powerpoint presentation action button

Add commands to your presentation with action buttons

Use an Action button to do an action in your presentation, such as going to the next or a specific slide, running an app, or playing a video clip. There are two basic steps for setting up an Action button:

First, you pick an action button from the Shapes gallery

Then you assign an action that will occur when (during a slide show) you click the shape or point the mouse at it.

The idea is that when you deliver your presentation, you can click or point at an action button to:

Go to a specific slide, a different PowerPoint presentation, or a Web page.

Run a program

Run a macro

Play a sound

Put an action button on your slide

Some examples of built-in action button shapes in the Shapes gallery include right and left arrows (commonly understood symbols for going to next, previous, first, and last slides), for playing videos or sound bites, and more:

On the Insert tab, select  Shapes , and then, under Action Buttons at the bottom of the menu, click the button shape that you want to add.

On the slide canvas, click drag to draw the shape for the button.

Keep the Action Settings dialog box open and go to the next procedure.

Assign an action

If you want the action to occur when the action button is clicked , do the following steps on the Mouse Click tab of the dialog box.

If you want the action to occur when the action button is simply pointed at , do the following steps on the Mouse Over tab of the dialog box.

To choose the action that takes place when you click or move the pointer over the action button, do one of the following:

Choose Hyperlink to and then select the destination (for example, the next slide, the previous slide, the last slide, or another PowerPoint presentation) that you want the hyperlink action to go to.

Note:  To link to a file created by another program, such as a Word or Excel file, in the Hyperlink to list, click Other File .

Choose None to use the shape without a corresponding action.

Choose Run program , then click Browse to locate the program that you want to run.

Choose Run macro and then select the macro that you want to run.

The Run macro settings are only available if your presentation already contains a macro, and when you save the presentation, you must save it as a PowerPoint Macro-enabled Show. (For more information about macros, see Run a macro .)

If you want the shape that you chose as an action button to perform an action, click Object action , and then select the action that you want it to perform.

The Object action settings are only available if your presentation contains an OLE object.

To play a sound, select the Play sound check box, and then select the sound that you want to play.

When you've finished choosing your action, select OK .

To test the action you've selected, choose Slide Show > From Current Slide to open the presentation in Slide Show so that you can click the action button.

Add a picture and assign it an action

On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, select  Picture . (Or, if you want to add a SmartArt graphic, select  SmartArt .)

In the Insert Picture dialog box, locate the picture that you want to add, and then click Insert .

Note:  For SmartArt graphics, you can only assign an action to the text within a shape, but not to an individual shape in the SmartArt graphic.

Click the picture you added, and then on the Insert tab, in the Links group, click Action .

In the Action Settings dialog box, do one of the following:

To choose the behavior of the picture when you click it in Slide Show view, click the Mouse Click tab.

To choose the behavior of picture when you move the pointer over it in Slide Show view, click the Mouse Over tab.

To choose the action that takes place when you click or move the pointer over the picture, do one of the following:

To use the shape without a corresponding action, click None .

To create a hyperlink, click Hyperlink to , and then select the destination (for example, the next slide, the previous slide, the last slide, or another PowerPoint presentation) that you want the hyperlink action to go to.

To link to a file created by another program, such as a Microsoft Office Word or Microsoft Office Excel file, in the Hyperlink to list, click Other File .

To run a program, click Run program , click Browse , and then locate the program that you want to run.

To run a macro, click Run macro , and then select the macro that you want to run.

If you want the picture or clip art to perform an action other than what is listed, click Object action , and then select the action that you want it to perform.

Note:  The Object action settings are available only if your presentation contains an OLE object.

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How to Create Action Buttons in Microsoft PowerPoint

Learn how to create action buttons in PowerPoint that let your audience control the flow of your presentation.

Action buttons, as the name suggests, are buttons that trigger an action in Microsoft PowerPoint. Adding action buttons can make your presentations more interactive.

You can add a button to move up a slide or play a video. This guide explains how to create, design, and add effects to action buttons in PowerPoint.

How to Add Action Buttons in Microsoft PowerPoint

Go to your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and open the slide on which you want to create an action button. Here are three simple steps to add an action button to your slide:

1. Insert the Shape

Click on the slide where you want to insert the button. Go to the Insert tab, click Shapes , and then under Action Buttons at the bottom of the menu, click the button shape that you want to add.

Once you've selected a shape, click and drag your cursor across the slide to draw. Keep dragging around until you see the desired dimensions, and then release the click. Of course, you can always resize or reposition the shape if needed, even after you've drawn it.

Microsoft PowerPoint lets you use any image to create an action button as well. To add an image and assign it an action, go to the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click Pictures . Once inserted, click the picture, then on the Insert tab, in the Links group, click Action .

If you need to perform some basic editing, you can use the built-in image editing tools in Microsoft PowerPoint .

2. Open the Action Settings Dialog Box

Creating an action button involves linking another space and a piece of information to your slide. This means you can link to another slide, another presentation, a URL, a video, or a document.

Action buttons work differently than hyperlinks in a PowerPoint presentation , which are generally used to link to URLs. To assign an action:

3. Configure the Action

After you've opened the Action Settings dialog box, head over to the Mouse Click tab to configure an action that triggers when someone clicks on the action button. Alternatively, you can use the Mouse Over tab to create an action that triggers when someone hovers the cursor over the action button.

• Run macro : You can link to a macro using this option. If you don't have a macro in the slideshow, the option will appear grayed out.
• Object action : Use this option to select an OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) object. Again, if your slideshow doesn't have an OLE object, this option won't be available.

Click OK to apply. Go to the Slideshow on the ribbon and select Play from start to test the action buttons.

How to Add Effects to the Button in PowerPoint

Adding visual effects is a great way to draw attention and make your presentation visually appealing. To add visual effects, you can use the animation pane in Microsoft PowerPoint . Click on your action button and go to the Animations section on the ribbon at the top. Select an animation from the available options.

How to Edit an Action Button in PowerPoint

There are various ways to edit an action button in your PowerPoint presentation.

• Action Settings option: Right-click on the action button, go to Action Settings , and change the assigned action.
• Insert section: Or, you can click on the action button and go to the Insert section on the ribbon. Select Action or Link to edit the assigned action quickly.

Next, to edit the appearance or the animation of the action button, click on the action button and go to the Shape Format section on the ribbon. This section allows you to customize the shape, size, color, and more. In fact, you can also change the button's shape if you like without changing the action assigned to it.

Try Out Action Buttons in Your Presentations

Try playing around with action buttons while preparing for your next presentation to see if it can make the presentation more interactive and visually appealing. While you're at it, you might also want to learn about using a PowerPoint screen recorder to engage your audience and leave a lasting impression.

