As you build a slide’s design, you may add a lot of objects to it. Complex animation may especially include many objects.
Do you spend a lot of time reordering objects? By that I mean moving an object behind or in front of another object? Usually, the way I reorder objects is to right-click an object and choose Send to Back, Send Backward (1 layer), Bring to Front, or Bring Forward (1 layer).
But sometimes I want to bring an object forward a few layers, but not to the front. It can be time-consuming and confusing to get the order right.
In PowerPoint 2013, you can use the Select pane and simply drag objects where you want them. It’s a great new feature. (I’ve been asking for it, too. Do you think that Microsoft listened to me?)
Here are the steps:
- On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Select, Selection Pane to display the Selection task pane on the right.
- Either select an object on a slide or select it in the Selection pane.
- Drag it upward to move it forward. Drag it downward to move it backward.
You can even change the order of objects within groups!
Click here to watch a short video of how I reorder objects in the Selection pane.
About the Author:
Ellen Finkelstein is a noted presentation design consultant and trainer, a Microsoft PowerPoint MVP and author of a number of top-selling books in the presentations field. For more information, visit http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/
