powerpoint move object in presentation mode

How to Move an Object Across a PowerPoint Slide During a Slide Show

Move an Object Across a PowerPoint Slide Using Motion Path or Entrance Animations

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated May 28, 2021

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365 (Windows)

You can move a shape, image or other object across a PowerPoint slide during a slide show using motion path or entrance animations. When you run a slide show, the object will move across the screen (on click or automatically).

Recommended article: How to Print PowerPoint Presentations with Notes

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To apply animations, use the Animations tab in the Ribbon:

You can use entrance or motion path animations to move an object across a slide but you'll need to expand the Animations Gallery to access motion path animations.

If you want to apply more than one animation to an object, you will need to use Add Animation in the Advanced Animation group.

Animations are typically added to objects in Normal View but can be applied in Slide Master View.

Adding a motion path animation to make an object move across a slide

To apply a motion path animation to make an object move across a slide on click:

• Select an object. For text objects, click in the text box or placeholder or click its edge.
• Click the Animations tab in the Ribbon.
• In the Animations group, click the More down arrow on the bottom right of the Animations Gallery.
• Click the Line motion path animation in the Motion Paths group. If you click More Motion Paths, you can choose another motion path animation such as Funnel. For some motion paths, such as Custom Path, drag on the slide to create the path and then double-click to end it (see below for more information on custom paths).
• Click Effect Options on the Animations tab and select a direction such as Up, Down, Left or Right. Effect Options change depending on the type of animation.
• Click the motion path and drag the starting point (green dot or green arrow) or ending point (red dot or red arrow) to change the beginning or end of the path. The starting point begins in the middle of the object and the ending point ends in the middle of the object. In 2013 and later versions, a "ghost copy" of the object at its ending location appears on screen. You can drag the "ghost copy" to change the end point of the path.
• Drag the sizing handles (white circles) to resize the path.

The expanded Animations Gallery appears when you click the More down arrow in the Animations group (note the Entrance and Motion Paths categories):

If you select More Motion Paths in the Animation Gallery, the following dialog box appears (scroll down for more options):

You can also apply a motion path animation by clicking Add Animation on the Animations tab in the Advanced Animation group.

Custom paths behave differently from simple line motion paths. Intially, if you click Custom Path, you can drag on the screen to create the path. However, to make straight lines, simply click once at each desired point in the path rather than dragging. If you later want to change to a freeform path, click once again to switch to freeform mode and drag to continue the path. Click once to return to drawing straight lines. When you are finished drawing the path, double-click to end it.

By default, the object will appear on click during a slide show and follow the path.

You can select other motion path options in Effect Options on the Animations tab in the Ribbon:

• Sequence options can be used with some objects such as text boxes or placeholders with multiple bullet points or paragraphs. For example, you can choose to move paragraphs or bullets one at a time or as one object.
• Locked, in the Origin category, can be selected when a motion path is unlocked (which is the default). If the path is unlocked, it will move with the object. If you lock the path or origin, when you move the object, the motion path will remain in the same location. You can unlock a motion path that is locked.
• Edit Points is available for all motion paths except Line. If you select Edit Points, points will appear along the motion path and you can drag them to change the path. You can Ctrl-click a point to delete it or Ctrl-click on the path to add a new point.
• Reverse Path Direction will switch the start and end point of the motion path.

You can also combine motion path animations with other animations like Grow / Shrink using Add Animation.

Adding an entrance animation to make an object move across a slide

To apply an entrance animation to make an object move across a slide on click:

• Click the Fly In entrance animation in the Entrance group. If you click More Entrance Effects, you can choose another animation such as Spiral In or Bounce.
• Click Effect Options on the Animations tab and select a direction such as From Top or From Left.

You can also apply an entrance animation by clicking Add Animation on the Animations tab in the Advanced Animation group.

By default, the object will appear on click during a slide show.

Using the Animation Pane

If you're going to work with animations, it's helpful to display the Animation Pane so you can easily select and edit the animations.

To use the Animation Pane:

• Click Animation Pane in the Advanced Animations group. The Animation Pane appears on the right side of the screen.
• Click the animation in the Animation Pane and then select other options on the Animations tab. You can also click the drop-down menu that appears and select Effect Options.

Changing the way an object starts during a slide show

Animations are set by default to start on click during a slide show. If you want an animation to start automatically, you will need to change the start setting.

To start an animation automatically, you can start:

• After Previous – the animation sequence will begin once a previous animation effect or effects is  completed. The start of a slide show is also a previous effect.
• With Previous – the animation sequence will begin at the same time as a previous animation effect or effects. The start of a slide show is also a previous effect.

To change the way an animation starts during a slide show:

• Select the animation effect in the Animation Pane.
• In the Timing group, select an option from the Start drop-down menu.

Setting timing

When you apply an animation, a timing is automatically set for the animation (in seconds). The default duration is different for each animation effect.

To set a speed or duration of an animation:

• In the Animations group, enter a time (in seconds) for the animation in the Duration area of the Timing group. You can click the up and down arrows to change the duration or type a duration.

Note the Duration on the Animations tab in the Ribbon below:

Viewing animations by running a slide show

You will need to run a slide show in order to see your object(s) move across the slide. Click the Slide Show button on the bottom right of the screen to run a show or press F5 (some users may need to press Fn + F5) to run the slide show from the beginning. Use the right and left arrows to move from slide to slide or start the animations.

In this article, we are using animations to make objects move across a slide. Check out the article How to Use Morph in PowerPoint to Design Engaging Presentations for other ways to make objects move on a slide during a slide show.

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How to move a shape across a ppt slide in a slideshow?

I want to display a slide that shows a graphic moving from one part of the slide to another. I actually want to animate a number of objects doing this. Animation in powerpoint doesn't appear to let me do this.

The best solution I have is to fade out an object in one location and have it fade in in a different location.

Not what I want but maybe it will have to do. Unless someone can help :-)

• microsoft-powerpoint

2 Answers 2

Which version of PowerPoint? If 2010, have you tried selecting the shape, clicking the Animations tab and expanding the options so that you can then select the Motion Path type you want?

Powerpoint 15.2 on my mac has "Morph" Transition. All you have to do is

• Duplicate the slide
• Set transition to Morph
• Move the objects to new location and if require resize it.

Now, run slide show. Object automatically moves to new location while also resizing it.

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How-To Geek

How to use motion path animations in microsoft powerpoint.

Move your text, shapes, or objects in any direction you want.

Quick Links

Add a motion path animation, customize the motion path.

Microsoft PowerPoint offers many types of animations . You can add effects to text , images, and shapes. But if you want to create your own, you can select a motion path animation to move your object wherever you like.

With motion path animations in PowerPoint, you can make your object zigzag, loop, spiral, or swoosh. Once you select the motion path you want to use, you can customize the points to create the exact path you want your object to take.

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide where you want to create the animation. Either insert the object you want to animate or select it if you've already added it to the slide.

Related: How to Hide an Object Before Animation in PowerPoint

Go to the Animations tab and click the arrow at the bottom of the Animation selection box. This opens the full collection.

Scroll toward the bottom and you'll see a few options in the Motion Paths section. If you want to use one of these, simply select it to apply it to your object. Notice you can choose Custom Path which allows you to draw the path yourself.

For additional options, click "More Motion Paths" at the bottom of the window.

In the Change Motion Path box, you'll see Basic, Lines and Curves, and Special paths. To see a preview before you apply it, check the box for Preview Effect at the bottom. Then, choose one to see it in action.

When you find the path you want to use, select it and click "OK."

If you want to combine motion paths so that your object ends in a certain spot, check out our how-to.

Related: How to Combine Motion Paths in Microsoft PowerPoint

After you apply the motion path, you may have options to change the direction. Select the animated object and go to the Animations tab. Click the Effect Options drop-down arrow to view your choices. Note that not all paths offer extra effects, but most let you reverse the path direction.

Along with changing the direction of your motion path, you can edit the points. Click the Effect Options drop-down arrow and pick "Edit Points."

You'll then see the motion path with the points as squares. Select and drag a point to move it.

You can also right-click a point for options like making it a smooth, straight, or corner point. Additionally, you can add more points or remove one.

If you want to change the start action or duration , or add a delay, select the animation and use the tools on the Animations tab.

Remember, you can preview your animation as you make edits to it using the Preview button on the left side of the ribbon on the Animations tab. This helps to see if you need more adjustments or want to reorder the animations .

Animations can spruce up your slideshow . So if a motion path animation is what you need, you have plenty of options in PowerPoint.

Related: 8 Tips to Make the Best PowerPoint Presentations

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PowerPoint Tips  - Keep Objects Aligned While Moving

Powerpoint tips  -, keep objects aligned while moving, powerpoint tips keep objects aligned while moving.

PowerPoint Tips: Keep Objects Aligned While Moving

Lesson 9: keep objects aligned while moving.

/en/powerpoint-tips/compress-media-files/content/

Keep objects aligned while moving

When moving PowerPoint objects, it can be tough keeping them aligned even if you’re trying to keep your cursor steady. Thankfully, there's a pretty simple solution!

Watch the video below to learn how to keep objects aligned while moving them.

• Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the object you want to move.
• Click and hold the object in order to move it.
• While holding the object, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
• As you move the object, it should maintain its current alignment, even if your cursor isn't perfectly steady.

Sometimes it’s hard for us to tell if an object is 100% aligned with text or other elements. But if you want your presentation to look neat and professional, this trick might help you along the way.

Next up, we’ll cover how to match colors in PowerPoint using the Eyedropper tool. 

/en/powerpoint-tips/match-colors-with-the-eyedropper/content/

Drag and drop in PowerPoint

Freely move objects on your slides during PowerPoint slide show.

Drag and drop activities in PowerPoint presentations.

More dynamic and engaging presentation with Draggable Objects!

Simply select and mark objects as draggable in PowerPoint edit mode.

Reset the positions of the draggable objects for the next run.

Convert any objects draggable

Turn any text, shapes, or images on your slides into draggable objects. Simply select the object and mark it as draggable and you will be able to drag them in slide show.

Simple, just drag and drop in slideshow

During your presentation simply select the Draggable Object tool from ClassPoint toolbar, and now you can drag and drop the objects freely on your slides during slide show.

Easily reset positions for next run

With a single click, you can reset the positions of the draggable objects for the next class.

Ways to design Drag and Drop activities

Here are some ways you can design drag and drop activities in your classroom.

Sorting activities

Draggable Objects can be a collaborative avenue for teachers and students to do sorting activities. For one, having students visually group items into different categories can be a great measure on memory and recall by involving them in the sorting process, enhancing the way they decide whether cognitively or emotionally. These sorting activities provide a fun and interactive way for students to practice decision-making skills.

Labeling activities

Randomize text stamps on a slide and turn it into an interactive activity by letting students command you on where to put proper labels. Have them label the parts of a plant onto a diagram, or correctly identify the parts of the human body. These activities provide direct collaboration between you and your students as you let them take control of the information they know, which you can provide feedback right after.

Matching activities

Practice and reinforce knowledge by hosting matching type activities using Draggable Objects. Challenge the way your students connect pieces of information by manipulating an activity where students are required to match one item to another, helping them engage their senses which in turn makes the learning process more enjoyable.

Reveal activities

Fuel excitement in the classroom by creating quizzes that involve revealing the correct answers. Do this even without student devices and make guessing games based off of facts, surveys, or pre-made questionnaires even more suspenseful and exciting. Easily make reveals live during a presentation and keep students on their toes as they anticipate correct answers hidden under Draggable Objects.

Drag and Drop in PowerPoint

How to make PowerPoint drag and drop activities for classroom?

Drag and drop objects in PowerPoint without Macros, VBA coding, or animations!

Frequently asked questions

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Align and arrange objects

As you select and move objects in PowerPoint, guides appear to help you align objects and space them evenly. You can also use the helpful Align options, Guides , and Gridlines to align objects to give your presentation a professional look.

Align objects

Select the objects you want to align.

Tip:  Press Shift to select multiple objects.

Select Picture format > Align and select how you want to align them:

Align Left , Align Center , or Align Right

Align Top , Align Middle , or Align Bottom

Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically

Use Guides and Gridlines

Select View > Guides to show the horizontal and vertical center lines.

Select View > Gridlines to show more gridlines.

Use the lines to align your objects.

When you're done, clear Gridlines and Guides to turn them off.

Use Smart Guides

Select an object and begin to move it.

Red dashed lines—smart guides--appear so you align items vertically, horizontally, or both.  Smart guides also appear between objects or near the edges of the slide to help you space out objects evenly.  

Guides for arranging things on a slide in PowerPoint

Align or arrange a picture, shape, text box, SmartArt graphic, or WordArt

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Powerpoint selecting and moving objects

So I want to move an object in my presentation (graph, image, text box, whatever). So first I select the object and then I click on one of the edges to try to move it. However, when there are a lot of objects superposed on top of each other, what happens a lot of times is that I am able to select the object, but then trying to click on the edges to move the object, PowerPoint suddenly chooses to select another object below it and move that object...

How can this behavior be stopped? The object I'm selecting is obviously the one I'm planning to move.

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• Volunteer Moderator

When you click on objects, the top-most object is always selected, even if you're clicking on the edge of an object further down.

This is what the Selection Pane is for ( Home>Select>Selection Pane ). This pane allows you to select any object on the slide, change the stacking order by moving it up or down the list, show or hide objects and rename them.

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Use Presenter View

PowerPoint Presenter View shows you the current slide, the next slide, and your speaker notes, to help you focus while presenting and connect with your audience. 

Select the Slide Show tab.

Select the Use Presenter View checkbox.

Select which monitor to display Presenter View on.

In Presenter View , you can:

See your current slide, next slide, and speaker notes.

Select the arrows next to the slide number to go between slides.

Select the pause button or reset button to pause or reset the slide timer in the upper left.

See the current time to help you pace your presentation.

Select the font icons to make the speaker notes larger or smaller.

Select the annotations pen icon to draw on the screen in real time, or select a laser pointer.

Select the thumbnail icon to see all the slides in your presentation and quickly jump to another slide.

Select the magnifying glass icon to zoom in on a particular part of a slide.

The screen icon let's you make the screen temporarily black to focus the attention on you.

Select END SLIDESHOW when you're done presenting.

Start the presentation and see your notes in Presenter view

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