How to Add Action Buttons to a PowerPoint Presentation

Found in a strange place in the application, you can add action buttons to a PowerPoint slide to make your presentation more interactive and easier to use for the viewer.

These action buttons can make a presentation simpler to navigate and make the slides in your presentation behave like web pages.

Before you add action buttons to a PowerPoint presentation, consider carefully how your viewers will use your presentation. Should the action buttons be a prominent part of the slides or simply occupy a small portion at the bottom or off to the side?

How will the viewer use the buttons and will navigation by action buttons only confuse the message your presentation is trying to portray? When you have answered these questions, you can add action buttons to your presentation knowing that they will aid rather than confuse the viewer.

Adding Action Buttons to a PowerPoint Slide

Open up a new PowerPoint slide presentation and decide where you want your actions buttons to reside.

At the bottom is a logical choice but you may prefer that Next and Previous buttons reside to the left and right of the slide. In that case, be sure you allocate enough space in those places for the actions buttons.

Suppose you simply want to add Home , Previous slide, and Next slide action buttons to your presentation. Begin by clicking on the Insert tab on the Ribbon and locating a section of the Ribbon titled Illustrations .

Locate and click on the button in this section titled Shapes .

When you click on this button, you will notice that PowerPoint opens up a long menu with many different types of shapes you can add to your presentations.

At the very bottom of the list, locate the section titled Action Buttons and click on the button with a picture of a House on it.

Now that you’ve clicked on the House button, you need to place it on your slide. Position your mouse pointer approximately in the location where you want the button to be and hold down the left mouse button.

Drag your mouse until the button is approximately the size you want it and let go of the left mouse button.

PowerPoint will immediately open up the Actions Settings window. As it turns out, the default settings are exactly what you want here.

Notice that on the Mouse Click tab, the Hyperlink To option is already checked and the First Slide link is already chosen in the drop down menu.

Notice that there are also options to set for when the user hovers the mouse over the button and you can even set the button to launch a program, run a macro, play a sound, and other events. Click the OK button when you are done exploring this window.

Go back to the Shapes button on the Insert menu and once again locate the Action Buttons section at the bottom of the menu. This time, select the button with the arrow pointing to the left.

Just as before, place the button on your slide and PowerPoint will open the Actions Settings window. Notice that once again, the default settings are what you need for the Previous button. Click the OK button. Using the same procedures as above, place a Next Action Button into your slide.

When finished, you should have a Home, Previous, and Next Action Button on your slide. If you are not satisfied with the colors, placement, or size of your buttons, you can change them just as you can any other object in a PowerPoint presentation.

Underutilized by many presenters, Action Buttons can make your presentation easier to navigate for you during a presentation or for a viewer who has a copy of your presentation. Actions buttons allow you to navigate instantly to another slide or even launch an application or macro.

To add some fun to a presentation, you can even have a sound play when you or the viewer clicks the button. Play around with some of the settings of the Action Buttons to create a more interactive experience for your presentation.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications. Read Aseem's Full Bio

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Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials How to Create an Action Button in PowerPoint

How to Create an Action Button in PowerPoint

Action buttons in PowerPoint enable you to add various navigation features for your slide deck in the form of a button on a slide. There are also shapes for action buttons that can be associated with a custom function, or you can create a button with a custom look for your PowerPoint templates .

How to Insert an Action Button in PowerPoint

To add an action button, select a shape via Insert -> Shapes . Different shapes in the Action Buttons section can be associated with the action you intend to associate with them. These include buttons to go to the next or previous slide, the beginning or end of the slide deck, and buttons such as home, get information, video, document, sound, help, and blank. Alternatively, you can add another type of shape to create an action button. 

For this post, we will use a blank action button.

Once you have selected a shape, drag it to create it on the slide. This will open the Action buttons dialog box. If you associate another type of shape (e.g., a circle) with an action, you must open this menu via Insert -> Links -> Action .

You can add text to your action button via Insert -> Text -> Text Box to give it a label.

The action button settings include two tabs, including the Mouse Click and Mouse Over tab. Both tabs have similar settings, where one is meant for settings related to clicking the action button and the other for hovering it. The Hyperlink to the menu gives you various options to link to the action button. These include moving to the next, previous, first, last, viewed slide, end show, custom show, and options to link to a URL, other presentation, or other file.

Depending on your chosen option, clicking the button will result in the selected action.

You can also set the action button to open another program by selecting the program via the Run program option.

Alternatively, the action button can be used for other tasks, such as running a macro you might have set up in PowerPoint or using it for an object action.

Another option in the action buttons menu is the ability to play sound. A wide range of sounds can be associated with the button, including applause, arrow, breeze, camera, chime, click, coin, drum roll, wind, voltage, typewriter, etc.

You can also choose to highlight the button on click by enabling the option from the Mouse Click tab.

The Mouse Over tab provides similar options that can be configured to trigger a mouse-over action.

The image below shows an action button in slideshow mode, which has been linked to open the SlideModel website with a mouse click.

Final Words

Action buttons answer many questions that many PowerPoint users might be looking to address, such as how to insert a home button in PowerPoint, a button to jump to another slide, or a button to open a different file or program. By using action buttons, you can also avoid leaving the slide deck to open a file, link, or program and automate various actions to navigate your slides better.

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How to Use Action Buttons in PowerPoint?

Written by: Bill Whitman

Last updated: April 9, 2024

How to Use Action Buttons in PowerPoint

Action buttons in PowerPoint are a powerful tool to make your presentations interactive. They can link to slides within your presentation, open external files, or link to websites, enhancing user engagement. To create an action button, select Insert > Shapes and choose an action button shape. After drawing the shape on your slide, a dialog box appears, prompting you to choose the desired action for the button. Once set up, you can customize the button’s appearance and add text for clarity.

Quick summary

• Action buttons facilitate interactive presentations.
• To create one, go to Insert > Shapes and select an action button.
• Customize the button’s action in the dialog box that appears after drawing the shape.
• Enhance the button’s appearance and clarity with customization and text.

At LearnPowerpoint.io, we’re committed to providing you with trusted advice to make the most out of PowerPoint’s rich features. In this deeper dive, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about effectively using action buttons in your presentations.

Creating Your First Action Button

Starting with PowerPoint, navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon. Click the Shapes button, and at the bottom of the drop-down menu, you’ll find the action buttons. These include predefined shapes like arrows, home icons, and question marks. Choose the one that fits your presentation’s needs and draw it on your slide.

Configuring the Action Button

Immediately after drawing your chosen shape, a dialog box, “Action Settings,” will pop up. Here you have two tabs: Mouse Click and Mouse Over. You can set different actions for each. The actions include:

• Go to the next, previous, first, or last slide in the presentation.
• Open another PowerPoint presentation or any other file.
• Hyperlink to a webpage.
• Play a sound or run a macro (for more advanced users).

