How to Add a Timer to PowerPoint? 2 Easy Methods

Adding a timer to a PowerPoint slide helps you manage time effectively by ensuring a smooth flow throughout the presentation. Also, it helps engage the audience by creating a sense of urgency.

You can time your PowerPoint slide by clicking the “insert” tab on the ribbon (upper part of the page.) Click “Get add-ins,” and type “Break time” or “EasyTimer” in the search bar, then click enter. A customizable timer will load to that particular slide.

However, if you prefer to create your own timer instead of using the add-ins, read on to learn how to do it.

2 Methods to Add a Timer to PowerPoint

There are several methods to add a timer to a PowerPoint slide and get the various benefits that come from it. Most of these methods are easy and involve following easy steps, which shouldn’t be an issue even for first-timers.

You can also adjust the timer to match the transition time, such that after the countdown, it automatically jumps to the following slide. The following section lists the 2 easiest methods to append a timer to a slide in PowerPoint and the steps to follow to create and add.

Most interestingly, you will also find detailed and marked pictures for better understanding.

Method 1: Using Add-Ins

The common and easiest method of timing PowerPoint slides is by using Add-ins. Add-ins are software that provides additional functions and features to a program. Follow the steps below to fix a timer to your slide using Add-ins.

Step 1 Select the slide you intend to time, press the “Insert” tab.

Step 2. Click the “Get Add-ins” tab.

Step 3. Click in the search area.

Step 4. Type “Breaktime” or “EasyTimer” and press the “Enter” or “Search” button.

Step 5. The “Breaktime” or “EasyTimer” add-ins will pop up. Click “Add” to load.

Step 6. The license terms and privacy policy window will pop up. Read the terms and policies, then click on the “Continue” button.

Step 7. The “Breaktime” or “EasyTimer” add-in gets added to your slide.

Step 8. Use the following keys to customize the add-on to your liking.

Method 2: Using Animations

The other method to input a timer in your PowerPoint is by creating a shape that fades slowly from the screen. The shape’s fade-out time is adjusted to the time you want a certain task in the slide to take.

The common types of timers made using shapes include “Bar Timer” or “Clock Timer.” Follow the steps below to create and add these timers to your slide.

A. Bar Timer

Below are the simple steps to follow when creating a bar timer.

Step 1. Select the slide that you want to time and tap the “Insert” tab.

Step 2. Click on the “Shapes” and click on the soft-edged rectangle on the “rectangles” group.

Step 3. Draw the text box.

Step 4. With the new triangle selected, navigate to the “Format” bar.

Step 5. Click on “shape fill” and then press on a suitable fill for your time bar. You can even select a gradient to make it look more aesthetic.

Step 6. Right-click the rectangle with your mouse and press “copy“.

Step 7. Right-click on any blank part of your slide and press paste. Alternatively, you can press and hold the “Left-CTRL” button, then press the “V” key on your keyboard to paste the shape.

Step 8. Click on the new copy and press the “format” bar, then the “shape fill” option. Select a color your new shape copy will have.

Step 9. Drag the new rectangle and place it on top of the original one. The new upper copy will act as the time bar, while the original is the background.

Step 10. With the new rectangle still selected, click on the “Animations” tab, then “Add animation,” and select “Fly Out” under the “exit” group.

Step 11. Click on “Effects Options” and select “To Left,” which is the direction the effect will fade towards.

Step 12. Still, under the “Animation” bar, adjust the time your slide takes under the “Duration” option. Time is usually in seconds; so for instance, “30.00” is 30 seconds.

Step 13. Click on the “Preview” option to see how the presentation will look.

Clock Timer

Follow the following steps to add a clock timer to the PowerPoint presentation.

Step 1. Click on the “Insert” tab and add shape options, and on the basic “Shapes” section, click on a circle.

Step 2. Draw a circle to fit your desired dimensions. Hold the “Left Shift” key on your keyboard to draw better.

Step 3. Click on the “Format” bar and then the “shape fill” option to change your circle’s color to a suitable one.

Step 4. Right-click the circle shape and press the “copy” option.

Step 5. Right-click on an open space on the page and press paste.

Step 6. Click on the “Format” bar and then the “Shape fill” option to change the color of your new shape.

Step 7. Drag the new circle on top of the original. You can also type words inside the new and original shape to improve its look.

Step 8. Press the “Animation” tab, select the “Add Animation” option, and press the “Wheel” option under the “Exit” group.

Step 9. Select the shape and adjust the animation duration under the “timing” section.

Step 10. While still under the “Animation” tab, click on the “Preview” option to watch how the clock timer works.

Final Thoughts

As it is, you can simply fix a time for your PowerPoint slides using the add-on feature under the tab labeled “Insert.” The timer add-ons are customizable, and within a few clicks, your slide will be ready for presentation.

However, if you prefer to create your own timer, the steps in the article should guide you through the process. The common types used are the bar timer and the clock timer, which can be created using rectangle and circle shapes in the PowerPoint.

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