Motion Path in PowerPoint

9 minutes read

@ tutsplus.com

Want to learn how to use motion paths in PowerPoint settings for total control of your animations? Learn how in this video and tutorial.

PowerPoint animations are powerful ways to bring dramatic effects to your presentations. They help you add motion to static objects on your slides. You can totally customize those animations with a motion path in PowerPoint.

As you learn how to use motion paths in PowerPoint, you’ll see that you have complete control. You can very precisely control how each object animates. Let’s learn how to get the most from motion path features in this tutorial.

Learn About PowerPoint Motion Paths Now (Quickstart Video)

Are you ready to start using PowerPoint motion paths right now? Watch this short video to find out what you need to know to use motion paths today.

To learn even more about motion paths, read the written tutorial below.

What Is a Motion Path in PowerPoint?

When you use animations, you bring your content to life. Animations are fun and dramatic. They also help you control the pace and flow of your slide deck.

Animations are different from another popular PowerPoint feature: transitions. Transitions control the change and movement from one slide to another. Animations impact only objects on a given slide.

Animations are very easy to add in PowerPoint. The app itself has a robust suite of features with countless animation presets built in. Most are basic motions:

fades
wipes
emphasis effects
and so on

But what if you need more control over an object’s movement?

This is where motion paths in PowerPoint come into play. With a motion path, you gain control of how objects move. A motion path in PowerPoint is the best way to gain complete design control over object motion. You may choose to move it in a straight line, along a shaped path, or in a unique and custom direction.

How to Create a PowerPoint Motion Path

Once you’ve got your template open in Microsoft PowerPoint, it’s time to start building a motion path design. Let’s use a real-world example to bring the concept to life.

Get started with a premium template from Envato Elements. With thousands of stunning PPT templates to choose from, you’re sure to find a great choice for your next project.

For this tutorial, we’ll work with the sleek modern Sirius Presentation Template from Envato Elements. Download it today to follow along.

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.

1. Our Motion Path in PowerPoint Example

In the slide below, you’ll see a basic corporate structure chart built out. The box on the far left side represents an existing company that’s going to be split into three new operating groups.

We want to set apart “Widget Service Co” with a custom motion path to show that it’s a new standalone company.

On its face, the slide is a basic visual representation of this approach. But it also seems rather static. It doesn’t move! By adding a PowerPoint motion path here, you can bring this compelling visual to life.

2. Add Motion Paths in PowerPoint

We can begin by adding a motion path to the first of the three new companies. Remember, each one is represented by its own square. By adding a motion path, we’ll transform this static chart into a dynamic illustration that will wow any audience.

Keep in mind: simpler is better when it comes to motion paths. It’s easy to add fancy, dramatic effects, but if you go too far, you’ll distract from your key message. Here, let’s add a smooth effect to move each subsidiary’s box across the slide.

To begin, click on an object to select it, specifically the orange box at the top. Then, find PowerPoint’s ribbon, which is the series of menus and options across the top of your screen, labeled File, Home, Insert, and more.

On the ribbon, click Animations. The Animations tab launches, displaying an array of options. Much of the space is filled by the Animation preview gallery. Inside it, you’ll see a drop-down arrow.

Click this to explore the full collection of PowerPoint animations. They’re grouped into categories, and the one you need is the Motion Paths group.

Inside this group, there are several style options for motion path designs, including:

lines
arcs
turns
shapes
loops
custom path

The thumbnail image beside each shows the type of motion effect that the path adds to a selected shape. Remember that the goal is to move the box in a straight line. To add this effect, click Lines.

Instantly, PowerPoint applies a motion path and previews it on the slide. It’s that easy!

3. Edit PowerPoint Motion Paths

With the motion path added, you’ll see it preview in real time. However, you might want to adjust the default settings. For example, the box may move downward, but it would be better to shift it to the right for added visual interest without moving one box over the others.

Always be careful to avoid causing confusion and distraction with motion paths. The trick is to keep things simple and elegant.