Choose your desired action and click OK to set it.

Customizing the Appearance of Your Action Button

Though the default icons are straightforward, making your action button stand out and clearly convey its purpose is essential. To customize, right-click on the button and select Format Shape. Here, you can adjust fill colors, add effects like shadow or glow, and choose a different line color.

To add or edit the text on an action button, simply select it and start typing. Use the formatting options under the Home tab to modify the font, size, and color of your text, making it readable and attention-grabbing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter problems like the action button not working. First, ensure that you’re in Presentation mode, as the buttons won’t function in Edit mode. If issues persist, double-check the action settings for any misconfigurations.

Remember, action buttons PPT (PowerPoint) enhance the interactive element of your presentations, enabling a more engaging experience for your audience. With the simple steps provided by LearnPowerpoint.io, you can confidently incorporate these tools into your next PowerPoint project.

Tips for Effective Use

To maximize the impact of action buttons:

• Keep the design simple and the text clear to avoid confusion.
• Limit the number of action buttons on a slide to maintain focus.
• Test your presentation thoroughly to ensure all buttons work as expected.

By following these guidelines and exploring all the possibilities action buttons offer, you’ll create more dynamic and interactive presentations that captivate your audience from start to finish. Happy presenting!

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How to Use Presenter Action Buttons in PowerPoint

An action button is an object on a slide that performs an action when clicked or pointed to, such as jumping to another slide or playing a sound. Action buttons are most commonly used for self-running presentations—for example, presentations that are presented at a booth or kiosk.

Add an Action Button

• Click the Insert tab.

At the bottom of the Shapes menu is the Action Buttons section.

Each button comes with a different default action. For example, the House action button jumps you back to the first slide.

The Action Settings dialog box appears. If you want to modify the action to something other than the default action, do so here.

Change the Action Settings

If, after adding an action button to a presentation, you decide you want it to perform a different action, you can always update it.

• Select the action button on the slide.
• Click to expand the Links group on the Insert tab of the ribbon.

• Modify the action in the Action Settings dialog box.

Test an Action Button

It’s always a good idea to test a newly-added action button to ensure it hyperlinks to the correct location.

• Click the Slide Show tab.

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Action buttons in powerpoint- instructions, how to create action buttons in powerpoint: video.

            This video lesson, titled “ Inserting Actions ,” shows how to insert action buttons in PowerPoint. This video lesson is from our complete PowerPoint tutorial , titled “ Mastering PowerPoint Made Easy v.2019 and 365 .”

How to Insert Action Buttons in PowerPoint:

            You can add action buttons in PowerPoint to slides. Actions let users perform the action associated with a slide object by clicking or moving their mouse pointer over the object. Common actions include linking to slides, web pages, and email addresses and running programs. You can add an action to any slide object, but actions are often associated with action buttons in PowerPoint. PowerPoint includes an “Action Buttons” shape category that lets you insert buttons for common slide navigation actions.

            To insert action buttons in PowerPoint, click the “Insert” tab in the Ribbon. Then click the “Shapes” drop-down button in the “Illustrations” button group. Then click the action button face to insert from the “Action Buttons” category. Finally, click and drag over the area in the slide over which to add the action button. The action button appears in that location when you release your mouse button.

            After adding an action button, the “Action Settings” dialog box appears. You use this dialog box to set the action to occur for the button. However, for most action buttons in PowerPoint, the action is already programmed for you. There are only two events, or user actions, for which to program actions. The first is “Mouse Click,” which is when the user clicks the button. The second is “Mouse Over,” which is when the user rolls their mouse pointer over the button.

            To program an action in PowerPoint, if needed, click the tab for the event to which to add an action. Then, on the selected tab, select the option button for the action to run when the user triggers the event. Then use the adjacent drop-down or field to select the hyperlink to which to navigate or program or file to open. Then click the “OK” button to apply the action.

A picture of a user programming an action for one of the action buttons in PowerPoint.

            Alternatively, to manually apply an action to a selected slide object in PowerPoint, select any slide object. Then click the “Action” button in the “Links” button group on the “Insert” tab of the Ribbon to open the “Action Settings” dialog box. Then select the “Mouse Click” and/or “Mouse Over” tab to select for which event or events to program actions for the selected object.

            Then, on the selected tab, select the option button for the action to run when the user triggers the specified event. Then use the adjacent drop-down or field to select the hyperlink to which to navigate or program or file to open. Then click the “OK” button to apply the action.

Instructions on How to Add Action Buttons in PowerPoint:

• To insert an action button shape in PowerPoint , click the “Shapes” drop-down button in the “Illustrations” button group on the “Insert” tab of the Ribbon.
• Then click the desired action button face to insert in the “Action Buttons” category.
• Then click and drag over the area in the slide where you want the action button to appear to insert it.
• As soon as you insert an action button into a PowerPoint slide, the “Action Settings” dialog box appears.
• You use this dialog box to set the action to occur for the button. However, for most action buttons, the action is already programmed for you .
• There are only two events, or user actions, for which you can program actions. The first is “Mouse Click,” which is when the user clicks the button. The second is “Mouse Over,” which is when the user rolls their mouse pointer over the button.
• To program an action in PowerPoint, if needed , click the tab that corresponds to the event for which you want the action to occur.
• Then, on the selected tab, select the option button for the action to run when the user triggers the specified event.
• Then use the adjacent drop-down or field to select the hyperlink to which to navigate or program or file to open.
• Then click the “OK” button to apply the action.

Instructions on How to Add an Action in PowerPoint to a Slide Object:

• Alternatively, to manually apply an action to a selected slide object in PowerPoint , select any slide object.
• Then click the “Action” button in the “Links” button group on the “Insert” tab of the Ribbon to open the “Action Settings” dialog box.
• Then select the “Mouse Click” and/or “Mouse Over” tab, to select for which event or events to program actions for the selected object.

About Joseph Brownell

How to Create Action Buttons in Microsoft PowerPoint

Action buttons are a great way to add interactivity and enhance navigation in PowerPoint presentations. They allow you to easily link to other slides, play media, or trigger other actions with the click of a button.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to create custom action buttons in PowerPoint.

What are Action Buttons?

Action buttons are built-in shapes in PowerPoint that you can add to your slides. They look like buttons and can be set to perform an action when clicked or hovered over with the mouse pointer.

Some examples of action button uses:

• Navigating to other slides (next, previous, first, last)
• Playing audio or video clips
• Launching other files or programs
• Running VBA macros
• Linking to external web pages
• Showing/hiding slide elements

Compared to hyperlinks, action buttons provide a more visually intuitive way for users to interact with your presentation. The icon button clearly signals there is an action tied to it.

