Change shape and keep animation PPT 2003/2007/2010

Can I replace a shape with another but keep the attached animation PPT 2003?

Got this question from a user recently who wanted to change an animated textbox. The textbox had to be changed into an arrow instead without losing the animation. Here's how you can do it in PPT 2003:

1. Select the animated textbox.
2. On the drawing toolbar, click the Draw button.
3. Choose change AutoShape.
4. Select the new shape, in this case in the arrows section choose the appropriate arrow.

Caveat: as a textbox has no border and no fill it may seem that the shape has not changed. If you look closely you will see the diamond shape that allows you to modify the arrow. Just apply a border or a fill and all will be well.

Textbox with a border: no problem:

 Can you do this with a picture as well? Unfortunately no, unless you place the picture in the background of an AutoShape (Format - AutoShape - Colors and lines tab - listarrow next to color, choose fill effects - picture tab - select the picture). Then you can change the picture without losing the animation.

And what about PPT 2007/2010?

Well everything you could do in PPT 2003 you can do in PPT 2007/2010.

1. Select the animated textbox.
2. Under Drawing tools, Format tab, Insert shape group, click the Edit shape button, choose Change shape.
3. Select the new shape, in this case in the arrows section choose the appropriate arrow.

Caveat: as a textbox has no border and no fill it may seem that the shape has not changed. If you look closely you will see the diamond shapes that allows you to modify the arrow. Just apply a border or a fill and all will be well.

Now you can also change an animated picture with another picture without losing the animation.

1. Select the picture.
2. Under Picture tools, Format tab, in the Adjust group, click the Change picture button.
3. Select the new picture.

That's it!