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Introduction to the Timeline

Daniel Nathan
  • Updated

Introduction to the Timeline

The timeline is a visual representation of the timing of all the objects on the slide. Using the timeline, you can control the timing of the objects in relation to one another.

This article will help to familiarize you with the timeline's basic elements.

Playhead

The playhead is used for inserting an object at a specific time on the timeline and for viewing the slide at a specific time.
The playhead can be moved by dragging it with the mouse or by clicking on the timeline at the desired time.
When the mouse is overtop the playhead, the specific time will be displayed.
 

Time Indicator

The time indicator displays two times:
  1. The time in blue indicates where the playhead is positioned in relation to the entire Powtoon.
    In the above example, 00:09:25 indicates that the playhead is positioned 9.25 seconds from the beginning of the Powtoon.
  2. The time in black indicates the duration of the entire Powtoon.
    In the above example, the duration of the entire Powtoon is 0:24 (0 minutes and 24 seconds). 

Play Slide Button

Click this button to play the active slide.
 

Play Button

Click this button to play the Powtoon from the time at which the playhead is positioned until the end of the Powtoon.
 

Slide Duration Controls

  1. Click + to add seconds (in 1-second increments) to your Powtoon. The seconds will be added to the timeline at where the playhead is positioned.
  2. Click-to reduce seconds (in 1-second increments) from your Powtoon. The seconds will be removed from the timeline at where the playhead is positioned. 

Playhead Locator

If your slide is longer than 10 seconds, clicking on the symbol will show the current location of the playhead on the timeline.
 
Important:
By default, the duration of a Powtoon slide is 10.
See Changing the Duration of a Slide for more information.

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