Animations and Transitions

What it is

Animations and transitions are visual effects in PowerPoint. Animations control how objects (text, images, shapes) appear or move on a slide. Transitions control how slides change from one to another. When used properly, they enhance understanding. When misused, they create barriers for people with disabilities.

Why it matters

Motion effects can cause significant problems for people with:

  • Vestibular disorders: Motion causes dizziness, nausea, or disorientation
  • Seizure disorders: Flashing or rapid changes can trigger seizures
  • Attention disorders: Motion is distracting and interferes with focus
  • Cognitive disabilities: Complex animations increase cognitive load
  • Low vision: Need more time to track animated elements

Key principles

  • Use animations only when they serve a clear purpose (not for decoration)
  • Give users control - use "On Click" timing, never automatic
  • Use slow, smooth motion (1-2 seconds minimum)
  • Stick to simple effects (Appear, Fade, Wipe)
  • Never flash content more than 3 times per second

How to create accessible animations

Steps to add animations

  1. Select the object you want to animate
  2. Go to the Animations tab
  3. Choose an animation effect from the gallery
  4. Open the Animation Pane (Animations → Animation Pane)
  5. Set Start to "On Click" (not automatic)
  6. Set Duration to 1-2 seconds minimum

Recommended animation types

  • Appear: Simple, instant appearance - most accessible
  • Fade In/Out: Gentle, gradual opacity changes
  • Wipe: Controlled directional reveals

Avoid these animation types

Do not use spinning, bouncing, flying, dissolving, or other complex motion effects. These can cause dizziness, nausea, and distraction.

How to create accessible transitions

Steps to add transitions

  1. Select the slide where you want to add a transition
  2. Go to the Transitions tab
  3. Choose a transition effect (None, Fade, or Push recommended)
  4. Set Duration to 1.5-2 seconds
  5. Ensure "On Mouse Click" is checked
  6. Uncheck "After" (automatic timing)
  7. Click "Apply To All" for consistency

Recommended transition types

  • None: No transition - often the best choice
  • Fade: Gentle dissolve between slides
  • Push: One slide pushes another out smoothly

❌ Critical safety warning

Never use content that flashes more than 3 times per second. This can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.

  • Avoid flashing transitions like Glitter, Flash, or strobe effects
  • When in doubt, use no transition

Testing and best practices

How to test

  1. Run the Accessibility Checker: Review → Check Accessibility
  2. View as slideshow to test animations in presentation mode
  3. Verify all animations use "On Click" timing
  4. Check animation speed (1-2 seconds minimum)
  5. Test keyboard navigation (space bar and arrow keys)
  6. Ensure transitions are consistent throughout

Animations and Transitions checklist

  • ☐ Only accessible animation types are used (Appear, Fade, Wipe)
  • ☐ All animations use "On Click" timing (not automatic)
  • ☐ Animation duration is at least 1-2 seconds
  • ☐ Transitions are simple (None, Fade, or Push only)
  • ☐ Transition duration is at least 1.5-2 seconds
  • ☐ No content flashes more than 3 times per second
  • ☐ No spinning, bouncing, or rapid motion effects
  • ☐ Keyboard navigation works (space bar, arrows)
  • ☐ Accessibility checker has been run