Add Highlight Animation in PowerPoint

How To Add Highlight Animation In PowerPoint

Updated on:

May 25, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to animate highlighted elements in PowerPoint slides.

Quick summary

Adding a highlight animation in PowerPoint lets you draw attention to key text or objects using Emphasis effects like Grow/Shrink or Pulse. You can control exactly when the animation triggers — on click or automatically — to keep your presentation smooth and engaging.

Steps

Select the text or object you want to highlight.
Go to the Animations tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
Choose an Emphasis effect such as Grow/Shrink or Pulse from the animation options.
Set the animation to start On Click or With Previous to control the playback timing.

📌 Why this matters

Adding highlight animations in PowerPoint is a fast, effective way to direct audience attention to critical content during a presentation. Emphasis effects like Grow/Shrink and Pulse make key text or objects stand out without disrupting slide flow. Controlling animation timing with On Click or With Previous gives presenters precise control over pacing. Mastering PowerPoint highlight animations helps create more professional, engaging, and persuasive presentations.

Your product deserves an interactive demo

Start free