How to Insert an Action Button

Adding an action button is simple:

• On the Insert tab, click Shapes
• Scroll down to the Action Buttons section
• Select the button icon you want
• Draw the action button shape onto your slide

The Action Settings dialog box will appear after inserting the button. Here you can pick what action the button performs.

Action Settings dialog box

Common action types:

• Hyperlink – Links to another slide, file, web page, etc.
• Run program – Launches an executable file
• Run macro – Runs a VBA macro
• Play sound – Plays an audio clip
• Object action – Advanced actions like showing/hiding objects
• No action – Inserts the shape without an action

Test the button by clicking it during the slideshow. Adjust the action in the dialog box if needed.

Customize the Button Appearance

You can customize the button’s appearance like any other shape in PowerPoint.

Actions buttons are essentially pre-made shapes. So you can recolor, resize, add effects, and modify it however you want.

To format the button:

• Click the action button to select it
• Go to the Format tab
• Use the different sections to customize the button

Some formatting examples:

• Change fill color
• Add shape effects like shadows
• Resize and rotate
• Switch to a different icon shape

Add Icons and Images

To make your action buttons more intuitive, you can include custom icons or images on the buttons.

For example, adding a play icon to a “Play Video” button.

Here is how to add an image to a button:

• Insert the action button
• Right click and select Edit Text
• Click the Insert tab and insert your image
• Resize and position the image as needed

You can insert icons from external icon libraries or use images from your computer.

Insert Buttons on Multiple Slides

Adding the same action button across multiple slides can be tedious.

Instead, use Slide Master view to insert a button that appears on all slides:

• Go to View > Slide Master
• Insert the action button onto the Slide Master
• The button now appears on all slides
• Close Slide Master view when done

Any changes to the master slide button will apply to all slides.

Create a Quiz with Action Buttons

You can use action buttons to build quizzes and surveys in PowerPoint.

For example, insert action buttons linked to feedback slides. The buttons serve as answer choices and route users to correct/incorrect response slides.

Quiz example

Use actions like Hyperlink to Last Viewed to let learners re-attempt questions.

This method takes some setup but allows you to track responses.

Tips for Using Action Buttons

Here are some tips when working with action buttons in PowerPoint:

• Always test your buttons to ensure they work properly
• Label your buttons clearly so users know what they do
• Use button icons to indicate the action
• Color code buttons for categories like navigation or media controls
• Make sure buttons are easy to see and click while presenting
• Avoid overusing too many action buttons on one slide

Adding interactive action buttons can greatly improve the user experience in your PowerPoint decks.

They provide an easy way to add navigation, launch media, display feedback, and more with a simple click.

By customizing the appearance and using icons, you can make action buttons intuitive for your audience. Quizzes, surveys, and games can also be created.

So explore all the possibilities with PowerPoint action buttons to boost engagement and usability!

About The Author

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How to Use Hyperlinks and Action Buttons in PowerPoint

If you would like to link to an outside source within your PowerPoint presentation, you have the option of using a hyperlink or action button. These instructions are for Office 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007.

In PowerPoint, you can create a hyperlink using any text within your presentation. When clicked on, a hyperlink can directly link to a specific slide within your presentation, a saved file, a web page, another PowerPoint presentation, or a custom email. To insert a hyperlink into your presentation:

• Open the PowerPoint presentation.
• Highlight the text or object you would like to hyperlink.
• Right-click the highlighted text and select "Hyperlink..."
• For Existing File or Web Page , browse your computer to locate the file you wish to link to.
• For Place in This Document , choose the slide you wish to link to.
• For Create a New Document , type the name of your new PowerPoint presentation and choose when to edit the document.
• For E-mail Addresses , enter the recipient(s) email address and the subject line of the email.
• Click [OK].
• To test the action button, start your PowerPoint slideshow (Click F5 on your keyboard) and click the text with the action button.

A PowerPoint hyperlink can link to a file on one of your drives (with the exception of your C: drive, which will not work in any circumstance) only if you are presenting the PowerPoint on campus. If you are off campus, you can use a path to any portable medium you have on hand (e.g. thumb drive, CD, etc.).

Action Button

In PowerPoint, you can create an action button using shapes, images, and text within your presentation. When activated, an action button can link to either a specific slide within your presentation, a web page, or another PowerPoint presentation. In addition, PowerPoint offers action buttons that play sounds when activated. To insert an action button into your presentation:

• Click the [Insert] tab > From the "Links" group, click [Action].
• Select the "Hyperlink to:" radio button > From the drop-down menu, choose where you would like the action button to link to when activated.
• To test the action button, start your PowerPoint slideshow (Click F5 on your keyboard) and click the text or image with the action button.

To insert an action button that plays a sound into your presentation:

• Highlight the text or object you would like to play a sound when clicked on.
• If you would like the text or object to link to a slide, web page, or file and play a sound, select the "Hyperlink to:" radio button and choose a destination. If not, select the "None" radio button.
• Check the "Play sound:" box > From the drop-down menu, choose what sound you would like the action button to play when activated > Click [OK].
• To test the action button, start your PowerPoint slideshow (Click F5 on your keyboard) and click the text or object with the action button.

You can also create an action button that activates when you hover your mouse over the text or object (as opposed to clicking the action button). In the "Action Settings" dialog box, click the [Mouse Over] tab and choose where you would like the action button to link to.

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How to Add Action Buttons to Set Up Navigation and Commands in PowerPoint

Table of Contents

How to Insert an Action Button on a Slide

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide on how to add an action button to a slide. 

• Choose the one you need – we’ve selected the Forward / Next Shape for this example – and click anywhere on your slide. Then, the Action Settings dialog box will appear. 

How to Insert an Action Button on All the Slides

If you need the same action buttons throughout your presentation, you can add them to all the slides all at once by using the Slide Master View . Here’s how to do this step by step. 

• In the left navigation pane, scroll up and select the first slide.
• Switch to the Insert tab, choose an action button from the Shapes Gallery , add it to the slide, and define the settings in the dialog box.

To edit, move, or delete an action button that was inserted in this way, return to the View tab →  Slide Master . Click Close Master View after making the changes.

How to Customize an Action Button 

PowerPoint allows you to adjust the feel and look of action buttons. To customize the appearance, click on the action button and go to the Format tab. To change the color of the button or add effects, use the tools in the Shape Styles section.

To change the shape, click on Edit Shape and choose a new shape from the drop-down menu.

How to Add an Icon to an Action Button

Another way to customize your action button is to add an icon. First, you need to choose an appropriate icon. There are tons of icons everywhere online. You can find some here , for example. 

After you find the right icon, follow these steps:

• With your icon (not action button) selected, access the Insert tab of the ribbon and click Action . This will bring up the same dialog that you saw before.
• Apply the same settings that were used previously.

