Objective 4.2 Animate slide content

  • 4.2.1 Apply animations
  • 4.2.2 Configure animation effects
  • 4.2.3 Configure motion paths

4.2 Contents

4.2.3 Configure motion paths

After you apply a Motion Path animation, you can modify the path that the animation follows. Regardless of whether the motion path is straight, shaped, or curved, it has a start point (a green triangle), a rotation handle, and sizing handles. If a motion path is straight or curved, and doesn’t return to its start point, it also has an end point (a red triangle). You can adjust the path by using any of these tools.

Selecting the animation path displays the object in its starting and ending positions

Moving any part of the animation path displays the animated object in both the starting and ending positions so you can gauge the effect of the move. When smart guides are turned on, you can use them to align the animated object with other slide elements.

It is important to note that you can move the animated object independent of its motion path so that the object moves from its original location on the slide to the beginning of the motion path, before following the motion path.

To adjust the height or length of the motion path of a selected animation

  • Drag the top, bottom, side, or corner handles.

To change the shape of the motion path of a selected animation

  • On the Animations tab, in the Animation group, click Animation Styles.
  • On the Animation Styles menu, do either of the following:
    • In the Motion Paths section, click the shape you want.
    • Click More Motion Paths. In the Change Motion Path dialog box, click the shape you want, and then click OK.

To rotate the motion path of a selected animation

  • Drag the rotation handle in a circular motion.

To change the angles of the motion path of a selected animation

  1. On the Animations tab, in the Animation group, click Effect Options.
  2. On the Effect Options menu, in the Path section, click Edit Points.
  3. Drag any angle-change point to modify the path.

Each change in angle is represented by a movable point

To begin a motion path in a location other than the object location

  • Drag the object away from the start point of the motion path.
  • Drag the start point of the motion path away from the object.

To configure a custom motion path

  • Drag the object on the path you want it to follow. When you reach the end of the path, press the Escape key.