Jazz up your presentation with animation. PowerPoint’s default chart animations animate the chart as a single object, which limits storytelling impact. To animate each chart element individually—bar by bar, label by label—you’ll need to build the chart manually. Follow these steps to create a professional, animated bar chart and export it as a standalone video.
STEP 1: Design the Static Bar Chart
1.1 Create a Full-Length Reference Bar (100%)
- Insert a rectangle to serve as the full-length bar (100% reference).
- Recommended size: 6” wide x 0.5” high.
- Remove the shape outline and apply your desired fill color.
- Position the bar in the upper-right corner of the slide, leaving space for category labels.
Note: Use the “Drawing Tools → Format” tab to write down the Horizontal and Vertical Position. This ensures precise alignment later.
1.2 Duplicate and Resize Bars for Data Values
- With the first 100% bar selected, use Ctrl+D to duplicate the full-length bar for each data category (5 total in this example).
- Adjust each duplicated bar’s width based on the percentage of the full value:
| Data Value | Formula | Bar Width |
|---|---|---|
| 84% | 6 * 0.84 | 5.04” |
| 67% | 6 * 0.67 | 4.02” |
| 31% | 6 * 0.31 | 1.86” |
| 25% | 6 * 0.25 | 1.50” |
| 12% | 6 * 0.12 | 0.72” |
Important: Align all bars so their left edges share the same horizontal position—this is critical for visual accuracy. Use the Format tab to ensure consistency.
1.3 Add Value Labels (Percentages)
- Insert → Text Box → Enter the percentage (e.g., “84%”).
- Choose your font and styling.
- Duplicate this box (Ctrl +D) and adjust each label to match the corresponding bar length and position.
1.4 Add Category Labels
- Insert → Text Box → Enter the category name (e.g., “Category A”).
- Choose your font and styling.
- Duplicate this label (Ctrl+D) and align each label beside its corresponding bar.
At this point, you’ve completed your static chart layout.
STEP 2: Apply Animations
We’ll animate each of the 15 elements (5 category labels, 5 bars, 5 value labels) so they appear in a cascading sequence.
2.1 Recommended Animation Settings
- Category Labels: Fade
- Bars: Wipe with Effect Options → From Left
- Value Labels: Appear
2.2 Timing Settings
Use the Animations Ribbon → Timing Group to set:
- Start: On Click / With Previous / After Previous
- Duration: Use 0.75 seconds for Wipe; leave others at default
Caution: The order you select objects matters. Animations are assigned in sequence. Select elements in the order you want them to animate.
2.3 Animation Sequence Table
| Element | Animation | Start | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Category A Label | Fade | On Click | Default |
| 2) Category A Bar | Wipe (From Left) | With Previous | 0.75 |
| 3) Category A Value | Appear | After Previous | Default |
| 4) Category B Label | Fade | After Previous | Default |
| 5) Category B Bar | Wipe (From Left) | With Previous | 0.75 |
| 6) Category B Value | Appear | After Previous | Default |
| 7) Category C Label | Fade | After Previous | Default |
| 8) Category C Bar | Wipe (From Left) | With Previous | 0.75 |
| 9) Category C Value | Appear | After Previous | Default |
| 10) Category D Label | Fade | After Previous | Default |
| 11) Category D Bar | Wipe (From Left) | With Previous | 0.75 |
| 12) Category D Value | Appear | After Previous | Default |
| 13) Category E Label | Fade | After Previous | Default |
| 14) Category E Bar | Wipe (From Left) | With Previous | 0.75 |
| 15) Category E Value | Appear | After Previous | Default |
Tip: After assigning animations, your slide should display numbered animation tags (all marked “1” if sequenced correctly). If any appear out of sync, adjust the Start settings manually.
STEP 3: Export as a Video (MP4)
This step ensures portability and usability across presentations, social media, or websites.
3.1 Export the Animated Slide
- Go to File → Export → Create a Video.
- Choose: Full HD (1080p).
- Click Create Video and save the file.
3.2 Re-import the Video into PowerPoint or Other Applications
- Open a new PowerPoint file (or other application such as Canva) and insert the MP4 video.
- By default, the video includes the entire slide background.
- Manually crop the video to focus on the chart area, depending on the features available for your application.
- Resize and reposition the video as needed to integrate into your layout or presentation.
Why This Method Works
Creating a video version of your animated chart solves multiple challenges:
- Avoids layout disruptions from multi-element animation
- Makes the animation reusable across slides and presentations
- Enables export for web, email, or social platforms
- Preserves your original template for future chart updates