Now play your presentation to test the action button. It does not matter if you click on the icon or the area of the action button that is not covered by the icon – either way you will end up activating the same hyperlink.

Action buttons let you navigate quickly and efficiently within a PPT presentation. Still, if you need to create non-linear navigation or so-called branching scenarios, you need to configure it manually for each slide by adding hyperlinks and action buttons on each slide and reconsidering the structure of the whole presentation, which is quite tedious and time-consuming. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to set up navigation in your slide show, and this is with the iSpring Suite authoring toolkit. To take a detailed look at how to do this with iSpring and get more insights on how to simplify PPT slide design, check out our post on how to structure a PowerPoint presentation .

Content creator:

Helen Colman

She enjoys combining in-depth research with expert knowledge of the industry. If you have eLearning insights that you’d like to share, please get in touch .

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Tips for Powerpoint by Regina Griffin

How To Make A Shape Into An Action Button In PowerPoint

Are you looking to make your PowerPoint presentations more interactive and engaging?

In this tutorial by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, US, we will explore what action buttons are, why they are useful, and how to create and customize them in PowerPoint.

We will discuss how to assign actions to the buttons, share tips for using them effectively, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.

Enhance your presentation skills with action buttons!

Key Takeaways:

• Action buttons in PowerPoint are interactive shapes that can be used to navigate or perform actions within a presentation.
• Using action buttons in PowerPoint can enhance the audience’s engagement and make the presentation more dynamic.
• To create an action button, access the “Insert” tab, select a shape, draw it on the slide, add text, and customize it to your liking.

What is an Action Button?

An action button in PowerPoint is a clickable shape that allows users to interact with a presentation by performing specific actions when clicked.

These customizable buttons serve as navigation aids, triggers for animations, or links to external sources, enhancing the overall interactivity of the slides. With the ability to assign functions like hyperlinks, taking users to different slides within the presentation or external websites, action buttons offer a seamless way to guide the audience through content. Users can utilize these buttons to play audio or video clips, initiate animations, or trigger custom macros for advanced interactions, making presentations dynamic and engaging.

Why Use Action Buttons in PowerPoint?

Utilizing action buttons in PowerPoint presentations enhances user experience, allowing for customized navigation and interactive elements that engage viewers.

One of the key benefits of incorporating action buttons in PowerPoint slides is the enhanced interactivity they offer. By strategically placing these buttons throughout your presentation, you can guide viewers through the content seamlessly, ensuring they stay engaged and focused. This feature not only improves user experience but also allows for a more dynamic and immersive presentation. Action buttons enable viewers to navigate through different sections of the presentation with ease, providing a user-friendly way to access specific information.

How to Create an Action Button in PowerPoint?

Creating an action button in PowerPoint involves accessing the ‘Insert’ tab, selecting a shape, and customizing its properties to enable interactive functionality within a slide.

To enhance the action button’s effectiveness, you can add text within the shape. Simply click on the shape and type the desired text. Utilize the ‘Format’ tab to adjust the font style, size, and color to make the text stand out. Use bold or italic formatting to emphasize key information.

Once the text is added, you can further customize the button by changing its fill color, outline style, and effects. Experiment with different color schemes or gradients to make the button visually appealing and engaging.

For specific actions, such as linking to another slide or external website, right-click on the button and select ‘Action Settings.’ Choose the action type, specify the target destination, and adjust any additional settings to tailor the button’s behavior according to your presentation needs.

Step 1: Access the ‘Insert’ Tab

To create an action button in PowerPoint, begin by accessing the ‘Insert’ tab located in the PowerPoint ribbon interface.

Locating the ‘Insert’ tab is the pivotal first step as it serves as the gateway to a myriad of interactive features and elements within PowerPoint. Once you click on the ‘Insert’ tab, a world of customization options unfolds before you. From adding images and shapes to embedding multimedia content, this tab is a powerhouse of tools that allow you to transform your slides into dynamic and engaging presentations. Familiarizing yourself with the ‘Insert’ tab is essential for enhancing the visual appeal and interactivity of your slides.

Step 2: Select ‘Shapes’ from the Toolbar

After accessing the ‘Insert’ tab , proceed to select the ‘Shapes’ option from the toolbar to choose the desired shape for the action button.

Shapes play a crucial role in designing interactive elements on a slide, adding both visual appeal and functionality to your presentation. Once you’ve selected the ‘Shapes’ option, a drop-down menu will appear, offering a variety of shapes to choose from, including squares, circles, arrows, and more.

Click on the desired shape to insert it onto your slide. You can then resize, rotate, and customize the shape to suit your design preferences. Utilize the ‘Format’ tab to change the fill color, outline, and effects of the shape to make your action button stand out.

Step 3: Choose the Desired Shape for the Action Button

Once ‘Shapes’ are selected, choose the desired shape that will serve as the action button, considering the functionality and aesthetics of the button.

Rectangular shapes are often associated with navigation or progress, offering a clear direction to users. On the other hand, circular buttons can imply continuity or completeness, suitable for actions like submitting forms or confirming selections.

When customizing shapes, consider factors like color contrast, size, and placement to enhance visibility and engagement. Incorporating gradients or shadows can add depth and draw attention, improving user interaction.

Step 4: Draw the Action Button on the Slide

Draw the selected shape on the slide to create the action button, positioning it appropriately for user interaction and visual appeal.

When placing the action button, ensure that it is visible and easily clickable for users. A key aspect is to consider the button’s size – it should be large enough to stand out but not overwhelm the slide. You can fine-tune the button’s position by using alignment tools to ensure it complements the overall design. This strategic placement of action buttons can significantly impact user experience, directing attention to essential elements and guiding viewers seamlessly through the content.

Step 5: Add Text to the Action Button

Enhance the action button by adding relevant text that conveys the intended action or function to users , ensuring clarity and usability.

When crafting the text for your action button, it is crucial to be clear and concise, guiding viewers on what will happen when they click the button. Consider using verbs that indicate the action, such as ‘Download Now’ or ‘Learn More,’ to provide a clear understanding. Providing context-specific information or mentioning the outcome can also improve user engagement. Remember, the goal is to make the button’s purpose immediately apparent, enhancing the overall user experience. By focusing on descriptive text, you can guide audiences smoothly through the presentation’s content and functions.

Step 6: Customize the Action Button

Customize the action button by modifying its appearance, adding animations, or adjusting properties to enhance user engagement and navigation.

Incorporating relevant keywords and entities related to PowerPoint design can also elevate the user experience. For instance, consider using colors that match the presentation theme, implementing hover effects for interactivity, or utilizing custom icons that resonate with the content.

Personalizing the action button not only creates visual appeal but also reinforces branding and messaging consistency. By aligning the button’s design with the overall aesthetic of the slides, users can navigate seamlessly and intuitively through the presentation.

How to Assign an Action to the Button?

Assigning an action to the button in PowerPoint involves right-clicking on the button, selecting ‘ Hyperlink ‘ from the drop-down menu, and choosing the desired action from the available options.

Once you’ve selected ‘Hyperlink’, navigate to the ‘Action Settings’ dialog box – your gateway to customizing button actions.

Here, you can control what happens when a user interacts with the button. By specifying actions like jumping to a specific slide, launching a website, or triggering a media file, you can add interactivity and engagement to your presentation.

Step 1: Right-click on the Action Button

To assign an action to the button, start by right-clicking on the action button to access the contextual menu for assigning interactive functionalities.

Assigning actions to the action button is a crucial step in establishing dynamic and engaging presentations. When users right-click on the button, it opens up a range of possibilities for enhancing audience interaction within the slideshow. By utilizing this feature, presenters can link specific actions, like jumping to a different slide, opening a webpage, or triggering a video playback, to the button’s click event.

Step 2: Select ‘Hyperlink’ from the Drop-down Menu

From the drop-down menu that appears after right-clicking, choose the ‘Hyperlink’ option to link the action button to specific functionalities or slides within the presentation.

This Hyperlink option serves as a crucial tool in connecting various elements of your presentation, allowing users to seamlessly navigate between sections or access additional resources. By incorporating hyperlinks effectively, you can guide your audience through the content with ease, improving overall engagement and clarity. Ensure that the linked content is relevant and provides valuable insights to enhance the viewer’s experience. Establishing these connections not only streamlines the presentation flow but also adds an interactive dimension, making the content more dynamic and engaging.

Step 3: Choose the Action to Assign to the Button

Select the action or functionality you wish to assign to the action button , such as navigating to a specific slide, triggering a sound, or executing a custom action.

When personalizing your presentation with interactive elements, it’s crucial to tailor the actions to create an engaging experience for your audience. By customizing these button functionalities, you can guide your viewers seamlessly through your content or add interactive elements that enhance user involvement.

• Consider incorporating animations that highlight key points,
• creating interactive quizzes or games for audience participation,
• or linking external resources seamlessly using hyperlinks.

Remember that the key to a successful presentation lies in making it interactive and memorable for your viewers, so leverage these PowerPoint actions wisely to meet your presentation objectives effectively!

Tips for Using Action Buttons in PowerPoint

To optimize the use of action buttons in PowerPoint, consider customizing button styles, incorporating sound effects, and ensuring consistent navigation cues for a seamless user experience.

Customizing button styles can help make them more visually appealing and aligned with your presentation’s theme.

Including sound effects can provide auditory feedback and engage the audience’s senses, enhancing the impact of the button interactions.

Consistent navigation cues, such as color coding or placement, aid users in understanding how to interact with the buttons intuitively.

Remember to align these customization efforts with your overall presentation goals and the expectations of your audience for a truly interactive and engaging experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Using Action Buttons

When incorporating action buttons in PowerPoint, avoid common mistakes such as overcrowding slides with multiple buttons, using inconsistent button styles, or neglecting proper editing and testing procedures.

Ensure each action button serves a clear purpose, guiding users effectively through the presentation. Utilize a cohesive design that aligns with your overall theme, maintaining visual harmony. Conduct thorough testing to verify functionality across different devices and screen resolutions.

• Keep button placement strategic, aiding intuitive navigation without overwhelming the audience.
• Apply animations judiciously to enhance user interaction while maintaining a professional look.

Remember, a well-executed use of action buttons can significantly elevate the impact of your PowerPoint presentation.

Incorporating action buttons in PowerPoint presentations adds an interactive dimension that enhances engagement, navigation, and user interaction throughout the slides.

Through the strategic placement of action buttons, presenters can guide their audience seamlessly through the content, encouraging interaction and feedback at key points. These buttons can serve various purposes, such as linking to different slides, and external websites, or triggering animations, making the presentation dynamic and compelling. By incorporating visually appealing and easy-to-identify icons, action buttons improve navigation clarity, ensuring that users can swiftly move through the presentation without confusion. This interactive element not only boosts user engagement but also enables presenters to highlight important information effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i make a shape into an action button in powerpoint, to make a shape into an action button, select the shape and then go to the “insert” tab and click on “action.” from there, you can choose the action you want the button to perform., can i use any shape as an action button in powerpoint, yes, you can use any shape as an action button in powerpoint. you can even customize the shape by changing its size, color, and other properties., how do i add a hyperlink to a shape in powerpoint, to add a hyperlink to a shape, right-click on the shape and select “hyperlink.” then, enter the url or select the slide or file you want to link to., what are some common actions i can assign to a shape in powerpoint, some common actions you can assign to a shape include linking to a website, playing a video, navigating to a specific slide, or running a macro., can i add multiple actions to a single shape in powerpoint, yes, you can add multiple actions to a single shape in powerpoint. simply follow the same steps as adding a single action, and choose “multiple actions” when prompted., how do i test the action button in powerpoint, to test the action button, enter “slide show” mode and click on the button. this will perform the assigned action, allowing you to see if it is working properly., similar posts, how to add video in powerpoint.

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How-To Geek

6 ways to create more interactive powerpoint presentations.

Engage your audience with cool, actionable features.

Quick Links

• Add a QR code
• Embed Microsoft Forms (Education or Business Only)
• Embed a Live Web Page
• Add Links and Menus
• Add Clickable Images to Give More Info
• Add a Countdown Timer

We've all been to a presentation where the speaker bores you to death with a mundane PowerPoint presentation. Actually, the speaker could have kept you much more engaged by adding some interactive features to their slideshow. Let's look into some of these options.

1. Add a QR code

Adding a QR code can be particularly useful if you want to direct your audience to an online form, website, or video.

Some websites have in-built ways to create a QR code. For example, on Microsoft Forms , when you click "Collect Responses," you'll see the QR code option via the icon highlighted in the screenshot below. You can either right-click the QR code to copy and paste it into your presentation, or click "Download" to add it to your device gallery to insert the QR code as a picture.

In fact, you can easily add a QR code to take your viewer to any website. On Microsoft Edge, right-click anywhere on a web page where there isn't already a link, and left-click "Create QR Code For This Page."

You can also create QR codes in other browsers, such as Chrome.

You can then copy or download the QR code to use wherever you like in your presentation.

2. Embed Microsoft Forms (Education or Business Only)

If you plan to send your PPT presentation to others—for example, if you're a trainer sending step-by-step instruction presentation, a teacher sending an independent learning task to your students, or a campaigner for your local councilor sending a persuasive PPT to constituents—you might want to embed a quiz, questionnaire, pole, or feedback survey in your presentation.

In PowerPoint, open the "Insert" tab on the ribbon, and in the Forms group, click "Forms". If you cannot see this option, you can add new buttons to the ribbon .

As at April 2024, this feature is only available for those using their work or school account. We're using a Microsoft 365 Personal account in the screenshot below, which is why the Forms icon is grayed out.

Then, a sidebar will appear on the right-hand side of your screen, where you can either choose a form you have already created or opt to craft a new form.

Now, you can share your PPT presentation with others , who can click the fields and submit their responses when they view the presentation.

3. Embed a Live Web Page

You could always screenshot a web page and paste that into your PPT, but that's not a very interactive addition to your presentation. Instead, you can embed a live web page into your PPT so that people with access to your presentation can interact actively with its contents.

To do this, we will need to add an add-in to our PPT account .

Add-ins are not always reliable or secure. Before installing an add-in to your Microsoft account, check that the author is a reputable company, and type the add-in's name into a search engine to read reviews and other users' experiences.

To embed a web page, add the Web Viewer add-in ( this is an add-in created by Microsoft ).

Go to the relevant slide and open the Web Viewer add-in. Then, copy and paste the secure URL into the field box, and remove https:// from the start of the address. In our example, we will add a selector wheel to our slide. Click "Preview" to see a sample of the web page's appearance in your presentation.

This is how ours will look.

When you or someone with access to your presentation views the slideshow, this web page will be live and interactive.

4. Add Links and Menus

As well as moving from one slide to the next through a keyboard action or mouse click, you can create links within your presentation to direct the audience to specific locations.

To create a link, right-click the outline of the clickable object, and click "Link."

In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, click "Place In This Document," choose the landing destination, and click "OK."

What's more, to make it clear that an object is clickable, you can use action buttons. Open the "Insert" tab on the ribbon, click "Shape," and then choose an appropriate action button. Usefully, PPT will automatically prompt you to add a link to these shapes.

You might also want a menu that displays on every slide. Once you have created the menu, add the links using the method outlined above. Then, select all the items, press Ctrl+C (copy), and then use Ctrl+V to paste them in your other slides.

5. Add Clickable Images to Give More Info

Through PowerPoint's animations, you can give your viewer the power to choose what they see and when they see it. This works nicely whether you're planning to send your presentation to others to run through independently or whether you're presenting in front of a group and want your audience to decide which action they want to take.

Start by creating the objects that will be clickable (trigger) and the items that will appear (pop-up).

Then, select all the pop-ups together. When you click "Animations" on the ribbon and choose an appropriate animation for the effect you want to achieve, this will be applied to all objects you have selected.

The next step is to rename the triggers in your presentation. To do this, open the "Home" tab, and in the Editing group, click "Select", and then "Selection Pane."

With the Selection Pane open, select each trigger on your slide individually, and rename them in the Selection Pane, so that they can be easily linked to in the next step.

Finally, go back to the first pop-up. Open the "Animations" tab, and in the Advanced Animation group, click the "Trigger" drop-down arrow. Then, you can set the item to appear when a trigger is clicked in your presentation.

If you want your item to disappear when the trigger is clicked again, select the pop-up, click "Add Animation" in the Advanced Animation group, choose an Exit animation, and follow the same step to link that animation to the trigger button.

6. Add a Countdown Timer

A great way to get your audience to engage with your PPT presentation is to keep them on edge by adding a countdown timer. Whether you're leading a presentation and want to let your audience stop to discuss a topic, or running an online quiz with time-limit questions, having a countdown timer means your audience will keep their eye on your slide throughout.

To do this, you need to animate text boxes or shapes containing your countdown numbers. Choose and format a shape and type the highest number that your countdown clock will need. In our case, we're creating a 10-second timer.

Now, with your shape selected, open the "Animations" tab on the ribbon and click the animation drop-down arrow. Then, in the Exit menu, click "Disappear."

Open the Animation Pane, and click the drop-down arrow next to the animation you've just added. From there, choose "Timing."

Make sure "On Click" is selected in the Start menu, and change the Delay option to "1 second," before clicking "OK."

Then, with this shape still selected, press Ctrl+C (copy), and then Ctrl+V (paste). In the second box, type 9 . With the Animation Pane still open and this second shape selected, click the drop-down arrow and choose "Timing" again. Change the Start option to "After Previous," and make sure the Delay option is 1 second. Then, click "OK."

We can now use this second shape as our template, as when we copy and paste it again, the animations will also duplicate. With this second shape selected, press Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, type 8 into the box, and continue to do the same until you get to 0 .

Next, remove the animations from the "0" box, as you don't want this to disappear. To do this, click the shape, and in the Animation Pane drop-down, click "Remove."

You now need to layer them in order. Right-click the box containing number 1, and click "Bring To Front." You will now see that box on the top. Do the same with the other numbers in ascending order.

Finally, you need to align the objects together. Click anywhere on your slide and press Ctrl+A. Then, in the Home tab on the ribbon, click "Arrange." First click "Align Center," and then bring the menu up again, so that you can click "Align Middle."

Press Ctrl+A again to select your timer, and you can then move your timer or copy and paste it elsewhere.

Press F5 to see the presentation in action, and when you get to the slide containing the timer, click anywhere on the slide to see your countdown timer in action!

Now that your PPT presentation is more interactive, make sure you've avoided these eight common presentational mistakes before you present your slides.

A simple guide to slideshows

Learn what slideshows are, how they’re used, common features, and how to choose a slideshow maker. Get started creating your own slideshows today with Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is a slideshow?

What are slideshows used for.

Meetings and presentations

Slideshows are most frequently used to create professional presentations for business meetings, conferences, and educational purposes. A  slideshow program  allows people to organize content, include visuals, and enhance the overall impact of their message.

Visual storytelling

Because slideshows sequentially display engaging visuals, text, and other multimedia, they’re a strong way to tell a cohesive and compelling narrative from start to finish.

Content creation

Slideshows give content creators a versatile and efficient way to organize information, increase visual appeal, and communicate effectively across different contexts.

Photo and video sharing

Slideshow makers are popular for creating photo and video presentations, especially for events like weddings, birthdays, and vacations. People can add transitions, music, and captions to fully bring the photo-sharing experience to life.

Training and tutorials

Slideshows help break down complex information into digestible chunks with the support of visuals and text, making them ideal for instructional materials, tutorials, and training modules.

Collaborative projects

In collaborative settings, teams use slideshow makers to create joint presentations or reports. The best slideshow makers enable multiple contributors to add their content simultaneously, which helps ensure a cohesive and unified presentation.

What are the features of a slideshow creator?

Slideshow creators vary in what they offer but ideally include:

A library of templates, themes, and images.

If you’re not a designer, this feature is huge. Simply browse the options available in your slideshow maker library to create a polished, professionally designed presentation in a flash. Be sure to confirm that access to the library is free and the images are approved for unrestricted usage.

