How to Use Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Movable Panels (Step-by-Step Guide)

Microsoft PowerPoint is well-known for presentations—but with a little creativity, you can also use it to create interactive, movable panels that simulate a dynamic user interface or animation. This technique is useful for teaching, prototyping, or making your slides more engaging.

What Do We Mean by “Movable Panels”?

Movable panels in PowerPoint are visual elements (like boxes, menus, sidebars, or popups) that slide in or out when clicked, mimicking the movement you’d find in apps or websites.

Example uses: • Slide-in menus • Expandable information boxes • Simulated app prototypes • Interactive learning modules

What You’ll Need

• A computer with Microsoft PowerPoint (2016 or later) • Basic knowledge of shapes and animations

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Movable Panels

Step 1: Create the Panel

1. Open a new PowerPoint slide.
2. Go to the Insert tab → click Shapes → choose a rectangle or other shape.
3. Draw your panel on one side of the slide (e.g. a vertical rectangle on the left like a sidebar).
4. Customize it with color, text, icons, or anything else.

Tip: Group your panel elements (text + shape) by selecting them all → right-click → Group → Group.

Step 2: Create a Button to Trigger the Panel

1. Insert another shape (like a small button or icon) on the slide.
2. Label it “Open Panel” or use a menu icon (☰).

Step 3: Add Entrance Animation to the Panel

1. Select your panel shape/group.
2. Go to the Animations tab.
3. Choose an entrance animation like Fly In.
4. In the Animation Pane, set the Direction to “From Left” (or right, top, depending on your design).
5. Set the Start option to “On Click”.

Step 4: Use a Trigger to Control the Animation

To make the panel move only when a specific button is clicked, use a trigger.

1. Select the animated panel.
2. In the Animations tab → click Animation Pane.
3. Right-click the animation in the pane → choose Timing.
4. In the Timing window, click Triggers.
5. Select Start effect on click of → choose your Open Panel button shape.

Now when you click that button during the slideshow, the panel will slide in!

Step 5: Create a Close Button (Optional)

1. Add another shape (like an “X” or “Close” label) inside your panel.
2. Apply a Fly Out animation to your panel, going opposite the entrance direction.
3. Set a trigger for this animation to be the Close button.

This allows the panel to be opened and closed —just like a real app!

Pro Tips

• Use motion paths if you want to control exactly where the panel moves on the slide. • Use multiple slides if you want to simulate different panel states (e.g. expanded, collapsed). • You can layer panels (e.g. a menu and a sub-menu) and animate them separately. • Use Slide Show mode to test interactivity: hit F5 or click “Slide Show.”

Example Use Cases

Use Case Description Educational Modules Click to reveal definitions, examples, or notes App Prototype Simulate menu transitions and screen states Business Dashboard Show/hide data panels or filter options Interactive Quiz Pop-up hints or answers when a button is clicked

Summary

Creating movable panels in PowerPoint is all about combining shapes + animations + triggers. You don’t need advanced tools or plugins—just a good understanding of how to link animations to specific clicks. Once you learn this, you can create interactive presentations that feel dynamic and modern.