Change Animation Start Options in PowerPoint

How to Change the Animation Start Option in PowerPoint

Updated on:

May 25, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to control when animations start in PowerPoint.

Quick summary

This demo shows you how to change the animation start option in PowerPoint using the Animations tab and the Timing dropdown. Controlling when an animation begins — on click, with previous, or after previous — lets you build polished, precisely timed slide presentations.

Steps

Click the object with the animation on your slide.
Go to the Animations tab.
Click the dropdown button of Start from the Timing tab.
Select your preferred start option from the dropdown list.

📌 Why this matters

Controlling the animation start option in PowerPoint gives presenters precise timing over how and when slide elements appear. Choosing between On Click, With Previous, or After Previous lets you create smooth, professional presentations without manual intervention mid-slide. This feature is essential for anyone building automated slideshows, pitch decks, or training materials where timing and flow directly impact audience engagement. Mastering animation start settings in PowerPoint helps you deliver polished, distraction-free presentations every time.

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