Apple’s Keynote application is a powerful, elegant and easy to use presentation software package that has become a serious competitor to Microsoft’s Powerpoint. In the most recent version, Keynote ’09 (part of the Apple® iWork suite), Apple has introduced a great new animation feature called “Magic Move” that can take your presentations to the next level of polish and professionalism. This article will teach you the basics of the “Magic Move” feature in a few easy steps.
STEP 1 - Open the Apple Keynote application on your Mac computer.
STEP 2 - Create a new presentation using the theme and size of your choice from the options available.
STEP 3 – For the purposes of this tutorial, choose a white blank slide template using the “Masters” menu found near the top of your Keynote application window.
STEP 4 - Add some shapes, text or photos to your first blank slide. For the purposes of this tutorial, start with 4 small colored circles placed in the left-hand side of the slide.
STEP 5 – Once you’ve added your shapes, text or photographs, duplicate your first slide by using the ⌘D keyboard shortcut or the “Duplicate” option found in the Keynote menu bar under “Edit”.
STEP 6 – On the second (duplicated) slide, move the objects you added in Step 4 above. In my example, I moved my 4 circles from the left side of the slide to the right. I also rearranged their order and placement as well as changed their shape.
STEP 7 – Go back to your first slide. Click on the “Inspector” button found near the upper right of the Keynote window. This action should display the floating Inspector window.
STEP 8 – In the floating Inspector window, click on the “Slide” icon (second icon from the left on the top of the Inspector panel). Once clicked, choose “Magic Move” from the “Effects” pull-down menu. While you’re there, you may also want to tweak the “Duration”, “Start Transition” and “Delay” values of your slide transition. You should see a preview of your animation in the small preview window of the Inspector panel.
STEP 9 – Press the play button found in the upper left corner of the Keynote window and enjoy your new slide transition animation!
As stated earlier, you can use this same technique on photos, images, text and other Keynote created shapes. Experiment and create your own cool effects! You’re well on your way to more polished & professional presentations.
Tips & Warnings
- Get creative! The possibilities are endless once you master the basics.
- Content is always king in a presentation. Using cool effects should help to enhance the message, not overshadow it. Use visual effects sparingly and wisely.
- According to the Keynote ’09 help screen, Magic Move only works when you use an identical image, shape, or text box in a different location or with a different size on the next slide.
- Magic Move doesn’t work with tables, charts, or movies.
