If you’ve ever used Google Slides on your iPad, you already know how handy it is for creating quick presentations. But what if you want to take things up a notch? That’s where animations come in. Adding animations can make your slides more engaging, keep your audience hooked, and give your presentation that polished, professional feel.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to animate on Google Slides using your iPad—step by step. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or professional, by the end of this article, you’ll be animating like a pro.
Why Animations Matter in Presentations
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”
Grab Attention Instantly
Animations act like signposts—they guide your audience’s eyes to the most important parts of your slide.
Make Learning Interactive
If you’re teaching or explaining a concept, animations can simplify complex ideas and keep learners engaged.
Add Professional Flair
Let’s face it: a static slide deck looks flat. Animations add that spark of creativity that makes your work stand out.
Can You Animate on Google Slides with an iPad?
Here’s the thing—Google Slides on iPad doesn’t offer the full animation tools you’d see on a computer. However, you can still add transitions and basic slide effects directly from your iPad. For more advanced animations, you may need to access Google Slides on a desktop.
But don’t worry—you can still create impactful animated presentations from your iPad if you know the right tricks.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Animate on Google Slides on iPad
Let’s get into the meat of it.
Step 1: Open Google Slides App
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Download the Google Slides app from the App Store if you haven’t already.
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Open it and select the presentation you want to edit.
Step 2: Choose the Slide You Want to Animate
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Tap the slide thumbnail on the left-hand side.
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This opens the slide you’ll be working on.
Step 3: Tap on the “Transitions” Option
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On the top menu bar, tap the three dots (More options).
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Select Transition from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Pick a Transition Effect
Google Slides on iPad offers effects like:
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Fade
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Slide from Right/Left
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Flip
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Cube Rotation
Select the one that best fits your presentation’s vibe.
Step 5: Adjust Transition Speed
You can choose how fast or slow the transition plays. Options usually include slow, medium, or fast.
Step 6: Apply to All or Selected Slides
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If you want the same transition across all slides, tap Apply to all slides.
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Otherwise, apply it to just the one you selected.
Step 7: Preview Your Animation
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Hit the Play button (â–¶) to preview how the animation looks.
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If it doesn’t feel right, just tweak it.
Adding Animations to Text or Objects
Here’s the catch: On iPad, you can only add slide-level transitions, not detailed animations to individual text or images. For text/object animations (like having bullet points appear one by one), you’ll need a desktop version of Google Slides.
But there’s a workaround. 👇
Workaround: Animate Objects Using Desktop, Then Edit on iPad
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Open Google Slides on your computer.
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Add animations to text or objects (like “appear,” “fade in,” etc.).
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Save your presentation.
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Open the same presentation on your iPad.
You’ll be able to view and present the animations—you just can’t create them from scratch on iPad (yet).
Tips for Using Animations Effectively
Less Is More
Don’t animate every single thing—it gets distracting.
Stick to Simple Transitions
Professional presentations often use fade or slide in rather than flashy spins or flips.
Keep It Consistent
Use the same transition style throughout your deck to keep it cohesive.
Match the Mood
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Teaching kids? Use fun animations like flips.
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Giving a business pitch? Stick with subtle fades.
Pros of Animating on Google Slides iPad
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Super quick and mobile-friendly
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Perfect for last-minute edits
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Easy to preview transitions while practicing
Cons of Animating on Google Slides iPad
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Limited animation options
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No object-level animations (only slide transitions)
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Advanced features require a desktop
Alternative Apps for Animating Presentations on iPad
If Google Slides feels too limited, try:
1. Keynote
Apple’s Keynote app is a powerhouse—it lets you animate text, images, and even create motion paths.
2. Microsoft PowerPoint for iPad
Offers more animation features than Google Slides.
3. Canva
Great for visually stunning slides, though not as strong for professional business presentations.
Best Practices When Presenting on iPad
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Always test your animations before going live.
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Use an Apple Pencil to highlight or annotate during presentations.
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Connect your iPad to a projector or external display for a smoother experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Can’t Find Transitions?
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version.
2. Animations Not Playing During Presentation?
Check if you’re in Edit mode. Switch to Slideshow mode.
3. App Crashing?
Close other background apps to free up memory.
Future of Animations in Google Slides iPad
Google constantly updates its apps. It’s highly likely we’ll see more detailed animation tools rolled out for iPad users in the near future. Until then, transitions are your best bet.
Conclusion
Animating on Google Slides with your iPad might not be as feature-packed as on a computer, but it’s still powerful enough to make your presentations engaging. With slide transitions, speed adjustments, and some smart workarounds, you can create presentations that are smooth, polished, and attention-grabbing.
If you need more control, consider using Keynote or PowerPoint on your iPad, or simply set up detailed animations on your computer first and then present from your iPad.
At the end of the day, the tool is just part of the picture—the real magic lies in how you tell your story.
FAQs
Q1: Can I add text animations on Google Slides using iPad?
No, the iPad app only supports slide transitions, not individual text or object animations.
Q2: Will animations added on desktop show up on iPad?
Yes! You can view and present animations created on desktop from your iPad.
Q3: Which transition looks the most professional?
The Fade transition is often the safest and most professional option.
Q4: Can I animate bullet points one by one on iPad?
Not directly. You’ll need to create this effect on a desktop version first.
Q5: What’s the best alternative app for animations on iPad?
Apple Keynote is the best alternative, offering a wide range of animations and effects.