Add Animations and Transitions to Google Slides on Your Phone: The PowerPoint Trick

Updated at: 02/07/2025

Need to add some pizzazz to your Google Slides presentation but only have your phone? Don't worry! This isn't just for desktop users. We'll reveal a surprisingly simple "PowerPoint trick" that lets you add animations and transitions directly on your mobile device. Forget clunky workarounds – get professional-looking slides quickly and easily, no matter where you are. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create PowerPoint Presentation

    • Create your presentation with animations and transitions using the PowerPoint app on your phone. This is where you have full control over animation and transition effects.
    Create your presentation with animations and transitions using the PowerPoint app on your phone. This is where you have full control over animation and transition effects.
    Create PowerPoint Presentation

  2. Share to Google Slides

    • Once you are happy with your PowerPoint presentation, press the share button.
    • Select "Send a copy" and choose "Google Slides" as the app to share to.
    • Save the PowerPoint presentation to your Google Drive. This step is mandatory.
    Save the PowerPoint presentation to your Google Drive. This step is mandatory. Save the PowerPoint presentation to your Google Drive. This step is mandatory. Save the PowerPoint presentation to your Google Drive. This step is mandatory.
    Share to Google Slides

  3. Open and Convert in Google Slides

    • Open the saved file in Google Slides. The file will initially be in .pptx format. You’ll notice it's still in PowerPoint format.
    • To convert it to a Google Slides file, press the three dots (more options) and select "Save as Google Slides file."
    To convert it to a Google Slides file, press the three dots (more options) and select "Save as Google Slides file." To convert it to a Google Slides file, press the three dots (more options) and select "Save as Google Slides file."
    Open and Convert in Google Slides

  4. Verify Animations and Transitions

    • Now your presentation is in Google Slides format and should retain the animations and transitions you added in PowerPoint.
    Now your presentation is in Google Slides format and should retain the animations and transitions you added in PowerPoint.
    Verify Animations and Transitions
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Tips

  • If you are unfamiliar with PowerPoint, the creator provides a tutorial on how to use it for creating slides.
  • The process involves saving the file to your Google Drive; there's no direct way to avoid this step.
  • Transitions might not always be perfectly preserved in the final Google Slides file. Animations appear to transfer more reliably.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overusing Animations and Transitions

Reason: Too many animations and transitions can make your presentation distracting and difficult to follow, detracting from your message.
Solution: Choose animations and transitions sparingly, focusing on key points and maintaining a consistent style.

2. Selecting Inappropriate Animations or Transitions

Reason: Using flashy or jarring animations and transitions that don't match the tone or content of your presentation can make it look unprofessional and amateurish.
Solution: Select subtle and professional animations and transitions that enhance, rather than detract from, your presentation's message.

FAQs

Can I add animations and transitions to Google Slides on my phone using the Google Slides app itself?
The Google Slides mobile app has limited animation and transition options compared to the desktop version. While you can't access the full range of effects, you can still apply some basic transitions between slides. For more advanced animations, the 'PowerPoint trick' described in this article is your best option.
What if I don't have PowerPoint installed on my phone or computer?
The 'PowerPoint trick' relies on the broader functionality of PowerPoint's animation features. You'll need access to PowerPoint (either a desktop version or a mobile app subscription) to create the animations. Once created, you can import the presentation into Google Slides.