Audio and video compatibility.

Keeping your audience engaged is key to any successful slideshow presentation. To mix things up, being able to add a multimedia element—like a song or a video clip—will help people stay focused and interested.

Presentation tools.

Handy presenter tools go a long way toward making your slideshow experience seamless. For example, straightforward slide navigation, slideshow keyboard shortcuts, pen and highlighter markup, and adjustable resolution settings.

AI assistance.

With AI revolutionizing content creation, using a slideshow maker that has AI capabilities will enhance efficiency and innovation. Depending on the slideshow app you have, creating an entire slideshow could be as easy as a quick prompt, like “Make a presentation about the benefits of sustainable fashion that has 15 slides.” 

Animations.

Like audio and video, animations give your audience a bit of sensory surprise that can capture their attention. 

Slide transitions.

Add some pizzazz to how you change slides with visual effects like fading, wiping, and zooming. 

Screen recording.

Being able to record your screen in a slideshow maker is helpful when giving an instructional talk, software demonstration, and other types of presentations that require visual aids.

A place to put speaker notes.

Having somewhere to jot a few notes down will help remind you of everything you want to cover as you present.

Different viewing options.

Looking at different views—for example, a presenter view, an audience view, and a high-level view of slide order—is useful when organizing your slideshow’s structure and understanding and preparing for what you’ll see versus what your audience will see.

How do I choose the right slideshow maker?

When choosing a slideshow maker, keep the following questions in mind to make sure you get the most for your money:

Is it scalable with your business?

As your organization grows and changes, it’s important to have flexible technology that adapts to new needs. Having certain features—such as cloud-based collaboration, compatibility with other work apps, and a mobile app—will help ensure that no matter how your business changes, the slideshow maker is up to the task. This also applies to pricing plans. Consider choosing a slideshow app that has a subscription plan (so the software is always up to date), volume-based pricing, or enterprise-level pricing.

Does it have a variety of visual elements?

It’s pretty much a given that a slideshow maker will allow you to add images, but think outside the JPEG box—what other visual elements are available to you? Features like preset themes, free templates, SmartArt, a built-in clip art library, shape tools, background styles, 3D models, and charts and graphs provide diverse ways to switch up how a slideshow looks without relying solely on adding your own images.

Is it easy to use?

You could have the most feature-rich slideshow maker on the market, but if it isn’t easy to use, you probably won’t use it. Or you will, but you’ll be frustrated, waste valuable time, and have difficulty convincing people you work with to use it. As you research slideshow makers, look for videos that show the apps’ interfaces in action to help you decide if they’re intuitive and will have a shorter learning curve.

Does it have collaboration and sharing options?

Because making a slideshow is often a collaborative effort, it’s worthwhile to find a slideshow creator that was designed with this in mind. Pick one that offers editing controls and commenting, as well as the ability to work on a slideshow at the same time as someone else. Having a cloud-based slideshow maker will be key here. You’ll not only save yourself time but also keep things simple by not having multiple versions of the same slideshow.

Explore more about slideshows and slideshow makers

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Frequently asked questions

How do i make a good slideshow.

Making a good slideshow in PowerPoint is easy:

Plan what you’d like to include in your slideshow.

Launch your slideshow creator.

Choose the theme you’d like.

Import media.

Add text, music, and transitions.

Record, save, and share your slideshow.

Learn more about how to make a slideshow .

How do I add music to a slideshow?

To add music to a slideshow, first make sure that you’re using a slideshow maker with music compatibility. In PowerPoint, follow these steps:

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide where you want to add music.

Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon menu.

Click on the Audio button and select Audio on My PC.

Browse to the folder on your computer where the audio file is located and select it.

Click on the Insert button.

How do I record a slideshow?

The steps for recording a slideshow in PowerPoint will vary depending on the version that you own. Get help with slideshow recording based on your version. 

What types of files can I add to a slideshow?

File compatibility in PowerPoint includes the use of JPEGs, PNGs, TIFFs, GIFs, PDFs, MP3s, WAVs, MIDIs, MPEG-4 Videos, and Windows Media Videos.  

How do I share my slideshow?

To share your PowerPoint slideshow, follow these steps:

Open your presentation and click Share at the top right of your screen.

If your presentation isn't already stored on OneDrive, select where to save your presentation to the cloud.

Choose a permission level, like Anyone with a link , or maybe just people in your company. You can also control if people can edit or just view the doc. 

Select Apply.

Enter names and a message.

Select Send.

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PowerPoint 2016  - Action Buttons

Powerpoint 2016  -, action buttons, powerpoint 2016 action buttons.

PowerPoint 2016: Action Buttons

Lesson 31: action buttons.

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Introduction

Another tool you can use to connect to a webpage, file, email address, or slide is called an action button . Action buttons are built-in shapes you can add to a presentation and set to link to another slide, play a sound, or perform a similar action. When someone clicks or hovers over the button, the selected action will occur. Action buttons can do many of the same things as hyperlinks . Their easy-to-understand style makes them especially useful for self-running presentations at booths and kiosks.

Optional: Download our practice presentation .

Watch the video below to learn more about using action buttons in your presentations.

Inserting action buttons

You can insert action buttons on one slide at a time, or you can insert an action button that will show up on every slide. The second option can be useful if you want every slide to link back to a specific slide, like the title page or table of contents.

To insert an action button on one slide:

• Click the Insert tab.

• Select the desired action button .
• Insert the button onto the slide by clicking the desired location. The Action Settings dialog box will appear.

To insert an action button on all slides:

If you'd like to add an action button to every slide, you can do this with a feature called Slide Master view . However, using Slide Master view can be tricky if you've never used it. If you're going to edit your slides this way, you may want to review our Slide Master View lesson first.

• Click the View tab.

• Go to the Insert tab and select an action button from the bottom of the Shapes menu. Click on the slide to add the action button, and choose the desired options from the dialog box that appears.

To edit, move, or delete an action button inserted this way, click the View tab, then Slide Master . Click Close Master View after making any desired changes.

If you notice that an action button isn't appearing on certain slides, you may need to uncheck the Hide Background Graphics box.

To test an action button:

After you create an action button, you should test it.

• Click the Slide Show tab.

• Click your action button.

• If your action button did not work as you intended, follow the instructions below to edit it.

To edit an action button:

• Select the action button.

• Edit the action or hyperlink, then click OK .

To change the appearance of an action button:

• Open our practice presentation .
• Open Slide Master view. In the left navigation pane, scroll up and select the first slide.
• In the bottom-right corner of the slide, insert the Action Button: Information .
• Link the action button to the last slide .
• Change the shape style of your action button to one of the green styles.

• Close Master View , play your slide show, and test your action button.

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