With a motion path selected, you can control how it appears. Notice that the shape is selected and displays a small orange #1 beside it, indicating that a motion path is applied. Now, look back at the ribbon. You’ll see a dropdown menu just right of center, labeled Effect Options. Click here.

With the Effect Options menu open, you can precisely control how the motion path you’ve added works. In the Direction group, click Right to move the object from left to right along the motion path.

You can also change the origin setting, which determines whether you can later move an object without moving its set motion path. Additionally, you can reverse the direction of the motion path.

When you’re finished, you’re all set! For this example, you can repeat the same steps for the other two squares. Add a rightward motion path to them, then click Preview to see them animate just as you’ve specified, bringing the slide to life.

4. Custom Motion Path Styles in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, you can add custom motion paths to shapes, allowing you to specify exactly where and how an object moves on a slide.

To do this, be sure you’re working on the Animation tab. Then, with an object selected, add a motion path as we did above. This time, choose Custom Path from the gallery of options.

When you choose Custom Path, your cursor transforms into a set of crosshairs. Position it over the center of the shape. Click once to start drawing your custom path, which is the track your shape will follow as it begins to move.

Move your cursor along the desired path—up, down, or sideways. It’s smart to move slowly to keep everything on track.

When you’ve arrived at your desired endpoint, click once more. PowerPoint locks in your custom track as a new motion path!

What is a motion path in PowerPoint? As it turns out, it’s the key to creating your ideal slide with animation. Try it today!

The Top Source for Stunning Motion Path PowerPoint Templates (For 2023)

Envato Elements is the best place to find stunning templates for your next motion path in PowerPoint project. For a flat monthly rate, you can download and use as many amazing templates as you want.

Plus, Elements includes millions of other digital assets, like fonts, stock photos, and more.

With unlimited downloads, you’ll unlock limitless creative potential. You’ll benefit from premium templates, far superior to any free designs you might find elsewhere online.

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When you choose an Envato Elements PowerPoint motion path template, you’ll enjoy:

custom chart and infographic designs
easy-to-customize graphics and features
professional styles built by creative experts
placeholders to add text and images easily

It’s clear that Envato Elements is the best creative investment you can make in 2023! Don’t miss out.

Let’s check out five of the top motion path templates from Envato Elements that are trending now:

1. Motion PowerPoint Template

Motion is a flexible template, ready for use in a motion path design. Users love it for all these reasons:

3D vector icons and infographics that are perfect for animations
widescreen slide layouts to fill any format screen
a fresh and clean orange and white style

2. Ardeon PowerPoint Presentation Creative Template

Ardeon is a bright purple template for business, offering no shortage of design options:

includes 49 slides inside, with layouts for any topic
over 1,000 vector icons
dozens of color options and font designs for total flexibility

3. Novate PowerPoint Presentation Template

Images are a top choice for a motion path in PowerPoint design. Choose this one for its unique features:

five color schemes for a variety of looks
includes over 50 custom slide designs
maps, device mockups, and other custom illustrations

4. Anaa PowerPoint

Well-built master slide layouts streamline the bulk edit process in Anaa. This slide leans on clean and minimal design principles, offering:

32 unique slide designs
drag-and-drop image placeholders
pre-built Excel charts ready for your data

5. OZEN PowerPoint Template

OZEN is a colorful template featuring:

unlimited options, with 50 colorful templates
dozens of icons and image placeholders
30 icon slides for easy image stand-ins to reduce word count

More Top Templates for Microsoft PowerPoint

This tutorial featured one of our top PowerPoint templates that makes design work easy. Templates are time savers that help you feel confident in your work.

We frequently cover the best PowerPoint templates that save our readers time and work perfectly for motion path designs. Check out more of the best templates below:

You Just Learned How to Use Motion Paths in PowerPoint

What is a motion path in PowerPoint? Now you know they give you total control. With motion paths, you can animate in totally custom ways. Combine these with premium PowerPoint templates for custom, creative designs.

Now, it’s your turn. Here’s a challenge:

Reimagine a slide you’re working on with a motion path in PowerPoint. With more options, you’ve got more control, leading to endless ways to engage your audience.

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