can find timer options.
2. Choose the Add-in
Before adding a timer, read the reviews. For instance, the EasyTimer add-in has great reviews. Click on the red Add button to include it in your PowerPoint.
3. Customize the Timer
After adding the timer, it will appear on your slide. Use the drop-down menus to customize it according to your needs.
3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Presentation Brief
Here are three tips to help maintain brevity in your presentations:
1. Focus on Key Points
If you want to keep your presentation brief, focus solely on key points or essential information. Eliminate unnecessary content to ensure a streamlined message.
2. Don’t Rush
Avoid talking too quickly just to fit your presentation within a time limit. Research and present your information clearly and concisely.
3. Use Pictures
Incorporate images to convey important information effectively. Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention of your points.
FAQ About Microsoft PowerPoint
If you’re new to PowerPoint or have some experience, you may still have questions. Here are some common queries:
1. How Do I Make an Interactive Quiz in my Presentation?
To create an interactive quiz, first determine your questions and answers. For a detailed tutorial, read this article:
2. How Do I Show the Different Options for a Decision?
Using a decision tree can illustrate the decision-making process. Learn how to create one in this tutorial:
3. How Do I Give My Presentation Over Zoom?
To present your PowerPoint over Zoom, you’ll need both Zoom and Microsoft PowerPoint. Follow this tutorial for detailed steps:
4. How Do I Add an Image to my PowerPoint presentation?
You can add images by copying and pasting or using the Insert tab and selecting Pictures. For more details, check out:
5. How Do I Add Charts or Graphs to My PowerPoint Template?
To add a chart or graph, go to the Insert tab and click on the Chart button. For more information, read: