Motion paths let you move text, images, shapes, or other objects along a specific route on the slide. This is useful for creating storytelling effects, highlighting elements, or guiding the audience’s attention.
Steps to Add a Motion Path
Step 1: Select the object you want to animate (text box, image, shape, etc.).
Step 2: Go to the Animations tab.
Step 3: Click Add Animation (important using the main gallery may replace an existing animation).
Step 4: Scroll down to the Motion Paths section and choose one of the preset options:
- Lines
- Arcs
- Turns
- Shapes
- Loops
Step 5: The motion path appears on the slide as a dotted line with a green arrow (start) and a red arrow (end).
Create a Custom Motion Path
Step 1: Select the object.
Step 2: On the Animations tab, click Add Animation and select Custom Path.
Step 3: Your cursor changes to a crosshair.
Step 4: Click and drag (or click multiple points) to draw the path you want the object to follow.
Step 5: Double-click or press Esc to finish drawing the path.
Edit a Motion Path
Step 1: Click the motion path on the slide to select it.
Step 2: On the Animations tab, click Effect Options. Available options include:
- Edit Points: Drag individual points to reshape the path.
- Reverse Path Direction: Makes the object travel in the opposite direction.
- Lock / Unlock: Prevents or allows changes to the path.
Step 3: You can also drag the entire path to a new position on the slide.
Adjust Timing and Behavior
Use the same timing controls as other animations(use Silde Show for best view):
- Start: On Click, With Previous, or After Previous
- Duration: How long the movement takes
- Delay: Pause before the movement begins
Note: Open the Animation Pane for precise control over the order and timing of multiple motion paths.