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How to Add an Action Button or Link in PowerPoint for the Web
Question details
The user wants to add an action button or hyperlink to a shape to navigate to the next slide using PowerPoint for the web.
- Product
- PowerPoint for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating an interactive presentation entirely within a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint for the web does not currently support adding Action buttons or advanced shape hyperlinks to control slide navigation.
Because PowerPoint for the web has limited features compared to the desktop version, ensure you have the Microsoft PowerPoint desktop application installed on your device to complete this workaround.
Use the PowerPoint Desktop App to Add Action Buttons
Since PowerPoint for the web lacks Action button support, you must open the presentation in the desktop version to add interactive shape links.
PowerPoint for the web is a lightweight version designed for quick edits and does not include advanced interactive features like Action buttons. However, you can seamlessly switch to the desktop app to add these links, and the functionality will be saved to your file.
While viewing your presentation in PowerPoint for the web, click the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' button on the top ribbon, and select 'Open in Desktop App' from the drop-down menu.
Once the presentation opens in the desktop application, navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click on 'Shapes', and scroll to the bottom of the menu to select an Action Button.
Click and drag to draw the shape on your slide. The 'Action Settings' dialog box will automatically appear. Under the 'Mouse Click' tab, select 'Hyperlink to:' and choose 'Next Slide' from the list.
Save your presentation. The newly added action buttons are now embedded in the file and will function correctly even if you present from the web later.
Use WPS Presentation for Seamless Interactive Slides
If you don't have the paid Microsoft PowerPoint desktop app to bypass web limitations, WPS Office provides a free, fully-featured desktop alternative. You can easily add action buttons, hyperlinks, and interactive elements to your slides without paying for expensive subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will action buttons created in the desktop app work when presenting in PowerPoint for the web?
Yes, once you add the action button using the desktop application and save the file, the hyperlink will function correctly when you view or present the slideshow in PowerPoint for the web.
Can I add basic hyperlinks to text in PowerPoint for the web?
Yes. While you cannot add Action buttons or link shapes to the next slide, PowerPoint for the web does allow you to insert standard web URL hyperlinks into text by highlighting the text, right-clicking, and selecting 'Link'.
Why are Action buttons missing in PowerPoint for the web?
PowerPoint for the web is designed for streamlined browsing and quick text edits. Microsoft currently reserves advanced interactive capabilities, such as Action settings and complex custom animations, for the full desktop software.
