Looping a slideshow on PowerPoint 2013 is a simple task that can be accomplished in a few steps. By setting your presentation to loop continuously, it will automatically restart from the beginning after reaching the end without any additional input.
After completing the action, your PowerPoint slideshow will continuously cycle through all slides until you manually stop it. This is ideal for presentations at trade shows, information kiosks, or any other scenario where you want your content to run unattended.
Introduction
When it comes to giving a presentation, PowerPoint is the go-to software for many. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and packed with features that can make any slideshow pop. But what if you want your presentation to run on a loop? Whether you’re setting up a display at a conference, creating a visual backdrop for an event, or just want to keep your audience engaged with continuous content, knowing how to loop a slideshow in PowerPoint 2013 can be incredibly useful.
PowerPoint 2013, like its predecessors, includes an option to loop a slideshow. This feature is particularly relevant for users who need their presentations to run without manual intervention. It could be a display at a museum, a company profile in a reception area, or a portfolio showcase. Whatever the setting may be, the ability to loop a slideshow can transform your presentation into a seamless and professional-looking display.
Step by Step Tutorial: Looping a Slideshow on PowerPoint 2013
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s outline what we’ll be accomplishing with the following steps. We’ll be setting your PowerPoint 2013 slideshow to loop indefinitely until you decide to stop it.
Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation
Open the PowerPoint presentation you want to loop.
This step is self-explanatory. Make sure the presentation you want to loop is open and active on your screen.
Step 2: Select the ‘Slide Show’ Tab
Click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
In this step, you’re navigating to the tab that contains the settings for how your presentation will be displayed.
Step 3: Set Up Slide Show
Click on the ‘Set Up Slide Show’ button.
This opens a new window with various options for how your slideshow will play.
Step 4: Choose Loop Options
In the ‘Set Up Show’ window, check the box next to ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc’.’
By selecting this option, you’re telling PowerPoint to restart the slideshow automatically once it reaches the end.
Step 5: Save Your Settings
Click ‘OK’ to save your settings and close the ‘Set Up Show’ window.
Don’t forget this step, or your changes won’t be applied!
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Unattended Operation | Looping a slideshow allows it to run without the need for a presenter or operator, making it ideal for continuous displays. |
| Consistency | A looped presentation ensures that your message is consistently delivered, providing all viewers with the same information. |
| Flexibility | This feature offers flexibility in various settings, such as trade shows or information kiosks, where continuous content is advantageous. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Monotony | Watching the same slides repeatedly may lead to disinterest or dissatisfaction among viewers. |
| Technical Issues | If not monitored, technical issues could arise mid-presentation, potentially leading to display errors or a frozen screen. |
| Electricity Usage | Continuous operation could lead to higher electricity usage, which may be a concern for energy-conscious users or in settings where power is limited. |
Additional Information
While looping your PowerPoint 2013 presentation is a simple process, there are a few extra tips and insights to keep in mind. First, consider the duration of each slide in your loop. You want to give viewers enough time to read and absorb the information, but not so much that they lose interest. Second, think about the transition effects between slides. Smooth and professional transitions can enhance the viewing experience and keep your audience engaged.
Also, remember to test your looped slideshow before going live. You don’t want to be caught off guard by an unexpected hiccup in the middle of your event. Finally, consider pairing your looped slideshow with a suitable soundtrack. This can help set the tone and make your presentation even more memorable.
Summary
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab.
- Select ‘Set Up Slide Show’.
- Check ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc”.
- Click ‘OK’ to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I loop a specific section of my PowerPoint presentation?
Yes, you can set custom slide ranges to loop by selecting ‘Custom Show’ in the ‘Set Up Show’ window.
Will the slideshow loop if I save and reopen the file?
Yes, the loop setting is saved with the presentation, so it will loop whenever you start the slideshow.
Can I add a delay before the presentation loops?
The delay can be set by adjusting the timings for the individual slides, not through the loop setting.
Is it possible to loop a PowerPoint presentation when sharing it online?
Yes, when sharing online, you can set the presentation to loop within the sharing platform’s settings.
What happens if I don’t manually stop a looped PowerPoint slideshow?
The presentation will continue to loop indefinitely until you press the ‘Esc’ key or close the program.
Conclusion
Looping a slideshow on PowerPoint 2013 can elevate your presentation, making it a versatile tool for various settings. It’s a straightforward process that, once set up, can run independently, delivering your message continuously to your audience.
Just remember to fine-tune your slide durations, choose appropriate transitions, and test your presentation to ensure it runs smoothly. With a looped slideshow, you’re not just presenting; you’re creating an experience that can captivate and inform your audience time and time again.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.