How to Make an Object Disappear After Animation in PowerPoint

Making an object disappear after animation in PowerPoint is a neat trick that can add a touch of professionalism to your presentations. This can be accomplished by using the “Disappear” animation effect, which can be applied after your chosen animation to make the object vanish from the slide.

After you apply this effect, the object will perform the initial animation you’ve set (such as flying in from the side or fading in), and once that animation is complete, it will disappear from view, making for a smooth and impactful transition.

Introduction

Have you ever watched a PowerPoint presentation where an image or text box magically vanishes after swooping onto the slide, leaving you wondering, “How did they do that?” Well, you’re not alone! Making an object disappear after an animation is a slick way to keep your audience focused on the content that matters. This technique can be particularly useful for educators, marketers, or anyone looking to create a dynamic and engaging presentation.

By mastering this simple PowerPoint feature, you can direct your audience’s attention, control the flow of information, and add a professional flair to your slides. Whether you’re presenting a business proposal, teaching a class, or sharing a personal story, knowing how to make objects disappear can enhance your storytelling and keep your audience hooked on every word. So, let’s dive into the world of PowerPoint animations and learn how to make your slides stand out!

Step by Step Tutorial: Making an Object Disappear After Animation

Before we start, make sure you have your PowerPoint presentation open and you’ve already inserted the object you wish to animate.

Step 1: Select the object you want to animate

Click on the object that you would like to disappear after the animation.

Selecting the object is crucial because if you don’t, you might apply the animation to the wrong element on your slide. Ensure that you have clicked on the object so that it is outlined, indicating it is selected.

Step 2: Apply your desired entrance or emphasis animation

Go to the “Animations” tab, choose an entrance or emphasis effect from the gallery, and apply it to the selected object.

This step introduces your object onto the slide or highlights it in the way you want. You can choose from numerous animations like ‘Fade,’ ‘Fly In,’ ‘Zoom,’ etc. Make sure that the animation suits the flow and style of your presentation.

Step 3: Add the “Disappear” effect

With the object still selected, click on “Add Animation” and choose “Disappear” from the “Exit” section.

Remember, you must select “Add Animation” to layer the ‘Disappear’ effect on top of the entrance or emphasis effect. If you simply click on the ‘Disappear’ effect without adding it, it will replace the first effect you chose.

Step 4: Adjust the timing of the animations

In the “Animation Pane,” ensure that the “Disappear” effect is set to start “After Previous” to ensure it occurs after the initial animation.

Timing is essential to make the disappearance act smoothly. You can drag the effects on the timeline in the Animation Pane to reorder them or use the Start options (‘On Click’, ‘With Previous’, ‘After Previous’) to set them up correctly.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Enhanced Engagement	Making an object disappear after animation helps to keep the audience’s attention focused on what you want, when you want it. It’s a simple yet effective way to guide your audience through your presentation.
Smooth Transitions	Using this technique allows for smoother transitions between topics or points as it removes unnecessary visual clutter, leading to a more professional-looking presentation.
Creative Expression	The ability to make objects appear and disappear gives you creative freedom to tell your story or explain complex concepts in a more interactive and understandable way.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Potential Overuse	While animations can be engaging, overusing them can distract and even annoy your audience. It’s important to use this feature sparingly and strategically.
Learning Curve	For PowerPoint beginners, learning to combine animations effectively may initially feel daunting. Practice and patience are required to master this skill.
Technical Issues	Sometimes, animations don’t play as expected due to software glitches or compatibility issues. Always preview your slides to avoid surprises during the actual presentation.

Additional Information

When you’re working on making an object disappear after animation in PowerPoint, you might want to keep in mind a few extra tips. Firstly, consider the broader context of your presentation. Is the disappearing act enhancing your message or just a decorative trick? Always prioritize your content’s clarity and impact over visual gimmicks.

Moreover, think about the pacing of your presentation. The duration of your animations can significantly affect the flow of your talk. You can adjust the speed of the animations to match the tempo of your speech. In addition, make sure the rest of your design complements the animations – a coherent color scheme and consistent typography can go a long way in professionalizing your slides.

Finally, remember that animations, including making objects disappear, should ultimately serve the story you’re telling or the information you’re conveying. Never let the medium overshadow the message. It’s not just about making an object vanish; it’s about making your point stick.

Summary

1. Select the object you want to animate
2. Apply your desired entrance or emphasis animation
3. Add the “Disappear” effect
4. Adjust the timing of the animations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an object disappear without it entering first?

Yes, you can apply the “Disappear” effect directly to make an object vanish from the slide without an entrance animation.

Can I control the speed of the disappearance?

Absolutely! In the Animation Pane, you can modify the duration of the “Disappear” effect to make it as quick or slow as you like.

What if I want the object to reappear again?

You can add an entrance animation after the “Disappear” effect by using the “Add Animation” feature, setting it to start “After Previous.”

Can I apply this effect to text and images?

Yes, you can apply the “Disappear” effect to any object in PowerPoint, including text boxes, images, shapes, and more.

Will the “Disappear” effect work during a slideshow?

Definitely! The effect will play as programmed when you are presenting your PowerPoint in slideshow mode.

Conclusion

In summary, making an object disappear after animation in PowerPoint is a nifty feature that, when used judiciously, can significantly enhance the quality of your presentation. It’s a trick that’s not just about creating ‘wow’ moments but also about effectively conveying your message. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can master this technique and apply it to make your slides more dynamic and engaging.

Remember, while animations are fun and can add pizzazz to your presentation, the golden rule is to use them in a way that complements and reinforces your content. So, go ahead and experiment with making objects disappear in your next PowerPoint, but always keep your audience’s experience at the forefront of your design choices. Happy presenting!