Creating scrolling credits works differently depending on which version of PowerPoint you are using.

PowerPoint 2002 or 2003:

1. Type some text in a text box or placeholder, or choose an existing text box or placeholder on a slide.

2. Select the text box or placeholder, and choose Slide Show | Custom Animation. This will activate the Custom Animation task pane.

3. In the Custom Animation task pane, click on the Add Effect button to reveal a fly-out menu. In this fly-out menu, choose Entrance | Credits. If the Credits option is not available, choose Entrance | More Effects to summon the Add Entrance Effect dialog box. Choose the Credits option in the Exciting category, and click OK.

4. You might want to change the speed to Medium in the Custom Animation task pane, and the Start option to With Previous (default is On Click).

To create a Star Wars style credits screen, look here...

PowerPoint 97 and 2000:

1. Create a text box - a regular rectangle or any AutoShape. Start inputting your text straightaway - for example:

Goodness God
Amazing Ants
Helpless Haunted House
PowerPoint Perils
Monday Merits

2. Now that you've entered all the names or any other text you need, deselect the text box. Click on the periphery of the text box to select the text box, not the text inside the box!

3. Press the Alt key on the keyboard - with the Alt key still pressed, drag and move the entire text box above the area off your slide. Right click your text box, and choose 'Custom Animation' from the options in the flyout menu.

4. In the 'Effects' tab of the Custom Animation dialog box, choose 'Crawl From Bottom' in the 'Entry Animation' drop down menu.

5. Proceed to the 'Order and Timing' tab and select the radio button representing 'Automatically' and change the value to 00:00 seconds. Preview your animation - tweak settings again in the 'Custom Animation' box if required.

Thursday, February 16, 2006