Transition

What is Transition?

Definition

A transition is a visual effect that determines how one slide changes to another during a presentation. It is applied between slides and influences the appearance of the slide change without altering the content, layout, or information on either slide. This helps control the flow of a presentation and supports a consistent viewing experience for the audience.

Frayer Model Overview

Frayer model diagram explaining the computer term “Transition,” with sections for definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Download Transition Visual Study Guide (PDF)

Characteristics

  • Occurs between slides, not within a slide

  • Affects how the slide change is visually displayed

  • Applies to the entire slide as a unit

  • Does not alter text, images, or data on the slides

  • Can be consistent across slides or vary slide by slide

Examples

  • A fade effect when moving from one slide to the next

  • A slide advancing with a simple cut or dissolve

  • Applying the same transition to all slides in a presentation

  • Seeing a slide smoothly slide in from the side

  • Previewing slide transitions in PowerPoint

Non-Examples

  • Animations applied to text or objects on a slide

  • Changing slide content or layout

  • Text or objects appearing or moving within a slide

  • Editing text or images on a slide

  • A video played within a slide

Related Terms

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